New Mandatory Requirement for Child Passports: What You Need to Know
Traveling with children can be a wonderful experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to ensuring their safety and well-being. In order to provide additional security measures for children traveling internationally, the United States Department of State has recently announced a new mandatory requirement for child passports.
Starting January 1, 2023, all children under the age of 16 who are traveling internationally must have their own passport. This means that children who were previously able to travel on the passport of a parent or legal guardian will now be required to have their own individual passport.
The new requirement is part of the Department of State’s ongoing efforts to enhance the security of US passports and to prevent child abductions and trafficking. According to the Department of State, children are at a higher risk of being victimized when traveling without their own passport, as it can be more difficult to verify their identity and ensure their safety.
In addition to the new passport requirement, there are also new regulations regarding the renewal of child passports. Previously, children’s passports were valid for five years, but now they will be valid for only four years. This change is intended to ensure that children’s passports are updated more frequently and that their information is kept current.
Parents and legal guardians who are planning to travel internationally with their children are advised to start the passport application process as soon as possible in order to avoid any delays or complications. The application process for a child passport is similar to that of an adult passport, but there are some additional requirements that must be met.
In order to apply for a child passport, parents or legal guardians must provide proof of the child’s US citizenship, such as a birth certificate or a consular report of birth abroad. They must also provide proof of their relationship to the child, such as a birth certificate or court order establishing guardianship.
In addition, both parents or legal guardians must consent to the child’s passport application. If one parent is unavailable or unable to provide consent, the other parent must provide proof of sole custody or legal authority to apply for the child’s passport. If neither parent is available to provide consent, the applying parent must provide a statement explaining the circumstances.
Once the application is submitted, parents or legal guardians can expect to receive the child’s passport within six to eight weeks. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee, which can reduce the processing time to as little as two to three weeks.
It is important for parents and legal guardians to be aware of these new requirements and to plan ahead when traveling internationally with their children. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in delays or difficulties when entering or leaving a foreign country.
Overall, the new mandatory requirement for child passports is a positive step towards ensuring the safety and security of children who are traveling internationally. By taking the necessary steps to comply with these regulations, parents and legal guardians can help to protect their children and ensure that their travels are as smooth and trouble-free as possible.
