ETIAS for Families: How to Apply for Your Children

Planning a family trip to Europe is exciting — and with ETIAS becoming a requirement for visa-exempt travellers, making sure every member of your family is sorted before you fly is essential. The rules for ETIAS for families are straightforward, but there are a few details that every parent and guardian should understand, including who needs to apply, what the costs are, and how to handle applications for young children.

This guide covers everything families need to know about applying for ETIAS, from infants to grandparents, and includes practical tips to keep the process as smooth as possible.

Does Every Family Member Need Their Own ETIAS?

Yes. ETIAS is an individual authorisation. Every person travelling to the Schengen Area — regardless of age — needs their own ETIAS linked to their own passport. There is no family ETIAS or group application. This means:

• A family of four (two adults and two children) will need four separate ETIAS applications.
• Each application must use the passport details of the individual traveller — you cannot apply for a child using a parent’s passport.
• Even infants and toddlers need their own ETIAS if they have their own passport (which is required for international travel in most countries).

The good news is that the process is fast. Even four separate applications can typically be completed within 30–40 minutes online. And for families, the cost is far lower than you might expect.

ETIAS Fee Exemptions for Children and Seniors

One of the most family-friendly aspects of ETIAS is its fee structure. The standard fee of €7 per application only applies to travellers aged 18 to 70. Two important exemptions apply:

• Children under 18: Free. You will not pay the €7 fee for any child’s ETIAS application.
• Adults over 70: Free. Grandparents and elderly family members travelling with you pay nothing.

For a typical family of two adults and two children, the total ETIAS cost would be just €14 — €7 per adult, with the children’s applications free of charge. Compare this to the expense of other travel documents and you’ll see it’s a genuinely affordable step.

How to Apply for ETIAS for Your Children

Applying for a child’s ETIAS follows the same process as an adult’s, with some specific considerations:

1. Ensure your child has their own biometric passport. ETIAS is linked to the individual’s passport. A child’s name on a parent’s passport is not sufficient — most countries now issue separate passports for children. Check that your child’s passport has the chip symbol on the cover.
2. Complete the online application form on behalf of your child. As a parent or legal guardian, you will fill in the application using your child’s passport information. You’ll also be asked for the applicant’s details and travel plans.
3. Provide your contact details as the responsible adult. You’ll enter your email address as the point of contact for the child’s application so the approval notification comes to you.
4. No fee is charged for applicants under 18. You’ll progress through the payment step but won’t be charged.
5. Receive the confirmation. Like all ETIAS applications, the decision for your child’s authorisation typically arrives within minutes. Keep the confirmation safe alongside their passport.

Practical Tips for Family ETIAS Applications

Applying for ETIAS on behalf of a whole family is manageable if you approach it systematically. Here are some tips to make the process easier:

• Apply early. Don’t leave it until the week of your trip. Apply at least a month before departure to give yourself buffer time if any application needs additional review.
• Have all passports ready. Gather every family member’s passport before you start. You’ll need the passport number, issue date, expiry date, and personal details for each person.
• Complete applications separately. Even though the process is similar for each person, complete and confirm each application one at a time to avoid mixing up details.
• Use a single email address. You can use your own email address for all family members’ applications, making it easier to track approvals in one inbox.
• Check passport expiry dates. Make sure every family member’s passport is valid for the duration of the trip. If a child’s passport is close to expiring, renew it before applying for ETIAS.
• Save all confirmation emails. Keep each family member’s ETIAS confirmation accessible — airlines may check these at check-in, and border agents may verify them on arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my baby need an ETIAS to visit Europe?

Yes. Every person needs their own ETIAS, including babies — but applications for children under 18 are completely free.

Can I apply for ETIAS on behalf of my child?

Yes. Parents and guardians can complete the application using the child’s passport details and provide their own contact information for the approval email.

Is ETIAS free for children?

Yes. The €7 fee only applies to applicants aged 18–70. Under-18s and over-70s pay nothing.

Is there a family or group ETIAS application?

No. Each traveller needs an individual application. Parents can apply on behalf of their children, but each application is separate.

Let Visaslab Handle the Paperwork for Your Whole Family

Taking the family to Europe is a wonderful experience — and the last thing you want is a paperwork headache getting in the way. Visaslab makes ETIAS applications simple, whether you’re applying for one person or your entire family. The guided process ensures every application is completed correctly, with no missing information that could cause delays. Start your family’s ETIAS applications today at visaslab.com/etias and focus on making memories.