⚖️ Documents & paperwork · 0 to 18 months
🛂 Travelling with your baby: documents and health
Check which documents your baby needs based on their nationality, your country of residence and your destination. Proof of parentage does not replace a travel document.
What you’ll need
- Your baby’s identity document, suitable for the destination.
- Health records, prescriptions and useful contact details.
- Proof of insurance and securely stored copies.
Before and during the journey
1. Their own documents
- Check passport or other accepted document requirements, visas and validity periods with the relevant authorities.
- Processing times vary: start early and keep the originals accessible.
2. Travelling with one parent or another adult
- Check which proof of parentage, travel permissions and court orders apply at departure, in transit and on arrival.
- The rules depend on the country and your circumstances; don’t assume a form from another country will be accepted.
3. Healthcare cover
- Ask your healthcare organisation and insurer what cover your baby has at your destination: treatment, upfront payments, assistance and repatriation.
- A healthcare card does not guarantee cover everywhere or free treatment.
4. A pre-travel health check
- Book an appointment before departure, ideally several weeks ahead, to discuss vaccinations and destination-specific risks.
- Your baby’s age, premature birth or ongoing treatment may change the advice. Keep prescriptions accessible.
5. Between us
Share the checks between you. A shared list beats two parents each assuming the other has packed the passport. Store copies securely: they don’t replace the originals.
Classic mistakes
- ❌ Assuming proof of parentage is enough It does not replace your baby’s travel documents.
- ❌ Leaving it until the day before Applications and some appointments take time.
- ❌ Confusing a healthcare card with travel assistance Check cover for medical costs and repatriation separately.
Questions dads ask
Does my baby need their own documents?
Check the official requirements for their nationality and destination. Don’t assume a parent’s document is enough.
Can I travel alone with my baby?
That depends on permissions, court orders and the rules of the countries involved. Check the documents required before departure.
A local detail, or your own experience with this guide? Write to the team
Read next
- 🩺 Your baby’s travel first aid and medicines kit
- 🚆 Taking the train with a little one
- 🚗 In the car with your baby: seats, breaks and safety
- 🧳 Packing for your baby: the essentials, not the whole house
- 👶 Baby carrier or pushchair: choosing for your journey
- 🍼 Feeding your baby while travelling: breastfeeds, bottles and meals
- 😴 On arrival: safe accommodation and the first night
When in doubt, contact your doctor or midwife. For a life-threatening emergency, call 995 for a medical emergency.