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Rules for independent travel of minor children

In most countries, including Poland/Ukraine/Baltic states and Eastern Europe, the travel of a child abroad is considered to be an activity requiring the consent of both parents with parental rights. In accordance with the Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council (EC) 2016/399 of 9 March 2016 on the Set of Rules of the EU governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code), in the case of minors traveling alone, the Border Service by means of careful control of travel documents and supporting documents ensures that minors do not leave the territory of the state against the will of the person(s), who has parental care for them. In some countries, the independent travel of a child may require other formal requirements arising from national legislation. In this situation, parents/guardians are obliged to ensure that the child has the appropriate documents required by national legislation valid on the date of departure.

If a minor child is traveling unaccompanied by an adult, additional requirements must be met:
 

  • Unaccompanied minors service.
    Most airlines offer the service of unaccompanied minors. Our This is a paid service where airline staff accompany the child throughout the entire flight, from check-in to handing him over to the responsible person upon arrival.
  • Which documents will unaccompanied child need.
    Usually, for the unaccompanied minors service an additional fee is charged in advance or at the airport, the amount of which depends on the airline and route. To register for an unaccompanied minor, you must fill out a special form, indicating the child’s details and contact information of the person meeting the child. Parents or guardians must sign an agreement to accompany a minor child and provide copies of their documents and those who will pick up the child at the airport.
  • Procedure at the airport.
    Parents or guardians must accompany the child to the check-in desk, where all necessary paperwork is completed. The accompanying airline staff will look after the child throughout the trip. At the destination airport an airline staff hands the child over to the person meeting him after checking his documents.
  • Age limits.
    Airlines set minimum and maximum age for children to travel independently. Generally, children between the ages of 5 and 12 can only travel with an escort service, and for children over 12 it is optional but can be provided upon request. These conditions may differ between different airlines.

 

Before booking flights, be sure to check the requirements of your specific airline and destination country to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for you and your child.

All passengers must check the rules of crossing the border with children, as well as other rules for crossing the borders of destination and transit countries in the relevant consular services.

Additionally, you can use information resources such as https://www.iatatravelcentre.comhttps://www.iatatravelcentre.com/world.php and https://visitworld.today

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