Passports and Visas for Kids and Adults

You’ve always dreamed of international travel and now is your chance.  You have the Eiffel Tower, the blue and white walls of Santorini, or the glistening beaches of Fiji dancing like sugar plums in your head.  You’ve saved the money, found a deal, and you’re ready to take the plunge.  What’s holding you back? 

Well, if you don’t have a passport, you aren’t going anywhere.  So, let’s chat about passports and visas for kids and adults.  Once you have your passport in hand, you literally have the key to unlock a world of adventure.  So check out these steps so you can make your international dreams a reality. 

Note: This post has affiliate links from trusted partners and websites such as Amazon, and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost to you).

Note: This post has affiliate links from trusted partners and websites such as Amazon, and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost to you).

Why a passport?

A passport is your citizenship identification for your country.  A passport is needed anytime you travel outside your country of citizenship.  Any time you travel outside your country you will need a document that shows which country you hold citizenship in.  There are two types of passport identification: passport book and passport card.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Passport?

The basic time it takes to go through the passport application process is 8-11 weeks.

If you need to expedite the process it will cost $60 more and will take 5-6 weeks. 

There are also two emergency application processes: Life and Death emergencies, where travel must take place within 3 days, and Urgent travel, where you need a passport within 14 days of departure.  You must call to make an appointment for each of these.

What Countries Require Passports?

The passport book is good for any international travel, and is the only identification permitted for air travel. 

The passport card is good only for land borders and sea ports from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.  While the book is more versatile, it also costs more.  For this post, we will be looking at the application process for the passport book.  You can also apply for the card at the same time.

How to Apply for a Passport for Adults

What to do for an Adult Passport

• Register in person
• Complete the DS-11 application, but do not sign it.
• You can request a larger 52-page passport at no extra charge if you plan to really travel like crazy!
• Set up an appointment to submit your passport application

What to bring for an Adult Passport

• Make sure to have your Social Security Card.
• Provide proof of citizenship.  This must be a physical, original document or a certified authorized copy.  Identification can include:
  1. an expired passport
  2. a birth certificate
  3. certification of birth abroad
  4. certificate of naturalization
  5. certificate of citizenship

• Have a copy of your citizenship documentation
• Show a valid form of ID.  This can include but not limited to:
  1. passport
  2. driver’s license with photo (including a learner’s permit)
  3. military ID or military dependent ID
  4. Tribal Cards with photo ID
  5. government employee ID
• Also, have a copy of your ID
  1. Provide a passport photo.  You can have these specialty photos take at pharmacy chains, some grocery stores like Walmart, or you can try to DIY it.  Pay close attention to the photo requirements.

How to pay for an Adult Passport

Determine the fees for your passport.  If you are getting just the standard passport book there will be an application fee ($130) and an execution fee ($30).  These are separate payments.

Where to go for your Adult Passport

Find a Passport Acceptance Facility near you.  These can be found at post offices, public libraries, clerks of court, and other local government offices.  You will most likely need to set up an appointment to meet with the passport official.

Waiting for your Adult Passport

• Keep track of your application.  It can take up to two weeks for the application to get filed into the system and present as “in progress.” 
• Receiving your passport.  You will receive your passport book in the mail.  You may not receive your proof of citizen documentation in the same envelope as your passport.  It actually may take 4 weeks more to receive those documents in the mail.   

How to Apply for a Passport for Children

Child passport applications must be admitted in person.  Child passports are only valid for 5 years.  Two parents must be present at the admission application.  Much of the process is the same as for a first-time adult applicant.

What to do for a Child Passport

• Fill out form DS-11 for each child that is applying.
• Do not sign the form until directed by the admission agent.
• Make sure to add your name or the child’s guardian’s name to Address Line 2 labeled “In Care of,” so that the documents will get to the right address and not returned to the State Department.
• You can also request a large passport book at no extra charge for your child.

What to bring for a Child Passport

• Have your child’s Social Security Card to present.
• Submit an original, physical form of citizenship.  Also, include a copy of this documentation.
• Submit a form of parental relationship.  This is a section unique to children under 16.  Have some form of identification that shows your relationship with your child.  This can include a birth certificate (US or foreign), adoption, or divorce/custody decree.  This also must be an original, physical copy.
• Parents must present an identification document and a copy of this ID.
• Present the correct passport photos.

How to pay for a Child Passport

Calculate the necessary fees.  Children’s applications are $100 and execution fees are $35.  Make sure to write the applicant’s name and birth date at the top of the check.   

Where to go for your Child Passport

Find a passport agent and set up an appointment.  Make sure to pick a time when both parents can be present for the admission interview with the passport agent.

Waiting for your Child Passport

Track your applications online.  Happy dance when they arrive in your mailbox!

How to Apply for a Youth Passport: ages 16-17

Passports for children ages 16 and older are valid for 10 years.  Applications must be submitted in person.  The application process is the same as an adult application with the addition of documentation that shows parental awareness.

• Fill out form DS-11.
• Provide citizen documentation, and a copy.
• Show the child’s valid ID and have a copy.
• Submit passport photos.
• Show parental awareness.

• Calculate fees, which are the same as adult fees: $130 and $35. 
• Schedule an admission appointment with a passport agent.
• Track the application.

Passports and Visas for Kids and Adults. What’s the difference?

What is the difference between a passport and a visa, and which do I need? 

A passport is a government-issued identification document that verifies your citizenship to a country.  It allows you access to return to your country and ensures privileges and protection by your country. 

A visa is an endorsement given by a country that is put into a passport that allows entrance into that country for a certain amount of time.  Different types of visas include tourist visas, student visas, and work visas.  Not all countries require a visa to enter.

Do I Need a Visa for My Trip?

It depends on where you want to travel. 

In 2022 there are 142 countries in which US citizen do NOT need visas to travel! 

In addition, there are 66 more countries that need limited visas, which would include some type of electronic visa or permits. 

There are 40 countries that absolutely require a visa for entry.  If your destination requires a visa, head over to that country’s government website to find out information of visa requirements. 

You can also contact a travel agent to help you through this process.  Check out Faith and Family Travel to help with visa questions. 

If you are taking a tour to one of these 40 countries needing visas, the company supplying your tour should give you detailed information about how to apply.  When my husband and I traveled to China, our tour company helped us obtain visas and helped us expedite our passport renewals. 

Passport and Visa Travel Requirements

Many countries require that your passport be valid for a certain amount of time after entry into the country.  It could be 6 months, 4 months, 3 months, or 45 days. 

Make sure your passport is not set to expire within a 6 month window of your travel.  If it is, make sure to renew it in plenty of time before your trip.

If you are traveling to the continent of Africa, there are mandatory vaccinations that are required for certain countries.  Make sure to have these before you travel.

Passport and Visa Gear

When my family and I traveled to England I was in charge of the passports.  I wanted to keep them together and keep them from getting goop or wetness on them, so I carried them in a ziplock bag!  I wish I would have invested in a passport holder.  Here are some options that are much for effective and stylish than my plastic bag approach.

Passports and Visas for Kids and Adults Wrap Up

• If you are going to travel internationally, passports and visas for kids and adults are musts. 
• Don’t have one for yourself or your children?  Follow the steps on the US State Department website to download necessary forms and procedures. 
• Understand that it could be a 3ish month process and could set you back $165 dollars per passport, plus the cost of passport photos. 
• Make sure you double check all of the important documentation needed and the copies that are required. 
• Check to make sure if your travel destination does or does not require a visa for entry. 
• If so, check that country’s requirements for obtaining a visa. 
• And make sure, if you do have a passport, that its up to date and valid for longer than 6 months from your travel times. 
• Once you have your passport and visa documentation in place, its time to start planning and prepping for your trip! 

Are you ready to take an international trip with your kids?  International flights can be stressful.  Check out our post on 6 Best Tips for Long Flights with Kids to make the journey jolly.

Where is your favorite international destination?

Let me know in the comments below.  And if you found this helpful don’t forget to share this post and sign up for our newsletter for more tips and travel tricks.

Kyleen Bontrager

The Bonnie Traveler

Kyleen is a wife, homeschool mama, lover of teatime, and passionate traveler.  Having lived on 3 continents and visited +32 countries, she helps others enjoy memory-making experiences for multigenerational travel.  Ready for a bonnie adventure?  Let’s go!