What is a Kinderreisepass?
A Kinderreisepass is:
a German passport specially issued for children under 12 years of age
used mainly for travel within the European Union and to some other countries
it contains a photo, the child’s personal data and has limited validity
Important note:
The Kinderreisepass has been gradually abolished since 2024. For many destinations, especially outside Europe, a biometric passport (Reisepass) is now required instead. Parents should always check the current entry rules with the passport office or the German Federal Foreign Office before travelling.
In principle, yes, one parent can travel alone with the child – but there are some important conditions, especially if:
the parents are not married,
or are separated or divorced,
or they share joint custody (gemeinsames Sorgerecht).
In such situations, border authorities may check more carefully whether the travelling parent is authorised to travel with the child.
If a child travels with only one parent (whether within Germany, within the EU or to a non-EU country), you should have:
a valid Kinderreisepass or biometric passport for the child
a written consent letter from the other parent
This consent is often called:
“Reisevollmacht” or
“Einverständniserklärung” (declaration of consent)
In this document, the non-travelling parent confirms that they agree to the child travelling with the other parent.
A Reisevollmacht / consent letter should ideally contain:
Child’s full name and date of birth
Details of the travelling parent (name, address, possibly passport or ID number)
Details of the non-travelling parent + signature
Travel dates (start and end of the trip)
Destination (country and, if possible, city / holiday resort)
Passport number of the child’s Kinderreisepass / Reisepass
Often helpful: a copy of the non-travelling parent’s ID card or passport
It is strongly recommended to carry:
the original, hand-signed consent letter, and
a copy of the other parent’s ID or passport as proof of identity.
Official certification or notarisation is usually not strictly required, but may be useful for some non-EU countries.
Within the European Union:
The consent letter is rarely requested, but it is strongly recommended, especially if the parents are separated or divorced.
Outside the EU:
Many countries (such as Turkey, Egypt, the USA, Morocco, and others) may require such a document when entering or leaving the country.
Airlines may also ask to see the consent letter when a minor travels with only one parent before allowing them to board.
If one parent has sole custody (alleiniges Sorgerecht), they should always carry an official document proving this (e.g. court decision, custody order).
If there is no consent letter and no custody document, border police or airline staff may raise questions and delay or refuse travel.
In serious cases, the German Federal Police (Bundespolizei) or foreign border authorities may stop the child from leaving or entering until the situation is clarified.
| Travel situation | What you should have with you |
|---|---|
| Child travelling with one parent only | Valid Kinderreisepass / passport + written consent from the other parent |
| Parent with sole custody | Official proof of custody (e.g. court order, custody certificate) |
| Travel to non-EU countries | Ideally a certified consent letter + a copy of the other parent’s ID |
The editorial team of this website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and the use of several reliable sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur or some details may be incomplete or not yet finally confirmed. Please treat the information contained in this article as an initial point of reference only and always consult the competent authorities (such as passport office, Federal Police, Foreign Office or the embassy of the destination country) for binding and up-to-date advice.
