Travelling With Kids? Here Are the Documents You Will Need, Especially for Babies

Planning a family trip with your baby or young child? It is exciting for sure, but let us talk about something that often gets forgotten in the chaos of booking flights and packing bags. The documents. Yes, even your baby needs them.

Whether you are flying overseas, going on a domestic holiday, or letting your child travel with a relative, having the right papers ready can make all the difference. If you want stress-free travel with kids, here is what you need to prepare.

Also read: Must-Have Travel Apps for Every Filipino Traveller in 2025

Your baby needs a passport too

A lot of first-time parents are surprised to find out that babies need their own passports for international travel. That is right. Even newborns are not exempt.

Applying for a passport for your baby usually involves both parents being present, or at least providing a notarised letter of consent if one cannot come. You will also need to take a passport photo of your baby, which can be tricky. Just make sure their face is clear and eyes are open. No toys, no hands, no filters.

Also keep in mind that baby passports are usually valid for only five years, and some countries have even shorter validity for children. Always check the expiration date before you book your next trip.

Birth certificate is still a must

It might feel like overkill, but a copy of your child’s birth certificate can be very helpful. It proves their identity and shows your legal relationship to them, which matters especially if you have different surnames.

This document becomes even more important if you are a legal guardian, or if the child is adopted. Bring the appropriate court or adoption papers, just in case authorities ask for it.

Even on local trips, some airlines may request to see it for verification purposes.

If you are travelling alone, get a travel consent letter

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Flying solo with your baby or letting a relative take your child on a trip? You will need a signed child travel consent letter. This is written permission from the non-travelling parent or legal guardian that says they agree to the travel.

This letter should include your child’s full name and birthdate, your travel dates, and the name of the adult they are travelling with. Ideally, the letter should be notarised to avoid issues at immigration.

If your child is travelling with grandparents, titas, titos, or even close family friends, make sure this letter is part of your travel folder.

Medical consent form, just in case

No one wants to think about emergencies during a holiday, but it is better to be ready than regretful. A medical consent form allows the accompanying adult to make medical decisions for your baby in case something happens and you are not available.

This form should include important details such as allergies, medications, or existing health conditions. If possible, have it notarised and add your health insurance information too. Some hospitals will not treat a child without it.

Even if you are the parent travelling, it is good to have one, especially when heading abroad.

What about vaccination records?

Some countries require children, including babies, to have specific vaccines before they enter. These requirements vary depending on the destination, but having a copy of your baby’s vaccination record is a smart move either way.

It is helpful not just for immigration checks but also if your child gets sick and you need to consult a doctor while abroad. Keep a copy in your travel documents or save a digital version on your phone.

Quick recap for parents travelling with babies

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To keep things simple, here is what you should have ready when travelling with your baby:

Your baby will need a passport for international travel. A birth certificate is recommended even for domestic trips. If one parent or guardian is not coming, a travel consent letter is necessary. A medical consent form is highly recommended in case of health emergencies. And depending on your destination, a vaccination record might also be required.

Also read: How to Travel to South Korea for ₱30,000: A 5-Day Itinerary for First-Timers

Final thoughts before you fly

Travelling with a baby sounds challenging, and it can be at times, but having the right documents ready makes everything go smoother. You do not want to be that person holding up the line at immigration because of a missing paper.

So do a quick checklist before you fly. Passport, check. Birth certificate, check. Consent letter, medical form, vaccination record, check. Once that is all sorted, you can focus on enjoying the trip and creating memories with your little one.

And yes, the baby bag will still be full of snacks and nappies, but at least the paperwork will be stress-free.