Biometric passports to be issued to children beginning in 2024

IMPACT — MEDIUM

Starting Jan. 1, 2024, Germany is doing away with paper passports for children and replacing them with biometric passport.

Key Points:

• The electronic passports will cost €37.50 (US$40.73) and be valid for six years for Germans up to 25 years of age. The paper passports cost a one-time fee of €13 but had to be renewed annually with additional €6 fees.
• The new passports will be accepted in countries that require biometric passports. These include several countries, including the United States and Australia, where the paper children’s passports were not valid.
• Identity cards, which are issued to German children under age 12 at the request of their parents, are still sufficient for travel within the European Union, Switzerland and the Schengen area.

Background: Germany is taking this step to make travel abroad, particularly to the U.S. and Australia, easier for families with children. Applications for these passports must be made in person by parents or legal guardians at embassies or consulates general after making an appointment. The children who are to receive the passports must accompany them.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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