Children do not always need a passport to travel within Schengen, but they must always have a valid travel document. For people who are citizens of a Schengen or EU country, a valid passport or a national id card is usually sufficient. Children must also have their own travel document and cannot travel on a parent’s document.
When a national id card is enough
If the child is an EU citizen, a national id card can often be used instead of a passport when traveling within Schengen, but the id card must be of the correct type and show citizenship. Other id documents do not always work as a travel document, so check what applies to the child’s specific id card.
Important to think about before you go
Even if you travel within Schengen, airlines and sometimes also controls may ask for a travel document. Therefore it is recommended that everyone brings a valid passport or national id card. If the child travels with only one parent, alone, or with another adult, an extra certificate or consent may also be required, depending on the country’s rules.
For non EU citizens
When you have entered Schengen, there are usually no further border controls when you continue traveling within the Schengen area. At the same time, temporary controls may occur, so it is wise to have your passport and other relevant documents available during the trip.