Tag: steps for applying for child passport

How to travel safely with young children

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

Traveling alone requires self-preservation, but traveling with young children demands more time and attention to detail. Children experience different emotions about places and people. This is particularly true if they have never visited anywhere outside of their normal environment. Depending on where you are traveling, you might want to research the area and gather important data before exposing your children to the new locale.

Research the area’s utility and food services

Some countries have a limited water supply, so you might be wise to carry bottled water wherever you go. Since young children are more susceptible to food-borne illnesses, try to avoid eating raw vegetables, unwashed fruits and unpasteurized dairy products. Bring along wet wipes, hand sanitizer and disposable bags and be sure to incorporate regular hand-washing before and after meals.

When eating at restaurants, bring plastic utensils or request them. Most stainless steel silverware might contain residue contaminants if they have not been properly immersed in extremely hot water.

Get your child immunized

If you are traveling on an airplane, boat or another vehicle, be sure to have your children immunized. Shots should be up to date and your travel card should reflect this information. Children are susceptible to illnesses, viruses, and other childhood diseases if they have not been properly immunized. Some diseases and illnesses can be fatal. However, vaccinations can protect your children from long-term illnesses.

Talk to your children about the dangers of approaching strangers

Teach your children not to talk to or trust strangers. Instill the importance of staying within sight at all times and ensure your children never tell strangers their names, where they live, or where they are headed. Also teach your children to never accept food from strangers, even if they are hungry. Pay attention to your surroundings and never leave your child with strangers. If you need to go to the restroom, take them with you. As a precaution, work out a plan for reunification in the event your children get separated from you. Teach them to call 911 or yell for help if in trouble.

Follow the above tips and your first trip abroad with young ones should go off without a hitch. Of course, if you are leaving the country, make sure you sort out a passport for each child in plenty of time.

How to apply for your child’s passport

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

If you’re planning on traveling with a child under 16 years of age, there are a few extra steps you will need to take when applying for their passport. Here’s a short guide to help you navigate the application process.

1. Complete Form DS-11

The DS-11 is the form that you should complete on behalf of your child when applying for their passport. Bear in mind that any passport applicant, including a minor, needs to provide a social security number; however, if your child doesn’t have one yet, simply enter zeros in box number 5 on the form. Also, you shouldn’t sign your child’s passport application until instructed by the acceptance agent.

2. Show evidence of US citizenship

You need to submit a US citizenship document for your child, such as a certificate of citizenship, a US birth certificate, an expired passport or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. You must provide the true, original copy of the document rather than a photocopy or notarized copy.

3. Prove parental relationship

You will need to submit documentation that lists the child’s parents or legal guardians, such as a US birth certificate.

4. Show ID

The child’s parents or guardians need to present one form of ID to the acceptance agent, such as a fully valid, in-state driver’s license.

5. Photocopy the ID

The front and back of each type of ID presented to the acceptance agent must be photocopied.

6. Show parental consent

Both parents need to show that they consent to their child being issued with a passport, usually by appearing in person during the application process. If both parents cannot be present, evidence will need to be supplied demonstrating the reason why.

7. Take a child passport photo

Your child’s passport photo must be submitted with the application. Remember not to attach it to the form before submission.

8. Work out application costs

Calculate the application fees and execution fees, which are paid separately. Fees will differ according to whether you have applied for a passport book, card, or book and card for your child.

9. Submit the application

Once you have completed your child’s passport application and included all of the necessary evidence and documentation, you can submit it in person at a passport acceptance facility.

Photo: Passport by Tony Webster licensed under Creative commons 2