Does a Newborn Need a Passport to Travel Internationally? A Complete Guide for Indian Expats!

If you’re an Indian expat living in the USA and planning to fly abroad with a newborn, one of the first questions on your mind is likely: Does a newborn need a passport? The short answer is yes – for international travel, your baby will generally require a valid passport, regardless of age. Below, you’ll find a clear, informative guide to help you navigate the rules, especially those that apply in the USA, plus how to complete the application process and plan ahead for booking an international flight.

Why Does a Newborn Need a Passport to Travel Internationally?

When you book international flight tickets, whether heading to India or elsewhere, airlines and immigration authorities must confirm each traveller’s nationality and identity. A newborn traveling overseas is no exception. Even if they’re just a few weeks old, you’ll need to carry a passport for the little one before departure. If you’re wondering if a newborn needs a passport to fly, the answer remains yes for air travel between countries.

In the USA, U.S. citizens and permanent residents must present a passport book (or sometimes a passport card for land/sea travel) to depart internationally and to re-enter the country. According to official guidance, children under 16 receive passports valid for five years, and both parents (or guardians) must appear in person for initial issuance.
For Indian expats based in the USA, the matter is slightly more complex if the newborn is U.S. born or intends to travel on an Indian passport. You’ll want to verify both U.S. and Indian authorities’ requirements if your baby will travel between both countries.

US Government Rules & Policies for Passport Applications: What You Should Know

In the United States, the State Department sets out clear rules for infants and children:

• Every applicant under age 16 must have a passport application completed in person at an acceptance facility, and the child must appear in person too. 
• Use Form DS-11 for first-time passports. You should not sign the form until instructed by the agent. 
• Submit your child’s certified U.S. birth certificate or equivalent proof of citizenship, plus photocopies and evidence of the parental relationship. 
• Both parents or guardians should provide valid photo ID and must appear unless one parent provides notarized consent via Form DS-3053. 
• A newborn’s passport for children under 16 will generally be valid for 5 years, not the full 10 years adult passports receive. 

As per recent changes in the U.S. immigration policy, if you are an Indian expat with temporary visas like H-1B or L-1 status, your baby is not automatically granted U.S. citizenship.  However, for the baby to hold an Indian passport, further steps via the Indian Consulate apply (see below).

How to Apply for a Passport for Your Newborn

Here’s a general step-by-step for U.S. citizens – followed by tips for Indian expats with a newborn in the USA:

Steps (U.S. passport):

1. Complete Form DS-11 but do not sign until at the passport facility. 
2. Gather documents: certified newborn birth certificate, photo of the child (per specs), both parents’ IDs, proof of parental relationship.
3. Both parents appear with the baby at a passport acceptance center. If one parent cannot attend, include Form DS-3053.
4. Pay the application and execution fees. Standard processing times vary – expedited service is available at extra cost. As per TSG.
5. Once issued, your baby’s passport is ready for use for international travel.

If your baby is born in the USA to Indian-citizen parents and you wish to apply for an Indian passport:

• You’ll need to register the birth at the Indian Mission (consulate) in the USA. 
• Submit the Indian child passport application along with documents like U.S. birth certificate, parents’ Indian passports/visas, and consular registration. 
• Be aware that some rules apply around dual citizenship and OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) status if the child later holds a U.S. passport.

Booking the International Flight and Additional Planning Tips

Once your newborn’s passport is sorted, you’re one step closer to booking your travel. When you go to book international flight tickets, keep the following in mind:

• Use platforms that allow you to add infant passenger details and seat preferences. 
• Choose appropriate fare classes as many airlines give infants a reduced fare when seated on a parent’s lap. 
• Confirm your baby’s name, date of birth, and passport details exactly as in the documents – mismatches cause delays. 
• Bring extra documentation like the baby’s birth certificate or Indian mission registration if applicable, especially when traveling on two passports. 
• Consider flight timing with your baby’s schedule, look for direct or short-layover routes to ease the experience.

If you’re an Indian expat in the USA and are planning to travel with your newborn, then the  answer to ‘Does a newborn need a passport to travel internationally?’ is a clear yes. If you’re flying to India or anywhere else, just make sure that you’ve followed the U.S. government’s steps for passport issuance. Also, check specific Indian consular rules if applying for an Indian passport or OCI. So, plan it properly and book smartly to make your little one’s travel journey easier.