{"id":20673,"date":"2025-11-11T18:24:37","date_gmt":"2025-11-11T12:54:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/?p=20673"},"modified":"2025-11-11T18:25:04","modified_gmt":"2025-11-11T12:55:04","slug":"does-a-newborn-need-a-passport-to-travel-internationally","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/does-a-newborn-need-a-passport-to-travel-internationally\/","title":{"rendered":"Does a Newborn Need a Passport to Travel Internationally? A Complete Guide for Indian Expats!"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Source: freepik<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If you\u2019re 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: <\/span>Does a newborn need a passport?<\/b> The short answer is yes – for international travel, your baby will generally require a valid passport, regardless of age. Below, you\u2019ll 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Does a Newborn Need a Passport to Travel Internationally?<\/b><\/h2>\n

When you book international flight tickets, whether heading to India or elsewhere, airlines and immigration authorities must confirm each traveller\u2019s nationality and identity. A newborn traveling overseas is no exception. Even if they\u2019re just a few weeks old, you\u2019ll need to carry a passport for the little one before departure. If you\u2019re wondering if a newborn needs a passport to fly, the answer remains yes for air travel between countries.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/a>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\u2019ll want to verify both U.S. and Indian authorities\u2019 requirements if your baby will travel between both countries.<\/span><\/p>\n

US Government Rules & Policies for Passport Applications: What You Should Know<\/b><\/h3>\n

In the United States, the State Department sets out clear rules for infants and children:<\/span><\/p>\n