Travelling Internationally with Kids from India: Passport, Documents, Bassinet, Baby Food
By Ritu Bhalla (Ritu Bhalla writes for Indian parents travelling with children — infants to teens — covering flight logistics, jet lag, baggage, pet travel and family-friendly destinations.) · Published · 11 min read
Minor passport rules, no-objection from absent parent, baby food and formula rules, bassinet booking on long-haul — the complete checklist for Indian families.
The Indian minor passport — what to know
Children below 18 in India must have their own passport — no inclusion on a parent's passport is allowed (this was abolished in 2007). For travellers:
- Minor passport validity: 5 years OR until the child turns 18, whichever is earlier (vs. 10 years for adult passports).
- Both parents must consent. Both parents (or legal guardians) sign Annexure D / Annexure H — they cannot be present together for application, but both signatures are required.
- Birth certificate is mandatory for minor passport application.
- Tatkaal available for minor passports (same as adult) — 7-14 days vs 4-6 weeks for Normal.
Renew your child's passport at least 6 months before the validity expires. Most destinations require at least 6 months passport validity from the date of arrival.
No-Objection Letter (NOC) from the absent parent
If only one parent is travelling with the child internationally, almost every airline and several immigration authorities (especially USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa, UAE) require a notarised No-Objection Certificate from the non-travelling parent.
The NOC should state:
- Name of non-travelling parent + passport number.
- Name of travelling parent + passport number.
- Name of child + passport number + date of birth.
- Destination country and dates of travel.
- Statement: "I have no objection to my child travelling with [travelling parent] to [destination] from [date] to [date]."
- Signature of non-travelling parent, witnessed by Notary Public.
The notarised NOC must be carried in physical form (not just digital). Some destinations want apostille certification too — check the embassy website for your destination.
Cases where NOC is critical: divorced or separated parents, single parent travel, custody-related travel, grandparent travelling with child. For these, also carry: birth certificate, marriage certificate / divorce decree if relevant, parental custody documents.
Visa requirements for minors
Most countries that require Indian visas also require visas for Indian minors (even infants):
- Schengen: minor visa fee EUR 45 for children 6-12; free for under 6. Same application, photo and biometric requirements (biometrics waived under age 12 in most cases).
- UK Standard Visitor: children under 18 require their own visa. Fee GBP 127 (same as adult).
- USA B1/B2: children require their own visa. Children under 14 typically do not require an in-person interview if parents are applying together.
- Dubai / UAE eVisa: children require their own visa. Children under 18 do not need biometrics.
- Singapore eVisa: required for all ages.
- Thailand: visa-on-arrival or eVisa for tourist purpose; children get the same.
Visa fees for children are typically reduced (e.g. Schengen) or sometimes waived for very young children. Apply for children alongside parents to ensure synchronized approval timing.
Airline rules for infants and children
Airline rules for child travel from India:
Infants (under 2 years, lap-held)
- Charged at 10% of adult fare for international.
- No seat assigned; sit on parent's lap.
- Bassinet available on long-haul (book at least 48 hours before flight via airline call centre; first-come-first-served).
- Pram / stroller can be carried free until aircraft door; checked through to destination.
Children (2 to 11 years)
- Charged at 75-90% of adult fare depending on airline.
- Own seat assigned.
- Child meal (CHML or BBML) available pre-order.
- Unaccompanied minor service available on most airlines for ages 5-11 travelling alone, with adult supervision throughout journey (fee USD 50-150 per leg).
Bassinet booking (the most important tip)
Bassinets are mounted on the bulkhead wall of the cabin, supporting babies up to ~10 kg / 12 months. There are typically only 4-6 bassinets per aircraft, allocated first-come-first-served. Book the bassinet seat (typically row 11 or row 30 on widebodies) at the time of booking the ticket or call the airline within 48 hours of booking. If unavailable, ask to be waitlisted.
Baby food, formula and medication rules
Security and customs rules for child-related liquids and supplies:
- Baby formula, breast milk, baby food, juice: Exempt from the 100 ml liquid rule in cabin baggage. Carry "reasonable quantity for the flight". Indian airport security may ask to open/sniff the container; comply politely.
- Medication for child (prescription): Allowed in cabin; carry the original prescription or doctor's letter.
- Diapers, wipes, baby snacks: No security restrictions; pack what you need.
- Sterilising tablets, gripe water: Allowed in cabin; if liquid format, under 100 ml per container.
For longer trips, supplement India-purchased items rather than carrying weeks of supply. Most international destinations (UK, US, Singapore, Australia, EU) have ample baby supplies; brand names differ but availability is high.
The packing list for an international family trip
Documents (in a single zip pouch, kept on parent's person)
- All passports + photocopies.
- Visa copies for each family member.
- Birth certificate of each child.
- Notarised NOC if only one parent travelling.
- Travel insurance policy.
- Hotel and flight confirmations.
- List of medications + doctor letter.
- Emergency contact list.
Carry-on per child (smaller bag)
- Change of clothes + extra underwear (in case of spills, vomit).
- Two diapers per flight hour + wipes.
- Formula / baby food / sippy cup.
- Comfort item (favourite toy, blanket, soft book).
- Two changes for parents too — vomit happens.
- Tablet preloaded with kids' shows (with headphones, the ones with volume limiter).
- Snacks (Maggi/breakfast bars/dry fruits familiar to child).
- Basic medications: paracetamol syrup, ORS, motion sickness, antihistamine.
Checked baggage extras
- Stroller (free as gate-checked baggage).
- Car seat (free as gate-checked or in hold; depends on airline).
- Spare diapers, wipes for trip.
- Familiar snacks for first 2-3 days at destination.
Surviving the actual flight with a child
Pre-boarding
- Let child run around at the gate for 20-30 minutes before boarding.
- Use the gate restroom for diaper change before boarding.
- Boarding: most airlines allow families with infants to board first. Use it.
Take-off and landing
- Feed (breast, bottle or sippy) during ascent and descent — the swallowing equalises ear pressure and avoids the painful pressurisation cry.
- For older kids, chewing gum or sucking on a candy works.
During the flight
- Walking up and down the aisle is the universal child-soothing trick.
- Cabin crew on Air India, Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Lufthansa are particularly child-friendly; ask for child amenity kits (small toys/colouring), warmed milk bottles, etc.
- Sleep — try to match destination time but do not battle a tired toddler to stay awake.
Diaper changes
- Aircraft bathrooms have a fold-down changing table.
- Dispose of dirty diapers in the bathroom waste bin only (not at seat).
Destination-specific tips
Family-friendly destinations and tips:
- Singapore: #1 first-international-family destination from India. Universal Studios, S.E.A. Aquarium, Sentosa, Gardens by the Bay. Air-conditioned everything. See Singapore guide.
- Dubai: Indoor attractions ideal in summer heat. IMG Worlds, Ski Dubai, Aquariums, malls. Dubai guide.
- Bali: Beach, pools, waterfalls, nature. Slow pace works for young kids. Bali guide.
- Thailand: Phuket and Krabi beaches. Affordable. Indian food available. Phuket guide.
- Switzerland and Europe: School-age kids enjoy trains and mountains. Plan less-packed itineraries — kids slow you down 30-50% vs adult-only travel. See family summer destinations.
Frequently asked questions
Do children need their own passport in India?
Yes — since 2007, children below 18 must have their own passport in India. Inclusion on a parent's passport is no longer allowed. Minor passports are valid for 5 years OR until the child turns 18, whichever is earlier. Both parents (or legal guardians) must sign the application (Annexure D / Annexure H). Birth certificate is mandatory. Tatkaal is available for minors at the same fees as adults.
Do I need a No-Objection Certificate to travel internationally with my child?
If only one parent is travelling with the child, yes — most airlines and several immigration authorities (USA, Canada, Australia, UAE, South Africa) require a notarised NOC from the non-travelling parent. The NOC must state the travel dates, destination, and explicit consent. Carry it in physical form. For divorced or separated parents, also carry the marriage/divorce certificate and custody documents. Some destinations require apostille certification — check the embassy website.
What is the bassinet on a flight and how do I book it?
A bassinet is a baby bed mounted on the cabin's bulkhead wall, supporting babies up to about 10 kg or 12 months old. There are typically only 4-6 bassinets per widebody aircraft, allocated first-come-first-served. Book at the time of ticket purchase by selecting the bassinet bulkhead seat (typically row 11 or row 30) and confirming the bassinet request, or call the airline within 48 hours of booking. If unavailable, request waitlist. Free of charge; not guaranteed.
Can I carry baby food and formula through airport security?
Yes — baby formula, breast milk, baby food and juice are exempt from the 100 ml liquid rule. Carry 'reasonable quantity for the flight'. Indian airport security may ask to open or scan the containers; comply politely. Sterilising tablets and gripe water under 100 ml per container are also allowed in cabin baggage. For longer trips, supplement with locally bought items at destination rather than carrying weeks of supply — most international cities have ample baby supplies.
How much do flights cost for children from India?
Infants under 2 (lap-held) are charged 10% of adult fare on international flights. Children aged 2-11 are charged 75-90% of adult fare and get their own seat. Bassinet for infants is free if available. Premium Economy and Business upgrades for children cost full adult upgrade rates. Some airlines offer 'family fare' discounts of 5-10% on certain routes during off-peak periods — check the airline's family section.
Do children need visas for international travel from India?
Yes, almost always. Schengen, UK, US, UAE, Singapore, Thailand, Australia and Canada all require children to have their own visas (even infants). Schengen visa fee for children is reduced — EUR 45 for 6-12, free for under 6. UK fee is full adult rate. US fee is full adult rate (children under 14 typically do not need in-person interview if parents are applying together). Apply for children alongside parents for synchronized approval.
What should I pack in my child's carry-on for an international flight?
Change of clothes plus extra underwear, two diapers per flight hour plus wipes, formula or baby food, comfort item (favourite toy or blanket), tablet preloaded with kids' shows and child-safe headphones, familiar snacks (breakfast bars, dry fruits, Maggi cups), basic medications (paracetamol syrup, ORS, antihistamine, motion sickness). Also pack a change of clothes for parents — vomit and spills happen. Keep all documents (passports, NOC, prescriptions) in a single zip pouch on the parent.