Travelling Internationally with Kids from India: Passport, Documents, Bassinet, Baby Food
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.
What this article covers
The Indian minor passport — what to know
No-Objection Letter (NOC) from the absent parent
Visa requirements for minors
Airline rules for infants and children
Baby food, formula and medication rules
The packing list for an international family trip
Surviving the actual flight with a child
Destination-specific tips
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.