Complete guide to applying for a Schengen visa for minors (children under 18) as a South African applicant in 2026. Learn about requirements, documents, parental consent, and special considerations.
Applying for a Schengen visa for minors (children under 18) requires additional documentation and considerations compared to adult applications. This comprehensive 2026 guide covers everything you need to know about applying for a Schengen visa for minors as a South African applicant, including requirements, documents, parental consent, and special considerations.
Children Under 6 Years:
Children 6-12 Years:
Children 12-18 Years:
1. Valid Passport:
2. Completed Application Form:
3. Passport Photos:
4. Birth Certificate:
5. Parental Consent:
6. Parent/Guardian Documents:
7. Travel Insurance:
8. Flight Reservations:
9. Accommodation Proof:
10. Financial Proof:
Both Parents:
Single Parent:
Legal Guardian:
Required Information:
Format: Typed letter, signed and notarized
Language: English or destination country language
Both Parents Traveling:
One Parent Traveling:
Neither Parent Traveling:
Unaccompanied Minor:
Age Restrictions: Some airlines have age restrictions for unaccompanied minors
Important: Check airline policies for unaccompanied minor travel.
School Groups:
Educational Trips:
Action: Collect all required documents for minor
Documents:
Action: Complete application form for minor
Important:
Action: Book appointment for minor (or include in parent's appointment)
Options:
Action: Attend appointment with minor (if required)
Requirements:
Action: Submit application and documents
Payment: Pay visa fee (if applicable - children under 6 are free)
Action: Wait for visa processing
Timeline: Same as adult applications (15-30 days)
Action: Collect passport with visa (if approved)
Collection: Parent/guardian can collect on behalf of minor
Children Under 6 Years: Free (no visa fee)
Children 6-12 Years: EUR 40 (reduced fee, approximately ZAR 800)
Children 12-18 Years: EUR 80 (standard fee, approximately ZAR 1,600)
Service Fee: ZAR 200-400 (VFS Global service fee, if applicable)
Start Early: Begin application process early to allow time for document gathering
Parental Consent: Ensure parental consent letter is properly notarized
Complete Documentation: Include all required documents for minor
Accurate Information: Ensure all information is accurate and consistent
Travel Insurance: Purchase travel insurance covering minor
Accompanying Adult: Ensure accompanying adult has proper documentation
School Documents: Include school enrollment letter if applicable
Birth Certificate: Ensure birth certificate is current and properly certified
Do children need separate Schengen visas?
Yes, each person, including children, needs their own Schengen visa.
What is the visa fee for children?
Children under 6 are free, children 6-12 pay EUR 40, and children 12-18 pay EUR 80.
Do children need to attend the appointment?
Children 12+ must attend for biometric data collection. Younger children may not need to attend.
What documents are required for minor applications?
Required documents include passport, photos, birth certificate, parental consent, parent/guardian documents, travel insurance, flight reservations, and accommodation proof.
Do both parents need to consent?
Yes, consent from both parents is typically required, unless there's sole custody or legal guardianship.
Can a minor travel alone?
Minors can travel alone with proper parental consent and arrangements, but some airlines have age restrictions.
How long does processing take for minor applications?
Processing time is the same as adult applications (15-30 days).
Can a parent collect the minor's passport?
Yes, a parent/guardian can collect the minor's passport on their behalf.
What if parents are divorced?
Consent from both parents is still typically required, unless there's sole custody documented.
Do minors need travel insurance?
Yes, travel insurance is required for minors, same as adults (EUR 30,000 coverage).
Applying for a Schengen visa for minors requires additional documentation, particularly parental consent and proof of relationship. Ensure all required documents are included, parental consent is properly notarized, and all information is accurate. With proper preparation, you can successfully obtain a Schengen visa for your minor child.
For the most up-to-date requirements for minor applications, consult the official embassy or consulate website of your main destination country, or visit the VFS Global website for application procedures.
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