Travel documents & Preparation

Travel documents for your children

Much like their adult counterparts, babies and small children need a valid passport or ID to travel. Apply for them well ahead of your planned departure date. When booking your trip, always check with your travel agent or check the conditions yourself on http://diplomatie.belgium.be/nl/ or the website of your country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

The Kids-ID is the electronic identity card for Belgian children under the age of 12. With a Kids-ID, children under the age of 12 can travel within the European Union and to a few other countries. 

Don’t wait too long to apply for a Kids-ID, because making one takes about 3 weeks. In busy periods the production time may even be longer, so you best request your child's kids-ID well in time, preferably a month prior to your departure date. You’ll thank yourself later.

Forgot about the Kids-ID? There’s an express procedure to speed things up, but it is far more expensive.

Travelling with kids: useful tips

Your baby’s health

Before starting on a long flight or a trip to an exotic destination with your babies or toddlers, stop by your GP or paediatrician.

They can give you all necessary advice concerning your baby's health, medicine or vaccinations. Make sure to keep inoculation and vaccination certificates as well as medication and the instructions of use in your hand luggage.

What to bring in your hand luggage?

When travelling with babies or small children you had best put the following items in your hand luggage:

• a comforter and your child's favourite cuddly toy
• a blanket and a pair of socks (it can become a bit cold in the cabin)
• toys or a colouring book and crayons
• nappies and wipes
• an extra set of clothes and a plastic bag for the dirty laundry
•  a sufficient quantity of baby food for the duration of the flight and any delays
• biscuits
• special ear plugs, chewing gum or candy to avoid ear pain due to changes in air pressure when taking off or landing

Use the online check-in service

Reserve your seats on the plane by using the online check-in service! You can do so as from 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure time. This will save you a lot of unnecessary stress if you travel with small children.  

Another thing to pay attention to: the number of babies that is accepted on the same flight may be limited. Check with your travel agent or airline.

Book your parking space in advance

Last but not least: it’s a good idea to book your parking space in advance when travelling with children. Pick one in the car parks opposite the terminal, so you’re only a few steps away from where you need to be.