Family
ESTA for children and babies: their own application, their own passport
Last checked: · Sources: CBP, DHS, Federal Register
If you are travelling to the United States with your family, you have to plan for every person – from infants to grandparents. The same basic rules apply to children as to adults; only the passport question often causes surprises for families from Germany.
Every child needs their own ESTA – regardless of age
CBP states in its FAQ: accompanied and unaccompanied children must obtain their own ESTA authorisation, regardless of age. This also applies to infants. There is no joint authorisation for parents and children.
An application may be submitted by a third party: according to CBP, a relative or a travel agency can submit the application on behalf of a traveller. Parents therefore fill in the application on their child’s behalf. However, the questions (for example about health or previous visa procedures) concern the child, and the answers must be correct.
The child’s passport: biometric and with a chip
According to CBP, anyone using the Visa Waiver Program needs an electronic passport (e-passport) with a chip. This applies at any age. An entry in a parent’s passport is not enough.
The German Federal Foreign Office points out that the German child passport, abolished on 1 January 2024, is not recognised for visa-free entry by some countries – the United States is named explicitly. Old child passports remain valid for other trips until the printed date but cannot be used for entry with ESTA. For trips to the United States with children, a regular passport is therefore required. Getting one takes time, so plan with enough lead time.
More about passports and chips: ESTA and passport.
How to proceed in practice as a family
- Check passports: does every traveller have a valid e-passport that lasts until after the return journey?
- Collect details: passport data, dates of birth, address in the United States and contact details for each person.
- Submit and pay for one application per person – CBP charges the fee per authorisation; the sources do not provide for any reduction for children.
- Note down each person’s application number and check each status individually.
With us, you book a package for the first person and the reduced “additional traveller” rate for further travellers on the same trip; the amounts are shown on the prices page. Of course, you can also submit all applications directly with CBP. If you would like to apply through us, start your application here.
Frequently asked questions
- From what age does a child need an ESTA?
- From birth. CBP requires a separate authorisation for children and infants, regardless of age.
- Is a German child passport enough for the United States?
- No. Visa-free entry into the United States is not possible with the German child passport – the German Federal Foreign Office names the United States explicitly as an example. ESTA requires an e-passport with a chip.
- Can parents submit the ESTA application for their child?
- Yes. According to CBP, a third party such as a relative or a travel agency may submit the application on behalf of the traveller. However, the details must be complete and truthful.
- Can I include children in a parent’s application?
- No, every person has their own application and their own authorisation.
You will find more answers in the ESTA FAQ.
Sources and date
Checked on 4 October 2026. The information is based on the following government sources. Rules and fees can change; the current publication by CBP is decisive. This article is general information and not legal or immigration advice.
Next steps
Prepare your application, compare prices or keep reading – the decision is always made by CBP.