Minors need a passport book to visit Europe. A passport card, the cheaper, wallet-sized alternative, can be used only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Bahamas.
U.S. citizens visiting Europe for longer than 90 days must apply for visas in the countries they plan to reside in or visit. Additionally, travelers planning to study at a university or work during their stay in the Spain also must apply for a visa, even if the visit is shorter than 90 days. Otherwise, all U.S. travelers can travel to and among European countries for up to 90 days after arrival.
All applicants for a new U.S. passport submit the necessary documents and fees in person at a passport acceptance facility. Children younger than 16 years old need both parents present at the time of the application.
If one parent cannot be present, the second parents' notarized Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053) must be submitted at the time of the application. The form can be obtained on the U.S. Department of State website.
Minors aged 16 or 17 do not need a parent present at the time of application unless they don't have photo ID of their own.
