Traveling with a baby outside of Spain for the first time: complete guide
You have the baby in your arms and you're already thinking about that first trip abroad. How exciting, and also what a mess of paperwork, right? Don't worry: here we tell you exactly what documents your baby needs to leave Spain, when they are mandatory, how to get them, and what essentials to pack. Because no, babies do not travel with mom or dad's passport.
What documents does your baby need to travel abroad?
The documentation your baby needs depends on the destination. Traveling to Lisbon is not the same as traveling to New York or Turkey. We'll explain it by document type so you can understand it clearly once and for all:
Baby's DNI: when it's sufficient
The Spanish DNI is sufficient for traveling to any country in the Schengen area and the European Union. This includes the most popular destinations for Spanish families: France, Italy, Portugal, Greece, the Netherlands, Croatia, Germany, and the rest of the EU.
For children under 2 years old, getting a DNI is legally optional —it's not mandatory until 14 years old—, but it's highly recommended to apply for it as soon as possible if you have travel plans. The child's DNI is valid for 2 years for children under 5 years old.
To apply, you need to go in person to a National Police station with:
- Literal birth certificate from the Civil Registry (issued within the last 3 months)
- Certificate of registration of the baby in the municipality (empadronamiento)
- Recent photograph of the baby (white background, visible face, open eyes)
- Presence of the baby and at least one parent with a valid DNI or NIE
If you haven't registered the baby yet, that's the first step. Registration is necessary for the DNI, for most municipal aid, and for the health card. We can manage the online registration of your newborn from home, without you having to go out with the baby.
Baby's passport: when it's mandatory
If the destination is outside the European Union or the Schengen area, the baby needs their own passport. This includes the United Kingdom (post-Brexit), Turkey, Morocco, the United States, Mexico, Egypt, or any long-haul destination.
Passports for children under 2 years old are valid for 2 years. They are applied for by appointment at authorized National Police stations. The usual processing time is 5 to 7 business days. You can make an appointment on the official website of the Ministry of Interior.
European Health Insurance Card: the most often forgotten document
The baby's European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is free and absolutely essential if you travel within Europe. It guarantees that your baby receives medical assistance in any EU, EEA country, and Switzerland, under the same conditions as citizens of that country.
Many people believe that parents' EHIC covers the baby. This is not the case. Each person needs their own EHIC, including newborns.
The baby's European Health Insurance Card: everything you need to know
This is, without a doubt, the procedure most often skipped by families before traveling with their baby. And the one that generates the most inquiries for us at Babybelegal.
What does the EHIC cover and what does it NOT cover?
The EHIC covers necessary medical attention during your stay: emergencies, hospitalization, general practitioner visits, basic diagnostic tests, and prescription medication. What it does not cover:
- Repatriation in case of serious accident or death
- Private medical care outside the public system
- Treatment you traveled specifically to receive
- Travel outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland
- Lost luggage, cancellations, or flight delays
If you travel outside the EU—or even within—supplement it with insurance that covers repatriation and private assistance. With small babies, peace of mind is worth a lot.
How to apply for the baby's EHIC step by step
For the baby to have their EHIC, they must first be registered with Social Security. This step is not automatic: it must be explicitly requested after birth.
Baby's registration with Social Security
You need the birth certificate. The baby will receive their affiliation number. Without this, no EHIC is possible. We manage it for you →
EHIC Application
With the affiliation number, you can apply for the EHIC at the Social Security Electronic Headquarters (with Cl@ve or digital certificate), at a CAISS, or through Babybelegal.
Card reception (7-10 business days)
The physical EHIC arrives by mail. If travel is imminent, request the Provisional Replacement Certificate (CPS), which has the same validity and is issued immediately.
Ready to travel!
Keep the EHIC (or printed CPS) along with the baby's DNI or passport. And yours too, of course.
Are you traveling inside or outside the European Union?
The necessary documentation and health coverage vary depending on the destination. Here's the most practical summary:
| Destination | Document | EHIC valid | Travel insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
|
EU + Schengen France, Italy, Greece, Portugal… |
DNI or passport | ✓ Yes | Recommended |
|
United Kingdom Post-Brexit |
Passport | ✗ No | Required |
|
Outside the EU USA, Mexico, Turkey… |
Passport | ✗ No | Highly recommended |
|
Switzerland, Norway, Iceland EEA, not EU |
Passport | ✓ Yes | Recommended |
| Andorra, Monaco, San Marino | DNI or passport | ✗ No | Recommended |
Checklist for your baby's first international trip
Before getting in the car, train, or plane, make sure you have all this ready:
-
Baby's DNI or passport (valid)The basic document for crossing any border. Without it, travel is not possible.
-
Baby's European Health Insurance CardEssential within the EU/EEA/Switzerland. Apply at least 2 weeks in advance.
-
Parents' EHIC (valid)Check the expiration date. If it has expired, it can be easily renewed.
-
Travel insurance with coverage for babiesEssential outside the EU. Highly recommended in any case for repatriation and private assistance.
-
Baby's vaccination recordSome countries or airlines may request it. Facilitates medical care abroad.
-
Pediatrician's report (babies under 3 months)Several airlines require it. Check with the airline before flying.
-
Baby's usual medication in carry-on luggageAntipyretics, physiological saline, and whatever your pediatrician indicates. Carry the generic name, not just the brand name.
-
Pediatrician's and reference hospital's phone numberFor urgent consultations. Have it handy on your phone, not lost in your email.
Practical tips for your baby's first international trip
Beyond documentation, there are some details that make a difference:
When is it safe to fly with the baby?
Most pediatricians recommend waiting until 6-8 weeks of age. Many airlines require a medical report for infants under 7 days. Always consult your pediatrician.
Seats and bassinet on the plane
Bulkhead seats (front row of the cabin) have space for baby bassinets. Book it when purchasing: they sell out quickly during high season.
If the baby gets sick abroad
With the EHIC, you can go to the local public emergency room. At the pharmacy, ask for the generic name of the medication, not the Spanish brand.
Best destinations for the first trip
Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, Algarve, and the Mediterranean are ideal: short flights, good healthcare, and a mild climate. For long-haul travel, wait at least 4-6 months.
If you still have pending birth procedures — leave, Social Security registration, aid, or work-life balance — our birth procedure consultancy is the fastest way to resolve everything at once.
Frequently asked questions about traveling with a baby outside of Spain
Can my baby travel without a DNI or passport?+
No. All travelers —including newborns— need their own identification document. There are no exceptions for age. If your baby does not yet have a DNI, you will need the birth certificate and the baby's registration (empadronamiento), which we can manage online.
How long does it take for the baby's European Health Insurance Card to arrive?+
The physical EHIC takes about 7-10 business days. If travel is imminent, you can request the Provisional Replacement Certificate (CPS), which has the same validity and is issued immediately. First, the baby must be registered with Social Security.
Does the EHIC cover all medical expenses abroad?+
It covers necessary medical care in the public system (EU/EEA/Switzerland), under the same conditions as citizens of that country. However, it does not cover repatriation, private care, cancellations, or lost luggage. Always supplement it with travel insurance.
Is there a minimum age to fly with a baby?+
There is no universal legal rule. Most airlines do not accept infants under 7-14 days without a medical report. Pediatricians recommend waiting at least 6-8 weeks. Always check your airline's policy before booking.
Do I have to pay for the baby to fly with me?+
On European flights, children under 2 years old usually travel for free or at a reduced rate if they are held in arms. With their own seat, a full ticket is paid. For long-haul flights, each airline has its own policy.
Can I manage the baby's EHIC from home?+
Yes, through the Social Security Electronic Headquarters with Cl@ve or a digital certificate. You can also delegate it to us: we manage the Social Security registration and the EHIC completely online. If you want us to take care of everything, take a look at our complete packs.
In summary: what you need to travel with your baby outside of Spain
Traveling abroad with a baby is perfectly possible from the first few months. The key is to prepare your documents in advance: your DNI or passport depending on the destination, the European Health Insurance Card if you are traveling to Europe, and travel insurance for any unforeseen events.
If you still have pending procedures – such as Social Security registration, residency registration, or the EHIC itself – don't leave it until the last minute. At Babybelegal, we manage everything online for you, from the comfort of your home.
We take care of everything, so you can enjoy your family.
Social Security registration, European Health Insurance Card, residency registration, and all birth-related paperwork. No queues, no hassle, no leaving your home.
