Schengen Visa for Families 2026 Apply With Children
Applying for a Schengen visa as a family requires separate applications for each person including children but the process can be coordinated to save time and avoid inconsistencies. Here's exactly what families need to prepare in 2026.
In this guide
- Each Family Member Needs a Separate Visa Application
- Additional Documents Required for Children
- Parental Consent: When You Need It and What to Write
- travel insurance for Children
- Bank Balance and Financial Requirements for Families
- Practical Tips for Family Applications
- Common Questions Schengen Visa for Families
- People mostly search for…
Each Family Member Needs a Separate Visa Application
There is no "family visa" for the Schengen area. Each person including children of any age must submit their own application form and their own passport. You can submit them together at the VFS centre on the same appointment, but each person's file is processed independently.
The fee is €90 per adult, €45 per child aged 6–12, and free for children under 6. A family of two adults and one child aged 8 would pay €90 + €90 + €45 = €225 in embassy fees alone.
Additional Documents Required for Children
Children's applications require everything adults need (application form, passport, photos, insurance, itinerary) plus these additional documents:
- Birth certificate proving relationship to parents, with certified translation if not in English or the embassy's language
- School enrollment letter confirming the child is enrolled and has permission to travel (also shows ties to home country)
- Parental consent letter required when a child travels with only one parent or with someone other than their parents (see below)
- Copy of both parents' passports even if the other parent is not travelling
Parental Consent: When You Need It and What to Write
A parental consent letter is required whenever a child travels without both parents present. This includes:
- Child travelling with only the mother or only the father
- Child travelling with grandparents, relatives, or a school group
- Child travelling alone (rare for Schengen visas)
The consent letter must be signed by the non-travelling parent, notarised (or with a witnessed signature), and include: the child's full name and passport number, the travelling parent/guardian's name, the destination countries, travel dates, and a statement of consent. Some embassies (particularly French and German) require the letter to be notarised check the specific embassy requirements.
If one parent is deceased, include the death certificate. If one parent is unreachable (custody situation), include the relevant court order.
travel insurance for Children
Each family member needs their own Schengen-compliant travel insurance policy or must be named on a family policy. The minimum coverage is €30,000 per person. Many insurers offer family plans that cover all members under one certificate check that the certificate clearly names each child. A single policy showing "family" without naming children may be rejected.
Get Schengen-compliant family insurance at Ekta filter for plans that show individual names.
Bank Balance and Financial Requirements for Families
The expected bank balance is approximately €70–100 per person per day. For a family of 4 on a 10-day trip, that means showing €2,8004,000 in total available funds. One parent can be the financial sponsor for the entire family submit one bank statement with a cover letter explaining that this account covers all family members.
If both parents work, include both bank statements to strengthen the application even if one alone meets the threshold.
Practical Tips for Family Applications
- Book one appointment for the whole family VFS centres allow group appointments. Call ahead or book online specifying the number of applicants.
- Prepare separate document packs even though the files are related, keep each person's documents in a separate labeled folder. Officers process them individually.
- Shared itinerary is fine one travel plan document can cover the whole family, just list all names on it.
- Hotel booking under one name is fine one reservation showing rooms for the whole family is acceptable. Make sure it's free cancellation.
- Apply 6–8 weeks ahead in summer family appointment slots fill up faster during school holidays.
🔥 Most Asked by Applicants
- What documents do I need?
- How do I write a cover letter?
- How much bank balance to show?
- What travel insurance do I need?
- How do I book a visa appointment?
- How long does processing take?
- Which country approves easiest?
- Why do visas get rejected?
- How to get a flight reservation?
- Which insurance plan is best?
- How much does a Schengen visa cost?
- Where do I start as a first timer?
Common Questions Schengen Visa for Families
Can I apply for a family Schengen visa for all of us together?
No, there is no combined family visa. Each family member must submit a separate application with their own form and passport. However, you can attend the VFS appointment together and submit all applications at once. Children under 12 do not need to provide biometrics if they submitted within the last 5 years.
Does my child need their own travel insurance?
Yes. Each person needs Schengen-compliant insurance covering a minimum of €30,000. Children can be included on a family policy, but the policy certificate must name each child individually. A "family policy" that doesn't list children's names may be rejected at the embassy.
My child is travelling with me but not with their other parent what do I need?
You need a notarised parental consent letter from the non-travelling parent, plus a copy of their passport and your child's birth certificate. The letter should state the child's name, your name, the destination, and travel dates. Some embassies require this to be notarised; others accept a witnessed signature. Check the specific embassy requirements.
How much money do I need to show for a family of 4?
Approximately €70–100 per person per day. For a 10-day trip with 2 adults and 2 children, show at least €2,8004,000 in total funds. One parent can sponsor the whole family submit their bank statement with a cover letter stating it covers all family members' expenses.
Do children under 6 pay the Schengen visa fee?
No. Children under 6 are fully exempt from the €90 visa fee. Children aged 6–12 pay €45 (half the adult fee). All children still need their own application, passport, and supporting documents only the fee is waived for under-6s.