Attention, travelers! Check the validity of your ID cards before the summer holidays!

Attention, travelers! Check the validity of your ID cards before the summer holidays!

With summer just around the corner, the travel time is also getting closer. To ensure that all travel arrangements go smoothly, it is advisable to check the validity of identification documents in good time. This is particularly true for families with children, as children's passports will no longer be issued from January 1, 2024. Children under the age of twelve need a “normal” passport or ID card instead. How Rundschau Duisburg reports, travelers should consider this before the summer holidays, which begin on July 14th.

Applications for identification documents can be made at all seven citizen service stations in Duisburg. Temporary identity cards or passports can also be applied for in emergencies. While an ID card is sufficient for traveling within the EU, a passport is required for traveling outside the EU. Useful information about the required travel documents can be found on the Federal Foreign Office website.

Applying for identification documents

Applications for ID cards or passports can be made via the city website, with short-term appointments currently available. Those interested should note that booking is only possible online and the processing time is usually around six weeks. The costs for the documents vary: an identity card costs 22.80 euros for people under 24 and 37 euros for older applicants. The price of a passport is 37.50 euros for those under 24 and 70 euros for adults.

Biometric photos are also required to apply for a passport. Family portal NRW points out that passport photo requirements are less stringent for infants. A light background without objects, open eyes and the ban on pacifiers are important requirements. Deviations in passport photos for babies and children up to 6 years of age are also permitted, particularly with regard to head position and facial expression. This is particularly relevant because the facial appearance of infants and young children can change quickly.

Early application recommended

In order to prevent problems when entering and leaving the country during the summer holidays, we recommend that you apply for new identification documents in good time. Timely verification of validity and application of documents prevent families from facing unexpected difficulties.