Travel without stress: valid ID cards now a must for summer!

Travel without stress: valid ID cards now a must for summer!

München, Deutschland - Now that the summer vacation is at the door, many holidaymakers pack their suitcases and prepare for discovering the world. A key concern is to ensure that the necessary travel documents such as the ID card or passport are valid. Within the European Union and in some other countries such as Switzerland, Norway and Iceland, the ID card for tourist stays of up to three months is usually sufficient. However, travelers need a valid passport to enter around 200 countries. It is also important to note that children also need a passport or identity card when traveling to avoid problems when entering. Hallelife reports that the current regulations and innovations in the identification of travelers should clarify.

A significant change concerns the photo requirements for personnel cards and passports. Since May 1, 2025, only digital passport photos have been allowed. This should prevent manipulations, especially through technologies such as morphing, and ensure image quality. The digital photos must either be taken directly in the authority or sent by a photo studio via a secure transmission path. Citizens without access to smartphone or internet can be photographed in a passport authority for a fee of six euros. According to information from the Tagesschau , the new regulations for electronic photo transmission must ensure that the images meet the strict biometric requirements.

Important information on preliminary documents

For travelers who may want to travel at short notice, there are various options for preliminary documents. A provisional ID card is valid for a maximum of three months, but no online ID function. If you need an Express travel pass at short notice, you have to expect that the additional costs of 32 euros will result if only three to four working days remain between the application and the trip. A preliminary passport is issued with a validity of one year, but it is not recognized in all countries and costs 26 euros. Furthermore, travelers can receive a travel ID as a passport sentence, which is available from the federal police at short notice at larger airports and is also valid for a maximum of three months.

From January 1, 2024, there will be no new children's passports. Instead, the electronic passport is introduced, which is valid for six years. However, an ID card is sufficient for travel within the EU, which is accommodating to many families.

preparation for an emergency

Another important topic for travelers is the right preparation for unexpected situations, such as the loss or theft of the passport abroad. In such a case, it is advisable to quickly see the closest registration office or the German representative representative. The loss can be displayed there and a travel ID or a provisional passport can be requested. It is important that travelers bring an identity card, driver's license or a copy of the lost passport for identification. If no valid documents are presented, return to the home country could be difficult. In some cases, even a departure visa could be necessary to leave the country.