7 New Passport Rules Taking Effect in 2026 That Affect Americans

4. Enhanced Child Passport Regulations

Traveling with children often requires additional planning, and the new passport rules aim to ease this process. Starting in 2026, child passports will come with improved security features and more stringent application requirements. Parents will need to provide additional documentation to prevent child trafficking and ensure the safety of minors traveling abroad. Furthermore, the validity of child passports will remain five years, but the application process will include enhanced biometric data collection to better protect children’s identities. These measures are designed to safeguard young travelers and provide parents with peace of mind when journeying internationally with their children.