Traveling as a 17 year old in Europe
I have a plan to stay some months in Germany learning about the language and culture. This will all be done in a course at an institute in Berlin, which will be my home for that period of time. But I will have some weeks of and, since this will be my first time in Europe, I would like to visit others parts of the country and do a bit of international travel to France, Denmark and even maybe Italy. Would like to know what kinds of authorizations and documents I would need to do this kind of traveling alone or with another underage companion.
PS: My parents will be a long way away. Back in Brazil, to be more precise.
Best Answer
Would like to know what kinds of authorizations and documents I would need to do this kind of traveling...
You'll need only your passport and money.
I'm assuming you're a Brazilian citizen and will thus enjoy visa-free travel in the Schengen area for up to three months.
Please note, though, that you'll be unable to stay in some hotels, as they sometimes have age limits. But in most cities you'll be able to find a youth hostel or hotel that allows for 17 year old guests. When I was your age I did a fair amount of traveling in Europe, and it's not that hard. But you should definitely check with each establishment regarding your age prior to booking.
I do reccomend that you bring an approval letter from your parents, especially if you might be considering going to Croatia. More details here.
I'm not sure if this sort of authorization document would also help you with hotels. So, seek out places that allow minors even without such a letter.
Other than hotels, I can't think of any serious limitations for you as a 17 year old traveling in Europe. (There's not being able to drink alcohol in many places, and being unable to drive cars, obviously, but apart from that.)
Regarding your passport, take very good care of it and keep some copies (photocopies or digital) of it, in case something bad should happen. (Let's hope it doesn't, though.) For the same purpose you might also consider bringing a secondary ID card.
Be careful and have fun!
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Can I travel to another country at 17?
Minors may be able to travel to another country without either one of their parents. They may however require a notarized written consent letter from both parents. Minors interested in traveling without their parents should contact the embassy to address admissibility questions.Can a 17 year old travel to France alone?
From 15 January 2017, anyone under 18 who is a French citizen must complete an Authorisation des sortie de territoire (AST) form before they travel alone or without their parents. This applies to journies from France.Can minors travel to Europe?
may need an extra (official) document signed by their parents, second parent or legal guardian(s) authorising them to travel. There are no EU rules on this matter, each EU country decides if it requires the child to have an official authorisation from their parent(s) or guardian.Can 16 year olds travel?
Children between 12-15 years old can travel unaccompanied. However, an adult must sign the Form of Indemnity the day of flight departure at the airport check-in desk. If the form is not completed, the child will not be able to fly. Children under the age of 12 m ust be accompanied by an adult 16 years or older.FLYING ALONE INTERNATIONALLY FOR THE 1ST TIME (as a minor)
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