The authorities have not determined whether or not minors accompanied by parents need additional checks after we enter Air Schengen. A legislative proposal that provides for the maintenance of checks for children is under debate, and the Airports Association calls for its re-examination.
Children do not escape controls after joining Air Schengen – Photo Archive
From March 31, Romania enters the Schengen area, only by air and sea, but how the little ones will travel by plane is uncertain. The Airports Association asks the Ministry of the Interior to re-analyze the legislative proposal that provides for the maintenance of controls for minors, according to Free Europe.
Currently, Romanian minors need a notarized declaration when they leave the country with one of their parents or are accompanied by other persons, in addition to the travel document. But, even if they will be accompanied by both parents, the little ones might need an authorization from the Border Police to get on the plane.
A draft Emergency Ordinance was published on March 1 by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI) and subordinate structures, led by the Border Police.
Specifically, parents or legal guardians traveling with children will go to specially arranged spaces in airports and ports to obtain the travel authorization for the minor, if the legislative initiative is approved. Moreover, the police officers will also check whether the companions comply with the rules of the law regarding the free movement of Romanian citizens abroad.
Thus, families with minors will have to go through Border Police controls even after March 31, something that does not happen in other member states of the Schengen Area.
That is why the Association of Airports asks the MAI to reanalyze the law by the end of the month. All airports in the country are asking the Ministry to rethink the proposal that would hamper the flow of passengers. They propose to follow the same rules as on a domestic flight, in the case of children.
Romanian children can travel abroad on the basis of their passport or bulletin, if they are over 14 years old, only accompanied, with the consent of their parents or legal representatives. From August 2023, Romanian teenagers who have reached the age of 16 can travel abroad unaccompanied, with the consent of their parents or legal representatives, to visit relatives, for studies or to participate in official competitions or to undergo treatment medical without which their life or health is endangered.
