What is the validity period of passports for children under 16?

For children under the age of 16, passports are typically valid for a period of 5 years. This shorter validity is intended to account for the rapid growth and changes in appearance that children experience during these formative years. Because children's appearances can change significantly, it ensures that the passport remains a reliable form of identification throughout its validity, thus mitigating the risk of misidentification. This practice also aligns with various regulations and guidelines governing passport issuance, which aim to enhance security and identification processes for minors traveling internationally.