5-10 Zip Oyster photocard
Who it's for
Children aged 5-10 can use a 5-10 Zip Oyster photocard.
When you don't need a 5-10 Zip Oyster photocard
A fare-paying adult can travel with up to 4 children under 11 free of charge.
Your child doesn't need a photocard to:
- Travel free on buses and trams (unless they look older than 10)
- Buy child-rate paper tickets (unless they look older than 10)
- Travel accompanied by an adult on these National Rail services:
What you get
- Free travel on Tube, DLR, London Overground and Elizabeth line (excluding between West Drayton and Reading)
- Free travel on most National Rail services that accept pay as you go (see map below)
- 50% off adult rate tickets on the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers River Bus services
- Pay as you go at a child rate on the IFS Cloud Cable Car
Before you apply
A parent or guardian must apply online for a 5-10 Zip Oyster photocard.
You will need:
- A clear, unaltered colour digital photo of your child which is a .jpg, .bmp or .gif file and less than 6MB
- Details from your child's valid, machine-readable passport to verify their age and identity. All machine-readable passports are accepted, including non-UK passports
- A colour image of the details page from your child's valid, machine-readable passport that is in .png or .jpg format and less than 6MB. This must clearly show the child's photo, name, date of birth and passport number
- A debit or credit card to pay the £10 administration fee
We'll email you if we have to reject your photo or passport image. You will need to upload another to finish your application for your Zip Oyster photocard.
If your child doesn't have a valid, machine-readable passport: Start your application online and you'll be prompted to download and print a letter to take to the Post Office to complete it.
If your child doesn't have a valid machine-readable passport and you don't live in London: Start your application online and then collect your photocard from a TfL Visitor Centre. Apply at least 28 days before your preferred collection date.
Apply online
The first step is to set up a photocard web account. Use a different email address if you already have an online account for another Oyster card.
If you have any problems applying online or proving your age or address at a Post Office, call us on 0343 222 1234 Monday to Friday 08:00-20:00 (charges may apply). Then, select option 1.
After you apply
- Once your photo, passport image and/or your Post Office letter have been accepted, your 5-10 Zip Oyster photocard will usually arrive within 2 weeks
- Once you get your 5-10 Zip Oyster photocard, it can be used straight away
- Make sure to touch in at the start of your journey and touch out at the end on yellow card readers. Only touch in on buses and trams
- To manage your child's card, sign in to your photocard web account. You can also report a lost, stolen or damaged Oyster photocard
When it expires
5-10 Zip Oyster photocards expire the day before a child's 11th birthday.
You can then apply for an 11-15 Zip Oyster photocard.
Travelling with a discounted Day Travelcard
Children aged 5-15 can get a discounted Off-Peak Zones 1-6 or 1-9 Day Travelcard, when accompanied by an adult buying a discounted Off-Peak Zones 1-6 or 1-9 Day Travelcard at a ticket machine, using a valid:
When travelling, you must accompany children while using your discounted Off-Peak Day Travelcard.
To buy a discounted Off-Peak Day Travelcard at London Overground, Elizabeth line, National Rail Station ticket office or Visitor Centre, you must show your Railcard or Annual Gold Card to staff.
Rules of travel for under 18s
When you apply, you agree that you or the Zip Oyster photocard holder will comply with our Young Person's Behaviour Code. If you or the photocard holder doesn't, we can withdraw the concession or photocard.
Find the terms and conditions for the 16+ Zip Oyster photocard on our photocard terms and conditions page.