Traveling in Europe

Verified 09 October 2023 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

You are French, you will travel in the European Economic Area (EEA) or in Switzerland and you want to know what documents and steps are necessary before you leave? We present you with the information you need to know.

Warning  

Since Brexit, the United Kingdom is no longer part of the the European Union, or The European Economic Area (EEA).

Keep a copy of your identity documents

It is advisable to photocopy or scan your identity documents.

This will be useful in case of loss or theft of your papers abroad.

Digitized documents are available for download at any time and can facilitate proof of your identity.

Register on Ariane

It is advisable to register on Ariane.

Ariane is a department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

It allows you to receive, by email or SMS, information or safety instructions during your trip if the situation of the country justifies it

The person you designate as contact person can also be warned.

Ariane: to be alerted in case of a crisis during a trip abroad

Emergency number

The 112 is the European emergency number that you can call for free from a fixed or mobile phone.

It puts you directly in touch with the emergency services: police, fire and ambulance.

Who shall I contact

  • European emergency number - 112

     112

    Emergency number to be used for a call from a European country or from a mobile phone

    24/7

    Free call

In exceptional cases, you may be refused entry to a European country on a ground public policy, public security or public health.

The rules differ depending on whether you are an adult or a minor.

You can use a simulator to find out what documents are required to travel.

Know the documents required to travel to Europe

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

You're an adult

The rules are different if you are traveling in a Schengen countries or another country.

In the Schengen area

If you are French, you can travel to the Schengen countries without having to show your identity card or passport at the border.

However, it is recommended that you carry your passport or identity card to prove your identity if necessary. For example, in the case of a police check.

A driver's license is not allowed as an ID.

Your family members who are nationals of an EEA country or Switzerland may travel under the same conditions as you.

Your family members who are nationals of another country must always have a valid passport. Depending on their country of origin, an entry visa may be required.

Check before leaving the necessary documents via the Travel Advice website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and/or with the authorities of the country.

Travel advice

Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs

Pour en savoir plus

Warning  

in exceptional circumstances, Schengen countries may temporarily re-establish border control.

In Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Ireland or Romania

To travel to these countries, you must present your valid national identity card or passport at the border.

This rule also applies to your family.

Check the travel advice website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and/or the country's authorities before leaving.

Travel advice

Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs

Pour en savoir plus

You're a minor

The information differs depending on whether you are traveling with one of your parents or alone.

You are traveling with one of your parents

Depending on the country of destination, the minor must carry a valid identity card or passport and sometimes a visa.

Check the travel advice website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and/or the country's authorities before leaving.

Travel advice

Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs

Pour en savoir plus

You are traveling alone or accompanied by a third party

The miner must have with him a authorization to leave the territory (AST).

Depending on the country of destination, the minor must also carry a valid identity card or passport and sometimes a visa.

Check the travel advice website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and/or the country's authorities before leaving.

Travel advice

Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs

Pour en savoir plus

Check before you leave that you are well insured for your trip.

You benefit from domestic roaming when using your mobile phone while traveling in one of the European Economic Area (EEA) countries.

This means you can call, text and use the local data network at no extra charge.

Your valid French driver's license and the vehicle's papers are sufficient to driving in Europe.

FYI  

depending on the country you are traveling in, a label or sticker should be placed on your vehicle. In general, you can buy it at a border crossing or a gas station. Check with the embassy or consulate before your departure.

You must have a european passport for your pet if you are traveling in one of the The European Economic Area (EEA) or in Switzerland.

In some countries, you must report your presence to the competent authorities within a reasonable time after your arrival. For example, in Belgium, you must declare your presence within 10 days with the municipal administration of the place of your residence.

You risk a penalty, such as a fine, if you don't.

If you are staying at a hotel or campsite, it is usually enough to fill in a form. The hotel or the campsite takes care of the procedures.

Ask for information before your departure via the Travel Advice website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and/or the country's authorities.

Travel advice

Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs

Pour en savoir plus

Yes, you can to be expelled at any time during your stay for a reason public policy, public security or public health.

Know the documents required to travel to Europe

Ariane: to be alerted in case of a crisis during a trip abroad

FAQ