Traveling outside Europe

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

You are French and you are about to travel abroad (outside of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland). You want to know what documents and steps are necessary before leaving? 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).

Find out where you plan to travel

It is advisable to get information about the country where you plan to travel, especially in the following areas:

  • Security situation
  • Health condition
  • Payment and withdrawal conditions
  • Means of transport

The relevant information is available on the Travel advice of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

You can also check with the authorities of the country where you are visiting.

Please note

it is necessary to check the conditions for canceling your trip, as the security situation in the country may change between your booking and the date of your departure.

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 (forecast of a tornado, stop of public transport,..., for example) 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

Protect your personal data

It is advisable to protect your personal data and secure your digital devices (phone, tablet, laptop).

To do this, you can consult the travel advice on the website diplomatie.gouv.fr and the Cnil check-list.

You're an adult

The papers to be presented depend on the country you want to go to.

You can go to the Travel advice of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to check.

It may be a passport valid at the time of travel or several months after return.

A visa may be required.

Some countries also accept a valid ID card.

Warning  

To travel to the UK, you must present your valid passport at the border. Only Irish nationals, European citizens or Swiss citizens with a status (provisional or not) of residence in the United Kingdom can continue to present their identity cards until 2025.

You're a minor

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

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You are traveling with one of your parents

Depending on the country of destination, the following documents may be required:

  • Identity document (national identity card or individual passport. A passport can be obtained for any minor, even a baby)
  • Endorsement
  • Justification if you are traveling alone with them. Some countries require proof of family ties or legalized authorization proving that the other parent authorizes the child's travel.

Before leaving, you can inquire via the website Travel advice the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and/or the authorities of the country where you are visiting.

You are traveling alone or accompanied by a third party

You usually reside in France and travel abroad, you must have a authorization to leave the territory (AST).

Warning  

The rules depend on the nationality of the parent signing the AST.

Depending on the country of destination, the following documents may be required:

Before leaving, you can inquire via the website Travel advice the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and/or the authorities of the country you are visiting.

Before leaving, it is important to check that you are well insured for your trip.

You do not have domestic roaming when using your mobile phone outside the European Economic Area (EEA).

You must therefore check the applicable tariffs by your operator.

Depending on the country of destination, required documents are different.

In addition to your driver's license, you may need an international driving license or a temporary driving license.

If you are driving your own vehicle, bring the following documents:

Before leaving, you can inquire via the website Travel advice the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and/or the authorities of the country you are visiting.

For traveling outside Europe with your pet, make sure your pet is identified and vaccinated.

It is recommended to inquire at the embassy in France of the country of destination to know the conditions of entry specific to your pet.

In some countries, you have to fill in a form on arrival or shortly afterwards.

Before leaving, you can inquire via the website Travel advice the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and/or the authorities of the country you are visiting.

FAQ