Documents and formalities

Travel information and requirements

Identity documents

Can't travel without them ! Passport, visas, and ID cards – even for children – are essential for your trip. Forgetting them means saying goodbye to your journey before it even begins. With the tightening of security checks under France’s Vigipirate plan, domestic flights are also subject to strict controls to ensure everyone’s safety. Before you travel, make sure to check all required formalities with your travel agency, tour operator, or airline.

Save time at border controls with PARAFE*. Do you have a French biometric passport? Are you a citizen of one of the 27 European Union member states, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein (Schengen Area) and over 18 years old? Then take advantage of the new PARAFE e-gates using facial recognition technology and breeze through border controls in no time.

*PARAFE: Automated Fast Track at External Borders

I am French

To travel within France, you must present a French national identity card, a passport, or a driver’s license. If you are traveling to French overseas territories and transiting through a foreign country, a passport will be required.

To travel within the European Union and the Schengen Area, you must present a French national identity card or a passport. Please note: minors traveling without their parents must also carry a travel authorization form signed by one of their parents.

For all other destinations, you must present your passport. Some countries may also require additional documents, such as a visa. Check the Travel Advice section on the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the latest information and entry requirements.

Learn more

I am an EU citizen

To travel within France, you must present either an identity card or a passport. If you are traveling to French overseas territories and transiting through a foreign country, a passport will be required.

To travel within the European Union and the Schengen Area, you must also present an identity card or a passport. Please note: minors traveling without their parents must have a travel authorization form signed by one of their parents.

Entry and travel conditions within the Schengen Area

I am a non-Schengen citizen

Starting from October 12, 2025, to travel to France and throughout the Schengen Area for a short stay (a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period), you will need to register in the EES (Entry/Exit System) each time you cross the external borders of European countries.

Learn more about the EES