Traveling in Europe

Verified 01 August 2022 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

As a Frenchman, you can move and travel in the area of The European Economic Area (EEA) or in Switzerland. Before your departure, you should inquire about the necessary documents and procedures.

Warning  

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

Keep a copy of 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.

FYI  

you do not need to renew your current id card early if it is still valid. It is only from 2031 that you will no longer be able to travel in the EEA with your old card.

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

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

Warning  

following the health crisis, several countries (Belgium, Greece, Italy, United Kingdom, Turkey, etc.) require that each person who travels fill in a passenger location form, called passenger location form. This form, which is free of charge, differs according to the country.

Major

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

Travel in the Schengen area

If you are French, you can travel to the countries of the Schengen area 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 State or Switzerland may travel under the same conditions as you.

Your family members who are nationals of another state 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 site Travel advice the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and/or the authorities of the country.

Warning  

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

Travel to Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Ireland, 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 before leaving the necessary identification documents via the site Travel advice the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and/or the authorities of the country.

Minor

Child traveling with one of his parents

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

Check before leaving the necessary identification documents via the site Travel advice the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and/or the authorities of the country.

Child traveling without one of his parents

The child must have a authorization to leave the territory (AST).

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

Check before leaving the necessary identification documents via the site Travel advice the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and/or the authorities of the country.

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. Find out before you leave.

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.

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 case of difficulties on the spot, contact the French embassy or consulate.

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.

Find out before you leave via the website Travel advice the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and/or the authorities of the country.

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

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

FAQ