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With what documents can a French minor travel abroad?

Verified 25 November 2019 - Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister), Ministry of the Interior

Covid-19: restrictions on international travel

Published on 30 November 2020

Many countries have implemented measures to reduce international displacement.

Visit diplomacy.gouv.fr for more information country information and frequently asked questions ..

The rules are different if the child, who lives in France, travels with one of his parents or not.

Travel with one of the parents

If the child is traveling with one of his or her parents, he or she must present different documents according to the destination country.

In Europe

If the child is traveling in a the European Union or the Schengen area , a valid identity card is sufficient.

In another country

Depending on the country's requirements, the child must present:

  • a valid individual passport (which can be obtained for any minor, even a baby),
  • or a valid individual passport and a visa.

The family record may not be required, including if the child and the holder of parental authority have a different name.

Some countries may require proof that the other parent authorizes the trip. For example, Algeria Bosnia and Herzegovina, Morocco or Switzerland ..

To find out what documents are required by the destination country, see travel advice on the website diplomacy.gouv.fr ..

It is highly recommended to consult the embassy or consulate of the country of destination.

Who shall I contact

Travel alone or with another person

A minor child who lives in France and travels abroad without one of his parents must have an exit permit (AST).

The rules depend on the nationality of the parent who signed the TSA.

French parent

A child traveling abroad without a parent must have the following documents:

  • Original of Cerfa form n°15646 for authorization to leave the territory, signed by the holder of parental authority
  • Valid identification of the minor: identity card or passport + visa if necessary depending on the country of destination. See travel advice on the website diplomacy.gouv.fr ..
  • Copy of a signature parent's credential (identity card,passport)
    The credential must be valid or expired for less than 5 years.
    If the parent does not have parental authority :: professional card, identity card or passport of the person holding parental authority.

No other document (e.g. family record) may be required when the minor crosses the border, including if the minor has a different name than the parent who signed the SSA.

Authorization to leave the territory (AST)

Please note

the child must present an AST even if he is only making one stop abroad.

European foreign parent

If the parent who establishes and signs the AST is European, a child traveling abroad without one of his parents must be provided with the following documents:

  • Original of the Cerfa form n°15646 for authorization to leave the territory the holder of parental authority..
  • Valid identification of the minor: identity card or passport + visa if necessary depending on the country of destination Consult travel advice on the website diplomacy.gouv.fr ..
  • Copy of a valid credential from the signatory parent (identity cardpassport or residence permit)
    If the parent does not have parental authority :: professional card or a copy of a valid identity document of the person holding parental authority.

No other document (e.g. family record) may be required when the minor crosses the border, including if the minor has a different name than the parent who signed the SSA.

Authorization to leave the territory (AST)

Please note

the child must present an AST even if he is only making one stop abroad.

Foreign parent of another nationality

If the parent who establishes and signs the TSA is a foreigner, the child who travels without one of his parents must have the following documents:

  • Original of Cerfa form No. 15646 for authorization to leave the territory signed by the holder of parental authority..
  • Valid identification of the minor: identity card or passport + visa if necessary depending on the country of destination Consult travel advice on the website diplomacy.gouv.fr ..
  • Copy of a valid credential from the signatory parent: passport, residence permit, identity document and travel document for refugees or stateless persons
    If the parent does not have parental authority :: professional card or a copy of a valid identity document of the person holding parental authority.

No other document (e.g. family record) may be required when the minor crosses the border, including if the minor has a different name than the parent who signed the SSA.

Authorization to leave the territory (AST)

Please note

the child must present an AST even if he is only making one stop abroad.

FAQ