Travel for minors (under 18 years old)

1. Any passenger under 18 years old, whether he or she is a French citizen or a foreigner living in France, must obtain authorization to leave the country for any journey outside France without a parent or legal guardian.

Depending on the destination country, the passenger must be in possession of:

  • An ID card or an individual passport (with a visa, if applicable)
  • The permit to travel form (“l'autorisation de sortie du territoire" in French) signed by a parent or legal guardian
  • A photocopy of a valid identity document of the parent or legal guardian who provided his or her signature for the permit to travel form
The permit to travel form (“l'autorisation de sortie du territoire" in French) signed by a parent or legal guardian This page will open in a new window.
View the official website This page will open in a new window.

2. Important Notice for Foreign Minors Residing in France

When traveling outside the Schengen Area—such as to Japan—foreign minors residing in France must carry a Document de Circulation pour Étranger Mineur (DCEM).
Without a valid DCEM, re-entry into France or transit through Schengen countries may be delayed or denied. In some cases, it may not be possible to return to France from the destination country.

For more information, please refer to the official website of the French government and relevant public authorities here. This page will open in a new window.
  • We strongly recommend that you check the entry and return conditions applicable to your destination and situation before traveling.