Documents You Need When Traveling to France with Kids
Published May 17, 2025
Traveling to France with children can be wonderful, but it also involves a fair bit of paperwork. Whether you’re headed on a family vacation or sending your child abroad with a relative, a little planning now can save you major stress later. Here's what to bring, what to know, and how to avoid last-minute surprises at the airport.
Quick Checklist: What You’ll Need
A valid passport for every traveler, including babies
A notarized travel consent form if one parent (or a non-parent) is traveling with the child
Starting in late 2026, an ETIAS travel authorization for each person
A folder with printed copies of all your key documents
Anything that helps you stay organized when the gate agent calls your name and your kid is eating raisins off the floor
Start With the Basics: Passports for Everyone
Yes, every child needs a passport, even infants. Kids’ passports are only valid for five years, and you'd be surprised how many parents forget to check the expiration date until it's too late.
Things to double-check:
The passport must be valid at least three months beyond your departure from the Schengen Zone
Processing times can stretch to 8–12 weeks, so don’t cut it close
For first-time passports, both parents must be present — or the absent parent needs to provide a notarized consent form
If your passport is expiring soon, renew early. It’s not worth the risk of a denied boarding.
No Visa Required, But ETIAS Is Coming
For now, U.S. citizens (adults and kids) can enter France for trips under 90 days with just a passport. No visa needed. But beginning in late 2026, you’ll also need an ETIAS authorization, a quick online form that’s not quite a visa, but still required. Keep an eye on updates via the official ETIAS site.
What If You're Not Traveling as a Full Family?
Let’s say one parent is staying home, or Grandma is taking the kids to Paris. This is where a notarized travel consent form comes in. France doesn’t legally require it, but it’s common for airline staff or border agents to ask for it — and not having one can cause delays or even prevent you from boarding.
What to include in the form:
Child’s full name and date of birth
Name of the adult they’re traveling with
Travel dates and destinations
Contact info and a notarized signature from the non-traveling parent or guardian
A copy of the absent parent’s ID or passport (a nice extra to have)
Jessica: “I’ve flown with my kids solo a few times. Sometimes no one asks for the form, other times it’s the first thing they want. I always bring two copies just in case.”
How to Get a Travel Consent Form
There’s no single official template, but you can find reliable ones from your airline, the U.S. State Department, or reputable legal sites. Fill it out, print it, and get it notarized. Done.
Jean-Paul: “It takes ten minutes to get a document notarized. It can take hours to fix things if you show up at the airport without it.”
Keep It All Together: Travel Folder Musts
Here’s what experienced parents swear by:
One folder with all your important documents
Extra printed boarding passes and hotel info
Notarized consent form(s), plus a second copy tucked in a different bag
Emergency contact list and travel insurance info
A pen. Seriously. You’ll need it when your kid is asleep on your shoulder and you’re filling out a form on your thigh
A Few Bonus Tips for Traveling with Kids in France
Kids’ menus aren’t guaranteed, but many French restaurants will make smaller portions if you ask politely
A cheerful bonjour at the start of every interaction goes a long way
Airport agents and security are more patient with prepared families — keep calm, stay organized, and smile even when your kid is melting down over the wrong color apple juice
Need more help planning your trip? Don’t miss our Family Guide.
Final Pre-Trip Checklist
Before you head out the door, triple-check that you’ve got:
Valid passports for every traveler (with enough time left)
Notarized consent forms, if needed
Printed confirmations for flights, hotels, and transportation
ETIAS (if traveling in 2026 or later)
Snacks, activities, and some low-stakes bribery for the flight
FAQs: Common Questions About Family Travel to France
Do kids need passports to go to France?
Yes. Every traveler needs their own passport, no matter how young they are.
What if I’m traveling alone with my child?
You should absolutely bring a notarized travel consent form from the other parent, even if it’s not legally required. Many officials expect it.
Will kids need to complete ETIAS?
Yes. ETIAS will apply to every traveler, including babies, starting in late 2026.
Can I just show a digital version of the consent form?
Bring a printed, signed, and notarized copy. Some agents won’t accept digital versions.
Bottom Line
Traveling to France with kids is entirely doable — and incredibly rewarding — as long as you plan ahead. Having the right documents on hand keeps your trip on track and gives you peace of mind. After that, it's just you, your crew, and the adventure ahead.
Bon voyage.
