Family Travel to France: Documents You Need When Traveling with Kids
Published May 17, 2025
France has specific rules for families traveling with kids, and the key to a smooth experience is preparation. From passports to travel consent forms, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to avoid hiccups at customs or mid-flight headaches. Let’s make sure your family’s French adventure starts off on a stress-free note!
The Must-Have Documents for Traveling to France with Kids
Passports: The Basics (But Worth Revisiting)
Every traveler, big or small, needs their own passport. No exceptions. This one seems obvious, but plenty of families hit a speed bump here, especially with children’s passports having shorter validity periods (five years) than adult ones (10 years). Here’s what to double-check:
Validity matters: Your child’s passport must be valid at least three months beyond your planned return from the Schengen Zone. If it’s close to expiring, renew it early to avoid panic later.
Allow processing time: Applying for a new child passport (or renewing one) can take several weeks. Don’t wait until the last minute.
New applications: For first-timers, both parents must be present during the passport application process. Otherwise one parent must provide a notarized consent form.
Do Kids Need a Visa to Visit France?
If your family is planning a short stay (up to 90 days within a 180-day period), U.S. citizens, including kids, don’t need a visa. However, starting late 2026, every traveler will need ETIAS authorization (a quick online application).
What About Traveling Without Both Parents?
Not every kid heads to France with both parents. Sometimes it’s a solo parent trip, or grandparents are taking charge. In these cases, having the right paperwork is crucial for smooth sailing through customs.
Consent forms: If only one parent is traveling with the child, or if the child is traveling with someone else, a notarized travel consent form is highly recommended, but not required. Many customs officers request it for added security.
What to include: A good travel consent form should list the child’s full name, travel dates and itinerary, details of the accompanying adult, and the absent parent’s notarized signature. Attach a copy of the absent parent’s passport or ID for extra assurance.
Jessica: “Even if it’s not mandatory for France, airlines and customs agents might ask for proof of consent. It’s better to spend 10 minutes notarizing the form than to deal with delays at the airport.”
How to Prepare Child Travel Consent Forms
Notarized consent forms aren’t complicated to create. Many official government websites offer free templates you can fill out and print. After completing the form, take it to a notary, and voilà, you’re ready to go.
Jean-Paul: “Always carry two copies of notarized documents. Unexpected events can make that extra copy a lifesaver.”
Extra Tips to Make Family Travel Smoother
Packing and Prep
Snacks are non-negotiable: Whether it’s a five-hour flight delay or a picky eater moment on the plane, a stash of their favorite treats can work wonders.
Kid-approved entertainment: Small toys, an iPad loaded with games and movies, or activity books can combat the fidgeting blues and make long flights bearable. Most flights will have inflight entertainment for each individual seat, but content could be limited depending on your child’s age and interests.
Documents at your fingertips: Keep a designated folder with passports, consent letters, and other essentials, so you’re not rifling through bags at security.
Exploring French Culture with Kids
Cultural nuances can make or break family experiences abroad. For instance, not all French restaurants provide kids’ menus, but most chefs are happy to prepare smaller portions on request. It’s polite to ask. And don’t forget to greet with “bonjour!”
Final Checklist for Smooth Travels
Traveling with kids means you’ll want to triple check that everything is ready before departure. Use this quick checklist:
Passports valid for at least three months beyond your departure from France.
Notarized consent forms, if applicable.
A well-organized folder for all your travel documents.
Snacks and favorite toys
With a little preparation, family trips to France can be full of new experiences, discoveries, and quality time together. Bon voyage!