Do children need a travel exit permit when traveling abroad without parents?
Learn when French minors require an 'autorisation de sortie de territoire' (AST) for international travel, including documentation needs and exceptions.
If a French-resident child is traveling abroad (including for a layover) without a legal guardian (parent or tutor), they must have an autorisation de sortie de territoire (AST).
What is an AST?
The autorisation de sortie de territoire is a form (Cerfa Form 15646*01) that a legal guardian must complete online, print, and sign. The guardian must also attach a copy of their valid ID to the form. When the child crosses the border, they will not be asked to present a family record booklet, even if their surname differs from the guardian’s.
Example
I am Italian. My child lives in France. Does they need an AST to travel abroad?
Yes. Your child must travel with their AST, a national ID card or passport (depending on destination), visa (if required), and a copy of the guardian’s valid ID (ID card, passport, or residency permit).
Traveling to a country requiring an e-Visa
Some destinations, such as India, Oman, or Sri Lanka, require an e-Visa. For minors traveling without their parents, an AST is not required to obtain an e-Visa, but the form may be requested during immigration or boarding.
e-Visa applications can be complex. Visamundi offers simplified online forms in French and multilingual support (chat, voice messaging, email) to assist travelers with the process.
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