Tips

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.

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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.

Author
Sébastien Couix

As CEO of Visamundi, I am dedicated to simplifying international travel by assisting our clients in obtaining visas worldwide. By staying at the forefront of ever-changing regulations, I ensure our agency remains a trusted pillar in the visa services industry.

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