Consent Letter to Travel to France With a Child
The short answer: France has no consent letter rule for a visiting US child, and its exit authorization (AST) is only for children who live in France. Carry a letter from the parents anyway, since Schengen border guards may still check that you have parental care. We found no French rule that it be notarized, but a notarized letter is less likely to be questioned.
At a glance: with one parent, carry one anyway. With a grandparent, relative or friend, carry one anyway.
Traveling to France with one parent
No consent letter rule for a visiting US child with one parent. France's exit authorization (AST) is only for children who live in France and travel without either parent; France states that a child traveling with only one parent does not need one. Schengen border guards may still check that you have parental care.
Traveling to France with a grandparent, aunt, uncle or friend
France's exit authorization (AST) is for children who live in France. France's government says a foreign child who lives abroad and is visiting or passing through France does not need one. The State Department's France page is worded more broadly, so carry a letter from the parents.
Does it need to be notarized?
We found no French requirement for a visiting US child. Canada notes that a notarized letter is less likely to be questioned by border officials, and the same logic applies here.
What to carry to France
- each child's passport and a copy of their birth certificate
- the original consent letter, signed by the parent or parents who are not traveling, and a spare
- copies of each signer's signed passport or ID, attached to the letter
- the parents' phone numbers saved in your phone
Sources: Service-Public.fr: autorisation de sortie du territoire · EU Schengen Borders Code, Annex VII · US State Department: France
Common questions
- Do I need a consent letter to take my child to France?
- No consent letter rule for a visiting US child with one parent. France's exit authorization (AST) is only for children who live in France and travel without either parent; France states that a child traveling with only one parent does not need one. Schengen border guards may still check that you have parental care.
- What does a grandparent or aunt need to travel to France with a child?
- France's exit authorization (AST) is for children who live in France. France's government says a foreign child who lives abroad and is visiting or passing through France does not need one. The State Department's France page is worded more broadly, so carry a letter from the parents.
- Does the letter for France need to be notarized?
- We found no French requirement for a visiting US child. Canada notes that a notarized letter is less likely to be questioned by border officials, and the same logic applies here.
Want the letters ready to fill in? The Child Travel Consent Kit has Letter A for one parent traveling, Letter B for a grandparent, relative or friend, a notarization checklist and notes for ten destinations. Get the kit for $14.
Related guides
- Do You Need a Consent Letter to Travel With a Child?
- Does a Child Travel Consent Letter Need to Be Notarized?
- Traveling Abroad With Your Grandchildren: The Letter You Need
- Consent Letter to Travel to Spain With a Child
- Consent Letter to Travel to United Kingdom With a Child
This guide explains what official sources say. It is not legal advice, and border officers apply the rules on the day. Check the linked source and your airline's own rules before you fly, and talk to a family law attorney if there is a custody order or a dispute.