September 22, 2025
Administrative tasks... it's not the most exciting part when preparing for a trip, but it is a necessary step to travel with peace of mind. If poorly anticipated, it can turn your adventure into a headache.
1. Check your identity documents: identity card, passport, visa
Traveling in the European Union
A valid national identity card is sufficient in most EU countries and the Schengen area.
Tip: make sure to check that it will be valid upon your return trip, and not just at departure.
Traveling outside the EU
Requirements vary significantly from one country to another:
Biometric passport required (often with a validity of 6 months minimum after the date of entry).
Visa required in certain countries (tourist, work, long stay…).
Electronic authorization (e.g., ESTA for the United States, eTA for Canada).
👉 For reliable and up-to-date information, always refer to the official site of France Diplomacy – Travel Advice:
https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays-destination/
2. Health and Insurance: Travel with Peace of Mind
In Europe: the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
If you are traveling to the EU or Switzerland, request the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) at least 15 days before your departure. It covers urgent medical care according to local rules.
👉 Free request at Ameli.fr.
Bank covers and travel insurance
Before you leave, contact your bank to verify the coverage included with your credit card (Visa Premier, Mastercard Gold, etc.):
Liability abroad
Cancellation / trip modification
Medical assistance and repatriation
Loss/theft of luggage
Legal assistance
Outside the EU: essential after 90 days
Less than 3 months: travel insurance is highly recommended. Some banks automatically offer it.
More than 3 months: it becomes mandatory. The French Social Security no longer covers your expenses, and these can be very costly (hospitalization, repatriation).
👉 To go further: discover our complete guide [How to choose your travel insurance well] (here you can insert your internal link).
3. Driving Abroad: National License or International License?
In Europe: your French license is sufficient.
Outside Europe: an international driving permit is often required. As the processing times can be very long (sometimes more than 6 months), plan ahead as much as possible.
👉 Free request at ANTS – International license.
Tip: if you are pressed for time, have your license translated by a certified translator.
4. Security: Register for the Breadcrumb
The Bread Crumb, set up by the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, is a free service that allows you to:
Receive security alerts via SMS or email if the situation in the country changes.
Facilitate contact with you or your loved ones in case of a crisis.
👉 Register here: https://pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fildariane/dyn/public/login.html
Quick checklist before leaving
Valid identity card or passport
Visa or electronic authorization (if necessary)
Travel insurance appropriate for the duration and destination
International driving permit (outside EU)
Registration with the Bread Crumb service
European Health Insurance Card (EU)
Take care of yourself ☺️
