Administrative before a trip

Sep 22, 2025

Administrative Matters When Traveling: Passport, Visa, Insurance, and Essential Formalities

Administrative matters... it's not the most exciting part when preparing for a trip, but it is a necessary step to leave with peace of mind. If not anticipated properly, it can turn your adventure into a headache. To make your life easier, here is a step-by-step practical guide to ensure you don't forget anything before takeoff.

1. Check Your Identity Documents: ID Card, Passport, Visa

Traveling within the European Union

A valid national ID card is sufficient in most EU countries and the Schengen area.
Tip: remember to check that it will still be valid upon your return from your trip, and not just at departure.

Traveling Outside the EU

The formalities vary greatly 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 website of France Diplomacy – Travel Advice:
https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays-destination/

Administrative Matters When Traveling: Passport, Visa, Insurance, and Essential Formalities

1. Check Your Identity Documents: ID Card, Passport, Visa

Traveling within the European Union

Traveling Outside the EU

The formalities vary greatly 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).

2. Health and Insurance: Travel with Peace of Mind

In Europe: the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

If you are traveling within the EU or to Switzerland, request the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) at least 15 days before your departure. It allows for coverage of urgent medical care according to local rules.
👉 Free request on Ameli.fr.

Bank Coverages and Travel Insurance

Before you leave, contact your bank to check the coverage included with your credit card (Visa Premier, Mastercard Gold, etc.) :

Liability abroad
Cancellation / modification of travel
Medical assistance and repatriation
Loss/theft of luggage
Legal assistance

Outside the EU: essential after 90 days

Less than 3 months: travel insurance is strongly recommended. Some banks offer it automatically.
More than 3 months: it becomes mandatory. The French Social Security no longer covers your expenses, which can be very costly (hospitalization, repatriation).

👉 To learn more: check out 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 driver's license is often required. Since obtaining it can take a long time (sometimes more than 6 months), plan ahead as much as possible.

👉 Free request on ANTS – International License.
Tip: if you are pressed for time, have your license translated by a sworn translator.

4. Security: Register for the Ariadne Thread

The Ariadne Thread, established by the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, is a free service that allows you to:

Receive security alerts via SMS or e-mail if the situation in the country changes.
Facilitate contact with you or your loved ones in case of a crisis.

👉 Registration here: https://pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fildariane/dyn/public/login.html

Quick checklist before departure

Valid ID card or passport
Visa or electronic authorization (if necessary)
Travel insurance appropriate for the duration and destination
International driving permit (outside the EU)
Registration for the Ariadne Thread
European Health Insurance Card (EU)

Take care of yourself ☺️

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