Travelling in France: all you need is an identity card
If you're taking a domestic flight between two French cities (e.g. Limoges to Lyon or Pau to Brest), a valid national identity card is all you need.
The CNI remains the safest document for proving identity in the event of a check.
Travelling in Europe: identity card or passport?
Within the European Union and the Schengen area, a French identity card is all you need to cross borders. This applies, for example, to flights to Italy, Switzerland or Greece.
However, it is important to check that your card is still valid. Some destinations, such as Belgium or Norway, do not accept a card automatically extended by 5 years if it is visually out of date.
When in doubt, the passport remains the universally recognized document.
Travelling outside Europe: passport required
For destinations outside the Schengen area, a passport is mandatory. Some countries even require it to be valid for at least 6 months after the planned return date.
A visa may also be required, as is the case for some African and Asian destinations.
Before you leave, always check the entry requirements directly on the website of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, or with the consulate of the country concerned.
Special cases: minors, business travelers, specific situations
- Travelling with a minor child: since 2012, the child must have his or her own identity document (CNI or passport).Authorization to leave the country may be required if the child is traveling without his or her parents.
- Business travel: some trips require additional documents (company invitation, letter of assignment). If you plan well in advance, you'll be able to avoid bottlenecks.
- International connections: if you have a stopover in a non-EU country, a passport is generally required, even if your final destination is within the EU.
What should I do if my document is lost or out of date?
Last-minute problems can happen. If you've lost your papers before the theft, you'll need to report the loss to the police station or gendarmerie and ask for an official receipt. This does not replace an identity document, but it can help you with the paperwork.
If your card or passport has expired, air transport cannot accept an invalidated document. Remember to renew your passport several weeks before departure, especially during the summer months.
Travel with peace of mind
At Chalair, we know that preparing for a trip can be full of questions. That's why we invite you to systematically check your documents before arriving at the airport. Whether you're traveling in France, Europe or further afield, there's only one rule to remember: it's better to plan too much than too little.
Between identity card and passport, the documents you need for your flight depend essentially on your destination. For a domestic or European flight, an identity card is sufficient, but for an international flight, a passport is essential. In case of doubt, the passport remains the universal document of choice. Anticipate, check and travel with peace of mind: these are the keys to a successful departure.