Ministry answers queries on under-18s and travel to and from France
We spoke to the French Interior Ministry to clear up the confusion over non-EU under-18s’ travel
Ministry confirmed passports of under-18s benefiting from the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement should not be stamped
Frau aus UA / Shutterstock
The Interior Ministry has provided some clarifications after we recently flagged up confusion among British families about rules for under-18s when travelling.
Read more: Residency and travel: Confusion over French rules for non-EU under-18s
A spokesman said the Douanes (customs) service will also issue a reminder of the rules to border control officers at Limoges, where several British families had reported issues.
He said that applications for DCEM travel documents for non-EU under-18s are now made online.
The information from online applications is presented in a paper format featuring a security barcode, rather than on a laminated card.
The new system is recognised across the Schengen area.
DCEM to avoid passport stamping
Passports of under-18s benefiting from the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement should not be stamped.
They are not obliged to have a DCEM, similarly to other children of nationalities that do not need visas for short-term visits to France.
However, as this can be complicated to prove if they are not with their parents, a DCEM can be useful to avoid passport stamping.
In any case, the stamping of passports of people with a continuing right to live in France has no legal effect.
The spokesman stressed that all unaccompanied children travelling abroad need a free autorisation de sortie du territoire form.
Related articles
What is France’s DCEM form for young foreigners?
How does EU's 90/180-day rule work when visiting France?
Does a French residency card allow you free movement in the EU?
