Before going on holiday abroad, many think to buy a travel guide and learn the rudiments of a new language, but it is not enough. Before starting you need to do some formalities.
Passport or ID card?
To go abroad, outside the Schengen area, you need a passport. Otherwise, an identity card is sufficient.
If you already have a passport in your name, make sure the expiration date. Your passport must be valid until the date of return to France or even sometimes exceed six months from the date of return. Perform this verification as soon renewal procedure can take time. In this case, it will cost you € 88 for adults, 45 € for 15-18 years and 20 € for children under fifteen who are now required to have their own passport.
Some states accept the identity card as a travel document. This list evolves regularly, we invite you to visit the Consulate website: Travel advice.
Visa?
For some countries, a visa is required. It is an authentic stamp of authorization to enter the country. It is affixed on the passport validity.
The application is made to the consulate of the country of destination or the consular department of the embassy. The visa is stamped on the passport validity. The visa fee depends on the country of your trip.
Note: A valid visa on an expired passport is still valid if we often can present a valid passport at the same time.
While some destinations do not require passports or visas and they do need an identity card, remember to check its validity! (This is the case of the United Kingdom).
Verification of Vaccines
Before leaving for a foreign country, learn about the necessary vaccinations. It is always good to have the most current vaccines Update: diphtheria, tetanus, polio (DTP) and hepatitis A.
Some are required to enter certain foreign countries, particularly tropical.
Although some vaccines are not mandatory, they may be advised.
For information on recommended vaccinations or mandatory according to country, please contact an International vaccination, often located in university hospitals.
Travel and health insurance
It does not happen to others. We can all be sick on vacation. It is therefore necessary to be well assured that you are.
Check the services related to your credit card, travel insurance is often included.
To leave serene, we also recommend …
Aid kit
In some countries, access to medicines can be difficult and the language can be problematic.
So remember to prepare a first aid kit before leaving. Provide an analgesic, anti diarrheal, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, sterile dressings and adhesive sutures. Depending on your destination to consider as a sunscreen and a cream against mosquitoes.
Weather
Remember to check the weather before you go to fill your bag depending on climatic conditions. Countries known for their heat may experience a period of unusually cool and vice versa.
An adapter if necessary
It is advisable to obtain a suitable adapter and a converter for electrical appliances you bring in your suitcase. Remember to take the form appropriate to your destination but also a good look at the voltage you need.
Photocopy of your papers
Nobody is safe from loss or theft of papers. It is therefore far from being superfluous to photocopy documents such as your passport, credit cards, airline tickets, driver’s license … These paper copies can be left or stored near you. You can also scan them and store them on your mailbox for access wherever you are, without fear of losing them.