Travel document for non-EU children living in France
Anecdotal evidence suggests that non-EU and TCN (third-country national) children under 18 have had some issues with border control in France even when traveling with their parents or guardians.
While non-EU citizens under 18 living in France are not required to hold a residency card (unlike adults, who are), presenting a DCEM travel document (document de circulation pour étranger mineur) can be helpful as proof of residency on their return into France.
Although not a legal requirement, it is intended to facilitate smoother border crossings. As far as I am aware, no under-18s living legally in France have been refused entry to date but the border guards are said to be ‘recommending’ they obtain a DCEM.
A DCEM might therefore be particularly useful for British parents who obtained their residency cards in France under the withdrawal agreement: giving them hassle-free return to their homes in France after trips to the UK and abroad.
It is not hard to obtain, and is valid for 5 years (or is valid until the parent or guardians residency card expires), but it does cost 50 euros in fiscal stamps, see: https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F33071
Details of how to apply, according to your circumstances, and the documents required can be found on the French government website: https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F2718
Applications are now made using the minister of interior website: https://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr/particuliers/#/
Note to the reader: As ever, I’ve done my utmost to give you the facts and clear explanations prior to publication, but you’ll need to keep an eye on updates as they become available by checking the links provided.
Jenny Smith EI, French Wordsmith, offers comprehensive administrative, translation and support services for English-speaking people in France on just about anything you can think of – from business and building to health, home, residence and schooling. Go to www.frenchwordsmith.fr for full details of her services.
