TRAVEL DOCUMENTS FOR YOUR LITTLE ONE

For French People

If you travel on French territory, a document proving the identity and your affiliation with your baby can be your family book (livret de famille). If the entry in a foreign country is subject to the presentation of a valid identity card (even within Europe), you will need to make this document on behalf of the child.
If the destination requires the presentation of a passport, you have to make one for your child too.

All applications must be filed at the City Hall (Mairie) at your place of residence (in Paris, at the police headquarters in the district -arrondissement- of their choice).
French expatriates should contact their consulate.

For an ID book, you will need to bring:

• your family book 
•   two passport photos of the child 
• proof of residence
• ID of the parent accompanying the child. 

There is no minimum age, and it's free. Remember that your child will accompany you when you go to file your claim. It takes a minimum of three weeks. The ID book is valid for 10 years.

Obtaining a passport in the name of the child may, by cons, take up to five weeks for about € 60 and is valid for 5 years. And it requires the same documents and even sometimes your child’s ID book too.

Note:
Separated and divorced parents must present the order of court or the terms of the judgment ruling on the authority parental.
 

For English People

The application forms are available from a post office branch that offers the passport check and send service. If getting to a post office with your little one is not easy, you can fill in the application form online. It will be sent to you to sign and return with the necessary documents. Or you can request a form online and it will be sent to you in the post. Visit the post office website, www.postoffice.co.uk.

When you apply, you will need to provide the following documents:

• The completed application form.
• Two identical colour photos. One of which is signed by a professional who knows you and your baby.
• Original documents to prove your baby is British, such as his birth certificate and British passport details for you and your partner.
• Payment of £49.00.

The professional who signs the back of the photo also needs to sign the form to confirm they have known you for at least two years. Suitable professionals include teachers, accountants, journalists, chiropodists, dentists, police officers, solicitors, pharmacists, and so on.
 

The passport should take about three or four weeks to come through. If you really can't wait to travel, there's a one-week fast track service costing £96.50, or a one-day premium service costs £109.50. You need to make an appointment for these by calling the Passport Advice line on 0300 222 0000. 

How to take passport photos of your baby

Getting your baby's passport photo taken can be quite a challenge, particularly if he's not yet sitting up or if he sleeps often. The photo needs to show your baby's face against a plain cream background. This is so his features are distinguishable.

It is possible to take your baby's passport photo in a booth but it's not easy. He has to be on his own in the picture. So you'll have to support him at the right height without any part of your body appearing.

Make sure to sit your baby so he's facing forwards. The passport photo requirements ask for the mouth to be unsmiling and closed, with eyes looking at the camera.

You can get a digital photo you have taken at home converted into a passport photo, considering it meets all the requirements. The website Paspic can check that the photo is acceptable (UK). Alternatively you can go to a high-street photographer. 

For more information, go to www.babyincl.com