Toulouse Entry Requirements

Children must have their own passport (family passports are no longer accepted). Minors under 18 traveling alone or with only one parent should carry a notarized parental consent letter from the non-accompanying parent(s), including contact information and copies of parents' ID documents. For children traveling with adults who are not their parents, a notarized authorization letter from both parents is required. French authorities may ask for birth certificates (translated into French if not in English) to verify relationships. Divorced or separated parents should carry custody documents. Same visa requirements apply to children as adults, though some fee reductions apply. Unaccompanied minors require special airline arrangements and documentation.

Pets entering France from EU countries must be microchipped (ISO 11784/11785 compliant), have a valid rabies vaccination (administered at least 21 days before travel, after microchipping), and carry a European Pet Passport. Pets from non-EU countries need microchipping, rabies vaccination, rabies antibody titer test (performed at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before travel), official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, and endorsement by relevant authority. Dogs must also be treated for tapeworm 1-5 days before entry. Dangerous dog breeds have restrictions or bans. Maximum 5 pets per person for non-commercial travel. Airlines have separate pet travel policies and fees. Service animals have specific provisions. Pets must enter through designated points of entry. Check current regulations on the French Ministry of Agriculture website.

Tourist visas and visa-free stays are limited to 90 days within 180 days in the Schengen Area and cannot be extended for tourism purposes. For stays exceeding 90 days, you must apply for a long-stay visa (visa de long séjour) before arriving in France from your country of residence. Long-stay visa categories include: work visas (requires job offer and employer sponsorship), student visas (requires acceptance to French educational institution), family reunification visas, and visitor visas for retirees with sufficient income. After arrival with a long-stay visa, you must validate it with the French immigration office (OFII) within 3 months. Long-stay visa holders may need to apply for a residence permit (carte de séjour). Applications are processed through French consulates and require extensive documentation including financial proof, accommodation, health insurance, and background checks. Processing can take several months. Overstaying your authorized period can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans to the Schengen Area.

Business visitors on short-term trips (under 90 days) can usually enter on tourist visa or visa-free status but cannot engage in paid employment. Permitted activities include attending meetings, conferences, negotiations, and trade shows. Carry invitation letters from French business contacts, conference registration, and evidence of business purpose. For paid work or longer assignments, a work visa and work permit are required, sponsored by a French employer. Highly skilled workers may qualify for EU Blue Card. Intra-company transfers have specific visa categories. Self-employed individuals and freelancers face additional requirements. Business travelers should carry business cards, company documentation, and proof of ties to home country. Some nationalities may face additional scrutiny for business travel.

Students enrolled in French educational institutions for courses exceeding 90 days must obtain a long-stay student visa (visa de long séjour mention étudiant) before arrival. Requirements include acceptance letter from a French institution, proof of financial resources (minimum €615/month for 2024), health insurance, accommodation proof, and academic transcripts. Campus France procedure may be required depending on nationality. After arrival, validate visa with OFII and obtain student residence permit. Students can work part-time (up to 964 hours annually). Short-term courses under 90 days may be possible on tourist status depending on nationality. Language course students have specific visa categories. Student visas can sometimes be renewed in France. Bring original diplomas, transcripts, and translations.

If you hold both French/EU citizenship and another nationality, you must enter and exit France/EU using your French/EU passport. This is a legal requirement for EU citizens. Dual nationals should carry both passports but present the French/EU one at immigration. If you hold citizenship of a visa-required country and a visa-exempt country, use the visa-exempt passport for entry. Some countries don't recognize dual nationality, so research implications for your specific nationalities. Ensure both passports are valid and have consistent personal information. If names differ between passports, carry supporting documentation (marriage certificate, name change documents). Consult both countries' embassies regarding dual nationality obligations and military service requirements.

Passengers transiting through Toulouse-Blagnac Airport without leaving the international zone generally don't need to clear French immigration. However, some nationalities require an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) even for airside transit. Check if your nationality requires an ATV. If changing airports in France or leaving the international zone, you must clear immigration and need appropriate authorization (visa-free entry, visa, or ETIAS when implemented). For checked baggage on separate tickets, you may need to clear immigration and customs to collect and recheck luggage. Schengen Area flights are not considered international transit. Allow sufficient connection time - minimum 1 hour for Schengen-Schengen, 90 minutes for international connections. Keep all boarding passes and booking confirmations accessible.