Pre-flight Information and Formalities

Preparing properly before departure

It is the responsibility of each passenger to ensure compliance with the customs, administrative and health requirements of the departure, destination and transit countries.

Documents are checked at airports, and the competent authorities (Corsair and border police) have full discretion to deny departure or entry to any person who does not meet the required conditions. No exceptions will be made.

We therefore strongly encourage you to visit the following website: Customs Service

The information provided below by CORSAIR is given for guidance only and is subject to change. It is your responsibility to check with the relevant authorities which documents and formalities are required to enter your destination and transit countries at the time of your travel. Any passenger refused at check-in or boarding due to non-compliant documents will automatically forfeit their ticket. CORSAIR cannot be held liable in the event of denied boarding or refusal of entry into the destination country due to failure to comply with police, health or customs requirements.

Pre-flight formalities: required travel documents depending on your destination

We remind you that it is the responsibility of each passenger to ensure compliance with customs, administrative and health requirements.

General rules regarding the format and condition of your travel documents

Please observe the following strict rules regarding your identity documents:

Only original physical documents are accepted: You must present your passport or identity card in physical format. Digital documents (such as those from the France Identité application) or simple photocopies are not valid and will systematically be refused at boarding.
Please ensure your documents are in good condition: Take great care of your identity documents. You will not be allowed to travel if your document is damaged, torn, excessively worn or illegible. Border authorities are very strict on this matter.
Check the blank pages in your passport: If you are travelling outside Europe, make sure you have sufficient blank pages in your passport. Many countries require at least one or two completely blank pages for visas or entry stamps. A full passport, even if still valid, may prevent you from travelling.

Good to know: to be allowed to board, the surname and given names on your flight ticket must be strictly identical to those on your identity document (passport or identity card). Spelling, the order of given names and even hyphens must match exactly. A simple discrepancy (e.g. “Jean-Pierre” on the ticket and “Jean Pierre” on the passport) may result in denial of boarding or refusal by border police.

Important information for non-European passengers

The EES (Entry/Exit System)

Since 12 October 2025, the European Union has been implementing a new automated system called the EES (Entry/Exit System) at the external borders of the Schengen Area. This digital system has progressively replaced the manual stamping of passports for third-country nationals staying for a short period (up to 90 days within a 180-day period).

Upon first entry into the Schengen Area following the introduction of the EES, travellers must provide their personal data (name, date of birth, nationality, travel document number), as well as their biometric data (facial image and fingerprints, except for children under 12 years of age).

On subsequent crossings, the system automatically verifies the data already recorded, which helps streamline border control procedures.

The main objectives of the EES are to modernise border controls, enhance border security, prevent document fraud and detect overstays.

Since 10 April 2026, electronic registration has fully replaced manual passport stamping at all border crossing points of the Schengen Area.

ETIAS travel authorisation

In addition to the EES, the European Union is preparing the launch of ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System), with official implementation scheduled for the last quarter of 2026.

Unlike the EES, which is carried out physically at border control, ETIAS is an electronic travel authorisation (similar to the U.S. ESTA or the Canadian eTA) that must be obtained prior to departure. It will apply to nationals of around sixty third countries currently exempt from visa requirements to enter the Schengen Area (such as Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, etc.).

Key points to remember about ETIAS:

The process: the application will be completed entirely online. It is strongly recommended to apply even before booking your flight or accommodation.
Cost: the fee will be €20. However, the authorisation will be free of charge for travellers under 18 and over 70 years old.

More information on the official website here.

Additional recommendations regarding your travel documents

Are you travelling with your pet? Do not forget that your pet also needs its own documents to fly. Make sure you carry its health record, its European pet passport, and that all vaccinations are fully up to date.
Travelling with medication? Always keep essential medication with you in your cabin baggage, in its original packaging. You must carry a medical prescription in your name (preferably indicating the international nonproprietary name of the medication).
Register on the Ariane portal: If you reside in France, we recommend registering free of charge on the “Ariane” platform of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs before your departure. This secure service allows you to receive alerts in case of crisis or security-related events in your destination country.
Consult the IATA Travel Centre: Entry requirements (visas, passport, health) may vary significantly depending on your nationality and destination. To check the exact and up-to-date requirements applicable to your trip, we invite you to use the official IATA Travel Centre portal. It is the global reference tool for travellers.

Below you will find information by destination. For further details, or in case of doubt, please consult the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

To and from Reunion Island

Required documents to enter the territory:

A valid national ID card or passport.
For foreign nationals: a valid passport, visa if applicable, and a return ticket or proof of onward travel.

For minors:

Those traveling with both parents, or with one parent only, do not need an exit authorization. A valid passport or ID card will suffice.
If the child is traveling alone, they must present their passport or ID card (depending on the destination country's requirements), the exit authorization form signed by one parent, and a copy of the signing parent’s ID document.
If in doubt, we recommend consulting the following website: https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F1922

Find more information about travel to Réunion on the website of the Prefect of the Réunion region.

To and from Martinique

Required documents to enter the territory:

A valid national ID card or passport.

For minors:

Those traveling with both parents, or with one parent only, do not need an exit authorization. A valid passport or national ID card will suffice.
If the child is traveling alone, they must present their passport or ID card (as required by the destination country), the exit authorization form signed by one parent, and a copy of the signing parent's ID document.
If in doubt, we recommend checking the following website: https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F1922

Find more information about travel to Martinique by visiting the website of the Prefect of Martinique.

To and from Guadeloupe

Required documents to enter the territory:

A valid national ID card or passport.

For minors:

Those traveling with both parents, or with one parent only, do not need an exit authorization. A valid passport or ID card will suffice.
If the child is traveling alone, they must present their passport or ID card (depending on the destination country’s requirements), the exit authorization form signed by one parent, and a copy of the signing parent’s ID document.
If in doubt, we recommend consulting the following website: https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F1922

Find more information about travel to Guadeloupe by visiting the website of the Prefect of Guadeloupe.

Vers et depuis Mayotte

Required documents to enter the territory:

A valid national ID card or passport.

For minors:

Those traveling with both parents, or with one parent only, do not need an exit authorization. A valid passport or national ID card will suffice.
If the child is traveling alone, they must present their passport or ID card (depending on the destination country’s requirements), the exit authorization form signed by one parent, and a copy of the signing parent’s ID document.
If in doubt, we recommend consulting the following website: https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F1922

Find more information about travel to Guadeloupe by visiting the website of the Prefect of Guadeloupe.

To and from Abidjan

France to Abidjan

Required documents to enter the territory:

Ordinary passport, service passport, or diplomatic passport.
Mandatory travel with a biometric visa.
Mandatory yellow fever vaccination.

For minors:

Those traveling with both parents, or with one parent only, do not need an exit authorization. A valid passport will suffice.
If the child is traveling alone, they must present their passport or ID card (depending on the destination country’s requirements), the exit authorization form signed by one parent, and a copy of the signing parent’s ID document.
If in doubt, we recommend consulting the following website: https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F1922

For more information about travel to Côte d'Ivoire, visit the website of the French Embassy in Côte d'Ivoire.

Abidjan to France

Required documents to enter the territory:

A valid passport issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended departure date.
A valid visa, if required (depending on your personal situation).
Proof of accommodation for the entire duration of your stay (hotel booking and/or accommodation certificate from a host, pre-approved by the town hall).
Sufficient financial means. The assessment of subsistence resources is based on the length and purpose of the stay, in reference to the average costs of accommodation and food in the Member States.
Your return ticket or proof of sufficient funds to purchase one for your intended return date.

Find more information about your travel on the website of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs – France Diplomatie.

To and from Bamako

France to Bamako

Required documents to enter the territory:

A valid passport.
Mandatory yellow fever vaccination.

Corsair will only accept the following documents:

A valid Malian passport,
A passport with a valid Malian visa,
A laissez-passer acting as a passport (including those issued by the Consulate General of Mali in Paris).

At the request of the Malian authorities, the following documents are no longer accepted:

The handwritten (paper) visa,
The Malian national identity card (which previously allowed exemption from the passport requirement),
The NINA card (National Identification Number),
The NINA identification sheet,
The family record book,
Expired passports (previously tolerated up to 5 years after expiration).

For minors:

Those traveling with both parents, or with one parent only, do not need an exit authorization. A valid passport or ID card will suffice.
If the child is traveling alone, they must present their passport or ID card (depending on the destination country’s requirements), the exit authorization form signed by one parent, and a copy of the signing parent’s ID document.
If in doubt, we recommend consulting the following website: https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F1922

For more information about travel to Mali, visit the website of the French Embassy in Mali.

Bamako to France

Required documents to enter the territory:

A valid passport issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months after the planned departure date.
A valid visa, if required (depending on your personal situation).
Proof of accommodation for the entire duration of your stay (hotel reservation and/or a certificate of accommodation from a host, pre-approved by the town hall).
Sufficient financial means. The assessment of subsistence funds depends on the duration and purpose of the stay, based on the average costs of accommodation and food in the Member States.
Your return ticket or proof of sufficient funds to purchase one for your intended return date.

Find more information about your travel on the website of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs – France Diplomatie.

To and from Cotonou

France to Cotonou

Required documents to enter the territory:

A valid passport.
A return ticket is required.
A visa is mandatory.
Mandatory yellow fever vaccination.

For minors:

Those traveling with both parents, or with one parent only, do not need an exit authorization. A valid passport or ID card will suffice.
If the child is traveling alone, they must present their passport or ID card (depending on the destination country's requirements), the exit authorization form signed by one parent, and a copy of the signing parent’s ID document.
If in doubt, we recommend consulting the following website: https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F1922

For more information about travel to Benin, visit the website of the Embassy of Benin in France.

Cotonou to France

Required documents to enter the territory:

A valid passport issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months after the intended departure date.
A valid visa, if required (depending on your personal situation).
Proof of accommodation for the entire duration of your stay (hotel booking and/or accommodation certificate from a host, pre-approved by the town hall).
Sufficient financial resources. The evaluation of subsistence means is based on the duration and purpose of stay, with reference to average costs of accommodation and food in Member States.
Your return ticket or proof of sufficient funds to purchase one for your intended return date.

Find more information about your travel on the website of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs – France Diplomatie.

To and from Mauritius

France to Mauritius

Required documents to enter the territory:

A valid passport.
A return ticket.

Proof of accommodation and financial means (USD 100 per day) may also be required.

All travelers, whether vaccinated or not, must submit a Passenger Locator and Health Form (“Mauritius All in One Travel Form”) to the Mauritian authorities upon arrival. It is recommended to complete this form before departure.

For minors:

Those traveling with both parents, or with one parent only, do not need an exit authorization. A valid passport or ID card will suffice.
If the child is traveling alone, they must present their passport or ID card (depending on the destination country's requirements), the exit authorization form signed by one parent, and a copy of the signing parent’s ID document.
If in doubt, we recommend consulting the following website: https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F1922

For more information about travel to Mauritius, visit the website of the French Embassy in Mauritius.

Mauritius to France

Required documents to enter the territory:

A valid passport issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended departure date.
A valid visa, if required (depending on your personal situation).
Proof of accommodation for the entire duration of your stay (hotel reservation and/or a certificate of accommodation from a host, pre-approved by the local authorities).
Sufficient financial means. The assessment of subsistence resources depends on the duration and purpose of stay, based on the average cost of accommodation and food in the Member States.
A return ticket or proof of sufficient funds to purchase one for your intended return date.

Find more information about your travel on the website of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs – France Diplomatie.

To and from Madagascar

France to Madagascar

Required documents to enter the territory:

A valid passport (with a minimum validity of 6 months after the return date).
A visa is mandatory (it can be obtained online or upon arrival depending on the length of stay).
A return ticket or proof of onward travel.
The landing document to be printed and completed upon arrival in Madagascar.

fiche-de-debarquement-tnr-251021.pdf

Proof of accommodation as well as financial means (at least €50 per day of stay) may also be required.

All travelers must complete upon arrival in Madagascar an information and health form, provided by the local authorities. It is recommended to check health requirements before departure.

For minors:

Those traveling with both parents or only one of them do not need an exit authorization, only the passport will be sufficient.
If traveling alone, the child must present their passport, the exit authorization form signed by one of the parents, as well as a copy of the ID of the signing parent.
In case of doubt, we recommend consulting the following website: https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F1922

Find more information about your travel to Madagascar by visiting the website of the French Embassy in Madagascar.

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Mauritius to France

Required documents to enter the territory:

A valid passport, issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months after the intended date of departure.
A valid visa, if required (depending on your personal situation).
Proof of accommodation covering the entire duration of stay (hotel reservation and/or a certificate of accommodation with a relative previously validated by the town hall).
Sufficient financial resources. The assessment of means of subsistence is based on the duration and purpose of the stay, and by reference to the average costs of accommodation and food in the Member States.
Your return ticket or proof of sufficient financial means to purchase one at the intended return date.

Find more information about your travel on the website of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs - France Diplomatie.

Health formalities

Depending on your destination country, certain vaccinations may be mandatory (notably yellow fever for some African countries). In all cases, we recommend consulting your primary care physician at least six weeks before departure.

Useful websites:

Institut Pasteur – Travel preparation: https://www.pasteur.fr/fr/centre-medical/preparer-son-voyage
Vaccinations for international travel: Vaccinations for international travel | Service-public.fr
France Diplomatie – Travel advice by country: Travel advice by country – Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs

Government websites:

Martinique: martinique.gouv.fr
Guadeloupe: guadeloupe.gouv.fr
Mauritius: https://mu.ambafrance.org/
Reunion Island: reunion.gouv.fr
Mayotte: mayotte.gouv.fr
Madagascar: https://mg.ambafrance.org/
Côte d'Ivoire: https://ci.ambafrance.org/
Mali: https://ml.ambafrance.org/
Benin: https://www.benin-ambassade.fr/

Automated border controls

PARAFE gates are available to passengers holding a biometric passport from a European Union country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland.

They are accessible to all passengers over the age of 18 when departing from Orly 4, and to all passengers over the age of 12 upon arrival at Orly 4.

Formalities for minors

The adults responsible for the child must ensure that the child meets the exit and entry requirements of the destination country.

Important
When departing from France, minors traveling abroad without their father, mother, or legal guardian must present 3 documents at flight check-in and border control:

1 valid ID document for the minor: national ID card or passport, plus a visa if required by the destination country (check country-specific requirements on diplomatie.gouv.fr);
1 copy of the signing parent’s ID document: valid or expired for less than 5 years (ID card or passport);
1 signed authorization form from a parent with parental authority (available via the public service website);
If the accompanying parent does not share the child’s surname, proof of relationship must be provided to border authorities, such as a family record book or the child's birth certificate.

More information is available on the public service website.

The adults responsible for the child must ensure the child complies with exit and entry formalities for the destination country.
Since June 26, 2012, European regulations require all travelers, including children, to carry their own ID when leaving the European Union. This document may be a passport or ID card, depending on the destination. Children can no longer be listed on a parent’s passport.
The family record book is not a valid ID and cannot be used for air travel;
Some destination countries may impose additional requirements for minors, such as visas or parental authorization. It is therefore advisable to prepare your trip by checking the required documents in the “Travel Advice” section of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the reasons for denied boarding?

The main reasons for denied boarding observed on our flights:

Identity card or passport forgotten, lost, expired, or invalid. Note: some countries require the passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date.
No exit authorization for children under 18 traveling alone. This is not required for travel between Paris and Fort-de-France, Pointe-à-Pitre, Mayotte, and Saint-Denis de la Réunion.
Mismatch between the name on the ticket and the name on the ID documents. Be careful with maiden names, commonly used names, etc.

Important: All French nationals (including infants under 2 years old) must carry the following documents:

For flights to Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Réunion (non-stop flights): valid individual passport (same name/same first name) or national ID card.
For all other destinations served by Corsair: valid individual passport (same name/same first name) along with any additional documents required by the destination country. The family record book or driver's license are not valid travel documents.

How do you apply for a visa?

We invite you to visit the following website: www.diplomatie.gouv.fr.