the list of countries where it is possible (even outside the European Union)

At the start of the year, obtaining a passport may not be at the top of the new resolutions. Waiting, paperwork… Enough to slow down those who hesitate to start the process. Even if the formalities tend to be lighter compared to the start of 2023, when it took 77 days to receive it. Today, we need around twenty.

But rest assured, to travel in 2025, the precious sesame is not always essential. Several countries allow French citizens to leave with just their national identity card, most often for a stay not exceeding 90 days. Here is the list.

Which countries can you go to without a passport in Europe?

On the Old Continent, the 27 member countries of the European Union are open to French visitors with their identity card, but not only.

• Albania
• Germany
• Andorra
• Austria
• Belgium
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Bulgaria
• Chypre
• Croatia
• Denmark
• Spain
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Ireland
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• North Macedonia
• Painted
• Monaco
• Montenegro
• Norway
• The Netherlands
• Poland
• Portugal
• Czech Republic
• Romania
• Serbia
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Suede
• Suisse

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Overseas territories, vigilance during stopovers

No need for this document either during stays under the Antilles sun, which facilitates access to the heavenly landscapes of Guadeloupe, Guyana, Martinique, but also Reunion, Mayotte, Saint-Barthélemy and Saint Pierre and Miquelon. But be careful when flying with a stopover, since to travel to French Polynesia or New Caledonia, a passport is required during transit through countries such as the United States, Japan or Singapore.

Residents of Reunion Island will be able to continue to visit Mauritius without a passport at least until June 30, 2025. This measure, introduced to revive tourism after the health crisis in 2022, has been extended by the authorities. Mauritius. And if you want to rediscover the sunny atmosphere of the islands close to the metropolis, the overseas territories of the Schengen area countries are also options: the Azores, the Canaries, the Balearic Islands, Sardinia, Sicily or even Crete offer ideal alternatives.

Jersey and Guernsey still easy to reach

In Europe, the Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey remain within reach. Until September 2025, French people benefit from an exemption to access it with an identity card, provided they take a day trip without overnight stay on Manche Îles Express or Condor Ferries boats. This system, in place since 2023, has been renewed to respond to the increase in the number of visitors.

On the other hand, since Brexit, a passport is still essential to visit the United Kingdom. The only exception concerns school trips bringing together at least five students under the age of 18. Since December 2023, these groups have been able to cross the Channel with a simple identity card, a measure which remains in force despite the future introduction of electronic travel authorization (ETA) planned for April 2025.

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Where to travel without a passport outside Europe?

Very few countries allow French visitors to fly out of the Old Continent without a passport, and the list has shortened this year. An example? Tunisia, which has just tightened its entry conditions in 2025. If an identity card was previously sufficient for organized group trips, a passport is now compulsory, valid at least three months after arrival. No modification concerning the visa: it remains useless for stays of less than three months, indicates France Diplomatie.

But other countries remain accessible, such as Turkey, appreciated for its Mediterranean beaches and its bustling metropolis, Istanbul. Only condition: the validity period of the identity card must exceed the date of entry into the country by at least 150 days (five months).

Same provision in Egypt, which is increasingly attracting the French since it is one of the key destinations for the end of 2024. A national identity card with a validity date of at least six months after the date returning to France is enough to explore the pyramids of Giza, the banks of the Nile and explore the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo. The visa, amounting to €25 for a single entry (payment is only in cash, euros accepted) and requiring two identity photos, remains mandatory.

The opportunity to get away from it all without too many constraints, although you have to pay attention to certain subtleties. Since 2014, the validity period of French identity cards for adults has increased from 10 to 15 years. However, this extension is not recognized by all European countries. Be sure to check local rules before traveling.

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