last edited Dec 11, 2019
Miscellaneous Documents
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Destinations
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Visas
A visa is a document that authorizes a foreign national to enter a country for a specific duration and number of entries. It's important to know whether a visa is required, how the process works, who to contact, and for what purpose, depending on your nationality and planned itinerary.
Vaccination Record (and Other Health Documents)
For general information on health documents and your rights abroad, you can consult your Health Insurance Fund.
Vaccination Record
This is proof that you have been vaccinated against certain diseases. It is mandatory for a few countries where specific vaccines are required. The record is free and lists the dates and types of vaccinations received. It is issued when you get vaccinated.
Blood Type Card
Always useful in case of an accident. This free card is obtained after a blood test at any hospital.
European Health Insurance Card
This card allows you to receive medical care coverage in all European Union countries (except the UK), Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland. It replaced the old E111 form in 2004.
It is personal, free, valid for one year, and can be obtained from your Health Insurance Fund without providing any documents. Allow roughly two weeks to receive it after applying.
International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
For students, this card offers many discounts (transport, museums, shows, etc.) during travels. Note that it is available from the age of 12.
Obtaining It
To qualify, you must prove your student status (no age limit) with a school certificate or your national student card for the current year. You also need an ID photo and 13 €. You can apply for this card at OTU or CROUS offices in your city, or more simply online directly from ISIC.
The International Student Identity Card is valid from September 1 of the current year until December 31 of the following year.
Parental Authorization for Travel Abroad
This document allows a child to travel to certain countries without being accompanied by their parents. Abolished in January 2013, this authorization became mandatory again in January 2017.
Free Circulation Card
This little-known customs document is essentially a passport for the goods and personal items you take with you when traveling. The card is free and valid for 10 years.
Obtaining It
To get one, simply go to any customs office with the items you want to register and their supporting documents (invoices, warranties, etc.). Generally, the items to list on this card are equipment (cameras, video, phones, computers, etc.) or those of significant value, though in practice, you can register anything you like.
Digital Storage
The rise of digital technology and e-tickets has greatly simplified travelers' lives. There's no longer a need to worry about forgetting or losing transport tickets or other service contracts. The internet has made it possible to store these documents in your email inbox, so you can retrieve them in case of loss or forgetfulness.
In Case of Loss
Losing money and/or travel documents is obviously the most serious issue, especially if you're traveling alone. The first step in all cases is to file a theft/loss report with the local authorities.
But it's always best not to carry all your documents and valuables with you. It's safer to leave some in your hotel's safe if available. Also, make sure to have photocopies or, better yet, scans of your ID, traveler's checks, etc., stored online.