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Security & borders controls

Security & borders controls: key steps before boarding

Two mandatory steps must be completed before boarding: security inspection of the passenger and their carry-on baggage, and border control. Learn what to do and what items and products are prohibited to ensure you pass the security control before boarding.

What do I need to think about before going through security control?

Travel documents

Before going through security control, make sure you have the right travel documents ready.

Items prohibited in the cabin

In order to save time at security control, check the list of authorised and prohibited hand luggage items.

We are travelling as a family

We have a special system for families: dedicated queues in some of our terminals, free educational games and books.

Anticipate the security controls!

To save time, get ready to place your carry-on liquids, gels and aerosols in a closed clear bag (max 1 l) in the trays provided. Containers in excess will be confiscated and destroyed.

Please note that you will need to remove the clear bag from your carry-on bag during the security inspection.
You will save a lot of time during this step.

What do I need to do at security control?

Step 1 Boarding pass
Present your passport and boarding pass.
Step 2 Baggage
Get ready to place your carry-on baggage and personal belongings in the trays provided.
Step 3 Yourself
Walk through the detector once invited to by the security staff.

Step 1 Boarding pass

Present your passport and boarding pass.

Step 2 Baggage

Get ready to place your carry-on baggage and personal belongings in the trays provided.

Step 3 Yourself

Walk through the detector once invited to by the security staff.

IMPORTANT

Since November 2015, security has been strengthened, and random checks may be performed by security personnel, in accordance with EU regulations. This may add to wait times when approaching the boarding area. Which is why we recommend getting an early start and arriving at the airport at least two hours before your flight departure time.

What happens at border control?

Border Police: reinforced controls at the airport

It should be noted that waiting times at airport controls in Paris may be lengthened due to the health situation.

All passengers have to go through border control when entering or exiting the Schengen Area, whether travelling by air, sea or land. Border checkpoints are supervised by border guards.

Their job includes:
- verify the authenticity of the travel documents presented.
- check national, European, and international databases.

Faster and easier border control with the Parafe system

Paris Aéroport, in conjunction with Government services, has equipped all of its Paris airport terminals with “Parafe” (Automated Fast-Track Crossing at External Borders) gates, thus automating the process for people entering and exiting the country.

You can use this system if you hold a biometric passport and are a national of one of the 27 countries of the EU, but also of Australia, South Korea, Canada, the United States, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Singapore.
Instructions are found at the entrance of each gate.

Other nationalities must go through the traditional passport controls with immigration officers.

European minors aged 12 and over can also use Parafe when arriving in France only. They are not allowed to use Parafe to leave the country.