France is a beautiful destination for travelers who want to combine adventure, romance, history, and art in one trip. With attractions like the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Palace of Versailles, and the River Seine, turning down a trip to France is almost unheard of! And with a valid passport, U.S. tourists don’t need a visa to enter and leave the country within a 90-day window. But do you have to carry your passport in France after being cleared at customs?
Do You Have to Carry Your Passport in France?
Most countries require their citizens and foreigners to carry a form of ID. And since the passport is an internationally recognized ID, it is often the most used document. So, should you carry your passport with you in France? Yes, and no.
French laws require that citizens and foreigners have valid identification documents when moving around. Moreover, they may also require evidence of legal status, which law officers can request at any time. U.S. citizens on tourist status should thus have a valid passport, as the French officers do not recognize other identification documents. And in rare cases, those on visa status must present their visa documentation alongside their passports.
Unlike some countries which necessitate the actual passport, French laws are different. You do not need to carry the original passport. Instead, you can use a digital or physical colored copy of the passport when requested to identify yourself! As such, the passport requirement is not a hard and fast rule.
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Do You Have to Carry an ID in France?
French laws are pretty flexible regarding identification documents. As such, many U.S. travelers walk around without their passports. Thus, it begs the question, do you have to carry an ID in France?
Yes! Your ID may be necessary in the following situations:
- When accessing government services – You will need to prove your identity, e.g., engaging in business,
- When stopped by law officers for routine checks -this is common in public areas owing to the terrorism threats, and
- When stopped by law officers for a search, e.g., when you have been involved in a crime.
In any of these cases, the ID should be your passport, which should be valid and in good condition. You don’t need the actual passport and can instead use a copy in digital or hard copy. If the officers require the original passport, you can retrieve it from your hotel to assist with the identification. They often give people a few hours to present the documentation, giving you adequate time to get your paperwork in order.
Tips for Carrying Your Passport While Traveling in France
Carrying your passport while traveling through France is all about preference. Some people like having their passports with them, while others prefer leaving them in a safe at the hotel. Regardless of your choice, here are some tips you can use:
- Make copies of your passport: Instead of using your actual passport, you can use its copies to identify yourself to authorities and stores. It’s best to have digital and physical copies.
- Leave your passport in a safe: Losing things is easy on holiday. You are better off leaving your passport behind when swimming, visiting a tourist attraction, or hiking. Such activities leave room for distraction which can result in passport loss.
- Be wary of your surroundings: France attracts many tourists. And in this commotion, it’s easy to drop your passport or get pickpocketed. If you have your actual passport, be cautious and avoid talking to strangers. Also, if anyone asks you to present your passport, only do so after assessing the safety of your surroundings.
- Have a backup: A sound contingency plan is always crucial when traveling. While having a physical and digital copy of your passport helps, you can take a step further by emailing the copies to a friend. That way, if you lose your copies and passport, they can send the copies to you to aid in the replacement.
Passport theft is common in France. If your passport gets lost or stolen, notify the authorities immediately and get a police report. Also, notify the U.S. embassy to replace your passport and cancel the previous one before someone uses it illegally.
May the French Police Perform a Search on My Body or My Belongings?
Security measures in France are at an all-time high, and police reinforcements are evident in public spaces. Thus, police checks are common in public transit, and officers can search people’s belongings if they suspect they have dangerous items. Security checks are common in hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions, and shopping centers. If law officers suspect you might have committed a crime, they will identify themselves and ask to search for your person, vehicle, or belongings per the law.
