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Do I need to carry around my passport in Paris?

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.



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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.

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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.

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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.

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In general, across Europe, you should carry either your passport or a copy of it. You are required by law to have a valid form of identification.

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Definitely, if you lose your bag or someone steals it and you had your passport in that bag , then it's an additional trouble that could have been avoided if you have left your passport at the hotel. If your room has a safe, definitely leave the passport there.

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Hotels do not keep your passport during your stay. They often will ask to see your passport when you check in. The reason is twofold: Hotels are required by state law to maintain a register of their guests, and keep that record for a certain time.

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Leave Your Passport at the Hotel Although your passport is required as an ID when travelling abroad, you don't really need to carry it around with you everywhere. Consider moving around the city with your driver's license instead, and leave your passport behind in the hotel safe.

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Documents for Driving in France
  • A valid full (not provisional) driving licence.
  • A vehicle registration document (V5c) - the original not a copy, called carte grise (grey card) in France.
  • A motor insurance certificate.
  • Passport(s)


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It is mostly true that you need to carry some form of official ID on you at all times while out and about in France - and this applies to residents and visitors.

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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.

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In the European Union, member states are technically required to validate your identity through your passport upon check-in. In the United Kingdom, a law established a half century ago requires hotels to record the name and nationality of every guest over the age of 16, and to retain that information for a year.

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They will take the details from your passport in some cases but they will return it to you immediately. The reason they take your details is so they have a record of your stay and a way to contact you or to have documents for the police just in case it becomes necessary later.

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It is best that you leave it at the hotel`s safety deposit box rather than inside your room`s safe. If your hotel doesn`t have one, then you can keep it inside your hotel room. Look for a place in your hotel room where people wouldn`t think that it would be there, like under the TV or at the edge of the carpet.

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You will have it stamped at CDG if Paris is your entry to Schengen area. There are no stamping on crossing between Schengen countries and there is no one to ask for a stamp, unless you fly. Hi, as a non EU passport holder, I have always had my passport stamped on entry to France at an immigration point.

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Never keep your passport in your back pocket. That pocket is called the “sucker pocket” for a reason. The very best way to keep your passport safe is to carry it on your person in an anti-theft pouch or money belt that is hidden under your clothes. Here is a selection of anti-theft money belts and wallets.

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You want a copy of all your identification – one for each checked bag. Keep a hard copy of your documents in your carry-on and each checked bag of luggage with which you are traveling, in case any of them go missing during the trip. These copies can help you in multiple situations.

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