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Should you keep your passport on you in Paris?

Other laws You must always carry a photo ID, such as your passport or driver's licence.



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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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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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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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The best way to carry passport while traveling through borders is using travel underwear or a money belt! Just remove it when needed to show the border patrol officer as discreetly as possible.

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Many European hotels check your passport in addition to asking for a credit card for incidentals. In most cases, you only need to show your passport at check in, or, rarely, leave it overnight.

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While it may be convenient to keep your passport in your carry-on bag, we recommend against it. You never know when you may be required to check in the suitcase or leave it behind in an emergency. To be safe, always carry your passport in your cross-body bag, fanny pack or passport pouch that will always be with you.

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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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Leave your passport behind: Your original passport is only mandatory when going through customs or boarding a flight. But away from these situations, you won't need your passport much. So, should you carry your passport with you when leaving the hotel? The answer is no.

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Keep the bulk of your money and credit cards in your money belt with only a small amount of cash in your wallet. A portable safe allows you to leave valuables in your room while you go out. Use a zipper-locking cross-body anti-theft bag to prevent a grab and run.

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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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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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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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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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Travel destination Passport cards, however, can only be used going through a land border or seaport in Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. For example, if you're planning a Mediterranean cruise, you'll need to use a passport book. The card isn't valid for seaport entry in Europe.

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Most accommodations have in-room safes or lockers these days. If you dont' feel safe using your in-room safe, feel free to ask the staff at the front desk of your hotel to keep their eyes on it. At the end of the day there's really no 100% safe way to keep your passport form being stolen.

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Mobile Passport Control (MPC) allows eligible travelers to submit their travel document, photo, and customs declaration information through a free, secure app on their smartphone or other mobile device.

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You can leave it at the Airbnb or take it with you. You'll be fine either way!

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It is part of the way things are done in Italy. The hotel has to report your details to the police. If the front desk is busy, they will want to hold the passport for a short time until they can take the details. There is no risk: many thousands of passports are handled this way every day.

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