What documents must you carry in France?

All foreign visitors, including European Union (EU) nationals, must carry identification in the form of a passport or national identity card. French police may require visitors to show identification at any time, including when entering or leaving the country.



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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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You must always carry a photo ID, such as your passport or driver's licence. Police conduct random checks, particularly at borders.

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With a valid U.S. passport, you can stay up to 90 days for tourism or business during any 180-day period. Do not overstay! You must wait an additional 90 days before applying to re-enter the Schengen area. To stay longer than 90 days, you must have a visa.

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Moreover, when you get to Europe, you will still need your passport as it is your identification document. You can use it to book hotels, get local SIM cards, prove your identity to the authorities, and move from one region to another.

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Although in most European countries there are no passport border checks, companies can refuse to board you if you do not have a travelling passport (or some other ID proving that you are in Europe legally).

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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 is important to be alert, it is also important not to openly display your passport (even if standing in the immigration line). Always conceal your passport to the best of your ability and make sure that it is secure in a zipped bag that is always with you.

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Fortunately, Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, even at many of the street markets and other places that traditionally wanted cash only. So, do yourself a favor and don't leave home without a Visa and/or Mastercard - and preferably bring a couple of back-ups, just in case.

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In much of Europe, the only travel document a US or Canadian citizen needs is a passport. (The US Passport Card works only for those driving or cruising to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.)

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Consider moving around the city with your driver's license instead, and leave your passport behind in the hotel safe. A screenshot of your passport, or any other form of ID will usually suffice in most scenarios.

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In mid-to-late 2023, U.S. citizens and nationals of over 60 other countries will need an electronic travel authorization to visit much of Europe. Travelers to any Schengen-zone country will have to register with a European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).

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The Schengen area comprises 27 European countries. There is normally no passport control on the borders between these countries. If you have a valid visa or residence permit in one of these countries, you can also visit the other Schengen countries.

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Passport, Travel Visa and National ID Card You can even consider having multiple documents such as your passport, national ID card or driver's licence.

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