Should you carry your passport with you in Paris?


Should you carry your passport with you in Paris? 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.


Do you have to give your passport to hotels in Europe?

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.


Why do European hotels keep your passport?

In many countries in Europe it is a legal requirement to verify and record the indentity of all foreign residents staying in hotels, and record the details of their ID document. If you entered this (passport No. etc.) online when you booked, they just check your ID is the same at check-in.


What is the best way to travel around Paris as a tourist?

The best way to get around Paris is on foot and by metro. The elegant arrondissements are practically made for pedestrians. Still, Paris is very big, so you should take the efficient metro to travel long distances.


What is the safest way to carry a passport in Europe?

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.


Do I need to keep my passport on me at all times 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.


Should you carry cash in France?

The French currency is the Euro (€). You cannot buy anything in France with another currency. We recommend to withdraw Euros in French ATMs with your credit cards. French people are not used to carry a lot of cash, please be careful if you have some.


Do hotels keep your passport in France?

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.


What documents must you carry with you in France?

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)


Should you leave passport in hotel Paris?

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.


Why do you have to carry your passport in France?

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.


How not to stand out as a tourist in Paris?

Skip the baseball caps, white socks, sneakers, large colorful backpacks, and fanny packs. Instead, opt for dark skinny jeans, plain shirts without logos, and leather shoes. Use tote bags or earth-toned simplistic bags if you really want to dress in France to fit in with the locals.


Do tourists have to carry passport in France?

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.


Should you leave your passport in your hotel room?

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.


Where is the safest place to keep your passport in a hotel?

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.


Should I walk around with my passport in Paris?

French law states you must always carry some official form of ID on your person. Official means recognized by the French authorities. That typically means a passport or a National Identity Card. That is the law.


Should you carry your passport with you in Europe?

Should You Carry Your Passport With You in Europe? A passport serves many roles, but most importantly, it identifies travelers in foreign countries. Moreover, per international air travel standards, all passengers must have passports. Even if you plan to cruise to Europe and back, most cruise lines require a passport.