Should I carry my passport with me while sightseeing in Paris?
I was last in Paris in 2006. Back then, when I asked my French host if I should carry my passport with me while I was out sightseeing, they rolled their eyes and said: "Why on earth would you do that? It will just be a huge hassle if you loose it to a pickpocket."
I'm going to visit Paris again soon, and I've seen a few posts here that seem to indicate that Parisian police do occasionally stop people on the streets and ask for their ID, and that passports are the only acceptable form of ID for folks from outside the EU.
Should I just leave my passport in my hotel room safe, or should I keep it with me (in a suitably pickpocket resistant wallet)?
I've seen near-duplicates of this question for the UK, Schengen area, and Japan, but haven't seen Paris come up specifically.
Clarification:
To my mind this isn't as simple as "Carry it with you, better safe, than sorry!". Paris does have something of a problem with pickpockets (as do many large tourist heavy cities), and passports are a high value item. I'm looking for informed opinion of the relative risks of carrying my passport on my person, vs annoying security officers. My relative ranking of annoyance, from less annoying to highly annoying would be:
- Being scolded by a police officer for not having suitable ID on my person
- Having to return to my hotel to show my passport to a police officer
- Having my passport stolen or loosing it.
- Being fined for not having suitable ID on my person.
- Being detained for not having suitable ID on my person.
I'm really asking which is (roughly) more likely: (3) or (4)?
Best Answer
Given that it is legal and not uncommon to be asked by French police to show proof of identity, and that the valid proof of identity for a non-EU traveler is the passport, you should definitely carry your passport with yourself while sightseeing in Paris.
If you are asked to show proof of identity and don't carry your passport, things can go from 'ok, go on' to being kept under police control until you can prove your identity. This will depend on the police mood, the context, your attitude and appearance.
I cannot tell the chances that it will actually happen, or the odds compared to having your passport stolen.
As for some mitigating measures against passport theft or loss:
- Keep a copy of your passport at the hotel. That will help if you need to have it re-issued.
- Keep your passport close to you (not in a backpack or purse). I use a small pouch that is under my clothes and suspended to my neck. That is also where I keep my Visa card.
Enjoy your stay in Paris!
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Should you carry your passport with you in Paris?
France: According to Atout France, French police recommend carrying your passport and a copy of your passport separately. It is French law that you carry some form of identification with you at all times; this doesn't need to be a passport.Do you have to carry your passport 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 your passport while sightseeing?
Safe StorageIt's generally inadvisable to carry your passport with you everywhere while you're traveling, as this increases the chances of losing it. Ideally, it's best to have passports locked away, either in a hotel room safe or in a suitcase with a secure travel lock.Should I keep passport with me at all times?
Though your passport is a form of I.D., you probably won't need to tote it around with you all day once you've reached your destination. According to the US Department of State, one of the safest things you can do is secure your passport under lock and key at home or your hotel as you would with any other valuable.Visiting Paris? Do NOT make these MISTAKES! | Paris Tourist Guide
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Answer 2
I would think that if there is a chance of it happening, it would certainly be wise and in your best interest, for you to have it with you just in case something were to happen. Best case scenario would of course be that you simply do not need to have it on you and have no problem and aren't stopped.
Worst case scenario? You do end up stopped and you are glad to have brought it with.
Edit: perhaps if you'll have a briefcase or some sort of bag with and on your person at all times, that would be a secure location in which to store it.
Answer 3
(Canadian here and mostly anecdotal)
I've never been asked for ID in Europe in all my travel there (france, spain, italy).
When doing tourist things, I keep my passport in my hotel/rental. If I need to do official things (renting car, train, ...) I will bring my passport.
I have printed picture of my passport in my bag (and on my phone)
I always carry identification with picture (driver's license, medical card...)
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