![]() I don't object to more stringent ID requirements for foreigners because I think it makes perfect sense for a country to want to keep closer tabs on its immigrant and visitor population. Contrary to what some might think, the police are not out there to harass the public, and if they check ID there's usually a completely reasonable motive for doing so (although they don't need a motive if you're a foreigner, apart from the belief that you might be a foreigner). It's not very common unless you look suspicious. I've only been asked to show ID once by the police. ![]() This is a collection of French laws, passport best practices and some stories involving. ![]() passport is your valid form of identification. A passport is not required as proof of identity in France you must always carry some form of identification citizen card, your U.S. Non-government-issued ID may not be acceptable. In France, it is advisable to carry a copy of your passport or your passport. The interest of having your driver's license is that you can use it to rent a car, and you can use it for ID for many purposes. This was in part because I had to be able to prove I was legal, and in part because there wasn't any place back at the hotel that I considered secure enough to hold my passport. I used to carry my passport with me at all times when I visited Paris, but in some inaccessible place. However, I suspect that a photocopy of your passport would probably satisfy them in most cases. Technically, if you are asked for ID by the police in Paris and you cannot prove that you're in the country legally, they can take you to the police station to determine your identity (although a trip to your hotel would be more likely, if that's where you left your passport). You don't need that abroad, and it can be readily replaced, and it isn't much use to anyone for anything except identity fraud (which would also be true for the passport). If you need to leave something for security, make it a driver's license. In addition as pointed out above, French law requires that foreigners be able to prove the legality of their presence on French soil at all times, so unless you have some other document like a carte de séjour that proves you're in France legally, you're illegal as soon as you give your passport to anyone. It's odd that people who would refuse to leave an easily replaceable wallet as security are happy to leave a nearly irreplaceable passport, even though the passport is their only proof of nationality, their only proof that they are in the country legally, and an essential document for returning home. The only people to whom you hand a passport are authorized agents of the local government, such as police officers or immigration officials. However, the US Embassy in Paris processes from 30 to 60 lost/stolen passports per day. This way should all the wheels come off your wagon at once, you will have copies with all of the pertinent numbers and information for telephoning and filling out forms.Never, ever leave your passport as security for anything. Only your actual passport, with its integral entry stamp, proves who you are and how long you have been in the Schengen zone. Kepp one set back in your hotel room and leave the other set with whomever is watering your house plants and feeding your cat at home. REALLY GOOD ADVICE is to make two(2) sets (paper is cheap of photocopies or scan & print on your home computer of ALL of your travel documents-passports, paper airline or train tickets, and travel vouchers you've been issied BOTH side of any ATM or credit cards (pay particular attention to Emergency Customer Service telephone numbers) you may be carrying and any other important travel or personal document (your Blockbuster Video membership doesn't count). For identification purposes, simply carry a photocopy of the information page of your passport. You can leave your passport back in a hotel safe or carry it well secured on your person (preferably in some sort of under-clothing pouch or 'money belt' NEVER simply in a pockey or purse.
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