The loss of the passport must be reported as soon as possible.
The steps to take are not the same in case of loss or theft.
We recommend always having a copy of your identity documents and travel documents in your e-mails.
With luggage lost at the airport or a natural disaster during our stay, not being able to find your passport is one of the worst travel scenarios. Rest assured that even if your ID goes missing shortly before departure, there is a way to catch your return flight. Here’s how to get accepted.
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Loss or theft of your passport: should you file a complaint?
Report the loss or theft of your passport as soon as possible. If you have spent a day without finding your document in your belongings or in the hotel, it is safer to declare it. In case of disappearance, you do not need to report to the police station. However, if you suspect your passport has been stolen, you must file a complaint before taking further action. The local police authorities will send you a receipt to report the theft. Once you have this paper in hand, you must immediately physically go to a French embassy or consulate abroad.
With which official document should I fly on the return flight?
The embassy or consulate of the country where you are will issue you a pass. This is a document prepared usually within 24 hours, which allows you to return to France for 30 days from the date of its establishment. This paper must be handed over to the border control authorities in France. To get it, you will need to complete a statement of theft (receipt issued by the police station) or loss and to be able to prove your identity. A scanned copy of your passport by email will be valid. We recommend that you scan and then send a clear photo of your ID before you travel. The embassy or consulate will also ask you to see your plane ticket to France. The ticket will cost you €55.
The same administrations can issue a temporary passport urgently (within 48 hours at most). It only works in specific cases: for humanitarian, medical or professional reasons. This document will not be sent to tourists unless they have to travel to another country. Every case is different.
What to do when you finally find your passport?
If you end up getting your ID after reporting it lost or stolen, don’t use it! It has probably been permanently revoked and could get you in trouble with the border police. If you have time before you leave, you can report to the authorities that you have found it, but it will no longer be valid.