Losing your passport in France is stressful — whether you’re a resident with a residence permit or a tourist visiting on a short-stay or visitor visa, the steps to take are similar but differ slightly in key areas.
This guide explains exactly what to do if your passport is lost or stolen in France, based on your status.
Report the Passport Loss to the Police
- Go to the nearest police station (commissariat de police) to report the loss or theft.
- Request a “déclaration de perte” (official loss report). You’ll need this to get a replacement document.
Contact Your Embassy or Consulate in France
Get in touch with your country’s embassy or consulate in France. You’ll likely need the below checklist 📄
- Police report
- Copy or photo of lost passport (if available)
- Other valid ID (driver’s license, national ID)
- Passport-size photos
- Proof of travel (flight ticket, booking, etc.)
- Residence permit (if you’re a resident)
🔎 Tip: Scroll down on this official French Foreign Ministry page, select your country, and you’ll see a full list of your country’s embassies and consulates across France — including addresses and contact details.
Get a Replacement Passport or Travel Document
- Tourists / Visitors on Visa-Free or Schengen Visa: You’ll usually be issued a temporary or emergency passport.
- Residents: You may be eligible for a full-validity replacement passport, depending on your embassy’s rules.
🏠 If You Are a Resident in France (With a Residence Permit)
In addition to the general steps:
- Notify the local Prefecture (Préfecture de Police) where you registered your residence.
- If your residence card was also lost or stolen, you may need to apply for a replacement at the immigration office.
🧳 If You Are a Tourist or Visitor (Short Stay / Schengen Visa Holder)
- Apply for an emergency travel document or temporary passport from your embassy.
- Check with your embassy or consulate whether your replacement document allows you to exit France or travel within the Schengen Area.
- If you’re on a visa, confirm whether you need a new visa for continued travel. If you’re flying soon, notify your airline and border police. They may ask for documentation or embassy confirmation.
🛡️ Pro Travel Tips
- Always keep digital copies of your passport and visa stored securely in the cloud.
- Note down or save embassy contact details before your trip.
- Report the loss as soon as possible to prevent identity misuse.
⚠️ This information is based on official websites, publicly available sources, and experiences from expats whom we have helped. We aim to keep it accurate and up to date. If you notice any updates or have tips to share, please feel free to let us know.