Your passport has expired and you wonder if it is possible to travel anyway? Here are all the answers to your questions.
Going abroad always requires preparation time. From an administrative point of view, you should check as soon as possible whether your identity papers are valid. In the event of an expired passport, your stay may be compromised… In which cases is traveling with an expired passport authorized? Can one travel with a simple identity card in Europe and in the world? What to do in case of expired passport if you absolutely have to change country? What precautions do embassies and consulates recommend to leave France with complete peace of mind? Prepare your trip to a distant destination as well as possible by following our expert advice. Everything you need to know to travel by plane without being blocked at the border.
Summary
How to make a passport? The steps to take
Your passport has expired or you intend to make one to go on vacation? Find out what steps to take.
To make your passport, no need to go to the prefecture. Just go to town hall. Bring your identity card because you will be asked for it. You will also need to provide a photo ID, 86 euro tax stamps and proof of address. And the Cerfa form n°12100*02 must also be submitted to the administration, duly completed.
Expired or lost passport: how to travel abroad?
First, know that it is better to avoid traveling with expired documents. If you have French nationality and are going abroad for less than three months, it is possible to travel with an expired passport. But, under conditions:
- the country of destination must have signed and ratified the European Agreement on regulations governing the movement of persons between member countries of the Council of Europe;
- your passport must not have been expired for more than five years;
- and instead of your expired passport, you will need a valid national identity card.
If you are a national of another European Union country which has signed and ratified the convention, you have the right to travel to France for less than three months provided you have one of the documents listed in the appendix to your country’s convention.
On the other hand, a temporary passport can be issued urgently to a French citizen. Provided that it is a medical or humanitarian reason, or for professional reasons.
Read also >> Traveling without a passport: is it possible?
Can you travel to a country in the European Union with an expired passport?
First, know that to go to a country of the European Union, a national identity card is enough. You do not necessarily need a valid passport.
On the other hand, note that some countries take into account the increase in the period of validity of the national identity card from 10 to 15 years. This only concerns adults. Find the list of countries concerned on the website of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Can I travel with an expired passport abroad?
Outside the European Union, you must present a valid passport to travel. Indeed, most other countries require the presentation of a valid passport and possibly a visa.
Also note that some countries require the expiry date of the passport to exceed the date of return by several months. To find out about the requirements in the country of destination, it is advisable to inquire on the official government website www.diplomatie.gouv.fr. You also have the possibility of obtaining information from the embassy or consulate of the country where you are going.
Advice: if your stay has been planned for a long time, plan ahead! If necessary, contact your town hall in good time to renew your passport or identity card.
The documents needed to travel by plane
In the European Union
You will need to present one of the following documents to the airline:
- French national identity card;
- passport ;
- driver’s license.
To note : if the European country of destination is not part of the Schengen area, the driving license will not be accepted as a valid identity document.
To another country
The national identity card and even less the driving license will not be sufficient to travel abroad, outside the European Union.
Depending on the country, in addition to having to provide a valid passport, you will need to send a visa.
To know : a minor who travels without his parents, whether in the European Union or outside, must also present an authorization to leave the territory signed by one of the parents.
Passport and ID: precautions to take before leaving
Check the documents required by the country
Before flying to a destination, it is better to adopt the right reflexes. Before going abroad, it is worth checking the travel documents required for entry and stay in the country of destination. To do this, contact the embassy or consulate of the country concerned in France. Some countries require a minimum passport validity.
Keep a copy of your identity documents
Then, keep the photocopies of the identity documents that you take with you at your home. In the event of loss or theft abroad, this procedure will be very useful to you. And also bring two passport photos.
Also note that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends storing your documents on the service-public.fr website. Create your personal storage space on this portal in just a few clicks. This is a free and confidential process, available continuously. If you have your identity papers stolen abroad, you can download these documents and prove your identity.
Report the loss or theft of your identity documents
Finally, in the event of loss or theft of your passport or your national identity card during a holiday abroad, make a declaration without delay to the local police authorities. The French embassy or consulate will then issue an emergency passport or laissez-passer. This is a paid formality which requires a waiting period.
Read also: Emergency passport: in which cases and how to obtain one?
