Assess the situation quickly: where are you and what identity documents do you need?
The steps to take depend first and foremost on two factors: where the incident occurred (in France, within the EU/Schengen area, or outside the EU) and which flight you are due to take (domestic, EU/Schengen, or international).
For the documents generally required depending on your journey, see our articles:
- ID card or passport: which document should you take?
- What identity documents do you need to show when travelling by plane?
- How to fly: steps to take before your flight
First step: report the loss or theft immediately
- In France: go to a police station or gendarmerie to report the loss or theft. You will be given a receipt, which will be useful for the renewal process.
- Abroad: report the loss or theft to the local police, then contact the nearest French embassy or consulate. The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs reminds you that this report is a prerequisite for a consular post to issue a laissez-passer or an emergency passport (processing times and fees may apply).
⚠️ Important: a document reported as lost or stolen and subsequently found must no longer be used. It will be invalid and must be replaced.
Returning to France or continuing your journey: the emergency document solution
If you are abroad without a passport, the consulate may, depending on your circumstances, issue:
- a laissez-passer (a travel document valid for a specific journey, usually to return to France);
- an emergency passport (with a limited period of validity).
These solutions are governed by French and European regulations. The EU has harmonised the provisional travel document (TVP), which can be issued, including by another Member State if your country is not represented locally (right to consular protection).
💡 In practice: the consulate will tell you what documents to provide (photos, proof of identity, a report of loss or theft, tickets, etc.) and the timeframes involved.
Boarding after a loss or theft: what you need to know from the airport and the airline’s perspective
To board a flight, a valid identity document is generally required. A receipt for a lost or stolen document report is not a valid travel document.
Depending on your destination, a travel document or emergency passport may allow you to cross the border and board the flight. Check the type of journey you are making (domestic, EU/Schengen, international) and contact the airline’s customer support for guidance.
Renew your identity card or passport
In France
- National identity card (CNI): you submit an application at a town hall equipped to process these (often by appointment). You can pre-fill the form online via the ANTS website, track your application and purchase the revenue stamp if necessary (e.g. if your identity card has been lost or stolen). Processing times vary depending on the time of year and where you apply.
- Passport: apply at a town hall equipped to process applications, providing supporting documents and, in the event of loss or theft, the relevant declaration and revenue stamp.
Abroad
Submit your application at an embassy or consulate (passport and, in some cases, national identity card) along with supporting documents. You should allow for fees and processing times. The websites of the Ministry and the consulates set out the local procedures (payment, appointment slots, required documents).
Protect your identity and personal data whilst travelling
Losing an identity document also puts you at risk of identity theft.
Here are a few simple steps to take:
- Take photos of your documents before you set off 📸 and email the images to yourself via a secure email service (or store them in a digital safe).
- Take only what you need: leave your passport at the hotel if an identity card is sufficient for your day’s journey.
- Opt for digital copies wherever possible. The France Identité app offers a single-use proof of identity (a PDF with limited validity) to avoid making multiple photocopies of your documents.
- In the event of theft, cancel your payment methods (bank, mobile operator) if your wallet or phone has been stolen along with any payment details or two-factor authentication credentials.
- Once you’re there, opt for hotel safes and anti-RFID pouches for your journeys on crowded public transport.
✅ Checklist to add to your travel notes:
- Report loss or theft immediately (local police + consulate)
- Apply for a travel document or emergency passport if needed to return
home - Arrange for a replacement (ANTS/town hall or consulate)
- Monitor your accounts and change passwords if necessary
- Keep proof of purchase and receipts for insurance claims or your employer
Business travel: ensure your appointments and return journey go ahead without having to cancel everything
Are you on a business trip and your passport goes missing the day before a meeting? Before cancelling:
- Contact your consulate to see if an emergency travel document can be issued the same day or the next.
- Inform your company and, if necessary, the host organisation: a temporary video call can replace your physical presence whilst you await your return.
- Reschedule your flights sensibly.
Travelling with children: minors, authorisations and a plan B
When travelling with children, take extra precautions:
- Keep copies of their identity documents separate from the originals, and store the documents in two separate pouches.
- Check before departure whether an authorisation to leave the country (AST) or additional documents are required depending on your destination.
- In the event of a minor’s identity document being lost or stolen, the consulate will advise you on the specific documents (family record book, authorisations, photos, etc.) required to issue an emergency document. The general rules governing the issue of documents by French authorities abroad are set out by France Diplomatie.
At the airport: how to save time and stay calm
Arrive early, present your receipts and emergency documents at security, and keep your supporting documents to hand. Inform the assistance desk straight away.
😀 Tip: keep your documents in the same pocket – always the same one. Your brain will thank you when you’re going through security at 6 am.
After your return: track and finalise your identity documents
- Track the progress of your new ID document on the ANTS website and collect it as soon as it’s available (a collection period applies).
- If you have found your old identity documents after reporting them lost, do not use them any more: they will remain invalid.
- Keep your receipts for insurance purposes and, where applicable, to claim back any expenses incurred (photos, travel, revenue stamps).
SOS ID kit: the kit to prepare before every trip ✈️
- Digital copies of your identity documents and supporting documents (accommodation, tickets).
- 2 recent passport-sized photos, placed in a separate pouch.
- A list of contact details for the embassies and consulates of the countries you’ll be visiting.
- Separate means of payment (secondary card, emergency cash).
- The France Identité app set up to generate a single-use proof of identity if needed.
The key is to plan ahead (copies, digitalisation, useful contact details) and to act quickly (reporting the loss and contacting the consulate). By following these steps, the precautions to take in the event of the loss or theft of identity documents whilst travelling become simple, instinctive actions: you minimise the risk of identity theft, save time and get back on track – whether heading home or continuing your holiday – more quickly.
Photo: Freepik