Identity documents in France (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: No law requires a French identity card, and identity can be proved by any means. EU citizens may enter with an ID card or passport; British citizens need a passport.

RuleWhat applies
Duty to carry or show IDIdentity documentsNo general duty to carry [1]
National ID card compulsory for citizensIdentity documentsNo [2]
ID duty for foreign visitorsIdentity documentsFor a stay of up to 90 days, foreign nationals generally must show a valid passport with a visa, unless their nationality is exempt from visas. For a stay of more than 3 months, they must show a listed residence document. [1]
EU citizens may enter with a national ID cardIdentity documentsYes [3]
Document for British citizensIdentity documentsBritish citizens need a valid passport. It must have been issued less than 10 years before arrival and expire at least 3 months after the planned departure from the Schengen area. Entry is refused without a valid travel document. [4]

Notes

  • Identity can be proved by any means. A person who cannot prove their identity during a check can be held for up to 4 hours (8 hours in Mayotte and French Guiana).
  • The source page covers foreign nationals in general and does not address the ID cards of EU citizens.

Sources

  1. Service-Public.gouv.fr (DILA): Contrôle d'identité (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Service-Public.gouv.fr (DILA): Est-on obligé d'avoir une carte d'identité ? (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  3. European Union (EUR-Lex): Directive 2004/38/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  4. UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (GOV.UK): France travel advice: Entry requirements (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.