Loss or theft of travel documents, what to do?

Precautions to be taken

First of all, except in cases of absolute necessity, it is recommended not to keep your original papers with you. Before leaving, remember to photocopy them (you will keep these copies with you), scan them and send them to your mailbox. You will thus have a permanent copy and will be able to print it. This makes the process easier and saves less time.

Police and consulate (or embassy)

In the event of loss or theft, you must act as quickly as possible and report the disappearance to the police station closest to where your papers have disappeared.
You just have to fill out a form that will allow you to pass customs controls. This declaration allows you to release yourself from any liability in the event of fraudulent use of your papers.
Your identity will be verified. For 23 euros, you will be given a receipt valid for two months. This receipt must be presented for the renewal of the documents.

Driving license

If you lose your permit during a stay abroad, you must contact the competent local authorities and make a declaration of loss or theft. A receipt is provided. Here again, the next step is that of the consulate or the embassy which will aim at the declaration or the receipt. The latter is valid for two months in France but it does not necessarily allow driving abroad.

We cross fingers ?

Hope you find these tips helpful, but also hope you never need them. It is never a good experience while traveling, and it wastes the precious time that we have there. So, be vigilant, and think back to our few tips for traveling with peace of mind.