Stricter border controls in France?

[macd]

What many Brits don't understand is that carrying photo I.D and having to produce it is mandatory in some European countries.

True, but in France it's not legally required to have one, much less carry it. So much for chien fanatique de mer's police state.

 

[GregOddity]

True, but in France it's not legally required to have one, much less carry it. So much for chien fanatique de mer's police state.

I see what you did there hehe

 

[Fr J Hackett]

True, but in France it's not legally required to have one, much less carry it. So much for chien fanatique de mer's police state.

If you are referring to ID cards I think you will find that it is.

 

[macd]

If you are referring to ID cards I think you will find that it is.

I think any further 'finding' to be done is yours, Peter. I'd already done mine.

But if it helps, this is an on-line Q/A with Public Service France:
Q: Est-on obligé d'avoir une carte d'identité ?
A: Non, la possession d'une carte d'identité n'est pas obligatoire

There are plenty of other sources.

Incidentally, they are a considerable convenience in daily life and are free on first application and renewal. They're accepted in lieu of passports throughout the EU/Schengen and several other countries. They even issue them to bigots.

 

[Sybarite]

If you are referring to ID cards I think you will find that it is.

Not necessarily ID cards but the means of proving your ID. I haven't had an ID card for over 30 years but always carry my passport. They will also accept a driving licence. Once or twice I have used my social security card which has a photo ID.

I have only ever been asked to prove my identity when stopped for a traffic offence and once or twice when they were stopping all traffic to check papers after an incident.

In over 40 years in France I have never been stopped in the street and asked to prove my ID.

 

[Fr J Hackett]

I think any further 'finding' to be done is yours, Peter. I'd already done mine.

But if it helps, this is an on-line Q/A with Public Service France:
Q: Est-on obligé d'avoir une carte d'identité ?
A: Non, la possession d'une carte d'identité n'est pas obligatoire

There are plenty of other sources.

Incidentally, they are a considerable convenience in daily life and are free on first application and renewal. They're accepted in lieu of passports throughout the EU/Schengen and several other countries. They even issue them to bigots.

My apologies I did the little researchhttps://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F11860 and you are correct but life could be difficult without one. It is something that many French people would seem not to know including my wife who had hers stolen two years ago and was completely unaware that she didn't require one, I will let her know tonight that she didn't require one.