Is it normal to be stopped by authorities and asked for ID in Paris? [closed]

On Boulevard Haussmann Paris, is it normal to be stopped for no apparent good reason and asked where you are from? I was giving directions to another tourist. My appearance is clean-cut, unremarkable and does not catch the attention of authorities. My demographic is the least likely for terrorism and is stereotyped by economic prosperity

Update:

The two men were plainclothes but presented some kind of wallet-like paperwork and verbally identified themselves as some sort of authority. I was a little stunned by all the questioning, so I do not remember what agency. I've seen uniformed officers do this to foreign unfortunates \ refugees near the Eiffel Tower, but would not expect this in such an upscale chic area.

I told them that I am staying at the hotel 50 feet down the street and after I verbally indicated my citizenship he immediately lost any interest in me: I calmly responded and made sure that I was responding politely

Best Answer

It has always been the case. When I was a student in Paris, with long hair and clothes of dubious cleanliness, I was stopped frequently in the streets, the Métro, anywhere, by police, either in uniform or plainclothes. Every time a plainclothes asked to see my ID my answer was Let me see yours first, which they never objected to. Then I would show them mine.

I've been frisked, right there in the street, or on a subway platform. I've been asked questions about where I'm from, etc. Considering that I'm French, and white, I couldn't exactly accuse the cops of racism. Sure, of anti-student bias, probably. Being a Master's, then PhD student didn't help my case either -- I suppose they felt threatened by my education (if only they knew!).

Anyway, this is not something surprising. Police can, and will, ask anyone anything they want, and in France carrying your ID is expected. Cops don't need cause to ask for ID or frisk you. If they feel suspicious, they'll act.

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Can police ask for ID in France?

In France \u2013 unlike the UK \u2013 you are legally obliged to show photo identification if you are stopped and asked to by a police officer. This is called a 'Contr\xf4le d'Identit\xe9'.

Can I go to France unvaccinated?

Unvaccinated travellers must present a negative result of a PCR test less than 72 hours old or an antigen test less than 48 hours old before departure (departure of the first flight when the journey includes a connection), or a certificate of recovery (positive result of a PCR or antigen test carried out more than 11 ...

Can I travel to France right now?

Travel to and from all overseas territories is only possible if you have compelling reasons for travel, with the exception of those who are fully vaccinated, and on condition they have negative PCR or antigen test results.

Do you need a booster to travel to France?

Since 15 February 2022, anyone aged over 18 years and 1 month needs to have received a booster dose within 4 months of the initial course (or after infection for those vaccinated in France) to be considered fully vaccinated for domestic purposes (i.e. to use the pass sanitaire).

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