Traveling to France this summer? Don’t leave home without knowing this important information

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Thanks to contributor and Francophile Tina B, for forwarding this U.S. State Department alert. The subject of their email was: Message for U.S. Citizens: 100 Days Until the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony. RELATED: 12 Things to Know Before Going to Paris

The message read as follows: “The opening ceremony for the 2024 Olympic Games is 100 days away!  To better respond to the emergency needs of our U.S. citizens, the U.S. Embassy in Paris and the U.S. Consulates General in Marseille and Strasbourg will temporarily phase out routine U.S. citizens services during the Olympic (July 26-August 9) and Paralympic (August 28-September 8) Games.

We strongly encourage you to take care of your routine U.S. passport, citizenship, and notarial needs now to ensure your travel plans are not adversely affected.  Appointments are currently available in Paris, Marseille, and Strasbourg.”

As Tina noted, “This is kind of bizarre – aimed at US citizens residing in France. US citizens traveling to Paris and needing consular services in case of a stolen passport or any other difficulty better be prepared. Like take a photo of your passport and leave it in a cloud and on your phone.”

It’s a good reminder to scan or take a photo of your passport, credit cards (front and back) and anything else in your wallet and keep the copies separate and/or on a secure server.

Because God forbid you lose them or they get stolen, it will make contacting your banks and getting an emergency passport much easier.

It’s also a good reminder that Paris and other touristy places are a haven for pickpockets. If Rick Steves can get pickpocketed in Paris you can too, which is why you need to really stay aware and keep your belongings safe. My wife uses an anti-theft crossbody bag like this one, which she recommends because of the anti-slash straps and RFID protection it offers. I usually use a Scottevest jacket, which has multiple hidden pockets. But remember: Don’t take all of your cash and credit cards with you every day when you go out. Just take what you need and keep the rest back at the hotel in a safe spot. If you’re extra cautious, consider traveling with a portable safe like this.

If you’re traveling to France this summer (I am!) read the US State Department’s specific information on France. And here’s their website to schedule a passport/citizenship or notary appointment in Marseille, Paris, or Strasbourg. Below are some additional resources:

U.S. Embassy Paris, France
+33 (1) 43 12 22 22
citizeninfo@state.gov

U.S. Consulate General Marseille, France
+33 (1) 43 12 22 22
citizeninfomarseille@state.gov

U.S. Consulate General Strasbourg, France
+33 (1) 43 12 22 22
USAStrasbourg@state.gov

State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444

As always, when traveling internationally, it’s a good idea to take a few minutes to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.

KEEP READING:

–12 Passport Tips That Will Save You Time, Money and Headaches
–The Most Important Thing I Do When I Travel Internationally Is …
–Rick Steves Got Pickpocketed in Paris: Here’s What He Wants You to Know
–The Most Important Thing For Travelers to Do According to a Safety Expert
–What You Need To Know About Renewing or Getting an Emergency Passport in the U.S.

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