Passport: complete procedure guide
Emergency Passport
An emergency passport can be issued in 24 to 48 hours by the prefecture for justified urgent needs. Note that it is not biometric and is only valid for one year.
Steps to Follow
- Justify the urgency of your request (plane ticket, professional summons, medical reason).
- Contact your prefecture directly to explain your situation.
- Gather your complete file with urgency justifications.
- Go to the prefecture — the emergency passport is issued on site.
- Then apply for a standard biometric passport at a town hall.
Practical Tips
- The emergency passport is not biometric — some countries (notably the USA) do not accept it for visa-free entry.
- It is only valid for 1 year — plan your standard passport application quickly.
- Keep all urgency justification documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What reasons justify an emergency passport?
Urgent humanitarian travel (family death, serious illness), professional or medical urgency. A simple vacation does not justify it.
How much does an emergency passport cost?
€30 as a fiscal stamp.
Where to apply?
Directly at the prefecture or sub-prefecture, not at town hall. Call first to check procedures.
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