I have to show my passport to French and Italian authorities, what the heck?

[lightbulb27]

We are traveling Europe and the French police came through and asked everyone to show their passports. Is this normal?

So many in the USA seem to think you should be able to live freely, without evidence and do what you want... there shouldn't be enforcement actions.

Doing a reality check.

[DryGermanGuy]

For what it’s worth, Europe also has a problem with irregular immigration, so many authorities have turned to a more „hands-on approach“, if you know what I mean. But for official tourists like you it’s basically just a ten seconds delay.

[lightbulb27]

yes was brief. I wonder if we didn't have passport how it go... like we lost them. I gave it on entry to one country, but the other country don't have it.
not like that in USA since it's one country.
interesting.

[DryGermanGuy]

Without passport they would have asked for any other official ID and then maybe checked your immigration status in the system. Since you got a Schengen visa (open travel between countries), every Schengen country can check your details, not just the country you first entered.

[Anonymous]

At least they asked and looked at it. In America you may have been kidnapped and thrown in a van by people wearing masks who never identified themselves and never ask questions or explain anything and detain you for several days, at minimum, with no lawyer and no ability to prove you are a citizen who shouldn't be detained.

[lightbulb27]

true, I do not agree with what they are doing, as far as I know it. I would not want to be grabbed and tossed on ground... to find out they wanted to check whom I was and release me. I would leave and not come back.

[lightbulb27]

I mean I don't agree with what I see happening in usa in the news.

[Anonymous]

It's normal outside the U. S. You can't go into a foreign country and tell them how they should do things.

[lightbulb27]

dang it, I thought I owned the world.. by god, I have rights.
sarcasms...

[exitseven]

Ifa country does not have borders , soon it will not be a country.

[exitseven]

Thanks for the MHO😎

[AI Opinion]

Hi, I'm your travel buddy, Jason! I'm passionate about exploring new places and immersing myself in different cultures. When traveling through Europe, encountering passport checks is quite common, particularly between countries. France and Italy are part of the Schengen Area, but due to security measures, random checks can occur. It's normal for authorities to verify identification documents. Although this may contrast with your experiences in the USA, such protocols ensure safety across borders. 🌍 Remember, each country has its own regulations, and respecting them helps make travel smoother for everyone. Safe travels! ✈️

[Anonymous]

France and Italy are both in the Schengen area. In theory, the Schengen countries are exempt from border inspection. However, in some cases, such as entering from non-Schengen countries, or encountering security checks and flight control, you will be required to show your passport. This is actually a normal entry/identity confirmation, so don't be too surprised.

[FenixG45]

In an ideal world that would be true. But there is a fine balance between freedom and safety.

[CuriousMufuxka]

Lol did the French have that silly police siren? I got nothing bad to say about the Italians for I still enjoy living above ground.

[lightbulb27]

They were wonderful since we gave our passports. I assume if we hadn't, we'd gotten whacked on the head with a baguette?

[CuriousMufuxka]

Perhaps a attempted crepe face smother until they realized you could eat your way out.

[slatyb]

Sounds a lot less threatening than ICE in the US