My Paris Travel Ordeal: Passport Theft and Detention After Your Passport Goes Missing Abroad
Traveling internationally should be an exciting adventure, but sometimes things can go terribly wrong. My recent trip to Paris turned into a harrowing 24-hour detention experience following passport theft that I never could have anticipated. I’m sharing my story of passport theft and detention to help fellow travelers understand the importance of passport security and what can happen if you find yourself in a similar situation.
The Journey Begins: Detroit to Paris
On Saturday, March 8th, I boarded my overnight flight from Detroit to Paris with the usual excitement of an international traveler. The Premium Economy seats were comfortable, and everything about the journey seemed normal. Upon boarding, I placed my passport in my backpack and, unlike my usual practice of keeping it under the seat in front of me, I stored it in the overhead bin.
This single decision would completely alter my travel experience.
The Moment of Discovery
We landed at Charles de Gaulle Airport around 11:00 AM on Sunday, March 9th. As I prepared to go through immigration, I reached for my passport—only to discover it was missing. I immediately stopped and thoroughly searched my belongings, even delaying my exit from the plane.
The flight attendants were helpful, allowing me to return to the aircraft to search again, but my passport was nowhere to be found. A visit to Air France Customer Service confirmed my growing fear: my passport had likely been stolen during the flight.
Facing Immigration Without a Passport
I approached French immigration with what I believed would be sufficient backup documentation:
- A color photocopy of my passport
- A photocopy of My Global Entry card
I explained my situation, confident that as an American citizen with proper documentation, I would be allowed entry to visit the U.S. Embassy for an emergency passport.
I was wrong.
The Detention Begins
What followed was a six-hour wait in chairs by the immigration lines. I wasn’t permitted to freely move around—even restroom visits required permission. No food was provided, and access to water was limited.
At approximately 5:15 PM, immigration officers escorted me to an office where:
- All my belongings were thoroughly searched
- My cash, cards, electronics, and ID were confiscated
- I underwent a personal search
- I was placed in a holding room with peeling paint and metal benches
Inside the Holding Room
The holding room contained two other women—one from Brazil and another from Africa—neither of whom spoke English or French. One woman had serious medical issues but was denied medical attention.
The bathroom facilities were unsanitary, and we weren’t provided food until around 8:30 PM—nearly ten hours after my arrival.
When it came time to sign official papers, I was provided with an interpreter who barely spoke English, leaving many of my questions unanswered.
The Detention “Hotel”
That evening, I was transported via van to what officials called a “hotel” but resembled a jail on airport property. We passed through several locked gates to reach the facility. Once there:
- My belongings were searched again
- More items were confiscated (razors, chargers, electronic cords)
- I was given sheets and a blanket
- I was assigned to a room with two beds shared with a traveler from Mexico
A Red Cross representative answered some of my questions and mentioned they rarely see American citizens at the facility. Among approximately 50 detainees, I was the only American.
A Night of Discomfort and Worry
Given my recent experience with theft, I slept with my bag under my head all night.
The next morning, I discovered bed bugs on my roommate’s bed and noticed bites on my wrists.
Breakfast consisted only of a loaf of bread and instant coffee.
The Return Journey
The next day, I was transported back to the airport for my 4:05 PM return flight to Detroit. While waiting in the immigration office, I encountered two other detained Americans:
- An older woman who had accidentally picked up someone else’s passport
- A well-dressed man from Norfolk who was denied entry for unspecified “US-side” issues
Unlike me, they were fortunate enough not to spend the night in detention.
Throughout this entire ordeal, officials repeatedly assured me that I had done nothing wrong—yet I was treated like a criminal.
Passport theft and Detention: Other Detainees’ Stories
During my detention, I learned of several other travelers’ situations:
- The Brazilian woman with gluten intolerance couldn’t eat the bread provided for breakfast
- A polite young Mexican man had been detained for five days due to work visa issues
- A Nigerian gentleman was detained because he lacked sufficient funds and hadn’t purchased his train ticket to the Netherlands in advance
Return to the United States
Upon returning to Detroit, U.S. immigration officers were sympathetic and informative.
They explained that France has a reciprocal agreement with the U.S. and should have allowed me entry to visit the U.S. Embassy for an emergency passport—exactly what I had proposed.
Essential Travel Lessons to Avoid Passport Theft and Detention
This experience taught me several valuable lessons that all international travelers should consider:
- Keep your passport on your person during flights – Never store it in overhead bins
- Here are two different pouches to carry your passport, money, cards & other ID in.
- Hero Travel Supply Neck Wallet, RFID Blocking Passport Holder, Vegan Leather Travel Pouch (Brown) Available in 8 different colors/styles.
- Vantamo Money Belt For Travel Hidden, RFID Protected Waist Wallet, Fits Passport & Phone with cover Available in 24 different colors/styles.
- Here are two different pouches to carry your passport, money, cards & other ID in.
- Carry multiple forms of identification – While copies and secondary ID are important, they may not be sufficient
- Research emergency procedures – Know exactly what to do if your passport is lost or stolen in your destination country
- Here is some additional information to assist while overseas. U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE — BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS
- Understand your rights as a U.S. citizen abroad – Familiarize yourself with reciprocal agreements between countries
- Consider comprehensive travel insurance – Ensure it covers passport theft and related issues
- Here is a blog about travel insurance https://whisperingwillowtravel.com/2024/04/23/why-you-should-buy-travel-insurance/
Final Thoughts on Passport Theft and Detention
While I would never wish this experience on anyone, sharing my story of passport theft and detention might help other travelers avoid similar situations.
The stark contrast between what should have happened according to international agreements and my actual treatment highlights the importance of being prepared for worst-case scenarios when traveling abroad.
No matter how seasoned a traveler you are, never take passport security for granted.
That small document is your lifeline in foreign countries, and without it, you may find yourself facing passport theft and detention—a situation far more difficult than you could imagine.
Have you experienced passport issues while traveling? Share your story in the comments below.
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