Request a document called a “visa de retour” in the event of theft or loss of your “titre de séjour” abroad

You must have a valid passport to apply for a “visa de retour”.

In the event of the loss or theft of your passport, you must first apply for a new passport with the authorities in the country you are in.

When you have a valid passport, you can then contact the French consulate of the country you are in to request a “visa de retour”. Contact details can be found on this website.

You will need to provide the following documents with your application:

• A completed and signed application form
• Two identity photos that meet the standards requested by the consulate
• Your passport (original)
• A photocopy of your passport: the first 5 pages and all pages with visas or stamps of entry and exit from the Schengen states, the United States and the United Kingdom
• A document showing your marital status and the composition of your family issued by your consulate, known as a “fiche familiale d’état civil”, or civil status family record, dated within the last three months, in French (original)
• A letter written and signed by you explaining the reasons why you are requesting a “visa de retour” (original) and specifying your home address in France
• Your declaration of loss or theft made with the local authorities (original and photocopy)
• Any proof of your usual residence in France, for example: a school certificate for your children, your healthcare record book or social security certificate, etc.

You should receive a response within two months.

If you have been granted a “visa de retour”, you can return to France with this document.

As soon as you return to France, you can make an appointment with the French local authority known as the “préfecture” of your department to request a “duplicata” or duplicate of the “titre de séjour” residence permit that was stolen or lost, or to request a new “titre de séjour” if the old one has expired.

Please note: the “préfecture” may re-examine whether you are still entitled to the “titre de séjour” that you are applying for once you are in France.

If your application is declined, you can challenge the decision by lodging an appeal or “recours”, to the service responsible, known as the “Commission de recours contre les décisions de refus de visa”.

It is recommended to be assisted in this procedure by an organisation offering free services or "association" specialised in the law on foreign nationals or a lawyer.