No Exit Passport Stamp from France

teapott
teapott Forum Participant Posts: 9
edited May 2022 in Overseas Campsites & Touring #1

Has anybody recently returned from France back to the UK and not had their passport stamped by French Border control on exit?

We returned 28/05/22 via DFDS at Dunkirk and were just waved through French border check, didn't even look at our passports, the UK Border Control window did look at them and swiped them. We departed to France via Eurotunnel on Sunday 23/05/22 when we did get a French entry stamp. So we're a bit concerned that our passports look like we've entered the EU but not departed (or at least there's no evidence of complying with the 90 day rule). Our last trip to Gran Canaria (by air) in April 22 we had both entry & exit stamps, ditto France in Sept 21 (by ferry).

I asked at the information desk on the ferry and was told that many other people had also asked this recently and not to worry as it was now electronic, recorded when the passport is swiped. I've found little evidence to support this though, other than the EES system, but it seems implementation of this isn't until later this year (Sept).

I'd be interested to hear any members recent experiences on this, particularly anybody who also didn't have an exit stamp.

 

Comments

  • Tammygirl
    Tammygirl Club Member Posts: 7,958 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 2022 #2

    We are due back in a couple of weeks. We will be leaving France from the Caen port so will be taking note if passport not stamped. Last year we returned through the tunnel and passport was stamped both ways. 

    In March we travelled to Lanzarote the passports were not stamped but it was scanned electronically. 

  • teapott
    teapott Forum Participant Posts: 9
    edited May 2022 #3

    Thanks, I'd be interested to hear your return experience from Caen. 

  • Jamsdad
    Jamsdad Forum Participant Posts: 275
    edited May 2022 #4

    Potentially this is quite serious as you could get into trouble for an "apparent" overstay when you next enter France. It might be advisable to contact the French Consulate in the Uk to ask their advice. They may be able to retrospectively stamp your passport with an exit stamp.

  • ValDa
    ValDa Forum Participant Posts: 3,004
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2022 #5

    Make sure your passport is stamped when you go back into France, with your arrival date.

    As Jamsdad says, not having an exit stamp could mean you run into trouble - either entering or returning from the EU on your next trip.  On a Facebook group for people who own a second home in France, this comes up from time to time.  People are advised to actually ask for their passport to be stamped, and check that it has been done. There are reports of people being questioned on their return from a next trip, and asked to prove that they exited and re-entered France between the two dates.  Some people have been organised and kept boarding passes and other documentation related to the return trip.  I don't know of anyone who has been fined as a result, but there are newspaper reports staying it has happened. 

     

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,828 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 2022 #6

    Teapott, I think that if your phone is switched on the authorities know exactly where you are, without relying on a passport stamp. And with a passport scan having taken place they certainly know which country you are in.

  • teapott
    teapott Forum Participant Posts: 9
    edited May 2022 #7

    Thanks, a good suggestion. I've emailed the local French consulate. I'll update here if I get a response.

    We did keep our boarding pass (well, ferry windscreen hanger) which may help but unlike boarding passes doesn't have our names on.

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,828 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 2022 #8

    Let’s guess their reply.

    If I worked in the consulate it would be,”Thank you for letting us know that your passport wasn’t stamped when you left France. We regret the oversight and have reported the matter to our immigration department for their attention”

    Anyone good at creative writing?

  • teapott
    teapott Forum Participant Posts: 9
    edited June 2022 #9

    I'll be happy/surprised if they reply at all TBH! But I can only try, needless to say we'll have plenty of evidence to show our return. But last thing we want is trouble on the next trip. 

  • paul56
    paul56 Forum Participant Posts: 937
    500 Comments
    edited June 2022 #10

    Hadn't thought about this but we've just flown back from Spain. Passports stamped on entry but not on way out. Mind you managed to fall foul of 8 hour delay on flight back and luggage abandoned at Manchester - told could take 4 hours to get off plane. Has now been found and due to be couriered to home. 

  • ClulessInItaly
    ClulessInItaly Forum Participant Posts: 1
    edited September 2023 #11

    Hi.

     

    Was there any update on this issue, I have just had the same experience and am having the same concerns.thanks

  • teapott
    teapott Forum Participant Posts: 9
    edited September 2023 #12

    Hi,

    I (eventually) received a response from the French consulate which didn't say very much if I am honest. Kind of, it can happen, but you should be OK keep and your return ticket from your last journey to prove re-entry if needed. As it happened, I had no trouble on my next trip, stamped in and out without checking previous stamps. 

  • Fozzie
    Fozzie Club Member Posts: 550 ✭
    500 Comments
    edited September 2023 #13

    Why the worrying just about France,as the dates apply to any country in the Schnegan agreement,we have just returned from Malta,and used the electronic passport control,and no stamps given then.

    There are posters around arrivals,stating you do not need passports stamps.But how you check your usage abroad is anyone's guess.

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