Passport renewal in Réunion
Renewing a French passport issued in Réunion typically involves submitting an application at a local town hall (mairie) or designated sub-prefecture, providing required documents such, as a previous passport, photos, and proof of address. The application is then processed by the French authorities.
It is generally recommended to initiate the passport renewal process several months before the current passport's expiration date. This allows ample time to secure an appointment, which can have waiting lists, and accounts for processing times, which can vary, especially during peak travel periods.
Start 90 days ahead
This accounts for potential delays in obtaining an appointment at a mairie, the processing time by the French administration, and any unforeseen circumstances. Processing times can vary depending on the period and location.
The process
- 1Verify the expiry date of the current passport and gather all necessary documents.
- 2Schedule an appointment at a mairie (town hall) in Réunion that handles passport applications. Some sub-prefectures may also offer this service.
- 3Complete the application form, which can sometimes be pre-filled online or obtained at the mairie.
- 4Attend the appointment with all required original documents and photocopies.
- 5Submit the application and provide biometric data (fingerprints).
- 6Pay the required fee.
- 7Once notified, collect the new passport in person at the same location where the application was submitted. The old passport may be returned cancelled.
What to bring
- Expired passport (or other proof of French nationality if it's a first passport or lost)
- Two recent, compliant identity photos (less than 6 months old, standard French passport photo format)
- Proof of address (e.g., electricity bill, tax notice) less than 1 year old
- Identity document (e.g., national identity card) if the passport is expired for more than 5 years
- Proof of civil status (e.g., birth certificate less than 3 months old, required in specific situations)
- Fiscal stamp (timbre fiscal) purchased online or from a tobacconist's shop
Who handles it
Préfecture de La Réunion (Prefecture of Réunion) / Mairies (Town Halls) in Réunion, on behalf of the French Government.
https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/N360
The cost of a French passport is typically around 86 Euros for adults, payable via a 'timbre fiscal' (fiscal stamp), which can be purchased online or from authorized vendors. Fees may be lower for minors. It is advisable to confirm the exact current fee and payment methods with the mairie or on the official Service-Public.fr website.
What commonly goes wrong
- Ensure identity photos strictly adhere to French administrative standards; non-compliant photos are a common reason for application delays.
- Appointments at town halls can be scarce, especially in larger towns or during peak periods, so booking well in advance is crucial.
- Confirm whether a birth certificate is required; it's not always necessary if the civil status records are digitized ('dématérialisé').
- Processing times can vary significantly; plan accordingly if travel is anticipated.
Sources
Other documents in Réunion
Passport renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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