We flew from Canada to Paris CDG Airport a few weeks ago, and when we arrived, there was no requirement to get our passports stamped. The agents don't usually stamp our passports when traveling between Canada and the US, so I didn't think much of it. However, on our return trip, we had a connection in Amsterdam, and there was a problem when the border agent there found no entry stamp for Europe (the Schengen area) in our passports. Fortunately, I had a printout of our full ticket both ways, and the agent accepted that as proof of arrival, and he placed a "Correction Stamp" in our passports for our entry at Paris. He said this happens a lot with Paris. I think I recall seeing a small desk at Paris CDG where you could get your passport stamped at entry, but no one told us that it was required.
Posted by
Southeast US
4045 posts
I always do everything I can to get the stamp! Including stopping at the window/booth after scanning my passport at CDG in April.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
That is an excellent question or concern. It is frequently posted here that you don't need the stamps anymore and that the date of the scanning is noted somewhere in the scan. I wonder if retaining your boarding pass would be useful or accepted as proof.
Posted by
Chicago
8552 posts
We had the exact same thing happen about 12 years ago entering through Rome where they just waived everyone through without stamping. I read on TA about the problem at exit and so when we were exiting at Amsterdam on day 89, I had known to assemble evidence to establish entry -- copies of ticket itineraries, hotel receipts etc. We were pulled from the immigration line along with another guy and interrogated and our paperwork was examined and our passports retroactively stamped. It added about an hour to the process; the other guy missed the plane -- I don't know if he overstayed or just didn't have evidence needed.
So yeah -- be sure they stamp the passport on arrival.
Posted by
Panguitch, Utah
2703 posts
The ETIAS system starts next year, which provides for comprehensive tracking of Schengen zone movement. Passports stamps will effectively become obsolete.
Posted by
Florida (previously California)
3989 posts
Thank you for your very helpful post, Jonathan.