How to Get a Plane Spotting Photography Pass for Paris

Did you know that plane spotters visiting the Paris area are not permitted to take photographs of aircraft without prior permission?

It may seem strange to find that pursuing your hobby would be limited in such a way, but this is the rule. But getting around it is surprisingly easy, ensuring everyone stays on the side of the law.

What are the Rules for Plane Spotting in Paris?

Before we begin, understand that plane spotting is both permitted and even encouraged for those wishing to do so in the Paris area.

There are some official spotting locations and an amazing aviation museum to visit.

What’s more, the act of logging aircraft (taking down registrations or serials) is also permitted without and prior permission.

The major rule we must follow, however, is that taking photographs needs prior permission.

What Restrictions Are In Place for Aviation Photography in Paris?

Photo (c) Charles

The rule in place states that taking photographs at Charles de Gaulle and Le Bourget airports is not permitted without permission.

While Orly airport appears to be exempt, it is still wise to gain permission if you intend to go spotting there.

In fact, the only place I’ve ever been approached by police officers was at Orly, and I was glad to have my authorisation form handy to show them.

How Do I Get Permission to Photograph Aircraft in Paris?

If you intend on plane spotting and taking photographs of aircraft in Paris – particularly at Charles de Gaulle and Le Bourget airports (and if you plan to visit the Paris Air Show), you must send some details to the French Government in advance, and await a form being sent to you which gives permission.

To do this, you must follow these steps:

1. Send an email to spotters@interieur.gouv.fr
2. Attach a scan of your passport
3. Attach a scan of a passport-style headshot photograph of yourself.
4. Include a message, preferably in French, requesting permission to photograph aircraft at Paris Charles de Gaulle and/or Le Bourget and/or Orly, along with the dates you intend to visit, your full name, home address and date of birth.

There are many free online translation tools you can use in order to translate your message into French.

But, to help you along, here’s an example of a letter which we have used recently.

——————————-

[TODAY’S DATE]

Bonjour,

je m’apelle [YOUR NAME] et j’habite à [YOUR CITY], [YOUR COUNTRY]. Je suis «Planespotter» et je vais visiter Paris en [MONTH YOU’LL VISIT]. Je veux prendre avions en photo à Charles-De-Gaulles, Le Bourget et Orly.

Je sais, que j’ai besoin d’ une permission. Est-ce que tu me peux délivrer une permission comme ça?

Mon adresse est :

[ENTER YOUR HOME ADDRESS]

Mon carte d’identité est joint à notes annexes.

Meilleures salutations,

[YOUR NAME]

[YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS]

Date of Birth : [ENTER YOUR DATE OF BIRTH]

——————————-

Once submitted, you can expect to hear back between 1-4 weeks of sending. Your pass will usually be sent as an email attachment.

Print it out and take it with you when on your spotting trip to Paris. Remember to keep your passport or photo ID with you at all times!

How Long Do Paris Photo Passes Last?

Your Paris plane spotting pass is valid for three years.

After that, follow the same steps to apply for a new one if you intend to visit again for spotting and aircraft photography.

What About Paris Beauvais Airport?

A little further out from Paris itself, Beauvais airport also requires permission to take photographs of airliners.

You should follow all of the steps above, but send your request to presse@aeroportbeauvais.com instead.

Title image: Charles