What happens if I am detained in France but the requesting country fails to submit a formal extradition request?

Under French extradition law, provisional arrest based on a Red Notice cannot exceed a defined period — typically 30 days, extendable in exceptional circumstances. If the requesting state fails to submit a formal extradition request with supporting documentation within this timeframe, French authorities must release you. The Red Notice itself remains valid, however, meaning you could face re-arrest if you travel elsewhere. This window can be strategically used to accelerate CCF proceedings and gather evidence challenging the underlying notice.