France - Exercise a high degree of caution

         Travel advice for France

Security

Events In late June 2023, protests in opposition to police violence took place. New demonstrations could take place in Paris and its surroundings and in several other cities across the country. They caused disruptions to services, transport and resulted in acts of vandalism, arson and violent clashes between protesters and police. In some cases, security forces used tear gas to disperse crowds.Even protests that claim to be peaceful can suddenly turn violent.If you are in France:check local media for the latest information follow the advice of local authorities be prepared to change your itinerary in case of disruptions expect heightened security measures and an increased police presence.

Terrorism

There is a terrorist threat in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities.

In France, in recent years, various opportunistic and premeditated attacks have taken place. These caused many deaths and injuries. It is very likely that other attacks will occur.

Vigipirate map

The Vigipirate plan is a set of measures established by the French government, aimed at preparing and protecting the French population, infrastructures and institutions in the event of an attack. The aim is also to allow rapid deployment of response measures if necessary.

As part of this plan, the government has a public terrorism alert system with 3 levels. Changes in threat level are communicated online as well as through local and national media.

Terrorism

There is a terrorist threat in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities.

In France, in recent years, various opportunistic and premeditated attacks have taken place. These caused many deaths and injuries. It is very likely that other attacks will occur.

Vigipirate map

The Vigipirate plan is a set of measures established by the French government, aimed at preparing and protecting the French population, infrastructures and institutions in the event of an attack. The aim is also to allow rapid deployment of response measures if necessary.

As part of this plan, the government has a public terrorism alert system with 3 levels. Changes in threat level are communicated online as well as through local and national media.

During your stay in France:

always be on your guard when in public places;

be extra vigilant when attending large gatherings such as sporting events, religious holidays or other public celebrations.

Crime

Minor crimes

Petty crime, such as pick-pocketing, purse and cell phone theft, is common.

Thieves are very clever. They often act in groups and are often underage. They may use various techniques to divert your attention and steal your belongings.

Thieves are mainly active in big cities and crowded places, such as:

the main tourist places;

big stores;

restaurants and terraces;

hotel lobbies;

the parks;

transportation hubs;

public transport, in particular the Paris metro and the lines of the Île-de-France regional express network (RER) linking the capital to its surroundings.

Violent crime

Violent crimes are rarer, but still occur.

Tourists are sometimes victims of violent attacks, perpetrated by groups of young people who want to rob them. These attacks usually occur:

around the main tourist attractions;

near train stations;

on board trains on the lines of the Île-de-France regional express network (RER) linking the capital to its surroundings.

Attacks can also occur at the exit of night establishments and in more isolated places during the night.

Burglaries

Home burglaries occur, especially in large cities and coastal areas. Burglars sometimes attack vacation rental homes or apartments.

During your stay in France:

be vigilant, especially when strangers approach you;

always store your personal belongings, including your passport and all your travel documents, in a safe place;

avoid flaunting wealth and carrying large sums of money with you;

use your cell phone as little as possible in public transport and in busy places to avoid being distracted and attracting the attention of thieves;

don't store your credit cards, debit cards and cash in the same place;

never leave your luggage unattended;

choose well-secured accommodation and take care to lock doors and windows at night and when you are away.

Vehicles parked and on the road

Break-ins to vehicles are common. Thefts of vehicles or their contents occur regularly on the roads that run along the beaches of the south of France. They are also common at rest stops on highways across the country, especially in the summer when there is a rush of travellers.
Do not leave any personal effects in sight in a vehicle;
Park your vehicle in a guarded parking lot;
Be extra vigilant if you rent a car, because rental vehicles are prime targets.
Thieves often try to get motorists to stop on the road, either by obstructing the passage or by attracting their attention by flashing their headlights. They can also make it look like a puncture, even going so far as to puncture a tire themselves. Once the vehicle is stopped, they take the opportunity to steal the bags and other valuables.
Beware of someone signaling you to stop on the highway;
Be extra vigilant at red lights, as thieves on scooters often take advantage of the fact that the vehicle is stopped to grab bags from the front seat;
Always keep windows closed and doors locked.

Victims of crime

If you are the victim of a theft, go to the nearest police station to report the crime. Keep a copy of your theft report, as you will need it if you wish to submit a claim to your insurer. If the incident takes place on the metro, a metro officer can direct you to the nearest police station.

It is possible to file a pre-complaint online for certain types of minor crimes, such as theft of property, before going to the police station. This could speed up the process once there.