France Travel Risk

Exercise increased caution in France due to terrorism and unrest.

Violence and rioting have recently occurred in France and may continue. Avoid demonstrations and areas of unrest. Stay away from areas with large crowds or significant police activity.

Pickpocketing and phone thefts are common, especially in crowded places. Terrorist groups continue to plan possible attacks in France and may attack with little to no warning. There are also regular, peaceful protests and strikes in Paris and other cities throughout France.

Pickpocketing and phone thefts are frequent crimes. They can occur in crowded areas such as:

• Airports
• Subways and train cars
• Tourist attractions
• Train stations

Terrorist groups continue to plan possible attacks in France. They may attack with little or no warning. Possible targets include:

• Tourist locations
• Transportation hubs and airports
• Markets and shopping malls
• Local government facilities
• Hotels, restaurants, and clubs
• Places of worship
• Major sporting and cultural events
• Educational institutions
• Parks
• Other public areas

Demonstrations

There is an increased likelihood of demonstrations, political gatherings and marches taking place across France, sometimes at short notice.

Whilst most demonstrations are peaceful, you should remain aware of your surroundings. Stay away from areas with large crowds or a significant police presence, and follow the advice of police and local authorities.

Demonstrations may disrupt local transport services and authorities may impose public safety measures, including partial and localised curfews in some areas. Monitor local media for the latest information about measures in your area.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in France

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in France.

Terrorism attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by tourists and foreign nationals such as:

• shopping centres
• entertainment establishments and nightlife venues
• sporting and cultural events
• public transport and national and international transport hubs
• places of worship
• crowded places and public gatherings

Methods of attack have included knife attacks, shootings, bombings and vehicle attacks. Be vigilant in public places and follow the advice of local French authorities.

There have been several recent high-profile terrorist attacks in France, including:

• in 2023, one person was killed in a knife and hammer attack in central Paris
• in 2023, a teacher was killed in a knife attack in a school in Arras

French authorities regularly report that they have disrupted planned attacks and made arrests.

Risk level

France - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in France due to the threat of terrorism.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities, including in France. Additional attacks can occur.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including police stations
• schools including universities
• places of worship
• cultural venues, including: concert halls nightclubs event centres
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas and tourist attractions, especially in Paris, including: restaurants bars coffee shops shopping centres markets hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Be particularly vigilant during:

• sporting events
• public celebrations
• major political events, such as elections
• religious holidays

Terrorists may use such occasions to mount attacks.

Expect heightened security measures, including:

• an increased police presence across the country
• increased caution and scrutiny from security forces
• added security measures in certain places

Vigipirate plan

The Vigipirate plan is a set of security measures established by the French government.

As part of this plan, the government maintains a 3-level public alert system for terrorism. The current level is at 2, “vigilance renforcée” (“enhanced vigiliance”). Changes in the threat level are communicated online and through local and national media.

Operation Sentinelle

Operation Sentinelle complements the Vigipirate plan. Police and Gendarmes, assisted by military units, are permanently deployed in public areas that could be targeted by terrorists.

Expect an increased police or military presence in public places.

Useful links

• Information on the terrorist threat in France – Ministry of the Interior (French only)
• How to react in case of a terrorist attack – Government of France (French only)
• Social media accounts of the Ministry of the Interior – Ministry of the Interior (French only)
• Vigipirate – Secretary General of defence and national security (French only)

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