Travel advice and advisories for France

Vigipirate Plan

The Vigipirate Plan is a series of measures the French government has established to protect and prepare the French population, institutions, and infrastructure for an attack. It also aims to deploy emergency intervention measures if needed rapidly. The government has established a public alert system of 3 levels for terrorist threats as part of the plan. Information about changes in the threat level is communicated via online, local, and national media.

Operation Sentinelle

Operation Sentinelle allows for the deployment of militaries to public areas to deter and patrol terrorist acts. In strategic locations, enhanced security measures were implemented, including:

• Transport hubs
• Public places
• Paris is a popular tourist destination.

You can expect an increase in the presence of police and military personnel in public places, especially in Paris.

Attacks can happen anywhere. Terrorists could target

• Cultural spaces include museums, galleries, concert halls, theatres, and other venues dedicated to culture.
• Airports, railway stations, and other transport hubs and networks
• Public areas like tourist attractions, monuments, bars, cafes, coffee shops, shopping centers, markets, hotels, etc. are often frequented by foreigners

When in France:

• When you are in public places, be mindful of your surroundings
• Be especially vigilant when attending large gatherings, such as sporting, religious, or other public celebrations.

Crime

Petty Crime

Pickpocketing and purse and phone snatching are all common petty crimes. Thieves can be very skilled. Thieves often work in groups and often target minors. They might use various tactics to distract you and steal your belongings.
Thieves are most active in big cities and bustling places like:

• The main tourist attractions
• department stores
• Restaurants and patios
• hotel lobbies
• Parks
• Transport hubs
• Public transport, including the Paris metro and Ile-de-France regional Express NetwoRegional, lines connect the capital with its environs.

Violent crimes

Although violent crimes are less common, they still happen.
Sometimes, young men gang up on tourists to rob them. These attacks are common:

• Major tourist attractions
• Near railway stations
• On trains of the Ile-de-France Regional Express Network (RER), which connects the capital with its environs

Several assaults can occur in areas not accessible to night-time establishments or isolated locations at night.

Residential break-ins

In large cities and along the coast, residential break-ins are common. Sometimes, burglars target holiday rentals or houses.
When in France:

• Be cautious, especially when strangers approach you
• Make sure your belongings, including passports, and travel documents, remain safe at all times
• Avoid displaying signs of affluence or carrying large sums of cash.
• Limit the use of mobile phones in public transport and crowded areas. This will ensure that you are aware of your surroundings and avoid being spotted.
• Keep your cash, credit cards, and debit cards separate.
• Never leave your bag unattended
• Choose secure accommodation, and lock your doors and windows while away.

Vehicle Crimes

There are many vehicle break-ins. It is common to steal parked cars, and their contents on beaches in France and at rest stops along the highways throughout the country, particularly during summer when there are many tourists.

• Keep everything out of the vehicle
• Use secure parking facilities
• Renting automobiles is a dangerous business.

Thieves often try to trick drivers into stopping their cars. They may either block the road or distract them by flashing their lights. Thieves may pretend to have a flat tire or even puncture your tire. The thieves will seize the chance to steal valuable items or a bag once the vehicle has been stopped.

• Pay attention to anyone who waves at you to slow down on the highway.
• Watch out for thieves riding on scooters and taking bags from front passengers.
• Always keep windows and doors closed.

Victims in crime

You should go to your nearest police station to report a theft victim. Keep a copy of your theft report. You will need it to file a claim with your insurance company. A metro officer could help you find the nearest police station if the incident occurred in the metro.
Before you go to the police station, you can fill out an online pre-complaint regarding minor crimes such as theft. Once you reach the police station, this may expedite the process.

Fraud

ATM fraud and credit card

Fraud at ATMs and credit card transactions can occur.
Use debit and credit cards responsibly

• Pay attention to how other people handle your cards
• Use ATMs in public areas, inside banks, or businesses.
• Avoid using card readers that have an unusual or irregular feature
• When entering your PIN, cover the keypad with one hand
• Check your account statements for any suspicious transactions

Cybercrime

Cybercrime occurs. Cybercriminals may use public Wi-Fi networks to steal personal or credit card information.

• Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks that are not secured
• Avoid placing orders on unencrypted sites
• Posting information to social media should be done with caution
• You should be especially careful when you contact or meet people via the internet

Demonstrations

Demonstrations are common. They are generally planned with permission from local authorities. But, they can also be spontaneously organized. Even peaceful demonstrations could turn violent at any moment. They can also cause disruptions in traffic and public transport.
Radical activists and vandals are known for using violent and aggressive tactics at demonstrations to inflict damage and provoke a strong police response. At rallies, they sometimes throw stones and smoke grenades. To disperse the crowds, police typically respond with tear gas.

• Avoid areas with demonstrations or large gatherings
• Follow local authorities’ instructions
• For information about ongoing demonstrations, keep an eye on local media

Strikes

Regular strikes and pressure tactics are joint, especially in sectors like transport. These strikes can often disrupt public services and complicate travel.

• Check local media for information about strikes that could affect your travel plans or stay.
• Plan extra time to reach your destination in the event of a strike by transport workers

Swimming, boating, and water safety

Swimming

The coast can be dangerous. Beach warning signs should always be obeyed.
France uses the following warning flags:

• Swimming is permitted in green waters
• Yellow: Avoid swimming in agitated water
• Swimming is forbidden in red waters
• Swimming is forbidden in purple waters due to harmful aquatic species or contamination.

Winter and autumn are the best times to be cautious in walking along the shore. Waves can break faster than expected, causing solid undertows, and it is essential to be aware of these dangers.

• Avoid beaches and coastal areas during severe weather warnings
• Watch out for warning signs about cliff erosion or falling rocks
• Avoid diving into unexplored waters as hidden rocks and shallow depths could cause severe injury or even death.
• Follow the advice of local authorities and exercise caution

Recreational sailing

If you plan to go boating

• Know the boat’s capacity (people and weight) so you don’t exceed it
• Know the navigation rules
• Follow safe procedures for all water activities: personal watercraft and water-skiing, towed devices, diving, swimming, fishing, etc.
• Install a VHF marine radio on your boat to generate your position in an emergency
• Prepare for any emergency

The Regional Operational Surveillance and Rescue Centres in France (CROSS) are responsible for search and rescue operations if you have an emergency, dial 196 or contact the VHF radio channel 16 centers.

Mountain Activities

Hiking and other mountain activities can prove dangerous, especially if you aren’t well-prepared. Even in summer, trails are not always marked, and weather conditions may change quickly.
Winter snowfall can make it hard to reach certain villages and ski centers. Some roads may be impassible. Avalanches can also occur, which can lead to fatalities.
You are planning to go hiking, climbing, or skiing

• Never do it alone, and don’t part with your hiking companions
• Get travel insurance that includes medical evacuation and helicopter rescue
• Make sure your physical condition allows you to take on the demands of your activity.
• Do not wander off the marked trails or slopes
• Make sure you are properly equipped
• Stay informed about weather conditions and other hazards
• Inform a friend or family member about your itinerary
• Know the signs and symptoms of acute altitude illness, which can lead to death
• Before you set out, get detailed information about your activity and the environment in which it will take place.

Public transportation

Public transportation in urban and intercity areas is reliable. These types of vehicles are reliable. Make sure to validate your ticket before you travel. The authorities could fine you if your ticket is not valid.

Taxis

Illegal taxis are a problem at Paris’s train stations and airports. These taxi scammers charge higher rates than the official rates.

• When you leave the airport or train station, ignore any direct solicitations
• Only use official taxis, or trust a ride-sharing app
• Share a taxi with strangers