Official: France is a safe country
The first thing to remember is that France is considered a safe country by all major governments, including the governments of the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia. There have been no recommendations to stop traveling to France. Therefore, you should not consider canceling your trip to Paris and France unless you personally feel that it would be a good thing. However, all governments advise you to be especially careful in France. You should be cautious in large towns and cities, but the countryside, small towns, and villages are very safe.
The terrorist attacks of July 2016
France, Europe and the world were horrified by the attack in Nice on Thursday, July 14, Bastille Day, which left France fearful and furious. The country had hosted the UEFA Football Championship without terrorist incidents and the State of Emergency was about to be lifted after the attacks in Paris on November 13, 2015, when 129 people were killed and more were injured. This was the second major attack in Paris that year; In January 2015, an attack on the offices of the French satirical publication Charlie Hebdo left 12 people dead and 11 others injured.
All the perpetrators have been killed or arrested.
When the attacks occurred, the US Department of State and the UK Foreign Office and other countries reported that further attacks were possible, although law enforcement and security agencies around the world are working to prevent such attacks. After the Nice attacks, the same resolution is evident.
It is impossible to reassure people that there will be no more attempts. However, it is appropriate to remember that security measures have been greatly intensified and that there is greater cooperation between international agencies and foreign governments than ever before, which is why it is believed that terrorists will find it increasingly difficult to organize.
But these are terrifying times and many people wonder how safe Paris, France, and indeed the rest of Europe are.
More information on Paris and the November attacks
My colleague, Courtney Traub, has produced some excellent updates on the November attacks in Paris.
More information sources
BBC news
New York Times
Practical information about Paris
Emergency telephone number of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for tourists: 00 33 (0) 1 45 50 34 60
Information from the Paris tourist office
Train information
Paris airport information:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
Paris City Hall
Courtney Traub tips to stay safe in Paris
Paris locations
Downtown and tourist areas in Paris are generally safe, but still take note of the warnings above.
- Watch out for Les Halles at night and drug dealers.
- Northern Paris should be avoided at night. Keep an eye on your possessions.
- At the moment, the suburbs, particularly Saint-Denis and Bobigny, are the watchdog center and the latest terrorists have been caught there.
- Be careful along the banks of the Seine and the piers. Don’t go alone and don’t walk through tunnels under bridges, as these are often the dens of the homeless.
Advice from the United States Embassy in Paris
The advice from the United States Embassy in Paris after the 2016 attacks was general:
“We strongly urge American citizens to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take appropriate steps to enhance their personal safety, including limiting their movements to essential activities. US citizens are encouraged to control local media and information sources. and factoring up-to-date information into personal travel plans and activities.
State of emergency
France remains under a state of emergency voted on by the government. This will last until July 2017 after the elections in France conclude.
“The state of emergency allows the government to prevent the movement of people and create protection and security zones. There are reinforced security measures throughout France. These allow the house arrest of any person whose activities are considered dangerous, the closing of theaters and meeting places, the handover of weapons and the possibility of administrative searches of houses.
Official advice from the government website
- Travel advisories to the US
- UK Travel Tips on Travel to France
- Canadian Tips on Travel to France
- Australian tips on traveling to France
- New Zealand Tips on Travel to France
More on making a decision about traveling to France
The decision to travel is, of course, totally personal. But many people are urging that we get on with our normal lives. This is the way to defeat cowardly terrorism; I firmly believe that we must not let the terrorist change the way we live and see the world.
General travel tips to stay safe
- Check your bags and make sure they are securely closed.
- Bring your bag close to you; If it’s hanging off your shoulder, be careful. It could be taken over by passing thieves, particularly those on scooters or motorcycles.
- Be careful if you carry a backpack, especially on the subway and at flea markets, as it is easier for pickpockets in crowded places.
- Don’t put money and passports in your pockets.
- At ATMs, be careful that no one sees you enter your access code. Take your card and cash and put them away right away. Don’t have money in your hand on the streets.
- In Paris, if you can buy a metro ticket in advance. If possible, buy at a box office; If you need to buy from a machine, make sure you have the right money. Beware of anyone who offers to help; ignore them.
- Watch out for all the major stations; They always attract pickpockets and petty thieves as they often overwhelm you with luggage and you don’t focus.
- Remember that your bags will be checked at all major department stores, museums and attractions; It is for your own safety.
Is it safe to travel to the rest of France?
- In urban areas throughout France, you should take the same precautions as you would in any major city (see above). But the country is vast, and many regions and many towns and cities are very safe. So if you’re nervous about visiting Paris or Nice, consider a more secluded region like Auvergne, where the way of life is rural, peaceful, and seems to be a million miles from major cities.
Travel to and from France
- You will find increased security at airports, so whether you are flying to or from France, allow more time to go through the various checkpoints. And make sure you have all the relevant documents you need before you travel.
- The Schengen Agreement means that there are no border controls within the European Community. However, the UK is not a party to the Schengen Agreement, so there will be more delays if you travel to or from that country.
- All airlines, ferries and trains operate normal services to and from France.
- If you are going to France in the next few months, check first to see if any major events have been canceled.
Edited by Mary Anne Evans
