Travel & safety — France

Political violence in Paris and throughout France is relatively uncommon, although there are occasional instances of extremely large demonstrations simultaneously occurring in many French cities.

Large demonstrations in Paris are generally managed by a strong police presence, but even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.

We recommend that U.S. citizens avoid demonstrations if possible, and exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.

The congestion caused by large demonstrations can cause serious inconveniences for a visitor on a tight schedule.

Some sporting events, such as soccer matches, have occasionally degenerated into violence that continued into the streets.

Political unrest has developed in some Francophone countries with historic ties to France (e.g., Algeria, Mali, Cote d’Ivoire, and Tunisia).

Some French citizens and residents with ties to such countries have protested in front of those countries’ embassies or consulates in France in response to the unrest.

Although these protests are infrequent and do not target U.S. citizens, visitors should avoid such demonstrations.

The Government of France maintains a threat rating system, known locally as “Vigipirate,” similar to the U.S.

Department of Homeland Security Advisory System.

Under this plan, the government routinely augments police with armed forces and increases visibility at airports, train and metro stations, and other high-profile locations such as schools, major tourist attractions, and government installations.

Over the last few years, there have been arrests of suspected militant extremists allegedly involved in terrorist plots.

French authorities have periodically spoken publicly about the heightened threat conditions for terrorist attacks in Europe.

The United States and France routinely share information in order to disrupt terrorist plotting, identify and take action against potential operatives, and strengthen defenses against potential threats.

Although U.S. citizens have not been specifically targeted in terrorist attacks in France within the past few years, travelers should remain vigilant.

Immediately report unattended packages observed in public places or any other suspicious activities to French law enforcement authorities, who are proactive and will respond immediately.

If there is a security incident or suspicious package, do not linger in the area to observe.

Public safety and security in France are maintained by three different forces: Municipal Police; National Police; and the military Gendarmerie.

These services are professional, competent, and proactive in fighting crime and violence and maintaining overall state security.

In an emergency, dialing 17 will connect the caller to the Police in both France and Monaco.

You can also dial the Europe-wide emergency response number 112 to reach an operator for all kinds of emergency services (similar to the U.S. 911 system) in France.

Non-French speakers may experience a delay while an English speaker is located.

France is a relatively safe country.

Most crimes are non-violent, but pick-pocketing is a significant problem.

The majority of crimes directed against foreign visitors, including U.S. citizens, involve pick-pocketing, residential break-ins, bicycle theft, and other forms of theft with minimal violence.

However, as in any big city, robberies involving physical assault do occur in Paris and other major urban areas.

Visitors to congested areas and known tourist sites (e.g., museums, monuments, train stations, airports, and subways) should be particularly attentive to their surroundings.

Crimes against visitors are generally crimes of opportunity, though these crimes are more likely to involve violence on the street late at night or when the victim detects the theft and resists the criminal.

As in any major city, women should exercise extra caution when out alone at night and/or consider traveling out at night with companions.

In general, Paris taxis are safe and professionally operated, but there has been an increase in reported harassment and assaults on women by taxi drivers.

Caution is required throughout France when driving through economically depressed areas where there is a high incidence of “smash and grab” robberies.

Thieves will approach a vehicle that is stopped in traffic, smash a window, reach into the vehicle to grab a purse or other valuable item, and then flee.

Keep doors locked and valuables out of sight.

There is generally an increase in the number of residential break-ins in August when most French residents take a vacation, as well as in December.

The majority are attributed to residents not using security measures already in place, including double-locking doors and locking windows.

Home invasions are often preceded by phone calls to see if the resident is at home.

Often thieves who manage to gain access to the apartment building will knock on apartment doors to see if anyone answers, offering the excuse they are taking a survey or representing a utility company.

PARIS: Crime in Paris is similar to that in most large cities.

Violent crime is relatively uncommon in the city center, but women should exercise extra caution when out alone at night and should consider traveling out at night with trusted companions.

There has been an increase in reported sexual harassment, and sometimes assault, by taxi drivers.

Pickpockets are by far the most significant problem.

In addition to purses and wallets, smartphones and small electronic devices are particular targets.

In Paris, pickpockets are commonly children under the age of 16 because they are difficult to prosecute.

Pickpockets are very active on the rail link (RER B) from Charles de Gaulle Airport to the city center.

Travelers may want to consider using a shuttle service or one of the express buses to central Paris rather than the RER.

In addition, passengers on metro Line 1, which traverses the city center from east to west and services many major tourist sites, are often targeted.

A common method is for one thief to distract the tourist with questions or disturbances, while an accomplice picks pockets, a backpack, or a purse.

Schemes in Paris include asking if you would sign a petition or take a survey, or presenting a ring and asking if you dropped it.

Thieves often time their pickpocket attempts to coincide with the closing of the automatic doors on the metro, leaving the victim secured on the departing train.

Many thefts also occur at major department stores (e.g., Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, and Le Bon Marché), where tourists may leave wallets, passports, and credit cards on cashier counters during transactions.

Popular tourist sites are also popular with thieves, who favor congested areas to mask their activities.

The crowded elevators at the Eiffel Tower, escalators at museums such as the Louvre, and the area surrounding Sacré Coeur Basilica in Montmartre are all favored by pickpockets and snatch-and-grab thieves.

There have been some instances of touris

While in France, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Individuals who hold U.S. and French or Monegasque citizenship should be aware that local authorities may treat you as solely French or Monegasque.

Criminal penalties vary from country to country, and there are some things that might be legal in France or Monaco, but still illegal in the United States.

You can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy counterfeit or pirated goods in another country.

Engaging in sexual conduct with minors or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is also a crime prosecutable in the United States.

If you commit a crime in another country, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going.

Persons violating French or Monegasque laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs in France and Monaco are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

For legal assistance in France or Monaco, refer to this list of attorneys.

If you use any of France’s excellent public transportation services, take particular care to retain your used or “validated” ticket.

Inspectors conduct intermittent, random checks, and passengers who fail to present the correct validated ticket for their journey are subject to stiff and immediate fines.

Inspectors may show no interest in explanations and no sympathy for an honest mistake.

Failure to cooperate with inspectors can result in arrest.

If arrested: While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case.

To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained.

Languages French (official) 100%, declining regional dialects and languages (Provencal, Breton, Alsatian, Corsican, Catalan, Basque, Flemish, Occitan, Picard); note - overseas departments: French, Creole patois, Mahorian (a Swahili dialect)

Medical care is comparable to that found in the United States.

In an emergency, dial 15 to connect to emergency medical services.

You can also dial the Europe-wide emergency response number 112 to reach an operator for all kinds of emergency services (similar to the U.S. 911 system).

Non-French speakers may experience a delay while an English speaker is located.

For non-emergency medical assistance in France, you may refer to this list of medical professionals.

While in France and Monaco, you may encounter road conditions that are very different from those in the United States.

Roads in France are generally comparable to those in the United States, but traffic engineering and driving habits pose special dangers.

Lane markings and sign placements may not be clear.

Drivers should be prepared to make last-minute maneuvers.

French drivers typically drive more aggressively and faster than U.S. drivers, and tend to exceed posted speed limits.

Right-of-way rules in France differ from those in the United States.

Drivers entering intersections from the right have priority over those on the left (unless specifically indicated otherwise), even when entering relatively large boulevards from small side streets.

While many newer traffic circles have yield signs, some intersections do not, and still require traffic in the circle to cede the right-of-way to incoming traffic from the right.

On major highways, there are service stations at least every 25 miles.

Service stations are not as common on secondary roads in France as they are in the United States.

Paris has an extensive and efficient public transportation system.

The interconnecting system of buses, subways, and commuter rails serves more than four million people a day with a safety record comparable to, or better than, the systems of major U.S. cities.

Similar transportation systems are found in all major French cities.

Between cities, France has an equally extensive rail service, which is safe and reliable.

High-speed rail links connect the major cities in France.

Many cities are also served by frequent air service.

Traveling by train is safer than driving.

Pedestrians make up 13 percent of the deaths in motor vehicle accidents in France (roughly the same as in the United States), but this percentage is increasing.

Most of these accidents occur when a pedestrian steps out onto the street, often when a car or motorcycle is making a turn through a pedestrian crosswalk.

Pedestrians should be cautious even when they have a green walking signal since this is no guarantee against aggressive drivers.

While Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and other French cities actively encourage bicycle rentals through widely available city-sponsored systems, you should be cautious about this means of transportation, especially in a busy and unfamiliar urban environment.

Helmets are neither required nor readily available near rental stations.

If you plan to ride a bicycle in France, you should bring your own helmet.