Because I subscribe to the State Department’s Smart Travel Program, I receive alerts and warnings like the following one.
What does this mean? It means if we’re traveling to this area, we need to be more aware than normal. Keep you eyes open when traveling.
Exercise increased caution in France due to terrorism and civil unrest.
Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in France. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.
Demonstrations in Paris and other major cities continue in France and are expected to continue in the coming weeks. Property damage, including looting and arson, in populated tourist areas has occurred with reckless disregard for public safety. Police have responded with water cannons, rubber bullets, and tear gas. The U.S. Embassy is advising official U.S. government travelers to avoid travel to Paris and other major cities in France on the weekends.
Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.
If you decide to travel to France:
- Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and large crowded public venues.
- Avoid demonstrations.
- Review travel plans if you will be in France on weekends.
- Follow the instructions of local authorities including movement restrictions related to any ongoing police action.
- Find a safe location, and shelter in place if in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
- Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program(STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
- Review the Crime and Safety Report for France.
- U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
Last Update: Reissued with updates to the Risk Indicators.