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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聽聽and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out聽how to reduce your risk from聽terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in France聽

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:聽

• 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.

Industrial action and demonstrations聽

Industrial action

There can be frequent industrial action across France. This can lead to disruption and delays on roads and public transport. If you鈥檙e due to travel to or within France, monitor the media, check your operator鈥檚 advice and follow the advice of the authorities.听

Demonstrations

Demonstrations, political gatherings, or marches can take place with little or no warning, particularly in cities.听

Whilst most demonstrations are peaceful, if you鈥檙e near areas where they are taking place, you should remain aware of what is happening around you and follow the advice of the police and local authorities.

Crime

Protecting your belongings

Take sensible precautions against street crime and car crime. Pickpockets can work in gangs; one distracts you while the other one goes into your bag.

Thieves and pickpockets operate on the Paris M茅tro, on RER (train) lines and at mainline stations. To reduce the risk of theft:

• keep your passport, credit cards and other valuables in separate bags or pockets
• use the inside compartments in bags where possible
• carry your bag across your body rather than on your shoulder
• keep your belongings close to you in restaurants and bars
• do not leave any valuables in your vehicle
• do not get distracted around tourist attractions and ATMs

Assaults

There have been several cases of serious assault on the RER line B, which serves:

• Paris Charles de Gaulle airport
• Orly Airport
• Paris Gare du Nord Eurostar terminus

There have also been serious assaults on RER line D, which serves the Stade de France.

Drink spiking and sexual assault

Be alert to the possible use of 鈥榙ate rape鈥� and other drugs including GHB and liquid ecstasy.

Buy your own drinks and always keep them in sight to avoid them being spiked. Alcohol and drugs can reduce your vigilance, making you less in control. If you drink, know your limit. Drinks served in bars in France are often stronger than those in the UK.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

You must be able to聽聽by providing documents when asked or within 4 hours at a police station. Accepted IDs are:

• passport
• photocard driving licence
• other documentation provided by a government body

Face-covering ban

Covering your face in public places in France is illegal. This includes balaclavas, full veils or any other garment or mask that is used to hide the face. You could get a fine of up to 150 euros if you do not comply.

Forcing someone to hide their face is also a crime and is punishable by a year鈥檚 imprisonment and a fine of up to 30,000 euros. If the person forced to hide their face is under 18 years old, the sentence is doubled. This law applies to tourists.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Swimming safety

Local sea conditions can be dangerous even for strong swimmers. Most beaches have lifeguards and flag warning systems. Make sure you understand the warning system before swimming and always follow the advice closely. See from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Some beaches have strong undercurrents, especially along the Atlantic coast. There is a risk of riptides (鈥榖a茂nes鈥�) in some areas, particularly around the coast of Gironde and Landes.听

Follow local advice if there are jellyfish in the sea.听聽

Watersports

Before taking part in water-based activities, find out how you and your friends or family will be supervised and supported.

See 鈦� from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA).

Trekking and mountaineering

Check weather forecasts and conditions and make sure you鈥檙e properly prepared. Do not undertake any activity alone and consider hiring a guide for expert advice. Always leave copies of your itinerary with someone.

In mountainous areas, make sure your insurance covers you for extra costs such as mountain rescue service and helicopter evacuation. In the d茅partements of Savoie and Haute-Savoie, you may need to be transferred to Switzerland for treatment.

Winter sports

Read advice on how to聽prepare for winter sports. Check 聽on the Meteo France website and consider carrying avalanche search equipment if you ski off-piste.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in France, see information on driving abroad and check the . The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.听

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in France. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or聽get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.听

Check if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.听These have replaced GB stickers.

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.听

Penalties

Police give you on-the-spot fines for driving offences, including speeding.

France has strict drink-driving laws and the legal alcohol limit is a third lower than the limit for England and Wales. Police regularly carry out roadside checks for alcohol and drugs. Penalties include fines, loss of licence and prison.

Winter tyres and chains

Vehicles driven in certain mountain regions during the winter period (1 November to 31 March) must be fitted with winter tyres or chains. You could receive a fine if you do not comply. Visit the 聽for more information (in English) about:聽

• what type of vehicle this applies to聽

• what type of tyre or chain should be fitted聽

• where in France these rules apply.

Air pollution sticker

All vehicles driving in central Paris, Lyon and Grenoble must display a pollution sticker from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday. Checks can happen at any time, depending on pollution levels.

Some older vehicles do not qualify for a sticker at all due to their high emissions. These vehicles must not be driven in central Paris from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday.

Other cities may also limit vehicle access to town centres and main roads. For more information or to apply for a sticker, visit the聽.

Road safety

If you鈥檙e involved in a car accident or witness an accident on the motorway, use the聽聽to ask for help.

If you are driving long distances in France:

• plan your journey carefully
• take into account unknown roads, weather conditions and fatigue
• take regular breaks

Keep vehicle doors locked in slow-moving traffic and secure your vehicle if you leave it unattended.

Information on road safety and potential traffic black spots is available on the聽聽(in French). Real-time information on road traffic conditions is also available on Motorways Radio: 107.7 FM in French and in English.

Risk of people entering your vehicle 聽聽

There have been attempts by people to enter private vehicles with a view to entering the UK illegally. They may target vehicles like camper vans while stationary or in slow-moving traffic. Sometimes people might try to slow down traffic on roads to ports, including by placing obstacles on the Calais Port road.听

Keep car doors locked, keep moving where it鈥檚 safe to do so, and do not leave your vehicle unattended. If it is not safe to proceed, stop and call 112.

Commercial transport firms must take steps to prevent people from entering their vehicles.听聽

Thefts from caravans and camper vans

Burglaries can happen while you are asleep in your vehicle. Take sensible precautions against vehicle break-ins. You should:

• avoid parking in isolated or dark areas of unsupervised camping grounds or car parks
• consider installing an alarm

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Wildfires 聽聽聽聽

Wildfires can start anywhere in France during the summer months, particularly along the Mediterranean coast and in Corsica.

The French weather service have launched a for travellers to check.

Fires have become more frequent because of drought and high temperatures. French authorities may evacuate areas and close roads for safety reasons.

If you鈥檙e staying in a high-risk area:

• check the local safety and emergency procedures
• be vigilant
• follow the advice of local authorities

If you are caught in, or witness, a wildfire call the emergency services on 18 (fire) or 112 (emergency services).

See which can be mandatory in some areas.

Flooding

There is a risk of flooding in areas of France. If your accommodation is near a river, check 聽(in French) for more information on current flood risks.

Avalanches

There is a risk of avalanches in mountainous areas. Check 聽on the Meteo France website.听Follow local advice before you ski or hike and consider carrying avalanche search equipment.

Conditions on roads in mountainous areas can quickly become difficult in winter. Carry water, food, warm clothing and medicines in your vehicle.