Security Briefing: Threats to Safety and Security

The information below has been excerpted from the following: 1) the US Department of State's "International Travel" website (travel.state.gov/travel/), 2) the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's "Smartraveller" website (www.smartraveller.gov.au), and 3) the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office's "Foreign Travel Advice" website (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/). Additional information is available from these sources. World Trade Press annually assesses the information presented on this page.

Australia: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Travel Advice

Terrorism

We advise you to exercise normal security precautions. Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety and security risks.

There is an ongoing threat of terrorist attack in France. In recent years, French authorities have arrested a number of people on terrorism-related charges and made statements about the heightened risk of terrorist attack in France. Terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate and could target places frequented by tourists.

The French Government maintains high security in a range of public venues including airports, train stations, local public transport systems, government ministries, popular tourist sites, major shopping districts, and foreign embassies and consulates across the country. It is normal to see police officers accompanied by armed military personnel in such locations. On 12 January 2013, the French government increased security measures around transport and public buildings following the commencement of French military operations in Mali. The French police conduct random identity checks, particularly at border crossings. Under French law you are required to carry photo I.D at all times.

In recent years, terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of European cities, such as Glasgow, London, Madrid, and Moscow. Targets have included public transport and transport hubs, and public places frequented by foreigners. In addition, a number of planned attacks have been disrupted by European security services, underscoring the continuing interest of terrorist in attacking European locations.

In mid-March 2012, a series of shootings occurred in Toulouse and Montauban, south-west France. Seven people were killed in the attacks.

On 21 March 2012, a bomb exploded outside the Indonesian Embassy in Paris causing significant damage within a 50 metre radius. No injuries were reported.

The National Front for the Liberation of Corsica (FLNC) has been conducting a sporadic bombing campaign in Corsica for several years. French government buildings and private residences have usually been the target of such attacks.

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General advice to Australian travellers.

Civil unrest/Political tension

Protests and large demonstrations occur regularly in France and can sometimes escalate into violence and rioting. You should avoid protests, demonstrations, political rallies and large public celebrations as they may turn violent. You should also avoid, particularly at night, outlying Paris suburbs where in the past there has been civil unrest and clashes between local youths and police forces.

United Kingdom: Foreign and Commonwealth Office Foreign Travel Advice

Local Travel

Travel to and within France can be disrupted by strike action. Check with your travel provider before you travel.

Hiking, winter sports and outdoor activities

Check weather forecasts and conditions and make sure you’re properly equipped. Don’t undertake any activity alone, and consider hiring a guide for expert advice. Always leave copies of your itinerary with someone. For travel to mountainous areas, make sure your insurance covers you for extra medical costs, repatriation to your country of residence and in the départements of Savoie and Haute-Savoie possible transfer to Switzerland for treatment.

Observe all warnings regarding avalanches and where appropriate consider carrying avalanche search equipment. You can check the latest avalanche risk areas on the Meteo Alarm website. Conditions on roads in mountainous areas can quickly become difficult in winter. You should carry water, food, warm clothing and medicines in your vehicle.

For sports activities like skiing, potholing and mountaineering, and for sports classed as particularly dangerous (eg off-piste skiing, snow-boarding, mountain biking), make sure you’re covered by your insurance. This should include mountain rescue services and helicopter costs.

Local sea conditions can endanger even strong swimmers on the Atlantic Coast. Many beaches provide lifeguards and warning systems (coloured flags) and you should always follow the advice closely. Get information on the specific Baïne danger on the coast of the Gironde and Landes departements from the Gironde Prefecture website.

Follow local advice if jellyfish are present in the sea.

United States: Department of State International Travel Information

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, primarily in North Africa and West Africa, with historic ties to France. 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 system, 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 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 in recent history, travelers should remain vigilant. Immediately report unattended packages observed in public places, or any other suspicious activities, to French law enforcement authorities. French authorities 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.

For non-emergency assistance, visitors should go to the nearest police station (commissariat) in order to file an official report. .

To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy in France on Twitter and visit the Embassy’s website.
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and checking for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

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