The US State Department asks travelers to exercise increased caution in France because of terrorism and unrest. At Safe to Go, we re-check these advisories every day, and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) does not advise against travel to any part of France.
Canada asks for a high degree of caution in France. The risks named for Paris itself are pickpocketing on public transport, serious assaults on two RER lines, and protests that can disrupt travel.
What Official Travel Advisories Say About Paris
The panel above shows today’s level for France across all three monitoring governments, none of which urge travelers to cancel trips to the capital.
The US State Department advisory for France highlights that pickpocketing and mobile phone thefts are common in crowded places in France, including airports, subways, train stations and tourist attractions. American officials warn that terrorist groups continue to plan attacks that could strike tourist hubs, parks, cultural venues, and transport centers with little or no notice. The US also says peaceful protests and strikes happen often in Paris and can disrupt transportation, and that on rare occasions protests have turned violent, with police using water cannons and tear gas.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) notes that thieves and pickpockets operate on the Paris Métro, regional RER train lines, and major mainline train stations. British authorities specifically document past serious assaults on commuter lines, including RER line B and RER line D. The Canadian travel advisory for France similarly advises visitors to exercise a high degree of caution nationwide.
Paris Protests and Strikes Around 17 October
None of this is a reason to cancel on its own, but allow extra time around Saturday 17 October. The UK FCDO has not warned against non-essential travel to France, according to The Independent. Sortiraparis reports that the 17 to 21 October cabin-crew strike notice is on hold and could return, and that rail has no strike notice.
The Independent reports that riot police used tear gas and water cannons as school protests spread across France. The French interior ministry counted at least 260,000 marchers in cities including Paris on Tuesday 6 October, while a student union put the figure at up to 450,000. The US embassy in France advises travelers to stay alert at tourist sites and crowded places and to avoid demonstrations and areas with significant police activity.
Sortiraparis says a mobilization is called for Saturday 17 October, the first day of the All Saints’ holidays, and actions near petrol stations, oil depots and refineries are being discussed. Many high school students have said they plan to protest that day, but nothing is confirmed. As of 13 October, no protest had been declared with the Préfecture de police, and Sortiraparis warns that routes shared on social media may be AI-generated and have no official status.
An inter-union group put the national cabin-crew strike notice on hold on Friday 9 October while it waits for a Labour Ministry circular, a pension-fund board motion and a decree, Sortiraparis reports. Air France, Transavia France and Corsair flights are expected to operate normally, but the unions warn that new action could follow if commitments are not kept. SNCF Voyageurs had announced no strike notice or disruptions for 17 October.
No road delays are confirmed, but Sortiraparis says processions or blockades near fuel depots or major peripheral roads could lengthen car, taxi and ride-hailing trips to Charles de Gaulle, Orly and the train stations. Leave early and use public transport where you can. If your flight is canceled, Sortiraparis notes that EU air passenger rights rules give you a refund or re-routing. The Independent says cancellation terms depend on your holiday provider, and that travel insurance generally will not pay out for safety concerns unless government advice changes.
How Paris Compares with the Rest of France
Outside the capital, the UK FCDO lists a 2023 knife attack that killed a teacher at a school in Arras. In central Paris itself, the FCDO notes a 2023 knife and hammer attack that killed one person. French authorities regularly report that they have disrupted planned attacks and made arrests, and the FCDO says to be vigilant in public places and follow the advice of local authorities. You can review how national advisories shift across European hubs using our city safety guides before setting an itinerary.
The UK FCDO says there is a high risk of wildfires in France from April to October, and its France travel advice has a wildfires section with its advice. To weigh France against other countries, use our compare destinations side by side tool.
Street Crime and Personal Safety Risks for Visitors
Street crime in Paris centers primarily on pickpocketing, distraction scams, and phone theft in crowded gathering spaces. The UK FCDO says pickpockets can work in gangs, with one distracting you while another goes into your bag.
Travelers should keep passports, payment cards, and cash in separate pockets or bags rather than in a single wallet. British officials instruct visitors to carry bags across the body, use inside compartments in bags where possible, and keep bags close while sitting in restaurants or bars. They also urge visitors to stay alert around automated teller machines (ATMs) and popular sightseeing spots, and to avoid leaving personal items inside parked vehicles.
The UK FCDO cautions visitors to remain alert to the risk of drink spiking involving date-rape substances such as GHB and liquid ecstasy. Buy your own drinks and keep them in sight. Drinks served in French bars are often stronger than those in the UK, so if you drink, know your limit.
Getting Around Paris Safely on Public Transit and Roads
The UK FCDO reports several cases of serious assault on RER line B, which serves Paris Charles de Gaulle airport, Orly Airport and the Paris Gare du Nord Eurostar terminus. British authorities also record serious assaults on RER line D, which serves travelers visiting the Stade de France. Read the assault advice in the UK FCDO France guidance before riding RER lines B or D.
Central Paris requires all motor vehicles to display an official pollution sticker between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm from Monday to Friday. Checks can happen at any time depending on prevailing pollution levels. Certain older vehicles with elevated emissions do not qualify for an emissions sticker and face an outright ban from driving in central Paris during those daytime hours.
Protest Disruption and the French Laws Visitors Must Follow
The UK FCDO says frequent industrial action across France can cause disruption and delays on roads and public transport, so monitor the media and your transport operator’s advice before you travel.
Unannounced marches or rallies can develop with little notice in urban centers. If you are near a demonstration, the UK FCDO says to stay aware of what is happening around you and follow the advice of the police and local authorities.
French law requires anyone in the country to prove their identity upon request by providing a physical passport, photocard driving licence, or official government identity card, or within four hours at a local police station. Covering your face in public spaces using full veils, balaclavas, or concealment masks is illegal and punishable by a fine of up to 150 euros. Forcing another individual to hide their face carries severe criminal penalties, including fines up to 30,000 euros and a year of imprisonment, with sentences doubled if the individual is aged 17 or younger. Strict drug laws also impose heavy fines and prison terms for possessing, using, or smuggling illegal drugs, including cannabis, through Eurostar stations, airports, and ports.
How to Check Whether Paris Is Safe Right Now
Travelers from any nation should cross-reference our latest advisory changes to track newly posted government revisions across Europe, and read our explanation of how we rate safety to understand our editorial methodology.
Our verdict would change if the UK FCDO began advising against travel to Paris or the US raised its warning above increased caution. Before boarding a flight or train to Paris, check whether strikes or protests affect your arrival station or airport. Pack your trip essentials using our free travel safety checklist and confirm that your travel insurance policy covers your itinerary, planned activities, and expenses in an emergency.