France

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on France for information on U.S.-France relations.

Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Roads 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.
• Driving is typically faster and more aggressive than in the United States.  
• Right-of-way rules differ from those in the United States.  Unless specifically indicated otherwise, drivers entering intersections from the right have priority over those on the left, even when entering relatively large boulevards from small side streets. 
• 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.

Traffic Laws:  While French cities actively encourage bicycle rentals through widely available city-sponsored systems, you should be cautious, 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.

Pedestrian accidents occur when a pedestrian steps out into the street, often when a car or motorcycle is making a turn through a pedestrian crosswalk.  Pedestrians should be cautious and aware of traffic even when they have a green walking signal since this is no guarantee against aggressive drivers.

Public Transportation:  Paris has an extensive and efficient public transportation system.  The interconnecting system of buses, subways, and commuter rails are comparable to those in major U.S. cities.  Similar transportation systems are found in all major French cities.

• 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 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 may result in arrest.

Between cities, France has 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.

Please refer to our road safety page for more information.  We suggest that you also visit the French National Tourist Office’s website for specific information on French driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance.  See U.S. Embassy Paris’ driving in France webpage for information on using U.S. driver’s licenses in France.

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of France’s ’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of France’s air carrier operations.  Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Safety and Security

Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Europe.  European governments are taking action to guard against terrorist attacks; however, all European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations

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

• France’s Parliament overwhelmingly approved a three-month extension of the state of emergency imposed after the deadly attacks of November 13 despite opposition from rights groups that say it undermines civic freedoms. The state of emergency will now remain in effect until May 26, 2020.
• The state of emergency allows the government to prevent the circulation of individuals and to create zones of protection and security.
• The French government has re-established border controls and movement may be restricted in some areas. 

When traveling or living in France, you should:

• Be aware of your local security situation, and take appropriate steps to bolster your personal security.  
• You should monitor media and local information sources, Paris’ Travel Information webpage, and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities.  
• You should address specific safety concerns to French law enforcement authorities who have responsibility for the safety and security of all residents and visitors to France.

U.S. citizens should be aware that demonstrations and large events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational. 

• You should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations. 
• Large public gatherings can affect all major incoming arteries to the city in which they occur. 
• Demonstrations in one city have the potential to lead to additional public rallies or demonstrations in other locations around the city and country.

Crime:  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.  

• Visitors to congested and popular tourist areas (e.g., museums, monuments, train stations, airports, and subways) should be particularly attentive to their surroundings.
• Crimes of opportunity are more likely to involve violence on the street late at night or when the victim resists.  
• Women should exercise extra caution when out alone at night and/or consider traveling out at night with trusted companions.
• There are high incidences of “smash and grab” robberies in economically depressed areas or on highly traveled thoroughfares such as roads to and from the airport.  Thieves on foot or motorcycle 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.

See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime:  Report crimes to the local police at 112 and contact the U.S. Embassy Paris at +(33)(1) 43-12-22-22.  In Monaco, dial 17 to connect to the Police.  Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• provide the Paris Police Prefecture pamphlet in English, Paris in Complete Safety, which offers practical advice and useful telephone numbers for visitors
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical
• support in cases of destitution
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

For further information:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
• Call the Bureau of Consular Affairs in Washington at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the State Department's travel website for Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts.
• Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. 
• See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.