CURRENT SITUATION
Criminality:
France is generally considered safe for tourists. Violent crimes are relatively rare. However, small-scale crime is a concern, especially in tourist areas where international travelers are often victims of pickpocketing and scams. Crimes against visitors are usually opportunistic, although the likelihood of violence increases late at night or if the victim retaliates against the criminals. Thefts involving violence are most common in Paris and other major cities. Thieves primarily target wallets, passports, luxury watches and smartphones.
Terrorism:
Since January 15, 2025, the terror-threat level in France has been at “Attack Emergency”, which is the highest level in France’s national security alert system (Vigipirate). The change to this status has made it possible to mobilize additional resources and allows the sharing of any information likely to protect citizens in a crisis situation. France remains under pressure from this high terror threat, which has been exacerbated by the instability in the Middle East. Opération Sentinelle, a military program launched in 2015 to combat terrorism in France, remains active, although the number of troops deployed has decreased since its launch.
Society:
Demonstrations and strikes occur frequently and can lead to traffic and public transport disruptions. Peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any moment. Radical activists and vandals often use aggressive and violent tactics during demonstrations to cause damage and provoke a strong police response. They can throw stones, smoke grenades, bottles and other debris. Police usually respond with tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Health:
The standard of medical care in France is very good. However, some isolated areas may struggle to attract doctors, leading to a shortage. These same areas may also experience longer response times for emergency and rescue services. International travelers must be in possession of a prescription from their doctor if they bring medicines with them to France.
BEST PRACTICES
Be careful on the streets:
– Beware of people who are trying to distract you so that they can steal your belongings, especially on café terraces, when you withdraw money at an ATM or when signing petitions
– Carry your belongings in a small shoulder bag or a fanny pack rather than in a backpack and make sure that the opening is facing toward your body
– Do not keep your wallet or smartphone in your back pocket
– Carry as little cash as possible. Where cash is required, carry only small- or medium-value notes
– Do not attempt to resist if a thief tries to grab your bag
Stay alert on public transport:
– Do not leave your luggage unattended
– Report any unattended packages or bags to the information point of the transport authority (RATP in France) or to the bus driver
– Never buy tickets from strangers, as they will charge you more (up to 10 times the normal price). Instead, use the ticket office or an automated ticket machine
– Beware of people who are trying to divert your attention so that they can steal your belongings, especially at rush hour
In public places:
– Do not handle cash in public and never exchange currencies using roadside vendors; instead, visit a currency exchange office
– At ATMs, hide your PIN code by covering the keypad and do not allow yourself to be distracted by other individuals
– Pay for purchases using low-value banknotes or a bank card
– Do not have extravagant jewelry on display. If wearing high-value or conspicuous jewelry, conceal it under your collar or tuck it into long sleeves
– Never leave your payment cards or money in a cloakroom or in a coat left on a chair (in a restaurant or café for example). Pickpockets can easily sit behind you and steal your belongings
– Never place your bag at your feet and don’t leave your smartphone or wallet on a table in a café or restaurant
– Do not keep your smartphone in the side pocket of a bag or the outer pocket of a garment, and never lend it to a stranger
– If you are taking a selfie, try to ensure your smartphone cannot be pulled out of your hands
In clubs and concert venues:
Avoid Parisian cabarets where staff try to sell tickets on the sidewalk. Once inside, female dancers will be imposed upon you and you will be made to feel obligated to consume very expensive drinks. Opt for reputable establishments that do not approach customers on the street and clearly display their prices both outside and once you are inside. Buy your tickets from official vendors. Do not buy tickets from scalpers; they can be very expensive and are often counterfeit.
In bars and restaurants:
Do not hesitate to ask to see the food and drinks menus so that there are no unpleasant surprises when you get the bill. All prices must be indicated with all taxes included. Do not leave your drink unattended to avoid the risk of drugs being added to it.
In taxis:
Taxi fares are calculated by the taximeter. The minimum fare for a taxi in France is 8 euro. Beware of anyone who approaches you at an airport or train station to offer you transport services; these can be illegal taxis. These vehicles are not equipped with the mandatory accessories for official Parisian taxis:
(authentic Parisian taxi)
Beware of false representation:
Some criminals pretend to be police officers and can ask for your identity documents and money. A real policeman will never ask you for money. Ask to see their ID card. In France, this is a white plastic card marked “Police” in the center:
(authentic police card)
Lost of theft or your identity documents:
Photocopy your identity documents and keep them at your hotel or temporary residence. If you lose them, contact the consulate and, if stolen, also report this to the police.
Emergency contacts:
In case of emergency, call 112
(police, firefighters, ambulance)
BEWARE OF SCAMS
Unauthorized street trading:
When you buy something from the roadside (items sold by street vendors on sidewalks, etc.), you may think that you are doing a good deed or helping someone in need. However, you are actually giving money to illegal organizations and clandestine networks. You don’t know where the product comes from and you may be unknowingly putting yourself at risk.
False petitions:
At popular tourism sites in Paris, you will regularly see young people, often under the age of 18 and sometimes pretending to be deaf, who will approach you with a petition in hand and ask you for your signature and a donation. Although they appear to represent recognized charities and foundations, this is not the case. They are simply trying to take money from you and nothing will ever be paid to these organizations — the money will instead be used to finance illegal organizations and clandestine networks. In addition, while you are signing the petition, accomplices may try to steal your belongings from your bag and pockets.
Three-card monte:
Various card scams take place on the streets, such as three-card monte, which uses two black cards and one red card. The dealer rearranges the cards and asks the player to bet a sum of money (50 euro minimum), for example on the red card, which they must then identify from the three cards. If the player succeeds, they double their money, if they fail, they lose it all. Usually, two accomplices are also pretending to be players so that they can easily make off with the victim’s bets. The dealer will always make sure that you lose three-card monte, and all your bets will inevitably disappear.