Listeners planning a trip to France should be aware that as of late October 2025, France is under a Level 2 travel advisory according to the U.S. State Department, which means travelers are advised to exercise increased caution. This guidance is due to ongoing risks such as terrorism, occasional civil unrest, demonstrations, and petty theft, particularly in popular tourist zones like Paris, the Riviera, and the main cultural sites. According to AXA Travel Insurance and U.S. government advisories, France remains a generally safe and welcoming destination, but listeners should remain alert, especially in crowded areas like public transport, markets, and major events.

Local authorities and city administrators have responded to recent security challenges by increasing police and security presence at airports, train stations, and within Paris and other major cities. Initiatives have also been introduced to make the travel experience more inclusive for all visitors, with efforts to foster a more welcoming atmosphere.

Listeners are encouraged to stay updated using travel apps such as SmartTraveler or TripIt, and to register with their national embassy's traveler programs for real-time alerts. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs regularly issues updates covering regional strikes, sudden transport disruptions, or scheduled demonstrations. These disruptions, while usually manageable, can affect travel itineraries, especially around major events such as Bastille Day, festivals, or sporting victories, when public spaces can become extremely crowded and security checks are heightened. Bomb threats and hoaxes have been reported at public places since late 2023, which can lead to evacuation or temporary closures, as noted by Travel.gc.ca and the UK Foreign Office.

Health concerns are low at present, with COVID restrictions no longer dominating travel, but carrying a small first aid kit and essential medicines is recommended. Petty theft is a chief risk for tourists, particularly pickpocketing in crowded tourist sites, metro stations, and busy cafes. Safety experts advise using zippered crossbody bags, avoiding keeping valuables in back pockets, and avoiding leaving phones or purses unattended, even briefly.

Travelers from the United States and other countries should also note the recent introduction of stricter entry and exit procedures in France. As of October 12, 2025, biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images are now being collected from most travelers on entry, according to the U.S. Embassy in Paris. This is not expected to cause problems for most visitors but may increase processing times at the border.

French cities remain vibrant and offer iconic experiences at landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and world-famous cultural festivals, but listeners should stay aware of their surroundings, avoid areas with demonstrations and heavy police activity, and follow local news for updates on transport strikes, weather alerts, or crowd-related disruptions.

Ultimately, the current advice is to exercise increased caution, stay informed, and use basic preventative measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip in France.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI