Terrorism
On 25 March 2024, France raised its terrorism alert warning to the highest level.  Expect to see increased levels of security nationwide.  A heightened threat of terrorism remains throughout France, with a number of violent attacks in the past:

-    On 2 December 2023, an individual carried out a knife and hammer attack near Pont de Bir-Hakeim in Paris, killing one person and injuring two others.

-    On 13 October 2023, an individual stabbed and killed a teacher in a school in Arras, northern France and injured three others.

-    On 29 October 2020, an individual killed three people in a knife attack in Notre Dame Basilica in Nice.

-    On 24 May 2019, three people were arrested after the explosion of a package bomb in a shopping area of Lyon, injuring 13 people.

-    On 11 December 2018, an individual carried out an attack at a Christmas market in Strasbourg, killing 3 people and injuring 12 others.

-    On 14 July 2016, an individual drove a truck into a large crowd at Bastille Day celebrations in Nice, killing 86 people and injuring 434 others.

-    On 13 November 2015, coordinated attacks took place across six different locations in Paris, killing 130 people and injuring over 350 others.

Terrorist groups, individuals adhering to various forms of extremist ideologies, and some individuals returning to Europe from areas of conflict continue to make threats to conduct attacks in France and across Europe. French authorities continue to make arrests of terrorism suspects. Heightened vigilance is recommended due to the ongoing risk.

Additional security measures and tighter border controls are now the norm, particularly in popular tourist areas and transport hubs. Public gatherings and access to tourist sites are subject to increased security controls.

New Zealanders in France are advised to keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources. Follow any instructions issued by the local authorities and exercise a high degree of vigilance in public places, including at tourist sites, places of worship, restaurants and bars, shopping areas, sporting and cultural events and transport hubs. In the event of an attack, leave the area as soon as it is safe to do so.

Small-scale attacks by a local independence movement in Corsica cannot be discounted.  While government buildings are usually the target of these attacks, there is the potential for foreigners to be incidentally harmed.  

Civil Unrest
Demonstrations and protests occur frequently in France and often impact on transport hubs and networks, which may in turn disrupt travel plans. Some protests can turn violent, and may lead to arson, vandalism and the destruction of private property.

New Zealanders are advised to avoid all demonstrations, protests and rallies where there is significant police activity. Depending on how protests escalate, police may use water cannons, rubber bullets or tear gas to disperse demonstrations. New Zealanders are also advised to monitor the media and follow any advice issued by local authorities.

Crime
Petty crime such as bag and mobile phone snatching and pickpocketing is common in France, particularly in and around major cities and tourist sites, airports and railway stations, hotel lobbies, public areas, and on public transport.  Thieves of all age groups often work together and may crowd or distract victims to rob them while their attention is diverted.

While violent crime towards foreigners is not common, foreigners may be the targets of opportunistic crime, such as robbery and assault. Travellers are frequently targeted on the RER-B suburban trains to/from Paris Roissy-Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports, at the Paris Gare du Nord Eurostar/Thalys train station, and the Paris metro.

We advise New Zealanders to be alert to their surroundings at all times and to never leave belongings unattended, even for brief periods. Wear backpacks and handbags on your front in crowded areas. Theft from unattended vehicles is also common, but can also occur at traffic lights, and at rest areas or service stations along highways. Keep doors locked and valuables out of sight and if possible, have someone remain with the vehicle.

Credit card and ATM fraud involving ‘skimming’ machines that can store card data can occur. Automated service stations and tourist areas are often targets for this.  Avoid giving your personal details to unknown sources.  There have been reports of identity theft through scams.

Be careful about taking drinks from strangers or recent acquaintances, and do not leave your drinks unattended.  Victims of spiked drinks have sometimes been robbed or sexually assaulted.

General Travel Advice
New Zealanders travelling to France should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

You must be able to prove your identity either by showing a valid document (e.g. passport) when asked by an officer of the law or within 4 hours at a police station.

It is illegal to fully cover your face in public places in France, and failure to comply could result in a large fine or detainment. There is no exemption for tourists or for religious reasons.

New Zealanders in France are encouraged to register their contact details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.