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Travelling from Australia to France : what you need to know regarding COVID related measures

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The border health control system is lifted.

Travelers no longer have any health formalities to complete before their arrival in France, in mainland France and overseas.

Visa requirements are still applicable

Travelers no longer have any health formalities to complete before their arrival in France, in mainland France and overseas, and the presentation of the health pass can no longer be required, regardless of the country or area of origin.

No further proof of travel (the "compelling reason") can be required.

Travelers no longer have to present a sworn statement of non-contamination and a commitment to undergo an antigenic test or a biological examination upon arrival in France.

Dernière modification : 27/03/2024

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New warning for Australians visiting France

A ustralian travellers to France have been urged to "exercise a high degree of caution" after the country raised its terrorist alert warning to the highest level.

In an update on the federal government's travel advice website Smartraveller, Australians are being advised to expect high-profile security measures in France.

The French government issued a top-level alert yesterday in the wake of the deadly Russian concert hall attack last weekend that terror cell Islamic State claimed responsibility for.

READ MORE: Multiple states set for drenching in coming days

The move came ahead of next month's Anzac Day ceremonies in northern France, which are expected to be attended by visiting Australians.

And the new alert was issued three months before Paris hosts the Olympic Games when millions of visitors or forecast to be in France.

"Expect high-level security measures to be in place throughout the country, including at schools, places of worship, shopping centres and landmarks.

READ MORE:  Armed feds raid homes of Sean 'Diddy' Combs in LA and Miami

"Be aware of your surroundings, monitor local media, and follow the advice of the local authorities."

"If you plan to travel to France to commemorate Anzac Day, understand the risks and plan ahead."

France's terror alert system has three levels and the highest is issued in the wake of an attack in France or overseas or when a threat of one is considered to be imminent.

READ MORE:  Young mayor shot dead as gang violence unravels

It can trigger beefed-up security protocols such as intensified patrols by armed troops in public places such as airports, train stations and places of worship.

Jihadist terrorist groups have regularly targeted France for attacks, including the Bataclan concert hall massacre in Paris in 2015.

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Dfat warns aussies about travelling to france as riots and unrest continues.

Australia issues travel warning over rioting in France

Australians heading to France to soak up summer sunshine are urged to “be vigilant” as the government issues a security alert amid ongoing unrest.

The Department of Foreign Affair and Trade is warning Australian travellers to “exercise a high degree of caution” in France as riots continue following the shooting death of a 17-year-old boy by police.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Australia issues travel warning over rioting in France.

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Nahel was shot dead during a traffic stop by police in Paris on Tuesday, sparking days of riots as protestors torched cars and looted stores.

DFAT updated its travel advice for the country on Saturday, warning Australians there was a risk of terrorist attacks while visiting.

The French government’s security alert is at the medium level, with DFAT urging Australians to “be cautious around locations known to be targeted”.

“Since 27 June, riots have occurred across France which have turned violent, leading to the destruction of property including vehicles, shops, police stations and schools,” DFAT said.

“Clashes with police have occurred, resulting in the use of tear gas and arrests.

“Be particularly vigilant at night and avoid all demonstrations and areas with significant police activity. Curfews have been introduced in some cities. Public transport may be restricted or cancelled.

“The situation may change at short notice. Monitor the media and official sources for updates.”

Violent attacks against tourists can occur, DFAT warned, especially late at night in tourist areas

Tourists are urged to conceal their valuables and avoid quiet or poorly lit streets at night.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said the latest overnight riots had been less intense, after 45,000 police were deployed following Saturday’s funeral of Nahel in the Paris suburb of Nanterre.

The home of the mayor of L’Hay-les-Roses near Paris was attacked while his wife and children were asleep inside.

Nahel’s death has fed longstanding complaints of police violence and systemic racism — denied by authorities — inside law enforcement agencies from rights groups and within the low-income, racially mixed suburbs that ring major French cities.

An officer has acknowledged firing a lethal shot, the state prosecutor says, telling investigators he wanted to prevent a police chase that could have caused injury. The officer involved is under investigation for voluntary homicide.

Due to an injury, the contestant had to make the difficult decision to leave.

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Where can I go and what is the travel advice for each country?

While the covid-19 pandemic is still evolving, it is now possible for people in australia to travel overseas after nearly two years of closed international borders. explore the interactive graphic below to see the latest advice for more than 100 destinations., what do the smartraveller levels mean.

• At Level 1 , Australians are advised to exercise normal safety precautions  as the security environment has been judged to be similar to that of a large Australian city.
• The Level 2 advice is to exercise a high degree of caution and pay attention to the current security and health situation. It doesn't mean you shouldn't go to that location, but you should do some research and take extra precautions.
• Level 3 is where the advice gets a bit more serious, with Australians urged to reconsider your need to travel . That level means there are serious and potentially life-threatening risks at the location, and non-essential travel there should be avoided. 
• The advice for  Level 4 is blunt: do not travel . The government has judged travellers to be at high risk of death, imprisonment, kidnapping or serious injury if travelling to that location, and Australians should consider leaving if already there and it's safe to do so. 

Who can leave and enter Australia?

How many COVID-19 cases and deaths have there been in Australia?

How many people are in hospital with COVID-19 in Australia?

How many people have died from COVID-19 in countries around the world?

What are the COVID-19 vaccination rates in your local area?

Which countries are winning the COVID-19 vaccine race?

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Further steps to support australians to travel abroad.

• Media release

Australians can now prepare for safe overseas travel when borders progressively re-open from 1 November, with the Australian Government reinstating country-specific travel advice levels for 177 destinations.

The updated country-specific travel advice will allow Australians planning to travel overseas to assess risks, understand requirements, and prepare to travel safely. It will also help Australians to access travel insurance more readily.

While fully vaccinated Australians will be able to depart Australia without an exemption from 1 November, all travellers will need to be aware of risks and take care, regardless of where they travel, while COVID-19 remains an ongoing global health risk.

Smartraveller’s ‘Do not travel’ global advisory has been removed. This advisory was put in place for all destinations in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 health risks and significant disruption to global travel.

Under the travel advice framework announced today, no destination will be set lower than level 2 ‘Exercise a high degree of caution’, given the ongoing COVID-19 health risks and the continuing complexities of international travel.

Border settings and quarantine requirements in other countries continue to change. We strongly encourage Australians to closely monitor the Australian Government’s travel advice available on  smartraveller.gov.au .

Australians will also need to consider the requirements of airlines, transit and destination countries, as well as return arrangements to Australia in making decisions on when and where to travel abroad. Many of these requirements are subject to change at short notice given COVID-19 situations.

Fully vaccinated Australians who want to travel overseas can download the International COVID Vaccine Certificate via MyGov to provide internationally recognised proof of their COVID-19 vaccinations. 

We know it has been a difficult 18 months for Australians overseas trying to return, and for Australians with family and friends overseas.

The changes announced today are a vital next step in re-uniting Australian families and safely re-opening Australia to the world.

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Is Paris Safe in 2024 and Beyond? And Should You Travel to France Now?

Last Updated on May 16, 2024

Many travelers want to know whether Paris is still safe to visit– and their concerns are understandable. Following isolated terrorist attacks and occasionally-violent street demonstrations in recent years, as well as a global pandemic, worries about the safety of the French capital have become more common.

But the truth is that Paris generally remains a safe destination, and with some precautions in mind all visitors should feel comfortable traveling to the capital. Read on for the latest information on travel advisories and precautions to take when visiting France, and for my full safety tips for anyone planning a trip to Paris.

I start by covering some of the topics most likely to be on travelers’ minds, followed by more long-term safety issues and concerns. You can use the “Explore This Article” tab below to directly navigate to the information of most immediate interest and use to you.

Explore This Article

Current Safety Advisories for Paris & France

The US State Department currently shows a yellow, Level 2 travel warning for France, corresponding to the advice “Exercise increased caution” and citing risks including terrorism and potential civil unrest. See the full advisory here .

Traveling from another country? To see current safety advisories for your country of origin and specific safety tips from your Embassy or Consulate in France, see this page.

Statistically Speaking, Paris Remains Very Safe

The Economist-sponsored “Safe Cities” report for 2021 ranked Paris as the 23rd-safest major city in the world out of 60– making it almost exactly middling. And while the city has admittedly taken a significant knockdown in global city safety ratings due to recent terrorist attacks and other factors, violent crime is still generally uncommon in the capital.

OSAC, the US Bureau of Diplomatic Security,  notes tha t tourists are generally safe in the city, and that street crime such as pickpocketing remains the primary concern. These notes are particularly striking and paint a clearer picture of the sorts of crimes visitors need to be most on guard against:

According to the Violent Crime Risk Index (ViCRI), a resource for urban-level violence risk data and ratings, Paris ranks as a class 2 city on an 11-point index scale measuring homicide, aggravated assault, robbery, and rape risks. Street crime, however, is a concern, most notably in areas frequented by tourists. Consular officials throughout France report that U.S. travelers are frequently victims of pickpockets, swarm and grabs, or scams. (OSAC, France Country Security Report, available here )

To break it down a bit, Paris ranks a “2” on a scale reaching up to “11” when it comes to violent crime. Moreover, violent crimes rates in France are  roughly on par with Canada’s , and are three times lower than in the US.

According to French government statistics, even when taking into account deaths from terrorist attacks, the homicide rate in Paris per 1,000 inhabitants between 2015 and 2017 was only 0.019 (0.014 if you exclude the attacks).

You get my drift. Violent crime, and especially the sort that threatens lives, is relatively rare in Paris.  Gun violence there is astronomically lower than it is in comparably sized cities in the US.

And while the US State Department website advises that tourists remain aware of their surroundings and exercise caution due to potential terrorist threats, take note:  they don’t recommend cancelling your trip or avoiding the city.

My conclusion? Yes, there are some risks that can’t be denied.  Most large metropolitan cities, including London and New York, carry similar risks in our globalized world. Should you avoid setting foot in these places altogether?

Everyone has to make choices that they feel comfortable with, but from my perspective, you’d be greatly overestimating the dangers you face by doing so.

Pickpocketing is the Most Common Crime Affecting Tourists in Paris

I’ve talked about the unlikelihood of tourists becoming victims of violent crime in Paris. However, this doesn’t mean that you don’t risk being targeted for petty street crimes that can still make your trip a nightmare.

Pickpocketing is by far the biggest threat to visitors, so you should learn how thieves operate and take all the precautions necessary to avoid being targeted.

How to Avoid Pickpockets in Paris? 

Pickpockets operate in predictable and often highly organized ways, targeting tourists in crowded and popular areas. Often, they get away with your wallet or purse so quickly that you barely feel a thing. To keep this from happening, take these steps: In any crowded place (busy lines, congested metro cars, open spaces full of tourists snapping photos), take extra care with your belongings.

It’s best to carry a bag or purse that you can wear crisscrossed around your chest, with pockets and valuables hugged to your front and in plain view. If you wear a backpack, don’t leave wallets, cash, passports or other valuable items in the front compartments.

Only bring as much cash as you’ll likely need for the day, and maybe even less.  100 Euros or so is a good limit to aim for. Traveler’s checks can easily be exchanged for Euros at the American Express office on Rue Scribe (Metro: Opera).

If you must carry larger amounts of cash, consider wearing a money belt .

It’s always preferable to leave passports , large amounts of cash and other valuables in a hotel safe, if possible.

Never leave your bags or suitcases unattended , even for a minute or two. Not only do you run the risk of them being swiped up by thieves between two blinks of an eye: they can also be legally confiscated and destroyed by security forces, under current safety regulations in public spaces.

What About ATM Thefts and Other Scams? 

In addition to pickpockets, tourists are often targeted by scammers and thieves in other ways. ATMs/cashpoints are particularly vulnerable spots. Never allow anyone to linger nearby when you take out cash, and guard against prying eyes.

Never let anyone “help” you with a transaction at an ATM, or otherwise interfere with it. Ask the intrusive person to back off, and if they refuse, find another place to take out cash.

Around popular tourist attractions including the Sacre Coeur, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, merchants operating illegally are known to aggressively “persuade” tourists to buy their wares.

This often involves putting an object or trinket in your hand or inviting you to “try on” a bracelet.

{Our Top Tips for Avoiding Common Tourist Scams & Traps in Paris}

Once you give in, a demand for payment often follows. Avoid this by refusing all advances from such “vendors” and not allowing them to place any items in or on your hand.

General Safety Concerns: Putting Your Risks Into Perspective

With what seem to be frequent reports of violent incidents in the capital over the past few years, it can indeed feel scary to be a visitor these days. But there have been exaggerated accounts in some media outlets about the dangers tourists face when visiting Paris.

But in a modern world where there are many complex risks to weigh and negotiate all the time, it’s important to put those risks into perspective. It’s not about discounting potential danger. It’s about recognizing that life must go on– and that living in fear shrinks your world and its possibilities.

So before you cancel your trip or decide on another destination out of fear that you may be the victim of a terrorist attack or some other form of violent crime, read through my advice below.

As I’ve said elsewhere, Paris greatly depends on tourism to thrive as a city. It would be catastrophic to its livelihood to see too many people stay away and renounce all the capital has to offer out of a disproportionate sense of fear.

That said, staying informed about potential risks is an important part of feeling empowered as a traveler. Below are a few notes on recent incidents and safety concerns for tourists in the capital, with guidance on whether they warrant postponing or canceling your trip.

Covid-19 Cases & Deaths in France & Current Travel Safety Regulations

In France, according to updated  data from the French government , there have been over 40.1 million confirmed cases since January 2020.

As of 16 May 2024, over 167,642 people have died from COVID-19 in France. Most patients were elderly and/or had pre-existing conditions. Please note that the government is no longer regularly offering updated statistics, so these may not be entirely accurate at the time of reading.

On August 1st, 2022, France lifted most Covid-related restrictions on travel and travelers . There are no longer any paperwork or formalities to complete to arrive in mainland or overseas France, and no Covid-19 certificates or proof of vaccination are required at this time, irrespective of country or area of origin.

However, should a dangerous variant become of major concern, France reserves the right to reinstate health measures such as vaccine certificates or passes for travelers from at-risk countries.

You can find updated information on current entry requirements and restrictions for France at this page on the France Diplomacy website . Please do consult that site in addition to this page for the most recent guidelines; while we do aim to update this page as frequently as possible, the regulations have been changing frequently.

“Gilet Jaune” (Yellow Vest) Protests & French Transport Strikes

Starting in late December 2018, smaller groups of “gilets jaunes” (yellow vest) protestors  staged demonstrations in Paris, almost exclusively on Saturdays. Some saw demonstrators throw rocks, burn cars and break store windows. But starting in late May 2019, the protests simmered out , in part due to a much heavier police presence.

Since late 2019, the protests have occurred sporadically and at a much smaller scale. They are not currently a concern for travelers to the capital or elsewhere in France. Even when civil unrest was at its peak in 2018 and 2019, it’s important to remember that tourists have not been injured or otherwise endangered by these protests.

Protecting Your Health in Paris

No one intends to get sick or suffer from an accident while traveling, but preparing for such unfortunate events will give you peace of mind and save you from outlandish medical costs.

Many international travel insurance policies cover up to millions of dollars in medical costs and liabilities, and can offer peace of mind.  You can compare and purchase travel insurance policies here (via World Nomads).

[World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using the link above. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.]

Emergency Numbers to Keep With You in France If you run into a medical or other emergency, call one of the toll-free numbers below from any phone, and contact your embassy. It’s wise to print out these numbers and keep them with you at all times: Medical Emergencies & Accidents: 15 Fire brigade: 18 Police: 17 SOS Médecins (on-call doctors): 01 47 07 77 77 SOS Dentaire (dentists): 01 43 37 51 00 SOS burns: 01 58 41 41 41

Note that in most cases, calling “15” is the best thing to do in a medical emergency. If you have been the victim of a violent crime or other crime, it will be necessary to both inform the French police and to file a report with your embassy.

If you need a pharmacy in Paris, identify them by their green flashing crosses. Most neighborhoods in the city have at least one pharmacy within a few blocks’ radius. These pharmacies are open late or 24 hours a day , in case you need to seek advice from a pharmacist or purchase medical supplies late at night.

This can especially be useful to know if you’re traveling with a young baby or toddler, since young ones sometimes require quick treatment, and pharmacists are often able to provide expert advice or recommend and sell over-the-counter medications that you can’t buy directly off the shelves.

Safety for Pedestrians in Paris 

While Paris is generally a very pedestrian-friendly city– the local government has been working to increase the number of car-free zones around the capital in recent years– drivers can be aggressive, posing a danger to walkers.

My advice? Take a defensive approach when crossing streets and busy intersections, checking for cars even when the light is green and/or when you have the right of way.

In areas that appear to be pedestrian-only, watch out for cars and aggressive motorcylists: some areas that are “car-“free” still allow motorcyclists, service vehicles and cyclists.

What About Driving in Paris? 

I generally advise against trying to drive in central Paris. Parisian drivers can be aggressive and unpredictable (by many standards), and traffic conditions are often congested and unpleasant.

If you have to drive, your international driver’s license and insurance must be up to date. Also make sure you understand the local rules of the road.

And unless you’re used to European traffic circles, you should avoid, at all costs, driving around busy traffic circles such as the one at the Place de l’Etoile on the Avenue des Champs-Elysées.

If you do opt to take a taxi, whether within the city or to the airport and back, make sure you only use reputable companies. Never accept a ride from a taxi that doesn’t have an official “Taxi Parisien” sign atop its roof and a visible meter inside. You may be overcharged or otherwise scammed, if you do…

Read related : How to Use Airport Taxis in Paris (& Avoid Getting Overcharged)

Why to Register & Keep in Touch With Your Embassy

It’s always wise to register with your embassy ahead of your trip and to keep their contact details with you at all times.

In the event that your passport is lost or stolen, you experience a medical emergency or a crime, or are in the city at the time of a dangerous event, registering will ensure that you’ll be able to get in touch more quickly with your embassy and to receive help from them. This is a good list of world embassies and their contact details. 

Once at your embassy’s site, read through any relevant travel advisories for Paris and France and find out how to register as a citizen traveling abroad before your trip.

Are There Dangerous Places to Avoid in Paris?

I wish I could argue that Paris is entirely safe in all circumstances, but sadly, there are a few places that you’d probably be best off avoiding at night, especially for women and solo travelers.

Gangs are known to operate in some of these areas, and hate crimes have been reported around them in the past.

Take special caution late at night around the following metro stops and surrounding areas (and perhaps avoid altogether when traveling alone after dark) : Chatelet les Halles, Les Halles, Pigalle, Couronnes, Belleville, Place des Fetes, Porte de St Ouen, Porte de Clichy, Gare du Nord, Stalingrad, Jaures, and Crimée. Please note that this is not a definitive list: you should probably be cautious in all areas of the city after nightfall, or when crowds disperse.

Also note that this is NOT a list of so-called “no-go” zones in Paris. From my perspective (and it’s one shared by most locals), these simply don’t exist within the city limits.

All 20 arrondissements in Paris (city districts) are generally safe , as long as you take some precautions in the areas mentioned above, and do so everywhere at night. Remember, “posh” areas can be remarkably empty after dark, so paradoxically you may be more vulnerable in these.

Unfortunately, I also advise against traveling to the Northern suburbs of Paris after nightfall.  Violent crimes and hate crimes are more frequent in these areas, as is gang activity.

It pains me to advise this as I don’t wish to stigmatize any communities or places, but from a standpoint of tourist safety, these areas are probably best avoided at night.

Advice For Women, LGBTQ+ and Minority Travelers

While Paris is generally a tolerant and diverse place that is welcoming to people of all colors, creeds, sexual orientations and gender expressions, there are occasional cases of harassment or even assault.

Women , especially when traveling alone or in small groups, should take extra care at night, especially when alone. Avoid places with poor lighting and few people roaming the streets. Safety is in numbers.

Also, be aware that French men sometimes read smiles or extended eye contact as permission to flirt or make sexual advances. With strangers, it’s best to assume a neutral stance that clearly says “I’m not interested”.

If a man makes unwelcome or aggressive advances in the street or in other public places, firmly say “non”, refrain from smiling, and walk away. Call the police if you are followed or the harassment continues, and retreat to a public cafe or other crowded place if necessary.

People of color generally have nothing to fear in Paris, a city with remarkable ethnic diversity. Nevertheless, hate crimes are not unheard of.

If you are a victim of an attack that you feel is racially motivated, report it to the police, your embassy, and if necessary to French watchdog SOS Racisme: + 33 (0)1 40 35 36 55

Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and non-binary visitors are generally safe and welcomed in the capital, which harbors a large and vibrant LGBT community. That said, there has sadly been a spike in reports of homophobic attacks in Paris over the past couple of years, and in the areas I mention above as being potentially less safe after dark, it is advisable to be extra cautious.

Read this guide for more tips on staying safe, including for LGBT couples. If you are attacked, report it to the police and to your embassy, and state clearly if you believe the attack was a hate crime.

Related: How to Celebrate LGBT Pride Month in Paris? 

Advice for Jewish and Muslim Travelers

Jewish visitors may have read that Paris has become unsafe for them. It can’t be denied that antisemitic attacks have been on the rise in recent years, with targets including synagogues, places of business and Jewish individuals.

Sadly, from 2018 such attacks are reported to have risen sharply . And from 2023, they have unfortunately skyrocketed in France , against the backdrop of the Israel-Gaza conflict that broke out in October 2023. As a result, it pains me to say that visitors should take extra precautions at this time.

These attacks have been met with increased police protection of Jewish schools, places of worship and other sites important to the Jewish community.

While safety concerns are warranted, I want to stress that Paris has one of the largest Jewish communities in the world: one with a deep history that’s very much part of the cultural fabric of the city.

The vibe is generally welcoming and you shouldn’t fear visiting the city. It’s also important to know that there have been no recent reports of attacks against tourists of Jewish faith (nor am I aware of any to have occured in recent history). Nevertheless, it’s probably a good idea to take some precautions, particularly in the areas I mention above.

While I regret advising it, it may be best, late at night and in the aforementioned areas, to remove visibly religious symbols and clothing items. Always report it to the police and to your embassy if you are a victim of an antisemitic attack. SOS Racisme can also help.

Muslim visitors may also fear attacks from Islamophobic individuals . Since 2015, there has been, according to numerous organizations, a sharp rise in attacks on Muslim places of worship and individuals.

Tourists of Muslim faith should not fear visiting the capital, however. Again, there is a large community here and most people are welcoming.

As always, though, if you experience harassment or violence make sure to report it to the police, your embassy, and perhaps to SOS Racisme: (+ 33 (0)1 40 35 36 55).

While attacks on tourists of Muslim faith are exceedingly rare, it is important for victims to be heard, have their experience accounted for, and to seek the help they need.

*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you book products or services though this site, it comes at no cost to you, but will help fund more free, in-depth content here at Paris Unlocked. Thank you. 

Courtney Traub is the Founder and Editor of Paris Unlocked. She’s a longtime Paris resident who now divides her time (as well as she can manage) between the French capital and Norwich, UK. Co-author of the 2012 Michelin Green Guide to Northern France & the Paris Region, she has been interviewed as an expert on Paris and France by the BBC, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Le Figaro, Matador Network and other publications. Courtney has also written and reported stories for media outlets including Radio France Internationale, The Christian Science Monitor, Women’s Wear Daily and The Associated Press. In addition to going down various rabbit holes of curiosity when it comes to French culture, history, food and art, Courtney is a scholar of literature and cultural history whose essays and reviews have appeared in various forums.

11 thoughts on “ Is Paris Safe in 2024 and Beyond? And Should You Travel to France Now? ”

can one travel a few days bw 16-23 dec 2019, flying from paris to nice, then flying back to paris without too much trouble or expense?

Yes, that’s entirely feasible. The flight is only about an hour long and many low-cost carriers offer very good fares if you book in advance. Check Easyjet, Iberia, and even Air France for sales on that route. Bon voyage!

This is positive news. Thanks for the update. Hopes are high that things return to normalcy soon. I love to travel to France during the summer, and I think it will be easier by then. I do go through travel blogs to understand the precautions we need to take enough steps to travel safely.

Considering that I want to travel to Europe one day this really helps me. Who doesn’t want to save money especially when you’re already on a trip. Thanks for the tips.

The topic of this blog is a question in my heart right now. I am eager to know this since I am getting bored at my home. Finally I came to an answer that yes it is safe to travel to France now. I will know find the list of best places to visit in France and after that I will start the process of online France Visa UK so that I can get it one time for my travelling with my kids and family.

I am from Singapore and am considering visiting France with my wife and 2 toddlers (ages 2 and 4) at the end of this year 2021 for Christmas. Thought it would be nice to let me kids experience a winter Christmas for a change. However I am concerned with how French people or Parisians view Asian tourists. Do they stigmatise them given how COVID-19 has been dubbed the “China virus” in the US? And are there any safe distancing measures in place for restaurants or museums in France (e.g. dine in no more than 2 pax at a table etc)? Are there any other pointers I should be aware of if we want to explore visiting beyond Paris to other parts of France during December? Thanks!

Hi Eric, thanks for reading and for your comment. While prejudice does sadly exist in Paris/France, tourists are very rarely the subject of attacks and harassment, and you can be rest assured that with some sensible precautions, you will feel safe and secure traveling there. I do understand your anxiety, but please know that Paris in particular is an incredibly diverse, cosmopolitan city, and again, as long as you follow some essential safety tips and guidelines , you have nothing to fear.

As to your second question, yes, there are currently safety measures in France to prevent the spread of coronavirus. “Health passes”, or vaccine passports, are required to enter most public spaces (or visitors must show proof of negative tests). Masks are also still required in all indoor public spaces including public transportation, shops, museums etc. You’ll find all the relevant, updated info in the link above.

Have a wonderful, safe trip, and thanks again for reading! –Courtney

This article is so helpful and thank you for your time in writing this. I am from the US and traveling to Paris with my boyfriend February 2022. We both are fully vaccinated and may get booster shots if recommended to travel Paris. However, friends are telling me that France might go in lockdown again. What are your thoughts?

So glad to know you’ve found this helpful, Jessica. I wish I could predict what might happen next, but the Omicron variant of the virus is a real wild card. I don’t think anyone knows what might happen in the coming weeks and months in terms of travel restrictions. If you’re not comfortable with the uncertainty of that, I do recommend delaying your trip. Typically, since the pandemic began winter and spring have proven tough, with a reprieve in late spring through early fall. Perhaps if at all possible it would be best to try to reschedule your trip for that period? All the best!

My husband and I are visiting France in late March/early April 2022, spending time in Paris, Bordeaux, and the Dordogne. Your site has been so helpful as we plan our trip. We are both fully vaccinated against COVID and received our boosters in mid-October. As I understand the current vaccine pass requirements, we are okay to travel to France (we’ll need to get the vaccine pass either before we leave or when we arrive). Is that right? Thanks for your help.

I’m sorry to bother you as I know you yourself asked a question you would like answered….my husband and I are traveling to Paris late May. We are fully vaccinated and boosted, what is the “vaccine pass” you are referring to? Thank you in advance for your reply

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Dangers for Aussie tourists in seemingly safe overseas hotspots

Some of our most beloved overseas destinations have travel warnings for risks and dangers many may not realise – and experts say it’s “frankly nuts” to not find out.

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Some of Australians’ most beloved overseas destinations have travel warnings for risks and dangers many tourists may not even realise.

What some Aussies may not realise is in countries like France, Denmark, Sweden, Thailand and Indonesia, travellers are warned to “exercise a high degree of caution”.

According to the Australian government these popular nations have more or higher risks than what you would typically find in a large Australian city.

Adrian Taylor, manager of general insurance at Compare the Market, said many Australians are booking holidays to these destinations based on what they’re seeing their friends, family, celebrities and influencers post on social media.

“In terms of celebrities or influencers, they may actually be getting paid to only highlight the best parts of a destination, while friends and family tend to focus on the fun or glamorous moments of their vacation,” he said.

“No matter where you’re travelling, our advice is to do your research and not just see these hotspots through rose-coloured glasses. No destination comes without its risks or dangers.”

Mr Taylor said it was important to note in most destinations, you won’t be covered by Medicare or your private health insurance if you fall ill or become injured — and the quality of healthcare or access to medical facilities may not be as great.

He said taking out travel insurance before a trip was vital.

The same advice was shared by Dr David Beirman, a senior lecturer in tourism and risk management at the University of Technology Sydney, who added “forewarned is forearmed”.

“It’s easier to research a travel destination than it’s ever been,” he said. “In the days when I started as a travel consultant in the 1980s people tended to be very highly reliant on travel agents to tell them what to expect.

“Anyone who travels blind is quite frankly nuts.”

Dr Beirman said the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trades’ Smartraveller website was a good place to start but it was important to research further about where in particular you were visiting within a country and what you planned to do there.

He said unfortunately with online booking these days, it was a risk people weren’t learning about the destination before they went. His big advice? Talk to someone who has been there.

See below the risks in countries you may be surprised to know currently carry a level two travel advice warning for Australians.

France is home to the iconic Eiffel Tower in the “City of Love” and famously glamorous beach resorts on the French Riviera, but romance and suntans is not all travellers have to worry about.

In March, France raised its terror alert warning to its highest level after the Crocus City Hall attack in Moscow, Russia. It comes not long before the Paris Olympics kicks off in July.

French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said the decision was taken in light of “Islamic State’s claim of responsibility for the attack and the threats weighing on our country”.

Australians are warned to expect high-level security measures in places of worship, shopping centres and landmarks.

“Be cautious around locations known to be targets. Attacks could be indiscriminate and could occur anywhere without warning,” Smartraveller warns.

It also warns passport theft, pickpocketing, bag snatching, burglaries and muggins, are common, particularly in summer.

“Groups of thieves also operate on public transport, including busy metro lines that service tourist attractions and trains to/from the airports,” it says, adding criminals use children to help them.

Dr Beirman said his number one piece of advice was to “make sure your money belt is under your clothes and not sitting out like a big sign”.

“A lot of people go with what we call a bum bag and in my humble opinion that is the dumbest thing to do because it’s like saying to pickpockets ‘look here I am, here’s all my money.’”

Mr Taylor said Paris, Marseilles and Bordeaux were favourite cities for scammers and thieves.

“People may also not be aware that France has a history of protests and violent demonstrations,” My Taylor added.

“Even if you have travel insurance, your insurer won’t cover costs relating to these incidents, so avoid protests whenever possible and check local media to stay up to date with ongoing issues.”

Dr Beirman agreed it was important to avoid these protests.

“France is a lovely place but if you happen to be walking in the middle of a demonstration in the middle of Paris, it can get pretty hairy,” he said.

Indonesia is home to one of Australia’s most popular overseas destinations, Bali and it’s no surprise Aussies are the island’s top foreign visitors. But the country is made up of more than 17,000 islands.

And like France, terrorism is a major concern.

Smartraveller warns there is an ongoing risk of a terrorist attack, where popular tourist areas may be the target.

While nature is what makes Indonesia a stunning place to visit, it also presents dangers.

Volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis happen regularly as Indonesia sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”.

Mr Taylor said tourists should ensure their travel insurance covers natural disasters.

“As we’ve seen in the past, Bali is home to several few active volcanoes, most notably Mount Agung,” he said. “Volcanic eruptions can be life-threatening and the ash clouds they create can also disrupt air traffic and cause mass flight cancellations.

“Having travel insurance ahead of time can help cover the cost of cancellation in the event of a volcanic eruption.”

While tourists are letting their hair down, they should be aware of pickpocketing, drink spiking, and crimes involving taxis.

“Solo women are at higher risk. Be alert in taxis, public transport, crowds, bars and nightclubs,” Smartraveller warns.

It also advises travellers to check their safety equipment when doing adventure activities.

There is a higher travel advice level for Papua, Papua Pegunungan, Papua Tengah and Papua Selatan due to the risk of serious security incidents or demonstrations that may turn violent.

Australians are advised to reconsider their need to travel to those provinces.

“Armed groups have stated that they’re targeting foreigners, including Australians,” it states.

Thailand is another Aussie favourite not too far away.

Terrorism is again an ongoing risk, particularly in popular tourist areas, and Thai authorities have warned of possible bombings on symbolic dates or holidays.

The most common safety issues are road accidents, floods and severe weather during the wet season, and scams, credit card fraud and ATM fraud are common.

Tourists are warned of sexual assault, assault, robbery and drink spiking.

“Stay with people you trust at parties, in bars, nightclubs and taxis,” Smartraveller warns.

Mr Taylor said petty theft and pickpocketing could be worse in areas around cheap accommodation like hostels or visiting busy areas like markets.

“Always keep valuables and personal effects locked up, safe and out of sight and be constantly vigilant when in transit,” he said.

“And while there’s a thriving night-life in many parts of the country, be aware that drink spiking is particularly common in the night-time entertainment zones in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket.”

Anti-government protests in Bangkok and other areas of Thailand can turn violent and result in being arrested, while there is a higher travel advice level for the three most southern provinces of the Thailand-Malaysia border.

Due to low-level insurgent activity, Australians are advised to reconsider their need to travel to Yala province, Pattani province, and Narathiwat province.

Australian-born Mary Donaldson became the Queen of Denmark this year, putting the Scandinavian country back in the Aussie spotlight.

Tourists heading over there to check it out for themselves should keep a few things in mind.

Denmark’s terror threat level is “significant” with travellers advised to maintain high vigilance in public spaces and avoid crowds.

While serious crime is low, pickpockets often target people in tourist areas like on public transport, at national landmarks, museums, railway stations and restaurants.

There is one unique place in Copenhagen that Aussies must prepare for.

Christiania has its own flag, own national anthem, and even its own currency. Smartraveller warns you shouldn’t take photos there.

“Travellers have been assaulted and robbed for taking photographs,” it states.

Sweden is currently hosting the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, prompting large protests.

On Thursday, local time, thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators rallied against Israel’s participation in the song contest.

Smartraveller advises tourists to avoid areas where protests are happening.

In August last year, Sweden raised the terror threat from “elevated” level three to “high” level four out of five, meaning the probability of an attack is high.

Tourists should maintain high vigilance in public spaces and take official warnings seriously.

Belgium is famous for its chocolate and beer culture but the terror threat level for the country, including the capital Brussels, remains at “serious” – level three of four – meaning there’s a possible and imminent threat.

“Terrorists have staged attacks and may plan more,” Smartraveller says. “Crowded places, such as music and cultural events, tourist areas, shopping areas, transport hubs, major sporting events and other public areas, are possible targets. Be vigilant in public places and follow the advice of local authorities. Report anything suspicious to the police.”

More Coverage

United Kingdom

Aussies are instructed to “always be alert to terrorism” in the UK with the national threat level (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) considered “substantial” – level three of five.

A full list of travel warnings and advice levels for each country can be found at Smartraveller .

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Sunday, May 19, 2024 4:44 am (Paris)

• Paris 2024 Olympics

Paris 2024 Olympics: Three major Paris roads closed to traffic from Friday

The first road closures in Paris began on Friday, May 17, to allow for the construction of infrastructure for the Olympics.

By  Service Sports

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Preparations for the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games are taking shape, with just 70 days to go before the competitions kick off. In addition to the inauguration of sporting and urban facilities, the first road closures and traffic restrictions are now in place. From Friday, May 17, the north-south axis of Place de la Concorde, the Alexandre-III bridge and Avenue Gallieni, in the heart of the area around the Les Invalides military history museum complex, in Paris' 7 th and 8 th arrondissements, will be closed to traffic until September 2024.

• Place de la Concorde

The Place de la Concorde is the site of a major construction project, as it will host the BMX freestyle, breaking, skateboarding and 3×3 basketball events. As of today, all traffic – including pedestrians and cyclists – is banned along the square's north-south axis. Line 12 of Paris' Metro public transport network will no longer stop at the Concorde station – to reach the square, get off at Madeleine station and continue on foot. The site will remain accessible via Metro lines 1 and 8 until June 17. The final closure of the square is scheduled for June 1, with a partial reopening on September 7.

• Alexandre-III Bridge

The Alexandre-III bridge is the first to be closed as part of preparations for the cycling, triathlon, marathon swimming and para triathlon events. Pedestrians can use the bridge's upstream sidewalk, but vehicles will have to wait until September 20.

• Avenue Galliéni

Avenue Galliéni is also closed to traffic until September 25. Along with the lawns of the Invalides esplanade, it will be the site of the cycling, archery and marathon (both Olympic and Paralympic) competitions. The Bleuet-de-France traffic circle will be closed and Rue de Grenelle made into a one-way street on May 30, followed by the closure of the portion of Rue de l'Université located between Rue Fabert and Rue Constantine on June 17.

Service Sports

Translation of an original article published in French on lemonde.fr ; the publisher may only be liable for the French version.

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