Paris Travel Advice

Threat level: Low - Medium

COVID-19 Situation in Paris

The national lockdown ended on the 2nd of May 2021 and restrictions were relaxed in 4 stages.

France has introduced new entry rules for travellers entering the country from overseas that is based on a colour-coded system: green (low-risk countries) - amber (medium-risk countries) - red (high-risk countries). The UK is currently on the 'amber list' of countries whom travellers are not allowed to enter France unless for essential reasons or if they have been fully vaccinated, in which case they are not required to self-isolate on arrival. Fully vaccinated travellers must present a vaccination certificate, as well as evidence of a negative PCR test result, taken no more than 72 hours before arrival, together with a completed "sworn statement" certifying they have no COVID-19 symptoms. Travellers from green countries (which includes the European area) must present a negative PCR test result, taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival, as well as a sworn statement testifying that they do not show any COVID-19 symptom.

The use of face masks has been made compulsory in public transport and in public indoor spaces including shops. People must also maintain at least a 1-meter social distance.

On the 1st of August, people who wish to enter a public facility such as cafes, bars, restaurants, hospitals, care homes, shopping malls and places with a capacity of more than 50 people (cinemas, museums, libraries, theatres, etc) must present either a COVID Pass ("Pass Sanitaire") certifying that they are fully vaccinated or a negative PCR test.

See our healthcare section for preventive measures against COVID-19.

The overall travel advice in Paris is for visitors to remain cautious and aware of their surroundings at all times. Petty crime does occur and is targeted towards tourists in many instances.

Due to Macron's planned pension reform, strikes are taking place across France which has led to disruptions to public transport and mass protests. The best advice is to monitor local news, avoid protests and carefully plan your journey.

A year on after yellow vests protesters (les gilets jaunes) first took the streets of France over the government's new plan on implementing a new tax, the movement has now slowed down although the yellow vests still remain active. Visitors in Paris are reminded not to take part in any demonstrations that can turn violent, as this could lead to arrests.

France is considered to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with Paris ranking as 3rd most visited city. Popular for its rich history and wealth of museums and art galleries, the city is a hub of tourist activity.

Intelligent Protection International Limited has an office in Paris and provides Security and Bodyguard services to clients in the city and further afield. If you are interested in these services, please see our page: Bodyguard services in Paris.

On the 12th of April, a shooting occurred in the 16th district of Paris near the Henry Dunant hospital. Two persons were shot and the shooter fled the scene.

On the 16th of October 2020, a teacher was beheaded near a secondary school in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, a suburb west of Paris. It is reported that the victim was a 47-year-old teacher named as Samuel Paty; a teacher of history and geography who had shown controversial cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad to his pupils during a conversation on the subject. The attacker is said to be an 18 year old man who was shot dead by police soon after this incident.

Recent attacks in the city have seen a slight dip in the usually large volume of tourists, however many are not letting this affect their travels and still making their way to the city. Favoured destination by tourists include: The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Notre Dame Cathedral and Luxembourg Gardens amongst others. Tourists should be respectful when visiting these sites, behave appropriately and leave them clean and tidy for others to enjoy. If the correct precautions are taken, trips to the city should be enjoyable and trouble-free.

On the 25th of September 2020, a knife attack occurred in the 11th arrondissement of Paris, injuring two people.

On the 27th of April 2020, a terror suspect drove into two police motorcyclists with his car in Colombes, injuring them and was arrested after the attack.

On the 09th of September 2018, a knife attack occurred on the banks of the Ourcq canal in Paris's 19th district by a man who was carrying a knife and an iron bar. Seven people were injured in the attack, four seriously. The attack is currently not treated as a terrorist attack.

A knife attack took place in on the Rue Monsigny in the second arrondissement, on the 12th of May 2018, killing one person and injuring four others. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack.

On the 8th of August 2017 at 8am local time, a driver of a BMW drove into a group of six soldiers leaving their barracks in Levallois-Perret, a northwestern suburb of Paris. It is being treated as a suspected terrorist attack, with reports that the car was waiting in a cul-de-sac for the soldiers to leave. All six of the soldiers were injured with two in a serious condition.

On the 19th of June 2017 in the area of the Champs Elysees, a driver deliberately crashed his vehicle into a police van, which burst into flames. The driver was knocked unconscious and seriously hurt, they were also found to be armed. No one else was hurt in this incident.

On the 6th June 2017, a police officer was attacked and injured by a man wielding a hammer at Notre Dame cathedral. The attacker was shot, not fatally, by fellow officers.

It is understood the attacker was an Algerian student and had cried out "This is for Syria".There were many tourists locked in the cathedral during the incident.

On the evening of the 20th of April 2017, two gunmen shot and killed a Police officer, injuring another on the Champs-Elysees in the centre of Paris. This incident is being classed at "terrorist-related".

On the 18th of March 2017, a man snatched a weapon from a soldier on duty at Orly Airport, before running into a restaurant. He was immediately shot by a Boarder Officer. It is understood that this is the same attacker who shot and injured a Traffic Police officer, during a routine traffic stop in the North of the City, just prior to this incident. He is said to be a "radicalised muslim" who was known to Police and French Intelligence.

On the 16th of March 2017, a postal bomb exploded after being sent to the International Monetary Fund offices in Paris, injuring one member of staff. It is thought by Police that this is linked to a similar incident in Germany, the day before Greek radicals claimed responsibility for that bombing.

In February 2017, a French soldier shot an attacker wielding a machete at the Louvre museum. It is believed the attacker was an Islamic extremist. 2 men were arrested at the scene.

In November 2015, a devastating series of planned terrorist attacks took place in Paris, including three suicide bombers outside the Stade de France in the north of the city. Over 350 were injured and 130 people were killed during the attacks, with 89 of them being people who were attending a concert at the Bataclan Theatre, where gunmen stormed and opened fire.

This is considered to be the worst attack France has experienced since the war, and one of the most severe in Europe for a long time. Islamic State took responsibility for the attacks in retaliation to France’s involvement in Syria. Paris and France were immediately put into a state of emergency, which banned public demonstrations and allowed houses to be searched without a warrant.

This attack came only 10 months after 2 brothers entered the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo’s office, opening fire at the workers. This attack left 11 employees dead and another 11 injured and was reportedly targeted for its blasphemous and sacrilegious cartoon publications. Al-Qaeda in Yemen claimed responsibility for the attack.

Both incidents left Paris and the rest of the country in a state of shock and mourning. The security presence was stepped up massively in order to reassure its citizens.

As it is such a popular tourist destination, waiting times and queues for attractions can prove lengthy, particularly in busy periods such as the school holidays. With this comes a heightened risk of crimes such as pickpocketing, as thieves target busy areas with large numbers of unsuspecting victims. Visitors to Paris should be aware of this and ensure that their valuables are safe at all times. Using a money belt is an effective safety precaution.

If at all possible, travellers should avoid walking alone at night time in many areas of the city. This includes: metro Les Halles, Chatelet, Gare du Nord, Stalingrad and Jaures. There is a slightly heightened risk of gang-related activity and hate crimes.

Pedestrians should be extremely careful when travelling around the city, particularly when crossing the road. Road rules and regulations are often ignored by aggressive or impatient drivers, so you should be on high alert at all times.

The metro in Paris is the cheapest and efficient way of travelling around the city and it is deemed to be one of the best transport links in the world. The 300km of train track means you can get to within a short walking distance of any destinations in Paris. Tickets can be purchased at ticket booth stations.

An alternative method of transport is using public buses. Preferred by many tourists, this form of travel allows the cultural sites of Paris to be seen whilst the bus makes its journey. Metro tickets can also be used and must be scanned as you board the bus. Paris L'OpenTour buses offers a hop on and off tour of the city, which covers over 50 stops and all the classic tourist attractions.

Using your own vehicle to drive through the city is highly advised against; the roads can be confusing and congested for unexperienced drivers. It is generally accepted that a car is not required for a stay in the city. If you do need to bring a vehicle, you should book a hotel that offers parking with the stay, as parking in the city is expensive and unavailable long-term.

When travelling by car in France, British nationals do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) but a motor insurance green card issued by their car insurer is required to drive a UK-registered car in the EU since the UK left the EU.

Taxis are plentiful and easy to hail down in the street, or can be called by your hotel if you would prefer. They are not too expensive to ride and can offer almost door-to-door transport. Walking offers a free and relaxed way to get around, however the city is huge and it can take hours to walk across it.

With two airports (Orly and Charles de Gaulle), the Eurostar and several train stations, Paris is well-served to welcome international visitors.

General emergency from a mobile/cell: 112
Police emergency: 17
Fire emergency: 18
Ambulance emergency: 15

Official languages: French
Religion: Christianity
Currency: Euro
Time now in Paris:

British Embassy Paris
35, rue du Faubourg St Honoré
Paris Cedex 08
75383 Paris
Telephone: +33 1 445 131 00
Email: France.Enquiries@fco.gov.uk

Spanish Embassy Paris

22, Av. Marceau,
75008 Paris
Telephone: +33 1 444 318 00
Email: emb.paris@maec.es

German Embassy

24 Rue Marbeau
75116 Paris
Telephone: +33 1 538 345 00

U.S. Embassy Paris

4 avenue Gabriel,
75008 Paris
Telephone: +33 1 431 222 22
Emergency telephone: +33 1 431 222 22
Email: citizeninfo@state.gov

Canadian Embassy Paris

35 Montaigne Avenue,
75008 Paris
Telephone: +33 1 444 329 00

For further embassy information and locations, please see our live travel map below.

Travel: How to get around Paris
Tourist info: General information for tourists to Paris

If you are a British citizen, your UK EHIC card remains valid when travelling to an EU country until it expires, providing access to state-provided healthcare in France. After that, British citizens must apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) which will cover them for state-provided healthcare in the EU. Nevertheless, you will be required to show proof on arrival that you have travel insurance for your trip.

COVID-19 cases have been reported in France. There is no vaccination against the disease, protection is through preventive measures. To limit contagion self-isolate, avoid travel unless necessary, don't gather in public places and apply good hygiene precautions.

The standard of healthcare across France is generally excellent with the best care being available in Paris. Just over 75% of the cost of treatment and services are covered by government-funded organisations and tourists from the EU in possession of an EHIC card, are liable for the same healthcare terms. All travellers should purchase travel and health insurance regardless, as treatment will have to be paid for and reimbursed at a later date.

Due to the coronavirus outbreak that is affecting France, it is recommended to apply good hygiene practices and avoid contact with people showing flue-like symptoms. If you are coughing and have fever, it is required to quarantine yourself and only call emergency services if you have severe respiratory issues.

Please find listed the addresses of three English-speaking hospitals in the city, should you require medical treatment during your stay:

American Hospital
63 boulevard Victor Hugo,
92202 Neuilly sur Seine
Telephone: +33 1 464 125 25

Hertford British Hospital
3 rue Barbes,
92300 Levallois-Perret
Telephone: +33 1 463 922 22

Hôpital Foch
40 rue Worth
92150 Suresnes
Telephone: 0826 20 72 20

Also listed is the address of an English speaking pharmacy to access basic medication or advice you may need during your stay:

British Pharmacy
62, Avenue des Champs-Elysées
75008 Paris
Telephone: +33 1 435 922 52

In 2017, Intelligent Protection International Limited opened an office in Paris to better serve our clients in France.

For further information on our services in France, see: Close Protection Services in France

Intelligent Protection International Limited - France