France is actually quite a safe country to visit with a few exceptions being some unsafe cities or during unsafe, late hours. Safety is a very significant factor that should be considered while visiting France—whether you are with more than one person or by yourself.
CURRENT TRAVEL ALERTS
Recently, there have been high threats in terrorism. Due to the amount of ongoing threats caused by Islamist groups and recent French military interventions against Daesh (formerly known as ISIL)—the French government has highly advised locals and tourists to exercise a high amount of caution in France and has also reinforced its security measures. Make sure you are cautious while visiting France and stay up to date with the events which are currently occurring through the news, radio and/or social media apps.
The ongoing terrorism has caused fear and destruction to societies within France and to keep people up to date with the current safety of the country—the French government has released a new, free smartphone app named SAIP (Système d’alerte et d’information des populations) which alerts users of possible security incidents including: all major natural, technological and terrorist-related risks. The safety app is available in both English and French and is downloadable by entering the term ‘SAIP’ in the Apple App Store or in Google Play. We advise you to download this app so you will be alert about what's happening around you.
There continues to be a large number of illegal immigrants in and around Calais, France—who seek illegal access to the United Kingdom. Recent incidents have occurred where obstacles have been placed on roads and items have been thrown at transportation vehicles while the vehicles approached the Calais Port through the A16 motorway. If you are placed in this situation continue to move when it is safe to do so or as an alternative—dial 112 if it isn’t safe to proceed. Make sure that all the doors of your vehicle are locked in slow moving traffic in and around Calais and also make sure that your vehicle is secured when it is left unattended.
There is also occasional disruptions in cross-channel services due to strike actions and immigrant activity in and around Calais. Make sure that you check the operators of websites you use beforehand so that you are assured of its safety.
A large amount of tourists visit France annually and most leave with trouble-free experiences. However, there are still a few key issues and the most common issue is pick-pocketing—so make sure that you are cautious so that you don’t fall victim to it.
It is also highly advised that you apply for a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before you travel to France. If you already have an EHIC—make sure that it isn’t expired. Some medical costs aren’t covered by EHIC so you should also apply for/bring travel and medical insurance before you travel to France.
As a reminder, the official emergency phone number in France for all services is 112.
The ongoing terrorism has caused fear and destruction to societies within France and to keep people up to date with the current safety of the country—the French government has released a new, free smartphone app named SAIP (Système d’alerte et d’information des populations) which alerts users of possible security incidents including: all major natural, technological and terrorist-related risks. The safety app is available in both English and French and is downloadable by entering the term ‘SAIP’ in the Apple App Store or in Google Play. We advise you to download this app so you will be alert about what's happening around you.
There continues to be a large number of illegal immigrants in and around Calais, France—who seek illegal access to the United Kingdom. Recent incidents have occurred where obstacles have been placed on roads and items have been thrown at transportation vehicles while the vehicles approached the Calais Port through the A16 motorway. If you are placed in this situation continue to move when it is safe to do so or as an alternative—dial 112 if it isn’t safe to proceed. Make sure that all the doors of your vehicle are locked in slow moving traffic in and around Calais and also make sure that your vehicle is secured when it is left unattended.
There is also occasional disruptions in cross-channel services due to strike actions and immigrant activity in and around Calais. Make sure that you check the operators of websites you use beforehand so that you are assured of its safety.
A large amount of tourists visit France annually and most leave with trouble-free experiences. However, there are still a few key issues and the most common issue is pick-pocketing—so make sure that you are cautious so that you don’t fall victim to it.
It is also highly advised that you apply for a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before you travel to France. If you already have an EHIC—make sure that it isn’t expired. Some medical costs aren’t covered by EHIC so you should also apply for/bring travel and medical insurance before you travel to France.
As a reminder, the official emergency phone number in France for all services is 112.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
GENERAL SAFETY
GENERAL OUTDOOR SAFETY TIPS!
1. Prepare for outdoor activities or tours by wearing the right attire for the occasion and weather!
2. Pack any required items e.g. insect repellent, sleeping bag for the outdoor activities or tours!
3. Wear attire such as long sleeve shirts in areas where there are many insects such as mosquitoes!
4. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated!
5. Make sure to stay alert to the weather conditions in case of climatic changes!
2. Pack any required items e.g. insect repellent, sleeping bag for the outdoor activities or tours!
3. Wear attire such as long sleeve shirts in areas where there are many insects such as mosquitoes!
4. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated!
5. Make sure to stay alert to the weather conditions in case of climatic changes!
OUTDOORS OF FRANCE
GENERAL WATER SAFETY TIPS!
1. Swim only in designated areas such as in between the red flags!
2. Don’t dive into shallow waters!
3. Don’t swim in deep waters or waters above your comfort zone if you aren’t a very capable swimmer!
4. If you are swimming in locations with large areas of water such as the beach—make sure that you don’t swim too far away even if you are a highly capable swimmer!
5. Avoid swallowing water in case it is untreated water!
2. Don’t dive into shallow waters!
3. Don’t swim in deep waters or waters above your comfort zone if you aren’t a very capable swimmer!
4. If you are swimming in locations with large areas of water such as the beach—make sure that you don’t swim too far away even if you are a highly capable swimmer!
5. Avoid swallowing water in case it is untreated water!
BEACHES IN FRANCE
GENERAL AIR TRAVEL SAFETY TIPS!
1. Don’t panic! Stay calm!
2. Listen to the instructions given to you and pay attention to the flight attendant(s) and/or pilot(s)! If you are required to do something, do it in an orderly fashion!
3. Always stay aware of your surroundings!
4. If it is required that you need to leave the aeroplane, only take your most valued possessions with you!
5. Make sure your seatbelt is always on to ensure that you are as safe as possible!
2. Listen to the instructions given to you and pay attention to the flight attendant(s) and/or pilot(s)! If you are required to do something, do it in an orderly fashion!
3. Always stay aware of your surroundings!
4. If it is required that you need to leave the aeroplane, only take your most valued possessions with you!
5. Make sure your seatbelt is always on to ensure that you are as safe as possible!
AEROPLANES IN FRANCE
STEPS TO TAKE IF YOU GET INJURED BY AN ANIMAL!
1. WASH the injury thoroughly.
2. GO and tell a person who can help or a doctor near by.
3. TELL the person/doctor about your injury and receive medication and/or a medication plan for your injury.
2. GO and tell a person who can help or a doctor near by.
3. TELL the person/doctor about your injury and receive medication and/or a medication plan for your injury.
ANIMALS IN FRANCE
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
If you find yourself in an emergency situation and you need the assistance of (a) particular emergency service(s) then use a/the phone number(s) listed in the table below to reach the service needed.
Service |
Phone Number For Service |
SOS (All services) |
112 |
Medical Emergency |
15 |
Medical Emergency During Out-of-Doctor Hours |
116 117 |
Police Emergency |
17 |
Fire Emergency |
18 |
Lake Emergency |
196 |
Sea Emergency |
112 |
Emergency Shelter |
115 |
Child in Danger Emergency |
119 |
Missing Child Emergency |
116 000 |
TERRORISM
Recently, there have been high threats in terrorism. Due to the amount of ongoing threats caused by Islamist groups and recent French military interventions against Daesh (formerly known as ISIL)—the French government has highly advised locals and tourists to exercise a high amount of caution in France and has also reinforced its security measures. Make sure you are cautious while visiting France and stay up to date with the events which are currently occurring through the news, radio and/or social media apps.
There have been a large amount of high profile terrorist attacks which have occurred across France in 2015 and currently—2016—and more than two hundred people have received fatal results due to the attacks. On the 13th of November, 2015 (13/11/2015), terrorist attacks were the cause of 130 deaths and hundreds of injuries in multiple sites across Paris. On the 14th of July, 2016 (14/07/2016), 84 people experienced death when a truck was driven through a large crowd of people on the promenade in Nice. On 26th of July, 2016 (26/07/2016), a priest also blew daisies during an attack in a church in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray which is situated in the suburb of Rouen in France.
There have been a large number of explosions, failed explosions and other forms of attacking actions in Corsica. The most common targets have been: government buildings, restaurants, police vehicles, bars and holiday homes. It is believed by the authorities that the Corsican nationalist group, FLNC, are responsible for the attacks.
There have been a large amount of high profile terrorist attacks which have occurred across France in 2015 and currently—2016—and more than two hundred people have received fatal results due to the attacks. On the 13th of November, 2015 (13/11/2015), terrorist attacks were the cause of 130 deaths and hundreds of injuries in multiple sites across Paris. On the 14th of July, 2016 (14/07/2016), 84 people experienced death when a truck was driven through a large crowd of people on the promenade in Nice. On 26th of July, 2016 (26/07/2016), a priest also blew daisies during an attack in a church in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray which is situated in the suburb of Rouen in France.
There have been a large number of explosions, failed explosions and other forms of attacking actions in Corsica. The most common targets have been: government buildings, restaurants, police vehicles, bars and holiday homes. It is believed by the authorities that the Corsican nationalist group, FLNC, are responsible for the attacks.
TERRORISM IN FRANCE
ROAD SAFETY
Road safety in France can differ from other countries. One of the normals road rules France has is: you have to give way to the right every time you find an intersection on your path.
If you would like to drive in France, make sure that you are above the age of eighteen and have a valid driver’s license, insurance and vehicle documents from your home country or you apply for a driver’s license in France. If you don’t own the vehicle that you are driving in, make sure you get written permission from the registered owner of the vehicle to avoid any serious consequences. In France, it’s compulsory that all vehicles carry a warning triangle and reflective jacket. It is required that the reflective jacket is stored within the vehicle itself and that the driver shouldn’t have to get out of the car to access it. Make sure that you reconfirm that all the doors of your vehicle are locked in slow-moving traffic and that your vehicle is secured when it’s left unattended.
Roads in France are generally safe although it’s possible to find some rural roads challenging to drive in. Make sure you continually check your speed so that you don’t speed as the maximum speed limits in France are approximately 130 kilometres per hour in good weather or 110 kilometres per hour in bad weather.
Many drivers like to take long journeys to reach far away destinations. If you would like to do so, make sure that you plan your journey with extra caution and take into account unknown roads and weather conditions. View the Motorways Radio in France, 107.7 FM, to gain real-time information on road traffic conditions in French or English.
If you would like to drive in France, make sure that you are above the age of eighteen and have a valid driver’s license, insurance and vehicle documents from your home country or you apply for a driver’s license in France. If you don’t own the vehicle that you are driving in, make sure you get written permission from the registered owner of the vehicle to avoid any serious consequences. In France, it’s compulsory that all vehicles carry a warning triangle and reflective jacket. It is required that the reflective jacket is stored within the vehicle itself and that the driver shouldn’t have to get out of the car to access it. Make sure that you reconfirm that all the doors of your vehicle are locked in slow-moving traffic and that your vehicle is secured when it’s left unattended.
Roads in France are generally safe although it’s possible to find some rural roads challenging to drive in. Make sure you continually check your speed so that you don’t speed as the maximum speed limits in France are approximately 130 kilometres per hour in good weather or 110 kilometres per hour in bad weather.
Many drivers like to take long journeys to reach far away destinations. If you would like to do so, make sure that you plan your journey with extra caution and take into account unknown roads and weather conditions. View the Motorways Radio in France, 107.7 FM, to gain real-time information on road traffic conditions in French or English.
TIPS FOr ROAD SAFETY!
1. Don't drink and drive!
2. Always drive in the speed limit given!
3. Don’t text or call someone while you’re driving!
4. If you’re cycling during the night make sure you have a headlight!
5. Always make sure that you carry your driver’s license with you!
2. Always drive in the speed limit given!
3. Don’t text or call someone while you’re driving!
4. If you’re cycling during the night make sure you have a headlight!
5. Always make sure that you carry your driver’s license with you!
ROADS IN FRANCE
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SAFETY
Travel to and within France can be disrupted by incidents with strike action—so make sure you check with your travel provider beforehand. Always make sure your personal belongings and valuables are protected—especially your passport and money—and are kept in small, inner zip compartments or in money belts to make sure that it is more difficult for a thief to steal it. Crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching are serious issues that occur often in tourist areas and on all forms of public transport.
If you use an individual train ticket while using buses or trains in France—make sure that you validate it in the machine in the bus or station. If you don’t validate it, there are chances that you will be fined.
If you use an individual train ticket while using buses or trains in France—make sure that you validate it in the machine in the bus or station. If you don’t validate it, there are chances that you will be fined.
TIPS FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SAFETY!
1. Always keep your passport with you as a form of ID while travelling!
2. While travelling, keep all your valuables in inner pockets of your bags or in a money belt so that it is difficult for thieves to access it!
3. Wear shoulder bags instead of backpacks so that your possessions and valuables are guarded at all times!
4. Some thieves work in groups with one or more thieves distracting you and the others stealing your valuables so always stay aware of your surroundings and don’t get distracted in areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants and public transport!
5. Make sure that you are aware of simple scams including: vending machines scams, card tricks and gold ring tricks!
2. While travelling, keep all your valuables in inner pockets of your bags or in a money belt so that it is difficult for thieves to access it!
3. Wear shoulder bags instead of backpacks so that your possessions and valuables are guarded at all times!
4. Some thieves work in groups with one or more thieves distracting you and the others stealing your valuables so always stay aware of your surroundings and don’t get distracted in areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants and public transport!
5. Make sure that you are aware of simple scams including: vending machines scams, card tricks and gold ring tricks!
TRAINS IN FRANCE
TEN GENERAL SAFETY TIPS IN FRANCE
1. Always keep your passport with you as a form of ID while travelling!
2. While travelling, keep all your valuables in inner pockets of your bags so that thieves can’t easily access it!
3. Wear shoulder bags instead of backpacks so that your possessions and valuables are guarded at all times!
4. Some thieves work in groups with one or more thieves distracting you and the others stealing your valuables so always stay aware of your surroundings and don’t get distracted in areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants and public transport!
5. Don't get tricked! If a stranger or someone you don’t trust asks if you would like them to hold your possession(s), politely decline the offer! If they ask if you would like a ride to the place you are staying at, politely decline the offer!
6. Be aware of simple scams such as: vending machines, card tricks and gold ring tricks.
7. Don’t travel by yourself during night time in unsafe cities or areas!
8. Don’t purchase items from strangers!
9. Don’t place your possessions in stranger’s hands!
10. Never keep a large amount of money with you—so that if the situation occurs in which someone steals your money, you won’t have a large loss!
2. While travelling, keep all your valuables in inner pockets of your bags so that thieves can’t easily access it!
3. Wear shoulder bags instead of backpacks so that your possessions and valuables are guarded at all times!
4. Some thieves work in groups with one or more thieves distracting you and the others stealing your valuables so always stay aware of your surroundings and don’t get distracted in areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants and public transport!
5. Don't get tricked! If a stranger or someone you don’t trust asks if you would like them to hold your possession(s), politely decline the offer! If they ask if you would like a ride to the place you are staying at, politely decline the offer!
6. Be aware of simple scams such as: vending machines, card tricks and gold ring tricks.
7. Don’t travel by yourself during night time in unsafe cities or areas!
8. Don’t purchase items from strangers!
9. Don’t place your possessions in stranger’s hands!
10. Never keep a large amount of money with you—so that if the situation occurs in which someone steals your money, you won’t have a large loss!
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