France

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. 

France's national terrorist alert warning (in French) is at the highest level. Expect high-level security nationwide, including at schools, places of worship, shopping centres and landmarks. 

Attacks can occur at any time. Methods of attack have included knife attacks, shootings, bombings, and vehicle attacks.

There have been several attacks in France in recent years, terrorists could target:

• transport hubs
• tourist areas
• music and cultural events
• festivals
• shopping areas
• LGBTQIA+ community
• sporting events, and
• other public areas. 

Be cautious around locations known to be possible terrorist targets.

Authorities have additional powers to deal with counter-terrorism security. In some public areas, they may:

• restrict access
• search your bags and vehicle.

Expect increased security checks at borders, including ID checks, which may cause delays.

To reduce your risks:

• be alert to possible threats, especially in public places
• report anything suspicious to the police
• monitor the news for any new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the instructions of local authorities.

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

The French Government has published advice about how to respond to a terrorist attack and information on France's national terrorist alert warning.

Follow these X accounts for advice (in French) during major security incidents:

• @Gendarmerie
• @PoliceNationale
• @prefpolice

More information:

• Terrorism

Strikes are frequent across France. When they occur, expect demonstrations and significant disruptions, which usually affect public transport and other public services.

Some lead to clashes with police, resulting in the use of tear gas and arrests. Avoid demonstrations and areas with significant police activity. 

To reduce risks:

• avoid protests and demonstrations, and exercise caution if you're caught up in large gatherings/protests
• remain vigilant, especially at night
• monitor local media and other sources for news on possible unrest
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Protests and civil unrest
• SNCF Trains
• Paris Metro and Buses
• Eurostar

Serious crime can occur especially in large cities, including Paris. These include violent robberies, muggings and assaults, including sexual assault. For further information, see Smartraveller information on when you're a victim of a crime overseas, travel risk relating to sexual assault and on the assistance to victims of sexual assault overseas. 

Robberies could also lead to identity theft. If you think you've been the victim of identity crime, report it to local police. Crimes such as passport theft, pickpocketing, burglaries and bag and phone snatching are common in summer. Groups of thieves also operate on public transport, including busy metro lines that service tourist attractions and trains to/from the airports. 

Take care to protect your belongings on public transport, in crowded tourist areas and at landmarks. Some examples of common targets include (but are not limited to):

• Airports (including Charles de Gaulle International Airport)
• Hotel lobbies
• Outside of hotels and well-known short-stay accommodations
• Restaurants and cafes, especially when sitting on the terrace.
• Beaches

Criminals use children to distract tourists or even play an active role in theft.

Violent theft is less common but may also occur on public transport or around major tourist attractions. These attacks have occurred on or around:

• Gare du Nord train station
• The train from CDG Airport to Gare du Nord train station.
• Metro lines in Paris, including lines 1, 2 and 6
• RER (regional) train lines linking Paris and its suburbs
• major tourist attractions (including the Eiffel Tower area, the Champs-Elysées, the Louvre, the Palais Royal areas, the Les Halles district, and the Latin Quarter)

To protect yourself from theft:

• avoid walking in quiet and poorly lit streets, especially at night
• keep luggage and valuables out of sight
• use ATMs in secure locations such as banks and shopping centres
• keep your bank cards in your sight
• monitor local sources for information about possible safety or security risks

Vehicle break-ins

Vehicle crime includes bag snatching from cars (including while driving, stopped or stuck in traffic), including on the highway between CDG Airport and Paris city centre, and theft and break-ins from unattended vehicles. Rental vehicles are often targets, even in small towns.

To protect yourself:

• never leave valuables in your car
• keep bags and luggage concealed and/or stored in the boot
• keep your vehicle locked at all times, including when driving
• use secure parking facilities, especially overnight
• be alert at isolated automated service stations
• beware of any person who waves at you to stop on the highway
• avoid sleeping in rest areas beside autoroutes (motorways) and major roads
• avoid sleeping in makeshift or unauthorised campgrounds on the outskirts of cities

Domestic Violence

French authorities have introduced emergency phone numbers for victims of domestic violence. In an emergency, call the police (dial 17) or a 24/7 specialised hotline (dial 3919) to call for help.

Scams and fraud

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.

Be wary of strangers who invite you for a free drink or show at a private club. Foreigners have had large amounts of money stolen from their credit cards before being allowed to leave.

Be cautious when booking travel. Use reputable travel providers only. Avoid giving your personal details to unknown sources. There have been reports of identity theft through accommodation scams.

Avoid common scams around tourist areas. These are often groups of petty criminals targeting foreigners and tourists.

More information:

• Scams
• If you're a victim of a crime overseas
• French police online support

Kidnapping 

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.   

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. 

More information:

• Kidnapping

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Cyber security  

The beaches along the French Atlantic coast can be dangerous, especially on the south-western coast. Several people drown every year.

Swim at supervised beaches and follow the colour-coded flags that warn against dangerous swimming conditions.

If in doubt, seek local advice.

France experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:

• avalanches
• mudslides
• forest fires
• flooding

If you're in an area affected by a natural disaster or severe weather:

• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in touch with friends and family
• monitor local media

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Avalanches and mudslides

Avalanches and mudslides can happen in some mountain areas. Several people have died in recent years.

If you're skiing or mountaineering:

• monitor advice on weather and safety conditions
• don't move off marked slopes or trails

In some areas, authorities may arrest or prosecute you if you ski or mountaineer off marked trails.

Forest fires

Forest and grass fires often occur during the summer months. You can track active fires on the EU's European Forest Fire Information System.

The French government also provides a forest fire tracker on Météo des forêts (in French).

Flooding

Flash flooding can make road travel extremely difficult. People have lost their lives due to flooding.

Disruptions to communication infrastructure may occur.

More information:

• Floods and fires

For specific information on bringing medication into France, read the Consulate-General of France in Sydney website.

Insect-borne diseases

Although uncommon, the West Nile virus (WNV) has occurred in France. There's no vaccine for it.

To reduce your risk of disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Measles

Measles cases can routinely occur in France, with the country currently experiencing increased measles activity. Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel.

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

There’s no agreement between Australia and France for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

The standard of medical facilities is similar to Australia.

Before they treat you, hospitals usually need the following:

• a guarantee of payment
• a copy of your medical insurance
• an up-front deposit

Costs for public hospital stays can reach thousands of dollars, depending on the treatment you need.

When you travel to another country, you must follow their laws. Even if they seem strict compared to Australia's. Before you go, learn about the local laws in that country.

The Australian Government is limited in how and when we can help if you're arrested overseas. We can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Understand our limits. Read the Consular Services Charter.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe. If you're convicted, you can get a long jail sentence.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

You must always carry a photo ID, such as your passport or driver's licence. Police conduct random checks, particularly at borders.

It's illegal not to offer help to a person in danger. Authorities may charge you if you:

• don't stop after you witness a motor accident
• don't report an accident to emergency services
• ignore pleas for help or urgent assistance

Any assistance shouldn't put you or anyone else in danger. For example, if there's a fire, you're not expected to leap into the flames to save someone. Notifying authorities (dial 112) would be sufficient.

Penalties for not assisting can carry a fine of up to 100,000 euros and up to 7 years imprisonment. Tourists aren't exempt.

Forcing someone to hide their face is a crime in France. It's punishable by a year in prison and a fine of up to 30,000 euros. The sentence doubles if the person forced to hide their face is a minor. 

It's illegal to photograph security forces, including the police. Penalties may include authorities detaining you and taking your film or camera.

Flying drones is prohibited in Paris. Prohibitions also exist in other locations in France. Check with local authorities.

Some Australian laws still apply even if you’re in another country. You could be charged in Australia if you break these laws overseas.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

France recognises dual nationality.

Australians should use their Australian passport when exiting or entering Australia. This includes dual nationals.

If you're a dual national and have a passport from another country, you may choose to travel on your other passport once outside Australia.

More information:

• Advice for dual nationals
• Travel document requirements

Visas

France is part of the Schengen area, meaning you can enter France without a visa in some cases. In other situations, you'll need a visa. Travellers are responsible for understanding and meeting the entry conditions of their visa. Entry to France may be denied if visa requirements are not met.

France Diplomacy provides a comprehensive FAQ for foreigners wishing to visit France and an online tool to assess what visa you need. 

Make sure you:

• Apply for your visa in Australia if you need one. You can't apply for a visa or change your status once you're in French territory. For example, you can't change from a tourist visa to a student or resident visa while in France.
• carry your passport when you cross borders, including within the Schengen area
• check border conditions with local sources and transport providers

You may still need a visa to transit. 

Border measures

Temporary internal border controls are in place at certain ports of entry. You may be required to pass through immigration controls when entering France, even if arriving from another Schengen country. You should allow for extra time when travelling. 

More information:

• EU Notifications of Temporary Reintroduction of Border Controls

The new European Union's (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) for registering all non-EU nationals, including Australians, travelling in or out of the Schengen area, has started.

European countries using the EES will gradually introduce the system at their external borders. Data collection will be introduced at border crossing points with full implementation by 10 April 2026.

After it is fully implemented, EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports. 

The registration process should only take a few minutes but there may be longer border queues when the new system starts.

When travelling into and out of the Schengen area, for short stays, you may need to 

• have your fingerprints and photo taken
• answer Schengen Border Code questions

This creates a digital record that registers your biometric details.

If you revisit the Schengen area within 3 years of creating your digital record, you'll only need to provide either your fingerprint or photograph at the border on entry and exit.

If you frequently travel to Schengen areas for work and/or leisure purposes, you must ensure that your total stay in the Schengen area is no more than 90 days in every 180 days. Be aware of immigration penalties and enforcement for exceeding the limit in any individual country you plan to travel to or through.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Before you travel, contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details on entry requirements.

More information:

• Visas and entry requirements in Europe and the Schengen Area

Unaccompanied minors (under 18 years of age) who normally live in France and want to leave French territory need:

• their own identity document
• a copy of a parent or guardian's identification
• a completed form issued by the French Ministry of Interior

More information

• Schengen Area
• Documents for foreign minors to leave France (French).

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

The currency in France is the Euro.

France is a member of the European Union (EU). If you travel between France and any non-EU country, you must declare over 10,000 euros (or equivalent) cash. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

If you don't declare or give the wrong information on entry or exit, you'll need to pay a fine.

You don't need to declare cash if you're travelling to or from another EU country.

ANZAC Day

If you plan to travel to France to commemorate Anzac Day, understand the risks and plan ahead. Read our 'Travel overseas for Anzac Day' page for further information on attending the event.

Driving permit

You'll need a valid Australian driver's licence to drive in France.

Car rental companies may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your driver's license (the IDP alone is insufficient). You should get your IDP before you leave Australia. Otherwise, you can apply for an IDP online and have it shipped internationally for a fee.

If you live in France, you can swap your Australian driver's licence for a French licence. You must do this within your first 12 months.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Road travel

Unless otherwise signposted, drivers must give way to vehicles approaching from:

• the right at intersections
• side roads

This is the 'priority of the right' system. Understand this system so you avoid road accidents.

Be cautious when you drive or travel as a passenger. Keep your doors locked, even when moving.

The speed limit in most city centres is 30km/hr. 

All vehicles must carry a reflective vest and warning triangle for use during a breakdown.

The minimum driving age is 18 years.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check if your insurance policy covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Only use licensed official metered taxis. Licensed taxis have the sign 'Taxi Parisien' on the top of the car in Paris.

Assaults and robberies have happened in unlicensed taxis. These taxis often target high-traffic destinations such as:

• airports
• train stations
• theatres
• nightclubs

Private car companies are legal, but you need to pre-book them.

Public transport

Organised strikes happen often. These may affect transport systems, including trains and airline traffic. Monitor the media and contact your travel provider for the latest details (see 'Safety').

If you use public transport, keep your ticket until you exit the system. Inspectors conduct random checks. You'll get an on-the-spot fine if you don't have a valid ticket.

Maintenance work on public transport is often carried out over the summer months, which requires metro lines to be shut down. In Paris, check the RATP site.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Air travel

Check France's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 112.

Medical emergencies

Call 112.

Police

Call 112.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Call 3919 for victims of domestic violence.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

For consular help, contact the Australian Embassy in France.

Australian Embassy, France

4 Rue Jean Rey,
75015 Paris, France

Phone: +33 1 4059 3300
E-mail: consular.paris@dfat.gov.au
Website: france.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: L'Australie en France
X: AusAmbFR

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

Visitors must pass a security screening. Don't bring luggage with you.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia