{"metadata":{"generated":{"timestamp":1711556931,"date":"2024-03-27 12:28:51"}},"data":{"country-iso":"FR","advisory-state":1,"has-advisory-warning":0,"has-regional-advisory":0,"has-content":1,"update-metadata":"Regular text update","eng":{"name":"France","url-slug":"france","geo-group":"Europe","flag":null,"friendly-date":"March 27, 2024 12:08 EDT","advisory-text":"Exercise a high degree of caution","recent-updates":"Safety and security \u2013 Olympic and Paralympic Games","advisories":"
Exercise a high degree of caution<\/a> in France due to the elevated threat of terrorism.<\/p><\/div>","security":" \"Attack emergency\" alert<\/p><\/h3> On March 24, 2024, the Prime Minister of France raised the security threat level within the “Vigipirate” plan to “urgence attentat” (“attack emergency”). This is the highest level in the Vigipirate plan, a set of measures to prepare and protect the population and public places. The decision was made following a terrorist attack in Moscow claimed by the Islamic State.<\/p> <\/p> Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly alert during public gatherings and demonstrations.<\/p> <\/p> If you are in France:<\/p> <\/p> Vigipirate plan<\/a> – Government of France (in French)<\/p><\/section> Olympic and Paralympic Games<\/p><\/h3> The Olympic Games will take place in Paris from July 26 to August 11, followed by the Paralympic Games from August 28 to September 8, 2024.<\/p> Public events will take place across France starting on May 8 and will continue until the opening ceremony.<\/p> If you plan to travel to France during this time, plan your travel accordingly.<\/p> During the Olympic Games, especially in Paris, you should expect:<\/p> There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities.<\/p> Over the past few years in France, several opportunistic and premeditated attacks have occurred. These have resulted in many deaths and injuries. Further attacks are likely.<\/p> The Vigipirate plan is a set of measures established by the French government to prepare and protect the French population, infrastructure and institutions in the event of an attack. The aim is also to allow rapid deployment of intervention measures if necessary.<\/p> As part of this plan, the government maintains a 3-level public alert system for terrorism. Changes in the threat level are communicated online and through local and national media.<\/p> Operation Sentinelle allows the deployment of military brigades in public places to patrol and deter terrorist acts. Enhanced security measures have been deployed in various strategic locations, including:<\/p> Expect an increased police or military presence in public places, including some tourist locations, particularly in Paris.<\/p> Attacks can occur anywhere. Terrorists may target:<\/p> While in France:<\/p> Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, and purse and mobile phone snatching are common.<\/p> Thieves are very skilled. They often act in groups and are often minors. They may use various techniques to divert your attention and steal your belongings.<\/p> Thieves are mainly active in large cities and busy places, such as:<\/p> Violent crimes are rarer, but still occur.<\/p> Tourists are sometimes victims of violent attacks by groups of young people who want to rob them. These attacks usually occur :<\/p> Assaults can also occur outside night-time establishments and in more isolated areas at night.<\/p> Residential break-ins occur, especially in large cities and coastal areas. Burglars sometimes target houses or holiday rental apartments.<\/p> While in France:<\/p> Vehicle break-ins are frequent. Theft of parked cars or their contents is particularly common on beach roads in the south of France and at highway rest stops throughout the country, especially during the summer, when there is a high number of travellers.<\/p> Drivers are often tricked into stopping their cars by thieves who either obstruct the road or distract the driver by flashing their headlights. They may also pretend that you have a flat tire or even puncture a tire themselves. Once the vehicle is stopped, the thieves seize the opportunity to steal a bag or other valuable objects.<\/p> If you’re a victim of theft, go to the nearest police station to report the crime. Keep a copy of your theft report, as you will need it if you wish to make a claim to your insurer. If the incident takes place in the metro, a metro officer can direct you to the nearest police station.<\/p> You can complete an online pre-complaint for certain types of minor crime, such as property theft, before going to the police station. This may speed up the process once you get there.<\/p> Since October 2023, there have been a number of bomb threats sent to public places across France.<\/p> Bomb threats and hoaxes can target any location, including:<\/p> If you are in an area targeted by a bomb threat, follow the instructions of local authorities including evacuation orders.<\/p> Credit card and ATM fraud occurs.<\/p> When using debit or credit cards:<\/p> Cybercrime occurs. Perpetrators may compromise public Wi-Fi networks to steal credit card or personal information.<\/p> Overseas fraud<\/a><\/p> Demonstrations occur frequently. They are usually planned as permission from the local authorities is required. However, unauthorized and spontaneous demonstrations also take place.<\/p> Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.<\/p> Radical activists and vandals have a history of using aggressive and violent tactics during demonstrations in order to cause damage and provoke a strong response from the police. They sometimes throw stones, smoke grenades, bottles and other debris at rallies. The police normally respond with tear gas to disperse the crowds.<\/p> Mass gatherings (large-scale events)<\/a><\/p> Strikes and pressure tactics occur regularly, particularly in key sectors such as transport. These strikes can sometimes complicate travel and disrupt public services.<\/p> Coastal waters can be dangerous. Always obey warning flags at beaches.<\/p> The main warning flags used in France are:<\/p> In autumn and winter, be cautious when walking on the shore, as waves can be unpredictable, breaking further than expected and causing strong undertows.<\/p> If you are planning to go boating:<\/p> Search and rescue missions in France are carried out by the Regional Operational Surveillance and Rescue Centres (CROSS). In case of emergency, contact the centre on VHF radio channel 16 or by dialling 196.<\/p> Mountain activities, such as hiking, can be dangerous, especially if they are not well prepared. Trails are not always marked and weather conditions can change rapidly, even in summer.<\/p> In winter, heavy snowfall can make it difficult to reach some villages and ski centres. Roads may become impassable. There is also a risk of avalanches, some of which can be fatal.<\/p> If you intend to go hiking, mountaineering or skiing:<\/p> French roads are well maintained.<\/p> Drive carefully and respect the Highway Code.<\/p> Urban and intercity public transportation is reliable. When using these types of transport, make sure you validate your ticket and keep it until the end of your journey. The authorities carry out regular random checks and you may be fined if you do not have a validated ticket.<\/p> There is a problem of illegal taxis in Paris airports and train stations. These scammers charge much higher rates than the official ones.<\/p> We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.<\/p> Information about foreign domestic airlines<\/a><\/p>","entry-exit":" Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.<\/p> We have obtained the information on this page from the French authorities. It can, however, change at any time.<\/p> Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada<\/a>.<\/p> France is a Schengen area country. Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country.<\/p> If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa(s) prior to travel.<\/p> The French government has reintroduced internal border controls at certain ports of entry. You may be required to pass through immigration controls when entering France, even if arriving from another Schengen area country.<\/p> Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.<\/p> Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.<\/p> Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area.<\/span><\/p> Different entry rules may apply.<\/p> Official travel<\/a><\/p> While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.<\/p> Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.<\/p> Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period More information on Visas<\/a> - Government of France<\/p> Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.<\/p> To leave France, any child under the age of 18 who normally resides in France must be accompanied by at least one parent. Children travelling without at least one parent must be in possession of:<\/p> Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever <\/a>(vaccines section).<\/p>","health":" This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.<\/p> Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div> Be sure that your routine vaccinations<\/a>, as per your province or territory<\/a>, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.<\/p>\n Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. <\/p> Yellow fever<\/a> is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.<\/p>\n Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.<\/p>\n Risk<\/strong><\/p>\n Country Entry Requirement*<\/strong><\/p>\n Recommendation<\/strong><\/p>\n * It is important to note that country entry requirements<\/a> may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office<\/a> of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.<\/p>\n About Yellow Fever<\/a><\/p>\n Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada<\/a><\/p><\/details> Tick-borne encephalitis<\/a> (TBE) is a risk in some areas of this destination. It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or occasionally when unpasteurized milk products are consumed.<\/p>\n Travellers to areas where TBE is found may be at higher risk during April to November, and the risk is highest for people who hike or camp in forested areas.<\/p>\n Protect yourself from tick bites<\/a>. The vaccine is not available in Canada. It may be available in the destination you are travelling to.<\/p><\/details> Measles<\/a> is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.<\/p>\n Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.<\/p>\n Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.<\/p><\/details> Hepatitis B<\/a> is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B<\/a> infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.<\/p><\/details> Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) <\/a><\/span>is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.<\/span><\/p>\n It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally. <\/span><\/p>\n Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry\/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19. <\/span><\/p><\/details> The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza<\/a> (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot<\/a> at least 2 weeks before travelling. <\/p>\n The flu occurs worldwide. <\/p>\n The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.<\/p>\n The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.<\/p><\/details> In this destination, rabies<\/a> may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. <\/p>\n If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. <\/p>\n Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. <\/p><\/details> Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.<\/p>\n <\/p> Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:<\/p>\n To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention<\/a> page.<\/p>\n Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.<\/p> Zika virus<\/a> is a risk in this country. <\/p>\n Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.<\/p>\n During your trip:<\/p>\n If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. <\/p>\n For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.<\/a><\/p><\/details> Some infections, such as rabies<\/a> and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.<\/p>\n Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.<\/p>\n Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.<\/p>\n <\/p> Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette<\/a>, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu<\/a> and other illnesses by:<\/p>\n Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)<\/a>, HIV<\/a>, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority<\/a> pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine. <\/p> Health care is excellent and available throughout the country. Up-front payment may be required.<\/p> Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.<\/p> Travel health and safety<\/a><\/p> The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.<\/p>\n Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a <\/span>travel health kit<\/a>, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.<\/p>","laws-culture":" You must abide by local laws.<\/p> Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad<\/a>.<\/p> Canada and France are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in France to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and France authorities.<\/p> This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.<\/p> Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences or heavy fines.<\/p> Drugs, alcohol and travel<\/a><\/p> You may be subject to identity checks during your stay in France.<\/p> Always carry valid identification such as a driver's licence, passport or a copy of it.<\/p> Keep photocopies or digital copies of the following documents, in case of loss or seizure:<\/p> Keep originals and copies in separate safe locations.<\/p> In France, it’s illegal to cover your face in public places, including international airport arrivals areas.<\/p> Offenders risk a very high fine. There is no exemption for tourists or for religious reasons.<\/p> Dual citizenship is legally recognized in France.<\/p> If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of France, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry\/exit requirements<\/a>.<\/p>Useful links<\/h4>
Terrorism<\/h3>
Vigipirate plan<\/h4>
Operation sentinelle<\/h4>
Useful links<\/h4>
Crime<\/h3>
Petty crime<\/h4>
Violent crimes<\/h4>
Residential break-ins<\/h4>
Parked vehicles and vehicles on the road<\/h4>
Victims of crime<\/h4>
Useful links<\/h4>
Bomb threats<\/h3>
Fraud<\/h3>
Credit card and ATM fraud<\/h4>
Cybercrime<\/h4>
Demonstrations<\/h3>
Strikes<\/h3>
Swimming, boating and water safety<\/h3>
Swimming<\/h4>
Recreational boating<\/h4>
Useful links<\/h4>
Mountain activities<\/h3>
Useful links<\/h4>
Road safety<\/h3>
Public transportation<\/h3>
Taxis<\/h4>
Air travel<\/h3>
Schengen area<\/h3>
Useful links<\/h4>
Temporary border controls<\/h3>
Passport<\/h3>
Regular Canadian passport<\/h4>
Passport for official travel<\/h4>
Passport with “X” gender identifier<\/h4>
Other travel documents<\/h4>
Useful links<\/h4>
Visas<\/h3>
Long-stay or residency visa: required for stays longer than 90 days
Work permit: required
Student visa: required for stays longer than 90 days<\/p>Other entry requirements<\/h3>
Children and travel<\/h3>
Useful links<\/h4>
Yellow fever<\/h3>
Relevant Travel Health Notices<\/h3>
Routine vaccines<\/h3>\n
Pre-travel vaccines and medications<\/h3>\n
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements <\/summary>
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Tick-borne encephalitis<\/summary>
Measles <\/summary>
Hepatitis B<\/summary>
COVID-19<\/summary>
Influenza<\/summary>
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Rabies <\/summary>
Safe food and water precautions<\/h3>\n
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Insect bite prevention<\/h3>\n
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Dengue <\/summary>
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Zika virus <\/summary>
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Animal precautions<\/h3>\n
Person-to-person infections<\/h3>\n
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Medical services and facilities<\/h3>
Keep in Mind...<\/h3>\n
Transfer to a Canadian prison<\/h3>
Drugs<\/h3>
Identity checks<\/h3>
Concealing your face in public places<\/h4>
Useful links<\/h4>
Dual citizenship<\/h3>