News from the US Embassy

In previous articles we mentioned the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) Travel Plan. This program is operated by the US Department of State Consular Affairs. We are enrolled in the program to receive notifications about the perceived safety levels in countries we were visiting. We find this information valuable as we balance it with other sources of information making us informed travelers.

We are about to visit France. Since we signed up for the STEP program, this is the email notification we received. We will receive a similar email about one week before each new country we visit.

The following Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) Travel Plan is approaching in one week.

Travel Plan: France | Travel Dates: 4/29/2026 - 5/19/2026

Sign into your Login.gov account to manage your travel plans and subscriptions.

Your information is only accessible to authorized personnel of the U.S. Department of State. In the event of an emergency, the U.S. Department of State provides assistance to U.S. citizens and nationals who are traveling abroad.

Do NOT reply to this email. This email address does not accept inbound mail.

*** Travel Advisories ***

Review our destination information for entry requirements, local laws, and safety tips in France.

France - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
May 28, 2025

The Department of State renewed its Travel Advisory for France on May 28, 2025.

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

Exercise increased caution in France due to terrorism and civil unrest.

Advisory Summary: Pickpocketing and phone thefts are common, especially in crowded places. Terrorist groups continue to plan possible attacks in France and may attack with little to no warning. There are also regular, peaceful protests and strikes in Paris and other cities throughout France.

• Pickpocketing and phone thefts are frequent crimes. They can occur in crowded areas such as:

  • Airports

  • Subways and train cars

  • Tourist attractions

  • Train stations

• Terrorist groups continue to plan possible attacks in France. They may attack with little or no warning. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.

Possible targets include:

• Tourist locations

• Transportation hubs and airports

• Markets and shopping malls

• Local government facilities

• Hotels, restaurants, and clubs

• Places of worship

• Major sporting and cultural events

• Educational institutions

• Parks

• Other public areas

• Peaceful demonstrations and strikes happen often in Paris and other cities in France.

  • Protests can disrupt transportation services.

  • On rare occasions, protests have turned violent or caused property damage.

  • Police may respond with water cannons and tear gas.

Tips for travel to France:

• Stay alert at tourist locations and crowded public places.

• Avoid demonstrations and areas with significant police activity.

• Follow the instructions of local authorities including movement restrictions related to any ongoing police action.

• Check local media for breaking events. Be prepared to adjust your plans.

• Find a safe place to stay and shelter in place if you are unable to leave the immediate area of a demonstration.

If you decide to travel to France:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

• Review the Country Security Report for France.

• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.

We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.