Risk level(s) Risk level(s) COVID-19 – Global travel advisory Effective date: March 13, 2020 Avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice. This advisory overrides other risk levels on this page, with the exception of any risk levels for countries or regions where we advise to avoid all travel. More about the Global travel advisory France - Exercise a high degree of caution Exercise a high degree of caution in France due to the current elevated threat of terrorism.

Safety and security Safety and security COVID-19 - Preventative measures and restrictions Preventative measures and restrictions are in place and may vary depending on the department or city. You must wear a mask in closed public spaces. In most of the major cities, including Marseille, Paris, Strasbourg and Toulouse, you must also wear a mask in all outdoor and indoor public spaces. If you violate the restrictions, you could be fined for endangering public health. Follow the instructions of local authorities, including those related to physical distancing

Avoid crowded areas Useful links: Travel self-declaration form - Ministry of the Interior

COVID-19 response - French Government

COVID-19 response - European Commission Demonstrations Demonstrations take place regularly. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. “Black bloc” protestors have been known to use aggressive and violent tactics during demonstrations to cause destruction and to provoke police forces. Participants have thrown rocks, smoke grenades, bottles and other debris during rallies. Police have employed tear gas in response. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place

Follow the instructions of local authorities

Monitor local media for the latest information Yellow vest movement The yellow vest movement remains active in Paris and in several other parts of the country. Demonstrations occur sporadically in cities, mainly on Saturdays. Acts of vandalism and violence have occurred. Traffic disruptions have also occurred due to strategic attempts to block transport routes such as roads, train stations and airports. Disruption of public services and closure of various sites usually open to the public (for example, businesses, museums, tourist attractions) have also taken place. Mass gatherings (large-scale events) Crime Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, and purse and mobile phone snatching, occur mainly in large cities and the following areas: major tourist areas

department stores

transportation hubs

public transportation The number of pickpocketing incidents has increased significantly since the beginning of 2019, especially in Paris. Thieves, who are often children under the age of 16, employ a number of tactics to distract tourists. They operate both on foot and on motorcycle. These thieves are very skilled and often work in groups. Be vigilant when approached by strangers.

Limit the use of mobile phones while taking public transportation and while travelling in crowded and touristic areas, to avoid attracting attention and to ensure you remain aware of your surroundings

Ensure that your personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

Avoid showing signs of affluence and carrying large sums of cash.

Ensure that your credit and debit cards, cash and any other financial resources are not all kept in the same place.

Never leave your bags unsupervised at a ticket office or a registration desk. There have been reports of incidents of violent theft on tourists by groups of young people. These usually take place around major tourist attractions and railway stations in Paris, the trains (RER) connecting Paris to its suburbs and at main railway stations in other large cities. On the road There is a high frequency of vehicle break-ins. 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 are a high number of travellers. Leave nothing in view in the vehicle. Above all, do not leave valuable objects, passports and other travel documents, money or credit cards anywhere in a vehicle.

Use secure parking facilities where available, especially overnight.

Be particularly vigilant when renting automobiles, as rented vehicles are a target of choice. Drivers are often tricked by thieves into stopping their cars by thieves who either obstruct the road or distract the driver (for example, by flashing their headlights). They may also pretend that you have a flat tire (which they sometimes puncture themselves). Once the vehicle is stopped, the thieves seize the opportunity to steal a bag or other valuable objects. Aggravated thefts sometimes occur at isolated rest stops along highways. Be especially vigilant when stopped at traffic lights, as bags are often snatched from the front passenger seat by thieves travelling on scooters.

Keep windows closed and doors locked at all times. Victims of crime If you are robbed, go to the nearest commissariat de police (police station) to report the crime. They will provide you with a declaration of theft. Keep a copy of this document, as you will need it if you wish to make an insurance claim. If the theft occurred in the metro, a metro agent can direct you to the nearest police station. Terrorism There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities. In France, separate attacks causing multiple deaths and injuries have taken place. The attacks, whether opportunistic or premeditated, targeted public spaces, including an entertainment venue, restaurants and tourist sites. Further attacks in Europe are likely. Attacks can occur anywhere, including: government buildings and those of local authorities

schools/universities

places of worship

places dedicated to culture, such as exhibition galleries, museums, concert halls and theatres

airports, railway stations and other transportation hubs and networks

public areas such as tourist attractions, monuments, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant if attending large gatherings such as sporting events and religious celebrations or other public celebrations. Terrorists have used such occasions to carry out attacks. Expect increased security measures and police/military presence at all points of entry (road, rail, sea and air) and in public areas. More information about the terrorist threat in France - France’s Department of Interior (in French only) Vigipirate alert system Vigipirate is a French government threat alert system. The system is in place to protect the country’s population, infrastructure and institutions, and to prepare response measures in the case of attack. Current terrorism threat alert level in France - Vigipirate (in French only) Fraud Fraud is committed with credit card and ATM usage in France. Be careful when using your debit or credit card. Be vigilant when your cards are handled by other people for a payment.

Use ATMs in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business.

Avoid card readers with an irregular aspect.

Cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN.

Check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements. More about overseas fraud Road safety Roads in France are well maintained. Drive defensively and obey traffic regulations. Excessive speeding poses a risk. Public transportation Public transportation both within and between major cities is reliable. Use only officially marked taxis. Do not share them with strangers. Transportation strikes occur and can cause delays in public transportation. Contact your transportation carrier for up-to-date information and monitor local news. Mountain activities Towns and ski resorts may be snowed in and roads made impassable after heavy snowfalls. There is a risk of avalanches and some have resulted in deaths. If you intend to do mountaineering or skiing: never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company

buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation

ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity

ensure that you’re properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard

inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp

know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal

obtain detailed information on trekking routes or ski slopes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails or slopes Information on mountain conditions - National association for the study of snow and avalanches (in French only) Air travel We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards. General information about foreign domestic airlines

Laws and culture Laws & culture You must abide by local laws. Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad. 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 French authorities. Illegal drugs Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Alcohol, drugs and travel

Cannabis and international travel Dual citizenship Dual citizenship is legally recognized in France. 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. General information for travellers with dual citizenship Identity checks You must carry your passport (or a photocopy) at all times. You may be subject to identity checks when you’re in France. Keep photocopies or digital copies of the following documents, in case of loss or seizure: the identification page of your passport

your birth certificate

your Canadian citizenship card

your driver’s licence Keep originals and copies in separate safe locations. It is illegal to cover your face in public places in France, including in the international arrivals area at airports. Failure to comply can lead to a heavy fine. There are no exemptions for tourists or for religious reasons. More about the law prohibiting face coverings in public places - French administration service (in French) Driving You must be at least 18 years old to drive a car in France. You should carry an International Driving Permit. Speed limits and other driving regulations may be strictly enforced through heavy, on-the-spot fines and the confiscation of a driver’s licence. Numerous roadside cameras have been installed to help enforce traffic regulations. Radar detection systems are prohibited. Traffic must yield to vehicles entering an intersection from the right even if they are entering from smaller roads. In general, traffic in a roundabout has priority over vehicles trying to enter it (that is, priority switches to vehicles from the left). Penalties for drinking and driving are severe. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. A reflective vest and warning triangle are mandatory in all vehicles. More information about road travel in France - European Commission

More about the International Driving Permit Money The currency of France is the euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are widely available. Upon entering or leaving the European Union (EU), you must make a declaration to customs if you have €10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies. The sum can be in cash, cheques, money orders, traveller’s cheques or any other convertible assets. This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country. Information on cash controls - European Commission