Check separate travel advice pages for overseas territories of France.

On 3 August 2022, there was an explosion at the Eurenco explosives factory in Bergerac in southwest France in the region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine. The local prefecture has advised the public to stay away from the area. You should follow the instructions of local authorities and call 112 if you need emergency assistance. If you need urgent consular assistance you should call +33 1 44 51 31 00.

There is currently a heightened risk of forest fires in many areas of France. You should familiarise yourselves with local emergency procedures and restrictions in place. Take care when visiting or driving through woodland areas. Access to some areas such as natural parks and nature reserves may be limited or closed as a result. You should follow the instructions of local authorities and call 112 if you need emergency assistance. If you need urgent consular assistance you should call +33 1 44 51 31 00. See Natural disasters

The coming weeks are likely to see an increase in traffic between the UK and France on trains, planes, ferries and the Channel Tunnel, which could lead to delays at certain times. Industrial action in France and resource constraints of travel operators could also cause further disruption. Before travelling, you should check for the latest information with your travel operator or airline, including their advice on how early you should arrive at the terminal or airport to check in. Where possible, you should make sure you have a confirmed booking before you travel and ensure you are fully prepared for your trip, including for the possibility of delays, with enough food and water.

If you’re planning travel to France, find out what you need to know about coronavirus there in the Coronavirus section.

You can find information and guidance from the French Government regarding the current outbreak of COVID-19 in France on the French Government’s COVID-19 pages.

The Department for Transport and the FCDO have jointly published separate guidance for the freight transport industry during the coronavirus pandemic.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.

For information about COVID-19 vaccines, see the Coronavirus page.

There are rules about taking food and drink into the EU. See Taking food and drink into the EU for further information.

There is a general threat from terrorism. You should remain vigilant and follow the advice of the local authorities.

On 29 October 2020, the French Prime Minister increased France’s national security threat level to “urgent” following a terrorist incident in Nice. You should be vigilant at this time and follow the advice of local authorities.

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in France. Due to ongoing threats to France by Islamist terrorist groups, and recent French military intervention against Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL), the French government has warned the public to be especially vigilant and has reinforced its security measures. Check the French government’s advice about what to do if a terrorist attack occurs. See the Terrorism page.

Demonstrations can take place in France, often in major cities. If demonstrations do turn violent, a heavy police/gendarmerie presence is to be expected. In all cases, you should avoid demonstrations wherever possible and follow the advice of the local authorities.

Around 17 million British nationals visit France every year. Most visits are trouble-free. The most common problem reported is pickpocketing. See Crime

If you’re living in France, visit our Living in France guide in addition to this travel advice.

There remain some migrants around Calais, who may seek to enter the UK illegally. There have been instances of migrants seeking to slow down traffic on approach roads to ports, including by placing obstacles on the Calais Port approach road. If this happens you should keep moving where it’s safe to do so, or stop and call 112 if isn’t safe to proceed (keeping car doors locked).

All vehicles, including motorbikes, driving in central Paris, Lyon and Grenoble now need to display a special ‘pollution sticker’. See Road travel

If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

The emergency phone number in France is 112. If you need to contact other emergency services, call 15 (medical), 17 (police) or 18 (fire).