France Travel Alerts 2025: What Tourists Should Know
Published June 2, 2025
Planning a trip to France in 2025? You’re not alone. From the museums of Paris to the wine regions of Bordeaux, France is still one of the most visited countries in the world. And while booking your flights and learning a few basic phrases is a great start, there’s one piece people tend to skip: staying on top of travel advisories.
No, it’s not the fun part of planning. But it is one of the most useful and it can save you a lot of hassle if things shift on the ground. Here’s a simple, no-fluff guide to what to watch, how to stay informed, and how to avoid the kind of surprises that can throw off your whole trip.
Quick Take: What You Actually Need to Know
France is safe for most travelers, but do check the advisory level before you go
Common issues include transit strikes, protests, or occasional petty theft in busy areas
The U.S. State Department usually lists France at Level 1 or 2 (low to moderate caution)
Register with the STEP program and carry backups of your passport and key documents
Download a travel app like SmartTraveler or TripIt to get real-time updates while you’re abroad
Know a few basic French phrases, they help more than you’d expect
Why Travel Advisories Matter (Even in France)
Travel advisories aren’t meant to scare you. They’re just a heads-up, a way to keep you in the loop on anything that might affect your safety or plans. Think: transit strikes, health notices, or big events that could cause delays or crowding.
Jessica: “Even in postcard-perfect places, things happen. Staying informed gives you options, which is exactly what you want when you’re far from home.”
Who Sets the Advisories?
In the U.S., it’s the State Department. They break things down into four levels:
Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
Level 2: Be aware of specific risks in certain areas
Level 3: Reconsider travel
Level 4: Do not travel
France is typically at Level 1 or 2, depending on the region. Paris, Provence, the Riviera, generally Level 1. If there’s a rail strike or major protest planned, parts of the country may temporarily bump to Level 2.
How France Shares Local Alerts
France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issues updates, mostly geared toward residents but still useful for travelers. They flag things like regional strikes, extreme weather, and demonstrations.
Jean-Paul: “France is actually good about transparency. They don’t over-dramatize, but they do make sure people know what’s going on.”
What’s New in 2025: The Stuff You Should Know
Health
COVID isn’t a major issue anymore, but routine travel health advice still applies. Pack some basics in an easily packable organizer: a small first-aid kit, pain relievers, meds for upset stomach. And consider downloading GeoBlue or a similar app to find English-speaking doctors if you need one.
Jessica: “If you’re traveling with kids, or just prone to travel mishaps, being able to look up a doctor nearby is worth it.”
Safety in Busy Places
France is safe overall. That said, pickpocketing is still common in popular tourist areas. Places like the Eiffel Tower, metro stations, or the Champs-Élysées are often targeted.
Jean-Paul: “Use a zippered crossbody bag, and don’t keep your phone or wallet in your back pocket and don’t place your phone on the table at a restaurant or café. Most problems are preventable with a little awareness.”
And if the crowds get overwhelming? Step away for a bit.
Jessica: “Find a café, sit down for a coffee, regroup. You don’t have to do it all in one go.”
Big Events = Big Crowds
Bastille Day. Summer music festivals. PSG winning the Champions League. Christmas markets. These moments are part of the magic, but they can also bring dense crowds, transit delays, and extra security. Plan for that. Leave extra time to get places, and have a backup plan if things get hectic.
How to Stay Updated (Without Doomscrolling)
Tools Worth Using
U.S. State Department Travel Advisory – updated regularly
France Diplomatie – for local notices
Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP program) – register before you go so the U.S. embassy knows where you are
On Social Media
Follow the French Ministry of Interior or France24 on X (formerly Twitter). You can also keep an eye on hashtags like #FranceTravel or #SécuritéFrance for real-time chatter, especially around protests or strikes.
Smart Apps
Apps like SmartTraveler, TripIt, or GeoBlue are great for organizing your itinerary and getting location-based alerts as you move around the country.
Jessica recommends enabling notifications. “That way, if something pops up while you're exploring Burgundy or Marseille, you’ll know before it affects your plans.”
A Few Final Prep Tips
Keep both paper and digital copies of your passport and itinerary
Avoid using ATMs on the street, stick to bank branches
Use apps like FreeNow or Bolt instead of hailing random cabs
Know a few go-to phrases like “Pouvez-vous m’aider ?” (“Can you help me?”) or “Où est le métro ?” (“Where’s the metro?”)
People really do respond better when you try a little French, even if your accent isn’t perfect. Check out our post “Essential French Phrases for Travelers” for more details.
Wrapping It Up: Know What to Expect, Then Go Enjoy It
You don’t have to obsess over travel advisories. But checking in before your trip, and staying aware of what’s happening once you’re there, helps you avoid the kind of surprises that turn into stories you didn’t want to tell.
Plan smart. Keep your eyes open. Then go eat the pastry and wander the cobblestone streets. You’ve got this.
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