France Travel Advisory 2025: Is It Safe to Travel to France Right Now?
Updated June 7, 2025
Planning a trip to France in 2025? Whether you’re headed to Paris, Provence, or the wine country of Bordeaux, staying informed about travel conditions can help you enjoy your trip with fewer surprises. This France travel advisory explains what you need to know to stay safe, travel smart, and feel confident during your visit.
No, it’s not the most exciting part of planning a vacation. But knowing what to expect, especially when it comes to strikes, protests, or regional safety notices, can make a huge difference.
Quick Take: What Tourists Should Know
France remains a safe destination for most travelers
The U.S. State Department currently lists France at Level 1 or 2 (low to moderate caution)
Common concerns include rail or transit strikes, demonstrations, and petty theft in tourist areas
Register for STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) and carry backups of your key documents
Use travel apps like SmartTraveler or TripIt to stay updated in real time
Why a France Travel Advisory Still Matters in 2025
Travel advisories are there to help you. They flag issues that might affect your itinerary, like sudden rail strikes or regional unrest, and give you time to adjust your plans before you’re stuck in the middle of it.
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
As of May 28, 2025, France is under a Level 2 U.S. travel advisory — meaning travelers should exercise increased caution. This reflects ongoing threats like terrorism, civil unrest, and petty theft in tourist areas. That said, Paris, Normandy, and the Riviera remain safer zones , just stay alert around large events or metro protests that could disrupt your plans.
How France Communicates Local Warnings
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.”
New Concerns for Travelers in 2025
Health
COVID isn’t top of mind anymore, but travelers are still encouraged pack a few basics in an easily packable organizer: a small first-aid kit, pain relievers, meds for upset stomach.
Jessica: “If you’re traveling with kids, or just prone to travel mishaps, being able to look up a doctor nearby is worth it.”
Petty Theft in High-Traffic Areas
France is safe overall, but theft does happen—mostly in tourist zones like the Eiffel Tower, metro stations, or popular museums.
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.
Stay Informed Without Doomscrolling
Here’s how to stay ahead of potential disruptions:
Trusted Sources
U.S. State Department – France Travel Advisory
France Diplomatie
STEP Program
Real-Time Alerts
Follow France24 or the French Ministry of the Interior on social media
Watch hashtags like #FranceTravel or #SécuritéFrance
Final Safety Prep Before You Fly
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.
Bottom Line: Is It Safe to Travel to France Right Now?
Yes—France is safe to visit in 2025. But like any smart traveler, it pays to stay aware, check your sources, and plan around the unexpected. Whether you’re navigating a metro strike in Paris or just hoping to catch the perfect view of the Riviera, a little awareness gives you a lot more freedom to enjoy your trip.
Plan smart, travel light, stay informed and enjoy the croissants. You’ve got this.
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