Check separate travel advice pages for overseas territories of France.

There are planned strikes on Tuesday 18 October across different sectors in France, which could cause travel disruption. Please check with your travel operator before travelling.

Due to strike action, there are currently shortages of petrol and diesel at some fuel stations in mainland France. Some fuel station operators are limiting how much you can buy. The French Government is advising motorists to avoid filling up where possible. There may be queues at fuel stations.

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 coronavirusCOVID-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.

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 19 June 2021 the threat level in France was lowered to ‘heightened’. This means that there is still a high threat of terrorism. You should be vigilant at all times 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).