As the holiday season approaches, U.S. citizens in France are being advised to stay alert and maintain personal security. The U.S. Embassy in France has issued a message warning that large gatherings during this period may be targeted by terrorist groups or criminals. The advisory notes that attacks can occur with little or no warning, particularly at locations popular with tourists such as markets, transportation hubs, shopping malls, places of worship, and other public spaces.
French authorities have called for increased security at Christmas markets throughout the country. The embassy cautions that tourists and holiday shoppers could be vulnerable to pickpockets and petty crime in crowded areas. Visitors are urged to pay close attention to their surroundings and follow instructions from police and emergency officials.
France’s Vigipirate security alert system has been at its highest level, "Urgences Attentat," since July 1. This means residents and visitors may see more visible security measures in public places.
U.S. travelers are encouraged to review the Country Specific Information available at travel.state.gov and to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for up-to-date travel advice.
The Consular Section of the U.S. Mission France will operate on regular business hours—Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Paris, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Strasbourg and Marseille—except on December 25 (Christmas Day), January 1 (New Year’s Day), and January 19 (Martin Luther King Jr. holiday), when offices will be closed.
The embassy also provides several recommendations for safety: avoid demonstrations or areas with significant police activity, remain aware of your surroundings, keep a low profile, stay alert in tourist-frequented locations, and keep your passport secure while traveling.
U.S. citizens can monitor English-language French news via France24 (http://www.france24.com/en/) and RFI (https://www.rfi.fr/en/france/). For assistance, contact details for the U.S. Embassy Paris and consulates in Marseille and Strasbourg are provided on their respective navigator pages: https://fr.usembassy.gov/navigator and https://fr.usembassy.gov/navigator-marseille/.
Travelers are encouraged to enroll in STEP for updates and follow the embassy on X, Facebook, and Instagram.