Security Overview for France

The main security threat facing travelers in France is petty crime, which is frequent at airports, in public transportation and in the vicinity of major tourist attractions. Terrorism remains a concern due to the presence of radical Islamists among Muslim communities in the country. The threat of terrorism remains permanent, though not imminent. Strikes and mass demonstrations are common, especially in spring and autumn. Such actions usually draw large crowds and have a potential to become violent.

Following the introduction of anti-crime measures, the overall level of crime in France has fallen to its lowest point in years; however the number of violent crimes has increased.

Robberies and muggings are common on the trains connecting Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY) airports with central Paris. Travelers should consider alternative transportation (shuttle bus, taxi), especially when traveling at night. On the southern coast of France, theft of personal belongings from cars stopped in traffic, as well as break-ins to cars with foreign plates are more frequent than elsewhere in the country. In Paris, Metro Line 1, which connects the most popular tourist sites, is frequented by thieves who often grab unattended belongings and exit the train quickly as the door closes.

Foreign travelers face a minimal threat of kidnapping in France. However, so-called tiger kidnappings have significantly increased in recent years. This type of kidnapping involves abduction (real or alleged) of hostages in order to persuade a person to commit a crime, usually a robbery. Primary targets are senior bank officials, because of perceived easy access and cash holdings in these institutions; however, jeweler stores, fast food restaurants and supermarkets have been targeted too. Organizations that fall into these categories should review their security procedures.

Strikes and demonstrations are frequent in France between spring and autumn. Violent civil unrest is uncommon; however, student, labor union and immigrant demonstrations have escalated into violent confrontations in the past. Travelers should avoid large gatherings and demonstrations as a precaution. Violent clashes with police could become dangerous even for bystanders.

The threat of terrorism in France is comparable to that in the United Kingdom or Germany. France has a large expatriate Muslim population from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), including radical Islamists disgruntled about their depressed economic and social situation. They also see France as a colonial power and as part of a Western alliance involved in conflicts in Afghanistan. Terrorists have targeted French interests in MENA in the past. So far, the threat has been higher for French interests in the region than domestic interests. However, several arrests and convictions of radical Islamists suspected of terrorist activity in France indicate that they operate within the country. Between March 11-19, Mohamed Merah, a self-declared jihadist, shot and killed seven people in southwestern France. Merah killed three children and one adult at a Jewish school in central Toulouse - the third incident in a string of shootings; two other fatal shootings in Toulouse and the nearby city of Montauban on March 11 and March 15 resulted in the death of three paratroopers. The attack on the Jewish school was the first anti-Semitic attack in France since 1982, and the attacks as a whole amount to the first jihadist attack in the country since 1996.

A Corsican separatist group, the National Front for the Liberation of Corsica (NFLC), remains a minor security threat, mostly contained to Corsica and the nearby coast. The number of its attacks has significantly dropped in recent years, which suggests a weakening of the group. Separatists mostly target French government buildings, but rarely individuals, therefore posing a minimal threat for foreign travelers. Left-wing domestic terrorism poses only marginal security threat.

Common security procedures are the most important means to protect against security threats. Ensure that personal belongings and travel documents are secure. Do not leave valuable possessions, laptop bags and purses unattended, especially when dining or traveling on public transportation. Avoid walking in isolated areas, especially after dark. Because of the threat of terrorist activity, be alert and vigilant, especially when traveling by means of public transportation. Report suspicious packages or people behaving strangely. In Paris, avoid the areas of the Champs Elysees, Les Halles district, the Latin Quarter and Gare du Nord train station at night, as there have been violent attacks targeting travelers. When traveling by train or metro, pay attention to your belongings, especially at the stops and when the doors are closing.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.