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Here's some travel advice to keep you informed and
safe when it comes to travel to France...
Personal Security
Following the bombings in London in July 2005, the French Government
heightened security measures across a range of public venues including
airports, train stations, local public transport systems, government
ministries, popular tourist sites and foreign embassies and consulates
across the country. The French police are also conducting random
identity checks, particularly at border crossings.
You should be wary of strangers that invite you for a complimentary
drink or show at a private club. Some foreigners who have accepted
such offers have had large sums debited from their credit cards
before they have been permitted to leave the venue.
Civil Unrest/Political Tension
In late 2005, outbreaks of violence occurred in a number of neighbourhoods
in outlying suburbs of Paris and in other cities in France. The
violence has now abated and in early January 2006 the French government
lifted special emergency measures which had been in place since
November 2005. You should monitor the media and other local information
sources for details of any renewed outbreaks of civil unrest.
Corsica/Nice: The National Front for the Liberation of Corsica
(FLNC) is continuing its sporadic bombing campaign in Corsica.
French government buildings in Nice have been targeted.
There is a high incidence of petty crime, especially bag snatching
and pick-pocketing, throughout France particularly on the streets
of larger cities such as Paris, Marseilles and Nice. Airports,
public transport, tourist areas, beaches and non-local licence
plate cars are prime targets for thieves who frequently work in
gangs, using a variety of methods to distract potential victims.
There are frequent reports of crime, including robbery and muggings,
on the train system servicing Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle and Orly
Airports (RER line B).
Recently, there have also been increased reports of bags, laptop
computers and jackets being stolen from cafes and restaurants.
There have also been continuing reports of increased bag snatching
from occupied cars in the area around Nice, particularly when
cars are stopped at traffic lights. Incidents of petty crime are
increasingly being accompanied by acts of violence.
Local Law and Customs
Travellers are reminded that when overseas, they are subject to
local laws. Local laws and legal processes can be very different
from those at home. A violation of local laws may result in a
jail sentence, served in a local prison. Consular assistance cannot
override local law, even where local laws may appear harsh or
unjust by your standards.
In France, failing to offer assistance to "person in danger" is
illegal. This means that if you fail to stop upon witnessing a
motor accident, fail to report such an accident to emergency services,
or ignore appeals for help or urgent assistance, you may be charged.
Penalties include suspended prison sentence and fines. The law
does not apply in situations where to answer an appeal for help
might endanger your life or the lives of others.
Under French law you are required to carry your passport at all
times.
Entry and Exit Requirements
Visa conditions change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy
or Consulate of France for the most up to date information.
France is party to the Schengen
Agreement, along with 14 other European countries, which allows
travellers to enter France without a visa in some circumstances.
See our travel bulletin on the Schengen
Convention for more information.
Health Issues
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information
about immunisations and disease outbreaks overseas. The World
Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers
for staying healthy while travelling overseas.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance
that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart.
Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll
be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included
in your policy. Remember, if you can't afford travel insurance,
you can't afford to travel.
Source: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs
& Trade
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