Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include Chickenpox (Varicella) Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, Tdap, or Td) Flu (influenza) Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) Polio Shingles
Maximum Alerts / France
Level published by the State Department on 27.05.2025 · read 16 October 2026 · source checked daily
France — official level as of 16 October 2026: Level 2/4 ("Exercise Increased Caution"), from the U.S. Department of State. Maximum Insurance covers this country: hospital settled directly, unlimited repatriation, EUR 1.5M, certificate on payment.
One source could not be read: the cell says so — that is not an answer.
Every country has its own scale, so we ask them all the same question: is the whole country advised against?
An advisory covering only areas of the country does not raise the answer: it stays “No”, and the area is shown in the relevant column.
The level shown on this page — and across this site — is the one published by the U.S. State Department, from 1 (normal precautions) to 4 (do not travel). France and the United Kingdom publish their own advisories, with their own rules: they add to that level, they do not replace it.
You will be alerted only on the day the official level of this country changes.
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: +41 22 ••• •• •• — 24/7 support number, an adviser stays with you to the end.
The 207 country pages — hospitals, pharmacies, police, embassies, emergency numbers, official advice from four governments, health, safety in figures, events in progress — read around the city you name. Your policy — benefits, the six steps, claims, articles. The site — prices, certificate, subscription. Nothing else: what it does not know, it says so and hands you to an adviser.
What I say on the phone
What to do, in this order
In immediate danger, call local emergency services first. Then contact assistance without delay; before engaging a service, seek approval under your policy. Cover is confirmed by the insurer.
Ask assistance where to get care and whether direct cover can be arranged. It confirms the facility and seeks the insurer's approval under your policy. In immediate danger, call local emergency services first.
Even for a pain you meant to shrug off. Without a medical certificate written on the spot, the same day, the insurer cannot cover the event — a certificate written after you return does not count.
The hospital desk sends the request to assistance. Direct payment depends on the insurer's approval and the policy; the call alone does not guarantee it. Have the response confirmed before relying on no up-front payment.
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services immediately. For an arranged transfer or repatriation, contact assistance: the insurer's medical team decides on measures under the policy. A medical flight booked without approval may not be reimbursed.
Even if everything went well on the ground. Send your invoices and the medical report within 30 days; after that, compensation may be reduced or refused.
Reading hospitals, doctors and pharmacies around this point…
20 Rue Ferdinand Duval
Tu-Sa 08:30-20:00; Su-Mo 09:00-19:00
near Rue Servan
near Rue du Faubourg du Temple
Mo-Fr 09:00-19:00, Sa 09:00-18:00
near Place de Clichy
ophthalmology
Mo-Sa 08:30-19:30
near Rue de la Verrerie
Mo-Su 09:00-20:00
near Rue des Lombards
Mo-Sa 08:30-21:00; Su 09:00-21:00
near Rue des Archives
Mo-Sa 08:30-20:30; Su 10:00-20:30
near Rue du Temple
Mo-Sa 08:30-20:30; Su,PH 09:00-20:00
near Rue de Rivoli
Mo-Fr 08:30-20:00; Sa 10:00-20:00
43 Rue du Temple
Mo-Fr 08:45-21:00; Sa, Su 09:00-21:00
near Rue Vieille du Temple
near Rue Rambuteau
Mo-Fr 09:00-20:00; Sa 09:30-20:00
near Rue Rambuteau
Tu-Fr 09:00-20:00, Mo 10:00-20:00, Sa 10:00-19:00
20 Rue Rambuteau
Mo-Fr 08:30-20:00, Sa 09:00-20:00
26 Rue du Four Paris
Mo-Fr 08:30-21:00; Sa 09:00-21:00; Su off
near Rue du Louvre
Mo-Fr 09:30-19:00; Sa 11:00-18:00
near Rue Saint-Antoine
Mo-Su 08:30-21:00
Paris
Mo-Sa 09:30-20:00; PH,Su 11:00-19:00
23 Rue Montorgueil
29 Rue de Turbigo Paris
Mo-Fr 08:45-19:45, Sa 09:00-13:00
1 Rue des Tournelles Paris
Mo-Su 09:00-20:00
3 Boulevard Beaumarchais Paris
Mo-Su 09:00-21:00
98 Rue Beaubourg
Mo 12:00-20:00; Tu-Sa 09:00-20:00
near Rue de Beauce
Mo-Fr 08:30-20:00; Sa 08:45-20:00; PH,Su off
near Rue de Poitou
Mo-Fr 08:30-20:00; Sa 09:00-20:00
near Rue de Saintonge
Mo-Sa 08:30-20:00
Paris
Mo-Fr 09:00-19:30; Sa 10:00-18:30; Su 11:00-18:30
near Rue Duguay-Trouin
Mo-Fr 09:00-20:00; Sa 09:00-19:30
near Rue d'Assas
Mo-Fr 08:30-20:00, Sa 09:00-19:30; PH closed
24 Avenue Ledru-Rollin Paris
Mo-Fr 09:00-20:00; Sa 09:00-19:30
21 Rue des Petits Champs
Mo-Fr 08:00-20:00; Sa 09:00-12:30
near Rue Vavin
Mo-Fr 09:00-20:00; Sa 09:30-19:30
near Avenue Georges Bernanos
Mo-Fr 08:00-20:00, Sa 09:00-20:00, PH 08:00-21:00; Su 08:00-21:00 "Dimanches de
Paris
Mo-Fr 08:30-20:00; Sa 09:00-20:00
5 Place de la République Paris
24/7
near Rue des Petits Champs
Mo-Fr 09:00-20:00, Sa 09:30-19:00
near Rue du Cherche-Midi
Mo-Fr 09:00-20:00; Sa 09:00-19:30
near Rue du Cherche-Midi
near Rue Saint-Placide
Mo-Sa 08:30-20:00
near Boulevard Voltaire
near Rue Parrot
near Rue Asseline
near Cour du 36 Quai des Orfèvres
near Rue de Mézières
12-14 Passage Charles Dallery Paris
24/7
80 Avenue Daumesnil Paris
24/7
30 Rue Antoine-Julien Hénard Paris
Mo-Th 9:00-12:00,14:00-17:00; Fr 9:00-12:00,14:00-16:00
near Place Richard Baret
near Boulevard Saint-Germain
Rue Soufflot - Place Edmond Rostand Paris
24 Rue Beaubourg Paris
near Avenue Parmentier
near Place Denfert-Rochereau
near Rue de Patay
near Rue Raymond Losserand
near Place Gambetta
Forecast: MET Norway (Norwegian Meteorological Institute, CC BY 4.0), grouped by day and formatted by Maximum.
10-16 2.6 · 10-17 2.6 · 10-18 2.6 · 10-19 2.6 · 10-20 2.6 · 10-21 2.9 · 10-22 2.7 m³/s
Simulated discharge: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Emergency Management Service information 2026. For information only: this is not a flood warning; only national or regional authorities issue those.
No geolocated event in this country at this reading.
No geolocated UCDP incident in this country.
No news located around Paris in this reading.
National numbers (Wikidata, 2026 reading). On site, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: the insurer sends its payment guarantee to the hospital.
Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include Chickenpox (Varicella) Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, Tdap, or Td) Flu (influenza) Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) Polio Shingles
All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see Your COVID-19 Vaccination for more information.
Consider hepatitis A vaccination for most travelers. It is recommended for travelers who will be doing higher risk activities, such as visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where a traveler might get infected through food or water. It is recommended for travelers who plan on eating street food.
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to France. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to France.
Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.
Monkeypox vaccination is recommended for any adult who anticipates any of the following activities during travel: Sexual or intimate contact with a new partner Sexual or intimate contact at a commercial sex venue, like a sex club or bathhouse Sexual or intimate contact in exchange for money, goods, drugs, or other trade Sexual or intimate contact in association with a large public event, such as a rave, party, or…
Dogs infected with rabies are not commonly found in France. If rabies exposures occur while in France, rabies vaccines are typically available throughout most of the country.
Avoid bug bites Learn more about tick-borne encephalitis at your destination .
CDC recommendations: Vaccine is not recommended. Country entry requirements: Vaccine is not required. Updated April 23, 2025
CDC Travelers' Health, re-read weekly — the recommendation depends on your age, vaccines and itinerary: confirm it with a doctor or a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks before departure.CDC ↗read 10.10.2026
Low incidence, comparable to Europe.
High coverage.
World Bank — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
Source: France Diplomatie (health advice, in French).
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
WHO: no outbreak reported for this country in the last 24 months (Disease Outbreak News).who.int ↗read 15.10.2026
FDFA (Switzerland) — medical care, in French
Les soins médicaux sont assurés. Pour tout traitement médical, la carte européenne d’assurance maladie (CEAM) doit être présentée. Cette carte n’est toutefois pas valable dans tous les territoires français d’Outre-Mer. Veuillez tenir compte des renseignements fournis par l’Institution commune LAMal Si vous prenez régulièrement des médicaments , emportez-en une quantité suffisante avec vous. Notez toutefois que de nombreux pays appliquent des réglementations restrictives. Cela vaut en particulier, mais pas exclusivement, pour les médicaments contenant des stupéfiants (par exemple la méthadone) et les substances utilisées pour le traitement des troubles psychiques. Avant votre départ, renseignez-vous directement auprès de la représentation étrangère compétente (ambassade ou consulat) et consultez la rubrique Liens voyages , où vous trouverez de plus amples informations sur ce sujet ainsi que sur la médecine du voyage en général. Les informations concernant la propagation de maladies et les éventuelles mesures de protection à prendre sont fournies par le personnel médical et les centres de vaccination. Liens voyages
Health — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 11.08.2026 · read 15.10.2026
Before you travel check that:
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Call 112 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
See what health risks you’ll face in France , including:
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of France. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro .
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .
FCDO has a list of hospitals in major cities including Paris, Marseille and Bordeaux region where some staff will speak English.
To get medically necessary state healthcare in France, you need a Global Health Insurance Card ( GHIC ) or a valid existing European Health Insurance Card ( EHIC ).
The NHS’s getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:
State healthcare in France is not always free. Treatment is on the same basis as for French citizens.
A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:
There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in France .
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .
Places read from OpenStreetMap, within a circle of about 12 km: phone, email, address, website and hours when the source publishes them. No customer reviews, that source has none. Straight-line distances.
Notices vary by bank and vintage — yours prevails. On the right: the Maximum contract (public documents).
No region is advised against by the official readings checked (Global Affairs Canada and Foreign Office): the national advice applies everywhere.
The levels each government publishes, unsummarised: their texts, linked below, prevail.
no region is advised against by these readings; the trip follows the national advice. A new regional advisory would call for a new, written decision.
Global Affairs Canada — Open Government Licence – Canada (13.10.2026) · Foreign Office — Open Government Licence v3.0 · Natural Earth
No located event in this reading.
Wildfires in France There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. For advice, visit the wildfires section on the Safety and security page .
Last change: Updated information on European Entry-Exit System (EES) (‘Entry requirements’ page).
Updated 27.05.2025
Exercise increased caution in France due to terrorism and unrest .
Pickpocketing and phone thefts are common, especially in crowded places. Terrorist groups continue to plan possible attacks in France and may attack with little to no warning. There are also regular, peaceful protests and strikes in Paris and other cities throughout France.
Pickpocketing and phone thefts are frequent crimes. They can occur in crowded areas such as:
Terrorist groups continue to plan possible attacks in France. They may attack with little or no warning. Possible targets include:
Peaceful demonstrations and strikes happen often in Paris and other cities in France.
10-16 2.6 · 10-17 2.6 · 10-18 2.6 · 10-19 2.6 · 10-20 2.6 · 10-21 2.9 · 10-22 2.7 m³/s
Simulated discharge: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Emergency Management Service information 2026. For information only: this is not a flood warning; only national or regional authorities issue those.
The level is national. Risk areas are in the state advisories below.
No major event in progress is located in this country at this morning's check.
Reading: The homicide rate is above Switzerland's, without being out of range. On the road, 2 times more deaths than in Switzerland: road crashes are the leading cause of death of healthy travellers (CDC) — seat belt, no night driving, a driver or a taxi from a rank.
World Bank (UNODC for homicides, WHO for roads) — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
What we locate on the map are events in progress that have real coordinates: USGS earthquakes, GDACS disasters, NOAA storms and open NASA EONET events. Hover a dot for details, click to open it in this briefing.
French passport — France Diplomatie
France Diplomatie ↗read 15.10.2026
Swiss passport — FDFA (Switzerland), in French
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
FDFA update note — Le chapitre Risques régionaux spécifiques a été entièrement révisé. L’appréciation de la situation reste valable de manière inchangée. (published 07.08.2026)
Les voyages en France sont en principe considérés comme sûrs. Il faut s’attendre à des manifestations dans tout le pays, en particulier dans les grandes villes. Des affrontements violents entre les manifestants et les forces de sécurité peuvent avoir lieu. Des dégâts matériels, des incendies volontaires et des barrages routiers peuvent également survenir. Évitez les manifestations de tout genre et conformez-vous aux directives des autorités locales (par ex. couvre-feu). Les grèves peuvent entraîner des perturbations et des retards du trafic touristique. Les autorités françaises font référence à la menace d'attentats terroristes. Faites preuve de prudence, en particulier dans les lieux fréquentés, tels que:
Suivez les recommandations des autorités locales. Le plan Vigipirate Secrétariat général de la défense et de la sécurité nationale (SGDSN) Ministère de l’intérieur: Ma Sécurité La rubrique terrorisme et enlèvements rend attentif aux risques liés au terrorisme. Terrorisme et enlèvements Vous trouverez des informations sur les territoires d’Outre-Mer auprès du Ministère des Outre-Mer
Corse: Par le passé, des attentats visant des bâtiments publics et des résidences secondaires ont à plusieurs reprises fait des dégâts matériels. Des manifestations se produisent sporadiquement; elles peuvent être accompagnées de débordements et de barrages routiers. Nouvelle-Calédonie: En Nouvelle-Calédonie, en particulier dans l'agglomération de Nouméa (Grand Nouméa), des tensions et des troubles isolés peuvent survenir en raison de la situation politique locale. Ces dernières années, des manifestations se sont produites à plusieurs reprises, parfois accompagnées d'affrontements entre manifestants et forces de sécurité, de pillages, d'incendies volontaires et de barrages routiers. Ces incidents ont fait des victimes et de nombreux blessés. Des perturbations du trafic surviennent. Des difficultés d'approvisionnement ne sont pas à exclure. Le gouvernement français peut déclarer l'état d'urgence à tout moment. Cela permet aux autorités de prendre différentes mesures, comme par exemple de restreindre la liberté de réunion ou de mouvement, d’imposer des couvre-feux, etc. Suivez l’évolution de la situation dans les médias avant et pendant votre voyage et restez en contact avec votre tour-opérateur. Haut-Commissariat de la république en Nouvelle-Calédonie: Actualités Numéro de téléphone «cellule d’information du public»: +687 200 200 Mayotte: À Mayotte, les tensions sociales peuvent donner lieu à des manifestations, des grèves, des barrages routiers et, dans certains cas, à des débordements violents ainsi qu'à des pillages. Le taux de criminalité est très élevé . L'île demeure par ailleurs confrontée aux conséquences de graves catastrophes naturelles survenues ces dernières années. Des perturbations des infrastructures, de l'approvisionnement en eau, des services de santé ainsi que de l'approvisionnement en biens de première nécessité sont possibles. Suivez l'évolution de la situation dans les médias avant et pendant votre voyage et restez en contact avec votre tour-opérateur . Des actes de piraterie ont été commis à de multiples reprises dans l' O céan Indien. Consultez les informations spécifiques: Risques maritimes et piraterie La Réunion: La situation sécuritaire à La Réunion est stable. Des vols à la tire et des cambriolages peuvent se produire. Ne laissez pas d’objets de valeur visibles dans votre véhicule et faites preuve de vigilance dans les lieux très fréquentés. Des manifestations sociales et des grèves peuvent avoir lieu et entraîner des perturbations ponctuelles des transports publics ou de l'approvisionnement. La Réunion est une île volcanique…
La petite délinquance existe, elle est particulièrement élevée dans la région de Marseille, sur la Côte d’Azur et dans la région parisienne: vol à l'arraché, vol et cambriolage de voitures. La criminalité en bande est en augmentation dans les villes. Il est notamment recommandé d'observer les mesures de précaution ci-après:
Ministère de l’Intérieur: Ma sécurité
Il existe un important risque d’incendie de forêt à de nombreux endroits. De fortes pluies peuvent provoquer des inondations et des glissements de terrain, pouvant endommager les infrastructures. La circulation peut s’en trouver temporairement perturbée. De fortes précipitations peuvent aussi provoquer des crues et des débordements violents de rivières en apparence paisibles, notamment dans le département de l’Ardèche. Risques naturels Vigilance météo: alertes Dans les territoires d’Outre-Mer des Caraïbes, des ouragans sont à craindre. Les Caraïbes sont situées dans une zone sismique et tant la Guadeloupe que la Martinique possèdent un volcan actif. Les îles de Mayotte et de La Réunion, dans l' Océan indien, se trouvent également dans une zone sismique et La Réunion possède un volcan actif. Il faut s’attendre à des cyclones. Dans l’océan Pacifique, il y a un risque sur les îles de Nouvelle-Calédonie et de Polynésie française de cyclones tropicaux. De fortes pluies provoquent régulièrement des inondations et des glissements de terrain. En Nouvelle-Calédonie, il y a aussi un risque d'incendies de forêt pendant les périodes de faibles précipitations. Outre les dévastations causées sur la terre ferme, les tremblements de terre et les éruptions volcaniques peuvent aussi provoquer des tsunamis. Les tsunamis qui sont provoqués par des tremblements de terre dans les régions d’Asie du sud-est et de l’Amérique du sud, peuvent toucher les territoires d’Outre-Mer de l’ Océan indien et du Pacifique . Consultez les prévisions météorologiques et suivez les avertissements et les instructions des autorités locales , p. ex. zones interdites autour des volcans actifs, ordres d’évacuation. Météo France en Outre-mer Risques naturels en Martinique Risques naturels en Guadeloupe Risques naturels à La Réunion Guyane française: Risques naturels Mayotte: Prévention des risques et sécurité Nouvelle Calédonie: Sécurité civile Polynésie française: Gouvernements > sécurité > alertes Si une catastrophe naturelle devait se produire durant votre séjour, prenez immédiatement contact avec vos proches et suivez les instructions des autorités locales.
FDFA travel advice, in French, valid on 15.10.2026eda.admin.ch ↗updated 07.08.2026 · read 15.10.2026
British passport — Foreign Office (UK)
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Warnings — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 11.08.2026 · read 15.10.2026
There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. For advice, visit the wildfires section on the Safety and security page .
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
Safety — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 11.08.2026 · read 15.10.2026
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in France.
Terrorism attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by tourists and foreign nationals such as:
Methods of attack have included knife attacks, shootings, bombings and vehicle attacks. Be vigilant in public places and follow the advice of local French authorities.
There have been several recent high-profile terrorist attacks in France, including:
French authorities regularly report that they have disrupted planned attacks and made arrests.
There can be frequent industrial action across France. This can lead to disruption and delays on roads and public transport. If you’re due to travel to or within France, monitor the media, check your operator’s advice and follow the advice of the authorities.
Check your operator’s advice before travelling, including where you are taking connecting flights.
Demonstrations, political gatherings, or marches can take place with little or no warning, particularly in cities.
Whilst most demonstrations are peaceful, if you’re near areas where they are taking place, you should remain aware of what is happening around you and follow the advice of the police and local authorities.
Take sensible precautions against street crime and car crime. Pickpockets can work in gangs; one distracts you while the other one goes into your bag.
Thieves and pickpockets operate on the Paris Métro, on RER (train) lines and at mainline stations. To reduce the risk of theft:
There have been several cases of serious assault on the RER line B, which serves:
There have also been serious assaults on RER line D, which serves the Stade de France.
Be alert to the possible use of ‘date rape’ and other drugs including GHB and liquid ecstasy.
Buy your own drinks and always keep them in sight to avoid them being spiked. Alcohol and drugs can reduce your vigilance, making you less in control. If you drink, know your limit. Drinks served in bars in France are often stronger than those in the UK.
You must be able to prove your identity by providing…
American passport — U.S. Department of State
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
France - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution 2025-05-27travel.state.gov ↗updated 27.05.2025 · read 16.10.2026
Exercise increased caution in France due to terrorism and unrest .
Pickpocketing and phone thefts are common, especially in crowded places. Terrorist groups continue to plan possible attacks in France and may attack with little to no warning. There are also regular, peaceful protests and strikes in Paris and other cities throughout France.
Pickpocketing and phone thefts are frequent crimes. They can occur in crowded areas such as:
Terrorist groups continue to plan possible attacks in France. They may attack with little or no warning. Possible targets include:
Peaceful demonstrations and strikes happen often in Paris and other cities in France.
Global Affairs Canada — additional reading
Exercise a high degree of caution
Open Government Licence – Canada · October 13, 2026 07:46 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 13.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Global Affairs Canada — written for Canadian travellers, valid for all
You must abide by local laws. Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences or heavy fines. Drugs, alcohol and travel
You may be subject to identity checks during your stay in France. Always carry valid identification such as a driver's licence, passport or a copy of it. Keep photocopies or digital copies of the following documents, in case of loss or seizure:
Keep originals and copies in separate safe locations.
It's illegal to cover your face in public places, including international airport arrivals areas. Offenders risk a fine. There is no exemption for tourists or for religious reasons.
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and France. If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in France, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the French court. If you are in this situation:
If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies. Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.
Recreational and commercial flying of drones is regulated. You must register your drone before you fly it in France. Operators found guilty of breaking drone piloting rules risk a fine or imprisonment.
You must be at least 18 years old to drive a car in France. You can drive with your valid Canadian driver’s licence for the first year of your stay in France. If you stay in France for more than one year, you will have to exchange your Canadian licence for a French licence. Fines must generally be paid within 3 days. They may be increased in case of delay of payment. A reflective vest and warning triangle are mandatory in all vehicles. From November 1 to March 31, winter tires or chains are compulsory in some cities and regions in mountainous areas.
The "priority to the right" system is in effect in France. Drivers must give way to vehicles approaching from the right at intersections, even on secondary roads. This is often a surprise to foreign drivers and results in accidents.
Some cities and territories have put in place low emission zones to reduce air pollution. Access to these zones is restricted to vehicles that meet certain environmental standards. You may need to get a permit to drive in these areas.
The currency of France is the euro (EUR). If you are carrying €10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies or monetary instruments, you must make a declaration to customs when you enter or leave the European Union. This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country. EU Cash Controls – European Commission
Open Government Licence – Canada · October 13, 2026 07:46 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 13.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Foreign Office — laws and cultural differences
You must be able to prove your identity by providing documents when asked or within 4 hours at a police station. Accepted IDs are:
Covering your face in public places in France is illegal. This includes balaclavas, full veils or any other garment or mask that is used to hide the face. You could get a fine of up to 150 euros if you do not comply. Forcing someone to hide their face is also a crime and is punishable by a year’s imprisonment and a fine of up to 30,000 euros. If the person forced to hide their face is aged 17 and under, the sentence is doubled. This law applies to tourists.
Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties including imprisonment and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through airports, ports and Eurostar stations. Airports, ports and Eurostar stations in France have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.
Open Government Licence v3.0gov.uk ↗updated 11.08.2026 · read 15.10.2026
FDFA (Switzerland) — laws and customs, in French
Vous trouverez des informations sur les règles de la circulation routière , notamment sur le taux d'alcoolémie autorisé, sous Les dangers de la route Les infractions à la loi sur les stupéfiants, y compris la détention de minimes quantités de drogue quelle qu'elle soit, sont passibles de peines de prison.
FDFA travel advice, in Frencheda.admin.ch ↗updated 07.08.2026 · read 15.10.2026
What it changes for you: Air acceptable at this hour: nothing special to plan.
Reading 11:00 (Europe/Paris)Open-Meteo ↗updated 16.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Air quality and UV: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information 2026. Neither the European Commission nor ECMWF is responsible for any use that may be made of the Copernicus information or data it contains.
Reading: With 3.3 physicians per 1,000 people (27% fewer than Switzerland), the nearest hospital does not always have the capacity for a serious case: evacuation to an adequate centre is the rule, not the exception — that is what unlimited evacuation and repatriation cover. Health spending of 5,327 USD per person (Switzerland: 11,784): expensive care, settled directly by the insurer with the payment guarantee.
World Bank — latest published value, year per indicatordata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
French passport — France Diplomatie
France Diplomatie's Entry and stay page could not be read at this reading: consult it directly.diplomatie.gouv.fr ↗read 15.10.2026
Swiss passport — FDFA (Switzerland)
The FDFA does not publish entry requirements: they are set out by the destination's embassy or consulate in Switzerland — check them before booking, passport in hand. As a guide, the French and British requirements below describe the same rules as seen by two other governments.eda.admin.ch ↗updated 07.08.2026 · read 15.10.2026
British passport — Foreign Office (UK)
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Entry requirements — rules for a British passportForeign Office ↗updated 11.08.2026 · read 15.10.2026
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in France set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the French Embassy in the UK .
France follows Schengen area rules . Your passport must:
- have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it might have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago, making it invalid for entry to the Schengen area
- have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave the Schengen area (the expiry date does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue)
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement . See Dual citizenship .
You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area , which includes France, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:
The requirements for working in France are different.
If you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.
If you cannot return to the UK before your visa-free limit expires, contact the nearest local prefecture in France .
At French border control, you may be asked to:
You may be asked to provide a welcome invitation (‘attestation d’accueil’) from your host. The French resident hosting you must get the attestation d’accueil from their local mayor’s office and send the original attestation before you enter France.
You may need to show evidence of ownership or tenancy of your property, such as a tax or utility bill.
To stay longer than 90 days, you must meet the French government’s entry requirements .
If you’re in France with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area.
Read about entry processes if you live in France .
The European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is…
American passport — U.S. Department of State
The State Department publishes the requirements ("Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements") on its country page, which our servers cannot read. Read it before you go; as a guide, the French and British requirements below describe the same rules as seen by two other governments.travel.state.gov ↗updated 27.05.2025 · read 16.10.2026
For each risk, the official texts themselves: what is happening, then, where they say so, what to do.
What the texts say · Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in France. Pickpockets can work in gangs; one distracts you while the other one goes into your bag.
What the texts say · There have been several cases of serious assault on the RER line B, which serves: Paris Charles de Gaulle airport - Orly Airport - Paris Gare du Nord Eurostar terminus.
What the texts say · There is a risk of seasonal flooding, particularly in areas along major rivers and streams.
What the texts say · Covering your face in public places in France is illegal. Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties including imprisonment and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through airports, ports and Eurostar stations.
What the texts say · Pickpocketing and phone thefts are common, especially in crowded places.
What the texts say · Demonstrations, political gatherings, or marches can take place with little or no warning, particularly in cities.
Sentences copied word for word from the official texts cited, chosen for the destination; the level is our reading. The full texts, at each source:Foreign Office ↗updated 11.08.2026 · read 15.10.2026 (updated 11.08.2026 · read 29.09.2026)Global Affairs Canada ↗updated 13.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026 (updated 13.10.2026 · read 29.09.2026)State Department ↗updated 27.05.2025 · read 16.10.2026 (updated 27.05.2025 · read 29.09.2026)
Reading: The homicide rate is above Switzerland's, without being out of range. On the road, 2 times more deaths than in Switzerland: road crashes are the leading cause of death of healthy travellers (CDC) — seat belt, no night driving, a driver or a taxi from a rank.
World Bank (UNODC for homicides, WHO for roads) — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
Time zone: IANA and timezone-boundary-builder (ODbL) · RESTCountries · EmergencyNumberAPI · Wikidata · European Central Bank
Places: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), Photon search by komoot.
FDFA (Switzerland) — transport and specific advice, in French
Le réseau routier est en général bien développé. La plupart des autoroutes sont à péage. Plusieurs villes ont créé des zones à circulation restreinte accessibles uniquement aux véhicules ayant un certificat qualité de l’air. Les certificats peuvent être commandés sur Internet. Le Bison futé (Information sur la circulation routière) Certificats qualité de l’air Les Sociétés d‘autoroutes Transport public: Le réseau des transports publics dans les grandes villes est en général bien développé. À la campagne par contre il est moins ramifié qu’en Suisse.
Vous devez pouvoir vous identifier à tout moment avec votre passeport ou carte d’identité .
FDFA travel advice, in Frencheda.admin.ch ↗updated 07.08.2026 · read 15.10.2026
Maximum policyholder: before paying anything, call the 24/7 number. If you are admitted for more than 24 h, Maximum sends its direct payment guarantee to the hospital (art. 2.12).
+41 22 ••• •• •• — Full number in your client areaThe hospital list has not been read from OpenStreetMap for this page yet: the medical-network map loads it when opened. Maximum's assistance directs you to the right facility, 24/7. The medical-network map ↗
CDC Travelers' Health recommendations, most important first. They depend on your age, vaccines and itinerary: confirm them with a doctor or a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks before departure. Details, disease by disease ↗cdc.gov ↗read 10.10.2026
The health system — With 3.3 physicians per 1,000 people (27% fewer than Switzerland), the nearest hospital does not always have the capacity for a serious case: evacuation to an adequate centre is the rule, not the exception — that is what unlimited evacuation and repatriation cover. Health spending of 5,327 USD per person (Switzerland: 11,784): expensive care, settled directly by the insurer with the payment guarantee.
Back home — a fever in the following weeks should be told to a doctor, naming the country.
Forecast: MET Norway (Norwegian Meteorological Institute, CC BY 4.0), grouped by day and formatted by Maximum.
French passport — French embassy and consulates
5 Rue Oswaldo Cruz, 75016, Paris
phone not published
phone not published
phone not published
OpenStreetMap
Swiss passport — Swiss embassy and consulates
+33 2 51 82 15 19
https://www.eda.admin.ch/paris ↗updated 07.08.2026 · read 15.10.2026
+33 4 72 75 79 10
https://www.eda.admin.ch/lyon ↗updated 07.08.2026 · read 15.10.2026
+33 3 88 35 00 70
https://www.eda.admin.ch/strasbourg ↗updated 07.08.2026 · read 15.10.2026
+33 496 10 14 10
https://www.eda.admin.ch/marseille ↗updated 07.08.2026 · read 15.10.2026
Numéro d’urgence général: 112 Police: 17 Service d’ambulance (SAMU): 15 Pompiers: 18 Douane française (Les territoires d'Outre-Mer ont leurs propres dispositions douanières et prescriptions en matière d’importation) Service public Représentations suisses à l’étranger: En cas de situation d’urgence à l’étranger, vous pouvez vous adresser à la représentation suisse la plus proche ou à la Helpline DFAE. Représentations suisses en France Helpline DFAE Représentations étrangères en Suisse: Pour obtenir des informations sur les prescriptions d’entrée (documents d’identité admis, visa, etc.), veuillez-vous adresser aux ambassades et consulats étrangers compétents. Ceux-ci peuvent également vous renseigner sur les dispositions douanières pour l’importation et l’exportation d’animaux et de marchandises: appareils électroniques, souvenirs, médicaments, etc. Représentations étrangères en Suisse
OpenStreetMap · DFAE
British passport — British embassy and consulates
phone not published
https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/bri ↗updated 11.08.2026 · read 15.10.2026
phone not published
35 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008, Paris
phone not published
https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/bri ↗updated 11.08.2026 · read 15.10.2026
14 Rue Montesquieu, 33000, Bordeaux
phone not published
https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/bri ↗updated 11.08.2026 · read 15.10.2026
10 Place de la Joliette, 13002, Marseille
phone not published
https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/bri ↗updated 11.08.2026 · read 15.10.2026
phone not published
OpenStreetMap
American passport — U.S. embassy and consulates
+33 1 4312 2222
https://fr.usembassy.gov ↗updated 27.05.2025 · read 16.10.2026
phone not published
30 Quai Duguay Trouin, 35000, Rennes
+33 1 43 12 48 70
https://fr.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulate ↗updated 27.05.2025 · read 16.10.2026
+33 1 43 12 48 65
https://fr.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulate ↗updated 27.05.2025 · read 16.10.2026
OpenStreetMap
OpenStreetMap
Getting help — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 11.08.2026 · read 15.10.2026
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
Telephone 112 (ambulance, fire, police)
Ambulance: 15
Fire: 18
Police: 17
Deaf and hard of hearing emergency number (SMS, chat, video and fax): 114
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
Find out about call charges
For emergencies. If pronunciation fails, show the screen — or the printed page.
| Help! | Au secours ! |
| Call an ambulance! | Appelez une ambulance ! |
| I need a doctor. | J'ai besoin d'un médecin. |
| Where is the nearest hospital? | Où est l'hôpital le plus proche ? |
| Call the police! | Appelez la police ! |
| I am allergic to penicillin. | Je suis allergique à la pénicilline. |
| I have international medical insurance. | J'ai une assurance médicale internationale. |
| I want to contact my embassy. | Je voudrais contacter mon ambassade. |
| Please take me to this address. | Emmenez-moi à cette adresse, s'il vous plaît. |
| Do you speak English? | Parlez-vous anglais ? |
Translations by Maximum Insurance, original script and transliteration.
Actions to take before each professional trip abroad.
Live alerts and level changes, each with its official source. Continuously updated.
The Need help? section was updated.
October 13, 2026 07:46 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 13.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026No level change recorded for this country since the log opened. The live alerts above are updated continuously.
Level 2/4 — Exercise Increased Caution, U.S. Department of State, retrieved on 16 October 2026.
Sourcestravel.state.gov · updated 27.05 · read 16.10France Diplomatie · read 15.10DFAE · updated 07.08 · read 15.10207-country comparison
An area advised against does not rule out the country.
SourcesFrance Diplomatie · read 15.10Foreign Office · updated 11.08 · read 15.10State Department · updated 27.05 · read 16.10
The rules depend on the passport, not on the destination alone.
SourcesFrance Diplomatie · read 15.10Foreign Office · updated 11.08 · read 15.10State Department · updated 27.05 · read 16.10
For a Schengen visa, yes: at least €30,000 of travel medical insurance (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, art. 15).
SourcesRegulation (EC) 810/2009, art. 15General conditions, policy 20 00 479
VIP Pack — €990 for twelve months, unlimited trips.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479OpenStreetMap · read 10.10
Six steps, in this order.
SourcesSpecial conditions 01.26General conditions, policy 20 00 479
Local emergency services: single number 112 · police 17 · ambulance 15 · fire 18
SourcesEmergencyNumberAPI · Wikidata · read 08.10OpenStreetMap · read 10.10
At today's level 2/4, card by card:
SourcesAmex Platinum France T&Cs, 01.2025 — general exclusion n° 11BNP Paribas Visa Infinite notice (policy PT7), 04.2025 — comFortuneo World Elite Mastercard notice, 01.2026 — art. 5.5 '
A health plan reimburses at home; here, the hospital asks for a payment guarantee before admission.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
The page reads hospitals, pharmacies and doctors from OpenStreetMap, around the point you choose.
The sourced detail is under Medical network › Health: vaccines, diseases present, altitude, outbreaks.
SourcesCDC Travelers' Health · read 10.10France Diplomatie · read 15.10OMS · read 15.10Foreign Office · updated 11.08 · read 15.10
3.3 physicians per 1,000 people (2022) versus 4.5 in Switzerland.
SourcesWorld Bank · read 10.10General conditions, policy 20 00 479
1.3 homicides per 100,000 people (2023) versus 0.6 in Switzerland and 1.3 in France.
The nearest representations, by passport (OpenStreetMap):
SourcesOpenStreetMap · read 10.10DFAE · updated 07.08 · read 15.10
No region is advised against by the official readings checked (Global Affairs Canada and Foreign Office): the national advice applies everywhere.
SourcesGlobal Affairs Canada · updated 13.10 · read 16.10Foreign Office · updated 11.08 · read 15.10France Diplomatie · read 15.10
Local laws apply to every traveller; here is what the official texts say.
SourcesGlobal Affairs Canada · updated 13.10 · read 16.10Foreign Office · updated 11.08 · read 15.10
Every foreign ministry runs a 24/7 emergency line for its nationals.
Sourcesdiplomatie.gouv.fr · read 15.10eda.admin.ch · updated 07.08 · read 15.10
Emergency phrases, to show if pronunciation fails:
SourcesMaximum Insurance
Keep the entry stamp, the invoices, the prescriptions and the medical report.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
Cancellation or change up to EUR 20,000, special risk EUR 5,000 per person, crisis management and security, optional Kidnap & Ransom.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
A question not answered here? Ask Maximum below, or call the support number: every question gets a clear, actionable answer.
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: +41 22 ••• •• •• — 24/7 support number, an adviser stays with you to the end.
The 207 country pages — hospitals, pharmacies, police, embassies, emergency numbers, official advice from four governments, health, safety in figures, events in progress — read around the city you name. Your policy — benefits, the six steps, claims, articles. The site — prices, certificate, subscription. Nothing else: what it does not know, it says so and hands you to an adviser.
Same advisory level: Nepal · Panama · Netherlands · Philippines · Peru · United Kingdom
The displayed level comes from the State Department, checked every morning. Before departure, always cross-check your country of residence's advisory: that is what your policy cites.
The level shown is the official U.S. Department of State level, checked daily. Maximum Insurance is an insurance distributor — general information, not personal advice.
The destination is already Paris. A few choices, then the reading of your cover, here.
Destination · Paris
Travel Insurtech. 24/7 worldwide.
Swiss insurer · Worldwide medical network