The Consulate General of France in Mumbai has released an FAQ about the current situation in France, after the recent terrorist attacks. The information aims to help tourism professionals answer questions from their customers on the scope of the steps that have been taken to ensure the safety of the French population and foreign visitors.
Are France’s borders closed?
No, the borders are not closed, but the president of the French Republic has decided to establish systematic checks at entry points to the French territory such as road rail, port and airport crossing points.
What are the implications of the restoration of border controls (required documents)?
The documents that must be presented during border controls are the same as those usually required for nationals of your country. However, longer waiting times are to be expected in airports and stations served by international services (Thalys, Eurostar, etc.). Waiting time for controls in Paris airports remain reasonable, at less than 45 minutes.
Do Europeans need their passports to enter France?
Citizens of European Union Member States need a valid identity document (identity card card or passport). Generally, the documents required to enter France are the same as usual.
Is my visa still valid?
Yes, the visas issued prior to the establishment of border controls remain valid to enter France.
Are there delays in visa issuance?
Visa issuance times remain unchanged compared to the period prior to November 13, 2015.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AND SHOPPING
Are tourist attractions, museums and monuments open?
All public cultural establishments in Paris, the Île-de-France and France more generally are open. Open sites include non-exhaustively: Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Château de Versailles, Disneyland Paris, Grand Palais, Centre Georges Pompidou, Notre Dame de Paris, Paris Lido, Crazy Horse, Bateaux Parisiens, and the Moulin Rouge. Security and controls have been enhanced at the entrance to major monuments, but do not result in additional waiting times of more than 15 minutes compared to normal times.
Are foreign tourists visiting France?
More than 80 per cent of foreign tourists have decided to confirm visits already reserved prior to the events. Reservations across France remain considerable. France remains the world’s most visited country.
Are concerts and shows cancelled?
In principle, scheduled shows and concerts will go ahead and venues will be open, unless the organisers or prefecture decide otherwise. The sector federations have announced enhanced security measures. The responsibility for the organisation and safety of the event is incumbent upon the operator and organiser. Security measures, including access controls and entry screenings, are being enhanced to ensure the safety of audiences, performers and works.
Are shops open?
All shops are open, including Grands Magasins and major shopping centres. Certain shopping areas popular with tourists are now open on Sundays.
HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS
Are there special measures in French hotels?
As provided for in French law, hotels are required to ask all foreign customers to complete an individual police form (Article six of the Decree of August 18, 2015). Moreover, each establishment has the right to carry out security checks.
Are there restrictions on the opening of restaurants, bars and clubs?
No. Restaurants, bars and clubs are open and operating normally.
Under what circumstances can I postpone my visit?
It is best to contact the supplier (hotel, tours, etc.), which will indicate the procedure to follow. Flexibility has been allowed to give tourists greater leeway in decision making.
EVENTS, FAIRS AND TRADE SHOWS
Are public events going ahead?
Yes. In particular, Christmas markets will take place in Paris, Strasbourg, Colmar and many other French cities. The December 31 facilities will be organised so as to allow them to be held in optimal security conditions.
Will conferences and trade shows go ahead?
The United Nations Climate Conference (COP21) received 150 heads of state and government, as well as 40,000 visitors from 195 countries, from November 30, 2015 to December 12, 2015. Trade fairs and conferences will go ahead, with enhanced security measures. Several major fairs, including international ones, have taken place in Paris recently in perfect conditions, including the Salon de l’énergie éolienne (Wind Energy Fair), theSalon du Cheval (Horse Fair) and the Salon nautique international (International Nautical Fair).
SECURITY
What steps have been taken to enhance the safety of tourists?
The public authorities and tourism professionals have made safety a national priority. A state of emergency has been declared by the president of the French Republic, conferring upon civil authorities extended policing powers in order to ensure the safety of the French population and of tourists. It was initially valid for 12 days, and has been extended for three months.
The state of emergency does not mean that a curfew has been declared. Generally, the measures implemented aim to strengthen security and have no impact on the quality of the experience of foreign tourists in France.
Police and gendarmerie reinforcements have been deployed across France. In the Paris region alone, about 3000 soldiers have been deployed to reinforce those already in place. Eventually, more than 5000 additional police and gendarmes will ensure security. Inspections and staff levels will be increased in public transport and around sites receiving the public, including tourist attractions (three-fold increase in staffing at Parisian sites). Lastly, the representatives of the tourism sector have announced the recruitment of additional security staff in order to ensure the safety of visitors.
TRANSPORT
Are there travel restrictions within France?
There are no general travel restrictions on travel and journeys. Short-term restrictive measures may however be taken by the prefects of individual geographic departments. However, law enforcement forces may carry out checks on people and luggage. They also reserve the right to prohibit the carriage of certain personal effects considered dangerous.
Are domestic transport services operating?
Air and rail connections are operating and running normally. National and international train services are thus operating a normal service. Boarding checks have been stepped up for flights and the access to international rail services. Additional delays are to be expected. In Paris, the metro, buses, trams and suburban rail services (RER) are operating normally, and stations are open. Surveillance and control measures have been enhanced generally in public transport.
Are flights to and from France cancelled?
We have not seen any cancellation of flights since November 13, 2015.
GROUPS
Is there any specific advice for groups?
No specific restrictions have been placed on groups of travellers, who must however comply with the general instructions given by the public authorities. School trips are authorised.
Can coaches and buses park normally?
There are no specific instructions regarding bus and coach parks. In some rare cases, certain tourist sites have moved their parking towards replacement areas nearby, which are clearly indicated.
