What the governments of the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada tell their own citizens about travelling to France, in their own words, plus practical help with packing.
Each government rates the risks for its own citizens, on its own scale. The levels are shown exactly as published; they are not equivalent to each other and are not combined here.
Does not advise against travel
No numbered levels
Updated 11 August 2026
Latest change, in the source's words: Updated information on European Entry-Exit System (EES) (‘Entry requirements’ page).
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Level 2 of 4
Updated 28 May 2025
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
Exercise a high degree of caution
Level 2 of 4
Updated 24 September 2026
Latest change, in the source's words: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
From the section “Emergency services in France” of the UK government's travel advice for France, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Telephone 112 (ambulance, fire, police)
Ambulance: 15
Fire: 18
Police: 17
Deaf and hard of hearing emergency number (SMS, chat, video and fax): 114
From the section “Laws and cultural differences” of the UK government's travel advice for France, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
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.
From the section “Medication” of the UK government's travel advice for France, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
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.
From the section “Extreme weather and natural disasters” of the UK government's travel advice for France, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
In summer months, there is a risk of higher than normal temperatures in France. Check current weather forecasts and read about how to protect yourself on the Meteo France website.
Find advice on how to stay safe in hot weather from the National Health Service (NHS).
Check with your travel provider and follow advice from local authorities.
Wildfires can occur across France during the summer months. The risk is highest in the south of the country, particularly along the Mediterranean coast, in Corsica, and in areas of the south-west during periods of hot, dry weather.
Check the French weather service’s fire alert map before travelling and monitor local authority advice during your stay. Conditions can change quickly and access to forests, countryside areas and tourist sites may be restricted at short notice.
Fires have become more frequent because of drought and high temperatures. French authorities may evacuate areas and close roads for safety reasons. Causing a wildfire is illegal in France, even if it is started by accident. You could get a fine or a prison sentence.
If you’re staying in, or near, a high-risk area see advice from the French government (in English) for information about:
what to do if a wildfire breaks out
how to prevent wildfire outbreaks
protecting your home from wildfires (including mandatory bush clearance)
If you are caught in, or witness, a wildfire, call the emergency services on 18 (fire) or 112 (emergency services).
There is a risk of flooding in areas of France. If your accommodation is near a river, check flash flood watch (‘vigicrues’) (in French) for more information on current flood risks.
There is a risk of avalanches in mountainous areas. Check current weather forecasts and avalanche risks on the Meteo France website. Follow local advice before you ski or hike and consider carrying avalanche search equipment.
Conditions on roads in mountainous areas can quickly become difficult in winter. Carry water, food, warm clothing and medicines in your vehicle.
Practical suggestions from Trip Rulebook, based on open data and fixed rules. They are not safety or legal advice: rules on clothing, medicines and restricted items are covered only by the official text on this page.
Plug and voltage data: Wikipedia, “Mains electricity by country”, CC BY-SA 4.0 (licence), retrieved 2026-09-29. Sockets in hotels can differ; the label on your charger (for example “INPUT 100–240V”) tells you which voltages it accepts.
Rainfall Average temperature
National averages for 1991-2020. Coasts, mountains and regions can be very different, and any given year can be warmer, colder or wetter. Suggestions come from fixed rules based on these averages. Climate data: World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal, observed climate data (CRU TS), CRU TS (cru_ts4.09), Climatic Research Unit, University of East Anglia, CC BY 4.0 (licence).
What is acceptable to wear is a matter of local law and custom: read Local laws and customs. For seasonal hazards such as storms, floods or extreme heat, read the official section Extreme weather and natural disasters.
A general list for any trip. Ticks are not saved.
Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality and change often, so Trip Rulebook does not summarise them. Each government explains the rules for its own citizens. If you travel on another passport, check with the embassy or the official immigration website of France.
This page is guidance, not legal advice. Laws and advice change without notice and are written for each government's own citizens, so they may apply to you differently. Confirm everything with the official source before you travel. Terms of use.