Exercise Increased Caution
“Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Exercise increased caution in France due to terrorism and civil unrest.”
Updated Wed, 28 May 2025
Full advisory →France · Safety report last updated
As of September 2026, Frace scores 83/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes — Frace is generally safe for visitors, with petty theft being the main concern and violent crime rare. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams. The U.S. State Department rates it Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
France · Assessed 30 September 2026
83
/ 100
Safer than ~90% of countries
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
Exercise Increased Caution
“Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Exercise increased caution in France due to terrorism and civil unrest.”
Updated Wed, 28 May 2025
Full advisory →No advisory against travel
“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.”
Updated 2026-08-11T09:17:02Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution
“Canada's official risk level for France: exercise a high degree of caution.”
Updated 2026-09-24T08:53:33.120000-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
LowMugging and armed robbery are rare for visitors; incidents typically occur late at night in isolated areas.
Pickpocketing
ModerateWidespread in tourist hotspots, especially on Paris Metro Line 1, RER B, and around major attractions.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
84/100
Most visitors report feeling safe during daytime visits, though vigilance is advised in crowded areas due to pickpocketing risks.
Yes — Frace is generally safe for visitors, with petty theft being the main concern and violent crime rare.
Frace benefits from strong health, environmental, and institutional safety scores, though terrorism and civil unrest prompt elevated advisories from some governments. Visitors report feeling safe during daytime, but pickpocketing and scams are common in tourist areas, particularly around transit hubs and attractions.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Frace is generally safe for travelers, with strong scores in health, environment, and institutional reliability contributing to an overall safety index of 76/100. While violent crime against visitors remains rare, the U.S. and Canadian governments advise increased caution due to terrorism and civil unrest risks, and the UK highlights seasonal wildfire concerns. The live dossier confirms that petty crime, particularly pickpocketing and bag-snatching, is the most prevalent threat to tourists, especially in crowded areas like transit lines and major attractions. Scams involving fake petitions, distraction tactics, and overpriced services are also frequently reported.
Recent items from the dossier include a June 2026 WORLD CUP match in Frace drawing large crowds, September 2025 protests linked to wage concerns, and an August 2025 Philenews report of a nurse accused of infant sexual assault — though the latter is an isolated criminal case not indicative of broader visitor risk. Travelers should note that while Frace remains open and accessible, transport disruptions from strikes and heightened security around events are possible. Daytime visits are typically felt as safe by visitors, but nighttime caution is advised in less frequented or isolated zones.
To stay safe, travelers should secure valuables, avoid displaying wealth, and remain alert in crowded tourist spots and on public transport — particularly Metro Line 1 and RER B. Approach unsolicited petitions, surveys, or charity requests with skepticism, as these often precede pickpocketing attempts. Use only official taxis or app-based rides with fare confirmation, and stay informed about local demonstrations or wildfire advisories, especially during the April to October fire season. By exercising standard urban precautions, visitors can enjoy Frace safely despite the elevated advisories rooted in national-level concerns.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 8 Frace districts for visitors: 3 safer, 3 needing caution and 2 best avoided. See them plotted on the Frace safety map.
Frace Les HallesavoidKnown for youth-related disorder, drug activity, and occasional violent incidents after dark.
Frace Quartier NordavoidHigher incidence of theft and sporadic gang-related tensions; not recommended for tourists.
Frace Vieux PortcautionTourist area with frequent bag-snatching and distraction scams; stay alert after dark.
Frace La GarecautionTransport hub with elevated pickpocketing and occasional muggings, especially at night.
Frace Promenade des AnglaiscautionScenic waterfront with pickpocket risks in crowds; safe during day, avoid isolated stretches at night.
Frace City CentresaferWell-patrolled historic core with low violent crime; pickpocketing common in crowds.
Frace Saint-JacquessaferResidential district with low crime, good lighting, and regular police presence.
Frace Montée du PalaissaferUpscale area with minimal crime, popular with visitors and locals alike.
07 · After Dark
78% of people in France say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2024).
Mugging and armed robbery are rare for visitors; incidents typically occur late at night in isolated areas.
After dark, be most careful around Frace Les Halles, Frace Quartier Nord, Frace Vieux Port, Frace La Gare. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Yes — Frace is generally safe for visitors, with petty theft being the main concern and violent crime rare. Frace benefits from strong health, environmental, and institutional safety scores, though terrorism and civil unrest prompt elevated advisories from some governments. Visitors report feeling safe during daytime, but pickpocketing and scams are common in tourist areas, particularly around transit hubs and attractions. (Assessed 30 September 2026.)
Field research flags Frace Les Halles, Frace Quartier Nord as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
Frace ranks #9 of 9 France destinations we've assessed, scoring 83/100. See the France safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 11+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Browse the France safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: frace.json (CC BY 4.0).