Would you go to Paris on Monday?

[cobicat]

Just canceled a work trip to Paris due to concerns about the volatile situation there. I realize that central Paris is mostly unaffected (so far) but it seems like a bad time to visit. My boss (Paris based) has implied that I am being overly dramatic.

Would you go?

They've updated the travel guidance this morning.

I expect a state of emergency will be declared over the weekend.

I'd cancel as well op. You don't know what areas will be affected next. It's not urgent then it can wait x

It's still the same as it was.

Yes but then I visited a country that was having a long term internal conflict (not quite civil war but close) so maybe I'm not the best judge of risk.

There are issues with both main Paris airports apparently due to transport curfews.

I have friends going to eurocamp today an hr away & still planning eurodisney next week but i wouldn’t even have did that nevermind actually Paris i’d have cancelled my holiday too

They've added some language to it to take account of the riots, yes.

The FCO is absolutely not, as some people on MN are claiming, advising against all but essential travel to France. This is not true and people repeating this are frightening others unnecessarily.

Travel insurance always has a clause that says something about terrorism/ war /civil insurrection/ travel against foreign office advice etc.
If your claim has nothing to do with any of that you’re fine.

Of course you should go. It’s youths on the street against the police.
They aren’t taking hostages or planting bombs.

You’ll be fine op @cobicat
it sounds like it would be good for you career - you should go

If the UK government says that they advise only essential travel then most travel insurance won't cover you. I know that they aren't saying that at the moment, but I would check what happens to your insurance if they do whilst you are there.

How do you know where the riots will be? Do they send out an email before hand? Honestly OP, I'd postpone. Why risk it if it's not absolutely essential?

My parents are there now with my 6 yr old. They have an apartment near the Louvre. It’s fine. I’d go if I were you.

Only if it was absolutely essential, otherwise no. Why take the risk?

Essential travel is usually only in war zones or really fucked up countries - and even then, it often says just avoid parts of a country.

I would be very very very surprised if the FCO advised only essential travel to France in any guidance.

They won't.

yes if your travel insurance will cover you and you don’t need to go out in the evening.

if you don’t absolutely need to go then I don’t think I would

Yes I’d go

Yeah I would go

As the mum of a teen due to go to Paris next weekend with school, I am concerned.

I've explained that I was unsettled by some of the more dramatic reports but will reassess on Sunday night. Hopefully, things will be clearer by then.

I would seek advice from HR on what the official company line is. At the end of the day this is business travel and the company has a duty of care. Put the decision firmly in the company’s court to confirm responsibility for your safe travels.

I live in a small town in France, last night the local burger king was stoned (after closing time) and two traffic lights were set on fire. Meanwhile the entire local police force (all seven of them) were patrolling the live music event on the other side of town (they even stopped to eat ice-cream 🙄 ). Unless you're supposed to be staying right in the middle of one of the areas that's concerned by the rioting, you'll be fine.

Harshbutfair · Today 07:57
You're being ridiculous”

How rude. Travel insurance may be invalidated, OP.

The FCO do not advise against travel

This is their current advice:
Since 27 June, riots have taken place across France. Many have turned violent. Shops, public buildings and parked cars have been targeted. There may be disruptions to road travel and local transport provision may be reduced. Some local authorities may impose curfews. Locations and timing of riots are unpredictable. You should monitor the media, avoid areas where riots are taking place, check the latest advice with operators when travelling and follow the advice of the authorities.

French authorities have banned a rally by groups opposed to the government in Iran planned for 1 July in Paris, due to concerns about security risks; connected events are reported to still be going ahead, however, including in the suburb of Auvers-sur-Oise. A demonstration by the same group in Paris in June 2018 was the target of an attempted bomb attack. British nationals should reconsider any plans to attend such meetings, and if you do, be aware of your surroundings at all times, and move away quickly from disturbances.

It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.

What it is saying is the following:

1. Make sure you have travel insurance in case the situation means you can not travel
2. Read the small print on your travel insurance - many policies won't cover you if you are caught up in a riot. That's why you are advised to avoid them and don't stand there gawping and filming it for social media. That doesn't mean your insurance is invalid for the whole country or even a city.
3. The issues are confined to small areas. Check local media for exact details of where there are problems. If your destination - as in the district you plan to go to rather than an entire city - is affected, change your plans.
4. Exercise due diligence and remain alert for issue. Leg it at the first sign of potential problems.
5. Be prepared for travel disruption.

If you are meeting people in France, ask what the situation is on the ground! Sounds obvious but it's sensible. Chances are they will laugh at you.

Even if Macron declares a state of emergency?

If Macron declares a state of emergency do not get hysterical and read newspaper headlines.

Read the FCO website for updates.

It will give more information on what to do. There should be advice for those yet to travel and those who are already there.

A state of emergency doesn't mean the entire country will be off limits. It's likely more about policing and curfews in small areas.

Ask locals and see what they are doing.

Think about how you can get too and from airports etc if public transport isn't running. That doesn't mean you can't travel, but you may need to make alternative arrangements.

Again, read travel insurance fine print.

It wouldn't put me off, but I would follow events closely, get a map out and consider doing things slightly differently if appropriate.