Generally, Paris is safe for travel. Locals helped us put together this guide to safety in Paris. It covers everything from COVID to tips for solo travelers.
Work with a local to build your trip to Paris. Our locals offer up-to-date information you might not find online—and tips on how to avoid crowds. Learn more.
Naturally, one of the most common questions about travel to Paris concerns COVID-19. You might be wondering, when will France be safe for travel? Is it even possible to go?
Good news! Travel to France is mostly back to normal. Vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers can visit France for vacation (although the CDC recommends getting vaccinated before travel). Negative COVID tests are no longer required for Americans to enter the country. And the government does not currently have a mask mandate either. But masking is still recommended on public transit and indoors in public.
There’s one exception effective January 5, 2023: if you are traveling from China you will need a negative COVID test and will be required to mask on planes and public transportation.
Because these rules can change and fluctuate at a moment's notice, we recommend connecting with a local who can help you stay up-to-date.
--
Read our full update about travel and coronavirus HERE. Or, send a message to a French local.
Safety in Paris
Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in France. The French capital is full of world-class museums, cobblestone streets, and blocks packed with bistros. And yes—Paris is a safe place to visit.
That being said, locals note that Paris is a big city. Which means you should take certain precautions. These include:
Paris is a popular place to visit in France because it’s beautiful, romantic, and safe. As long as you use common sense, you should be ok.
The State Department currently gives France a Level 2 Travel Advisory. For context, this is the same rating they assigned to most places in Western Europe, like Italy and the U.K. Level 2 means you’ll want to be a little more cautious and aware of your surroundings than Level 1, but the country is pretty safe.
France is safe—but locals say you should keep these common scams in mind:
Overall, locals recommend taking care when navigating large crowds and tourist sites, like the Eiffel Tower.
Locals tell us that one thing you should know about France is that protests are common. In the last few years, the country has seen strikes over transit, retirement policies, and inequality.
Travel agencies might tell you to skip Paris if a protest is likely. However, locals note that protests are usually planned in advance. If you work with a local to plan your trip, they’ll let you know how to navigate the latest strikes. After all, locals do it all the time!
Locals say you’ll have an incredible time if you travel to Paris alone. France is a safe destination for solo travelers, and so is its capital city!
Here’s what locals say solo travelers in Paris should know:
Work with a local to plan your trip if you’re looking for personalized advice on exploring Paris solo. It's like having a best friend in Paris—but still traveling alone.
No matter where you go in France—so many options!—it’s good to know a few phrases. Locals tell us that these are some basic ones to keep in mind:
Paris is a good place to stay in France if you speak no French. Most people you’ll encounter will speak English. Still, it’s easy to say hello or thank you in French—and it really goes a long way.
Although it’s unlikely, here are some good numbers to have on hand in case you run into trouble in France:
--