051619 – 2019 Summer Events in France

France will host a number of large events this summer. If you will travel to France to a location that is at the time hosting one of these events, consider enhancing your usual safety precautions.

• 052619 to 060919 – The French Open
• 060119 to 061019 – Commemorative events associated with the 75th Anniversary of D-Day Landing and the Battle of Normandy
• 060719 to 070719 – FIFA Women’s World Cup
• 061719 to 062319 – The Paris Air Show
• 070619 to 072819 – Tour de France
• 082519 to 082719 – The G7 Summit

Passports and visas

• Your passport and visa should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay.
• Review your travel insurance benefits.
• You may have to provide a form of ID at the event if requested by a police officer. Police may hold you at a police station until your identity is confirmed.
• Always take care of your passport, getting a replacement is costly and time-consuming. Keep a photocopy or scanned copy of your passport somewhere safe.

Before the event

• Check in advance a route map and alternative routes to your destination as streets may be closed.
• Monitor local media and alerts for issues that may impact your plans for the day.
• Learn more from trusted locals about the usual rules, guidelines, and safety measures to observe before, during, and after the event.

If you will attend the event

• Access to the entry of the event location may be slow due to crowds, ticket checks, and body searches depending on the event. To avoid bottlenecks get to the location early.
• Police and stewards may ask to see the ID of persons attending the event. Carry a photo ID with you.
• Follow local police instructions.
• Anyone who is obviously drunk may not be allowed into the event. Also, any banners bearing political slogans may not be allowed in the event.
• Flares, fireworks, alcoholic drinks, cans, glass, bottle tops, or containers over 500ml may not be allowed in the venue.
• Find your seat quickly and be polite to people around you.
• If a sporting event, local police may decide at the end of the event to hold visiting supporters back to allow the home fans to disperse.
• If you will consume alcohol, do it in moderation. Purchase liquor from legitimate sources, and inspect packaging for irregularities, broken seals, or errors on the labels.
• Employ the ‘buddy system’ when possible to ensure safe return to your residence.
• If you find yourself in a situation where your safety is compromised or you need medical support, seek help from the security or medical personnel at the event.

General Tips

• Follow the instructions of the local police at all times.
• Petty criminals often operate in areas where there are large crowds, so be vigilant and keep your valuables secured.
• Beware of pickpockets and bag snatchers at railway and stations, and other public transport. Only carry what you need, leave spare cash and valuables in hotel safety deposits.
• Drinking in the streets may be banned at certain times and locations.
• Mass gatherings pose unique health risks.  Large numbers of people in a small space can aid the spread of infectious diseases, increase the risk of injury, and test the local health resources.  Learn about what you can do to mitigate these risks.
• Don’t participate in, record, photograph, or stay to observe demonstrations abroad, avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, follow the instructions of local authorities, monitor local media for the latest information, confirm your transportation plans, review your Personal Emergency Action Plan.
• Terrorists continue to carry out attacks worldwide. Maintain a high level of vigilance and practice good situational awareness.

This post provides general guidance for UT Dallas travelers. Please note the publication date of this post, and go to the direct sources linked for the most up-to-date information.  The information in this post may change without prior notice.

Wishing you safe travels!