Travelers visiting France are advised to exercise increased caution and be aware of their surroundings as large-scale protests and other demonstrations have descended into riots in parts of the country over the weekend.
Rising living costs, frustration over schooling conditions and other local issues have prompted residents to clash with law enforcement on multiple occasions, with fires and other violence damaging historic structures and disrupting public transportation in some cases.
The latest guidance from the U.S. State Department encourages Americans to exercise increased caution in France due to terrorism and unrest.
"Peaceful demonstrations and strikes happen often in Paris and other cities in France," the State Department says. "Protests can disrupt transportation services. On rare occasions, protests have turned violent or caused property damage. Police may respond with water cannons and tear gas."
Other countries, including many across Europe, have issued similar advisories for France, encouraging citizens to avoid large crowds and gatherings.
In an update published Friday, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in France noted that "demonstrations and blockades can cause road delays" but confirmed that there are no planned strikes impacting air travel or rail service.
Nonetheless, travelers should stay up to date on the latest happenings across the country but also be sure to get information directly from suppliers such as airlines and hotels if visiting in the coming days. The current situation across France doesn't necessarily warrant a trip cancellation, according to travel advisors.
"I would review the actual trip before making that decision. A departure tomorrow requires a different assessment from a vacation several months away," luxury travel expert Angela Hughes wrote in a Facebook post on Sunday.
"Before canceling anything, ask suppliers about your options and have your insurer explain what your specific policy covers. Do not assume a news event automatically makes a cancellation refundable," she added. "Paris deserves careful attention right now. If you are traveling soon, get current information from the people responsible for your hotel, transportation and tours, and make decisions around those facts."
The latest events come just days before many Americans travel to Paris for the first-ever NFL game in France, between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints, at Stade de France on October 25.
In a statement, the league said that "there has been no disruption or impact at league sites" and that it will "continue to work closely with local authorities and partners on all operational and security matters."
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