April 30, 2019
Location: France, countrywide.
Event: May Day demonstration will take place on May 1, 2019 in Paris and other major cities in France. The “Gilets Jaunes” (Yellow Vests) are expected to join labor union marches across the country.
Previous “Yellow Vest” demonstrations have become violent with smaller groups splitting from the main demonstration and causing serious damage to private and public property. Police response has included water cannons, rubber bullets, and/or tear gas. Demonstrations may cause traffic disruptions and impact public transportation throughout France, including significant delays traveling between downtown Paris and the major airports (Charles de Gaulle Roissy and Orly) and access to rail stations. Disruptions to public services and closures of various sites usually open to the public (businesses, museums, tourist attractions) have taken place.
Please review the Travel Advisory for France – Exercise Increased Caution for additional safety and security information.
Actions to Take:
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Keep a low profile and avoid the areas of the demonstrations
- Monitor local media
- Exercise caution and shelter in place if in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests
- Close windows and shutters to avoid possible smoke and tear gas exposure
- Consider relocating in advance to another area
- Do not try to force your way through a barricade with your vehicle
- Maintain easy access to passports and other documents, prescription medicine, infant formula, and chargers for electronics
- Notify friends and family of your safety and travel plans
U.S. citizens may monitor English-language French media at the following:
- http://www.france24.com/en/
- http://en.rfi.fr/france/
- http://www.thelocal.fr/
- https://www.ratp.fr/travaux-manifestations/manifestations (for information on Metro closures)
- https://www.prefecturedepolice.interieur.gouv.fr/Nousconnaitre/Documentation/Salle-de-presse/Communiques-de-presse/Circulation (for updated information on traffic and pedestrian restrictions in Paris)
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Paris, France
+33 (1) 43 12 22 22 - CitizenInfo@state.gov
- U.S. Consulate General Marseille, France
+33 (1) 43 12 22 22
CitizenInfoMarseille@state.gov - State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444 - France Country Specific Information
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
- Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
United States Embassy
American Citizen Services
4, avenue Gabriel
75382 Paris Cedex 08
France
Telephone in France: 01 43 12 22 22
Telephone from U.S.: (011 33) 1 43 12 22 22
Website: https://fr.usembassy.gov
American Citizen Services: e-mail – citizeninfo@state.gov
Passports and Citizenship: e-mail – passportsparis@state.gov
