Canada warns travellers of safety risks from planned demonstrations in France

The Government of Canada updated its travel advisory for France on Wednesday, warning travellers about possible safety and security risks linked to upcoming nationwide demonstrations. Several large-scale demonstrations have taken place in different French cities since September. More are planned in several cities on Saturday, Oct. 31, and Thursday, Nov. 5, the government says.

Security measures, including partial or localized curfews, may be imposed at short notice, according to the advisory. Security forces may also use crowd-control measures such as tear gas. Demonstrations could cause major disruptions to public services and transportation before, during and after they take place. The advisory warns that even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time.

The government urges travellers to avoid areas where demonstrations are planned and monitor local news for updates. Travellers should follow instructions from local authorities, including curfew orders. They can also expect an increased police presence and heightened security measures.

Demonstrations are frequent in France and are usually planned and approved by authorities, the advisory says, but spontaneous, unauthorized demonstrations can also occur. The notice says radical activists and vandals have used aggressive and violent tactics at demonstrations to cause damage and provoke a strong police response. They sometimes throw stones, smoke grenades, bottles and other debris at rallies; police normally respond with tear gas to disperse crowds.

For international travel, the government also recommends registering with Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA), a free, confidential service that notifies Canadian citizens abroad about emergencies overseas or personal emergencies at home.