Visitors to France should remain vigilant and plan ahead for potential disruption to travel networks and tourist attractions, due to heightened security measures and a run of malicious bomb threats that the country’s Justice Minister has said are causing “psychosis”.
High security
The country has been operating at its highest level of security alert since 13 October 2023, when 57-year-old teacher Dominique Bernard was fatally stabbed by a 20-year-old former pupil in Arras in an alleged jihadist attack.
Déclaration depuis Arras. https://t.co/ZSEQLDpOF1
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) October 13, 2023
That incident, plus rising fears about antisemitism and anti-Muslim feeling due to the Israel-Hamas war, have appeared to set off a wave of disruption, as well as paranoia, with multiple hoax bomb threats being called in to airports, schools, monuments and museums, causing an extraordinary number of shutdowns and delays.
Visitors to France should therefore expect a highly visible presence of police and security forces and should follow their instructions in case of any incidents.
Where is the threat coming from?
Authorities have so far pointed the finger of blame for the malicious warnings in two directions: young people and a particular email address in Switzerland. It appears many of the threats are being received through a website set up to allow the public to text police officers direct.
Contacting official police social media accounts, phoning in and emailing are also favoured methods being used by what Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti has called “little jokers.”
Nous serons intraitables avec ces plaisantins qui répandent la psychose.
— Eric Dupond-Moretti (@E_DupondM) October 18, 2023
Ils seront retrouvés et punis.
Je demande aux procureurs des poursuites systématiques et la plus grande fermeté.
16 enquêtes sont déjà ouvertes.
La peine encourue: 3 ans ferme et 45 000€ d’amende. https://t.co/tuzx9pcXRI
Authorities are tracing IP addresses and phone numbers to catch those behind the threats. Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said last Thursday night that 18 people, mostly under the age of 18, had been taken into custody for the malicious behaviour over two days. Making fake bomb threats is a crime punishable by up to three years jail time and a €45,000 penalty in France.
Which places are affected?
Aviation and public infrastructure across the country has been disrupted and Paris’s tourist offer has been badly affected.
15 regional airports received threats on one day alone last week, and multiple airports, including Bordeaux, Nantes, Nice, Toulouse, Lille, Biarritz, Beauvais and Brest have been evacuated on several occasions, with at least 130 flights cancelled as a result.
The Louvre and the Palace of Versailles, two of France’s premier attractions have both been closed and thousands of visitors evacuated due to security alerts – the latter an extraordinary seven times in one week.
Visitors to the Palace of Versailles evacuated again due to a bomb threat.
— Ulfh3dnar (@Ulfh3dnar_) October 18, 2023
France mobilizes up to 7,000 soldiers to strengthen security measures across the country.#France #Versailles pic.twitter.com/o0cjxMm091
Should you avoid travel?
While the official threat level is high, most reports and official sources are downplaying any danger. Transport Minister Clément Beaune has said the culprits are “playing with fear.”
Tourists should pay attention to official travel guidance. Leave plenty of time to get where you need to go, remain vigilant and make contingency plans in case of unexpected problems. Be aware that delays to travel and closures of attractions can happen with no notice.
The UK Foreign Office does not advise avoiding travel to France. In light of current events around the world, the U.S. State department currently has a rare “worldwide caution” advisory out for all its citizens.
