France

You must be able to prove your identity by providing documents when asked or within 4 hours at a police station. Accepted IDs are:

• passport
• photocard driving licence
• other documentation provided by a government body

Covering your face in public places in France is illegal. This includes balaclavas, full veils or any other garment or mask that is used to hide the face. You could get a fine of up to 150 euros if you do not comply.

Forcing someone to hide their face is also a crime and is punishable by a year’s imprisonment and a fine of up to 30,000 euros. If the person forced to hide their face is aged 17 and under, the sentence is doubled. This law applies to tourists.

Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties including imprisonment and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through airports, ports and Eurostar stations.

Airports, ports and Eurostar stations in France have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

In summer months, there is a risk of higher than normal temperatures in France. Check current weather forecasts and read about how to protect yourself on the Meteo France website.

Find advice on how to stay safe in hot weather from the National Health Service (NHS).

Check with your travel provider and follow advice from local authorities.

Wildfires can occur across France during the summer months. The risk is highest in the south of the country, particularly along the Mediterranean coast, in Corsica, and in areas of the south-west during periods of hot, dry weather. 

Check the French weather service’s fire alert map before travelling and monitor local authority advice during your stay. Conditions can change quickly and access to forests, countryside areas and tourist sites may be restricted at short notice.

Fires have become more frequent because of drought and high temperatures. French authorities may evacuate areas and close roads for safety reasons. Causing a wildfire is illegal in France, even if it is started by accident. You could get a fine or a prison sentence. 

If you’re staying in, or near, a high-risk area see advice from the French government (in English) for information about:  

• what to do if a wildfire breaks out 

• how to prevent wildfire outbreaks 

• protecting your home from wildfires (including mandatory bush clearance) 

If you are caught in, or witness, a wildfire, call the emergency services on 18 (fire) or 112 (emergency services).

There is a risk of flooding in areas of France. If your accommodation is near a river, check flash flood watch (‘vigicrues’) (in French) for more information on current flood risks.

There is a risk of avalanches in mountainous areas. Check current weather forecasts and avalanche risks on the Meteo France website. Follow local advice before you ski or hike and consider carrying avalanche search equipment.

Conditions on roads in mountainous areas can quickly become difficult in winter. Carry water, food, warm clothing and medicines in your vehicle.