In light of the upcoming 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, the Global Risk and Safety team is sharing safety guidance from On Call International and the Overseas Security Advisory Council.
Increase in Petty Crime
Pickpocketing and other petty crime is very common in Paris (as in many international locations that draw tourists). Experts anticipate an increase in this activity due to the influx of visitors. Follow the guidance below to minimize your risk:
- When in public, minimize distractions. Reduce use of mobile phones and devices, and limit headphone use so you can pay attention to your surroundings.
- Be particularly aware in locations most frequented by thieves: public transportation, shopping venues, cultural attractions, crowded events (e.g., concerts or athletic events).
- Minimize the amount of cash you carry and leave expensive valuables at home.
- Never leave anything unattended, and be mindful that thieves can easily remove your bag from the back of your chair, on the ground, in an adjacent seat, etc.
- Be aware that pickpockets typically work in teams and use distraction. Be wary of anyone who stops you for any reason (besides authorities), and do not let your guard down when speaking with strangers for any reason.
- Consider a cross-body bag instead of a one-strap bag or backpack.
- Never put anything of value in your back pocket (e.g., phone, passport, cash).
- Refrain from patting your pocket/purse to confirm that your items are safe; this calls attention to the location of your valuables.
- Be particularly wary of individuals carrying empty bags who enter your personal space.
- Only utilize ATMs in well-lit locations and opt for those with obvious security measures (e.g., visible cameras, behind bank doors).
- Walk with purpose. Thieves are far less likely to target individuals who project confidence.
- If you find yourself a victim of robbery, do NOT fight the thief. Instead, call attention to yourself loudly to hopefully deter the thief and alert others who can render aid or bring help.
- If your personal property is stolen, report it to the local police. Visit the local consulate or embassy for assistance if your passport is stolen. Notify your bank and credit card companies as necessary.
- Learn more about pickpocketing schemes: How to Avoid Pickpockets in Europe.
Protests
Security experts anticipate an increase in protests, both before and during the Olympics. Protests are extremely common in Paris, and demonstrators will likely use the Olympics as a world stage on which to present their grievances. For your safety:
- Travelers are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations. If a protest or demonstration begins at an Olympics-related event, travelers are strongly advised to leave. Protests may also occur at transportation hubs, governmental buildings, and areas of cultural significance.
- Do not engage with, record, or photograph protesters, as this may provoke a violent response.
- Do not attempt to cross any barriers erected by protesters. Instead, seek alternative routes to avoid them and exit the area.
Terrorist Attacks
While unlikely, it is important to know what to expect and how to respond in the event of a terrorist attack:
- Follow all official directives.
- Remove yourself from the vicinity immediately, if it is safe to do so.
- Do not attempt to take photos/videos of the scene.
- Expect a heightened presence of security forces in the aftermath of an attack.
- Before departure, all groups traveling together should determine two ‘rally points’; these are locations or accommodations where the group will meet up in the aftermath of an incident to make sure all members can be accounted for.
- If it is not safe to travel to and meet at a rally point, sheltering in place is advised.
- Following an incident, access to network connectivity is likely to be severely disrupted or blocked. Typically, cellphone and internet towers in the vicinity of an incident are overwhelmed by the increase in demand as the local populace attempts to use their devices all at the same time.
- Typically, internet connection is the most controlled communication option following an incident. Other forms of communication that don’t rely on internet connection (i.e., phone calls using land lines or text messaging using cellular service) — are less impacted. Thus, following an incident, travelers are advised to leverage these methods if communication channels reliant on an internet connection are inaccessible.
Following a terrorist attack or violent incident, it is common for travelers to try to immediately reach a transit point to leave the city. This is not advised in the direct aftermath of an attack, for several reasons:
- Until a threat has been contained, there remains the realistic possibility of another attack.
- Travelers are advised to shelter in place or remain in a safe area until security services have formally notified the public that the threat has been neutralized.
- A terrorist group or individual may leverage an incident and associated disruptions to create further chaos and potentially carry out their own attacks.
- Misinformation and disinformation are common after incidents and can add to heightened security postures to increase fear and disruption following an event.
Additional Information and Advice
- Anticipate substantial presence of French police in Paris and around the country. French police are typically heavily armed during normal times, so do not be alarmed by the presence of military-grade weapons.
- Adhere to the same safety guidance, wherever you may travel. While most events will occur in Paris, some competitions will be held in other locations within France.
- You may be asked at any time to produce proof of identification. Carry a copy of your passport with you at all times, and leave your official passport at your accommodations. If this is not an option, ensure that you keep the copy of your passport separate from the official passport (i.e., one in your cross-body bag and the other in your front pocket).
- Travelers should keep personal communication devices charged and with them at all times.
- Travelers are advised to travel with authorized and legal prescriptions. If you are unsure whether your medication is legal in France, you can contact On Call International (mail@oncallinternational.com) to ascertain its status.
- Do not attempt to purchase tickets to Olympic events from unauthorized dealers or individuals. Experts anticipate that a significant percentage of these offers will be scams.
- Beware of housing scams. Secure accommodations only through trusted individuals or reputable websites.
- Practice safe cybersecurity practices. Review the International Travel Guidelines outlined by the UT Austin Information Security Office.
- Be prepared for significant travel disruptions and a significant increase in traffic, so plan accordingly.
- Do not accept rides from unofficial taxis. Agree to the fare prior to entering a rideshare vehicle or taxi. Beware of individuals — particularly at airports, train and bus stations who may offer expedited transportation; these individuals will almost certainly charge you far higher fees.
Before you Leave
- Register your travel details and sign up for notifications by the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
- Save local emergency phone numbers (911 equivalents) to your phone: Worldwide Emergency Numbers List.
- Store contact information for U.S. embassies and consulates, wherever you may be traveling: Directory of Embassies and Consulates.
- If you are traveling on university business (e.g., study, research, competition, conference attendance), download On Call International’s contact information. Click Plan ID from your mobile device and follow the single prompt to save to the home screen of your phone.
- If you are traveling purely for leisure, consider purchasing emergency assistance coverage. We recommend World Trips, as On Call International is their emergency assistance provider.
