Civil unrest in France has led to the closure over the weekend of the country’s most famous landmark, the Eiffel Tower, amid fears of danger to visitors.
Travellers have been told to avoid the area and other tourism landmarks as authorities have warned they will use “exceptional force” to control demonstrations in protests over living costs.
Australian Government website Smartraveller lists the official advice: High degree of caution. The advice states “Demonstrations linked to the Yellow Vest movement continue across France. French authorities have warned that widespread violent protests are likely in Paris and other major centres on Saturday 8 December. Disruption to public transport services in Paris can be expected. You should avoid all demonstrations, monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities. We haven’t changed the level – exercise a high degree of caution in France, due to the high threat of terrorist attack.”
Global travel insurance provider WorldNomads.com is warning its customers to avoid any protests or signs of unrest for their own safety.
“The best course of action is to ensure your safety by staying well away,” said travel safety expert Phil Sylvester.
- For travellers that do inadvertently come across a riot, WorldNomads.com have tips on how to stay safe. These are some tips that can help in any situation when travelling and worth being mindful of.
- If you hear that a demonstration is taking place, avoid the area or stay in your accommodation until you are sure that it is safe to go out.
- Before you go out, establish where the demonstration has taken place and if possible avoid the area. Take a long and consult a map so that you will know where you are at all times.
- If you come across a demonstration, don’t become inquisitive, just leave the area and find another route to your intended destination.
- If you find yourself caught up in a protest or riot keep to the edge of the crowd where it is safer. Try not to be identified as being one of the demonstrators by keeping well away from the leaders/agitators.
- At the first opportunity, break away and seek refuge in a nearby building or find a suitable doorway or alley and stay there until the crowd passes.
- If you are swept along in the crush, create a space for yourself by grasping your wrists and bracing your elbows away from your sides; bend over slightly – this should allow you breathing room.
- If pushed to the ground, try to get against a wall and roll yourself into a tight ball and cover your head with your hands until the crowd passes.
- Remember to keep calm – the crowd should sweep past in a short space of time.
Mr. Sylvester also reminded travellers that it is not only unwise to join in or to deliberately approach a riot “even just to watch” it may also jeopardize the person’s travel insurance.
