Monday, December 23, 2024

Foreign Office issues lengthy travel warning for UK tourists visiting France

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The British Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for UK tourists heading to France ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games.

Visitors who are attending the Olympics and holidaymakers planning to travel during the 17-day event have been warned about transport, entry restrictions, staying safe and purchasing tickets to the Games in detailed advice published by the Foreign Office.



The Olympics are taking place in Paris between July 26 and August 11, followed by the Paralympic Games from August 28 to September 8. Anyone travelling to Paris during this period has been urged to abide by France’s entry requirements, which includes a 90-day visa-free limit on stays inside the Schengen area.

Read more: Concerns about longer queues as major travel change to hit Spain, France and Greece holidays

Tourists should also check that their passports are valid – that they were issued less than ten years before the date you arrive and are due to expire no less than three months after the day you plan to leave.

The Foreign Office has urged all travellers to take out travel insurance and ensure this covers any planned activities, and to make sure you have the appropriate health cover abroad before travelling.

Holidaymakers have been warned that airports and train stations in Paris ‘will be busier than usual’. The Foreign Office advice reads: “Transport routes around Paris and other venues will be busy during the Olympics and Paralympics.

“Airports and mainline train stations will also be busier than usual. Local authorities may ask you to enter or leave venues using specific routes. Make sure you: plan your journey [and] leave plenty of time to reach your destination.”

Anyone planning to buy tickets to the Olympic or Paralympic Games has been told only to buy tickets from the official provider. Tickets will usually be digital and available to download from the official website after booking.


Those attending sporting events in Paris have been advised to charge their phones beforehand and take into account potential roaming charges in France. The entry restrictions may be different for each stadium, so it’s worth checking the Paris 2024 Olympic Venues Guide for more information.

Attendees are allowed to carry a small power bank to ensure they can charge their phones to show their tickets. The Foreign Office also urged audience members to carry a valid form of ID on their person and to keep personal belongings and valuables safe.

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