Traveling to France – security risk alert

Following the latest deadly attack in Nice on July 14, tourists travelling to France should now the facts that boost their safety measures

As the deadly incident in Nice last week triggered a state of emergency in France and a forecast of 30 per cent decrease in visitor numbers expected for next month, tourists aiming to visit the country should be fully aware of the situation here, in order to avoid exposure to terrorism and further tragic events.

Terrorism is known to manipulate through permanent anxiety. As travel expert Phil Sylvester explains, terrorism risk is impossible to predict: "Everywhere in Europe is at the same risk of terror attack today as it was two weeks ago. We’re just more aware of it today, feeling the hurt and the fear."

With three deadly attacks in the last 18 months, France, the world's leading tourist destination, currently faces terrorism impact translating into a slow recovery time and an overall drop in visitor numbers. For example, due to the attack in Nice, the U.S. Embassy in Paris has released a travel warning for all U.S. citizens aiming to visit the country in the near future which resulted in a considerable decrease in tourists. "Authorities believe the likelihood of terror attacks in Europe will continue as European members of ISIL (Da’esh) return from Syria and Iraq. Additionally, there is a continuing threat in Europe from unaffiliated persons planning attacks inspired by major terrorist organizations but conducted on an individual basis", the warning quotes. The U.S. State Department alert is valid until the end of August 2016.

During the present state of emergency, the French government can always shut down attractions, venues or any other point of interest if considered a threat to the country's security. Furthermore, all public transportation systems face increased security, while the number of soldiers and armed police on the streets is unprecedented.

To remain as safe as possible when visiting France, keep your awareness level up, especially in crowded places and public transportation of any kind, events, concerts, public areas, shopping malls and any other tourist destination that draws massive numbers of people. Moreover, earlier in June, the authorities in France have also released a smartphone app that notifies users about natural disasters, terror attacks and any other safety threat all across the country.