Significant rioting that began in the northern suburbs of Paris Oct. 27 has become extremely violent, as angry protesters set fire to several buildings and hundreds of vehicles. Although the riots have occurred in areas not normally frequented by U.S. tourists, travelers should be aware that train travel from the Charles de Gaulle Airport to the city center may be disrupted at times, as it passes near the affected area. Travelers could rely instead on airport buses or taxis to downtown Paris. Americans should avoid the affected areas that include the northern suburbs of Seine-Saint-Denis, (Clichy-sous-Bois, Aulnay-sous-Bois and Le Blanc-Mesnil) and also Trappes in the southwest of Paris), and should move quickly away from any demonstrations that they may encounter.

According to news reports, on November 3 the riots moved beyond Paris for the first time with reports of disorder in Dijon in eastern France, Marseilles in the south, and Normandy in the northwest. Travelers should be alert to news media reports for the most up-to-date information.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Travelers in France who need assistance can contact the U.S. Embassy at 01-4312-2222, or by email at: citizeninfo@state.gov. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Paris is located at 2 Rue St. Florentin, 75001 Paris (Place de La Concorde, Metro Stop Concorde), tel. 011-33-1-43-12-22-22 or (in France) 01-43-12-22-22; fax 011-33-1-42-61-61-40. Further information can be obtained at the U.S. Embassy's web site at http://france.usembassy.gov.