The upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games are set to ignite excitement across Paris and the wider Île-de-France region, with thrilling events unfolding in iconic venues. Seine-Saint-Denis will be at the heart of the action, hosting the Olympic, Paralympic, and Media villages. Beyond Paris, the excitement spreads to various cities across France, and even to the stunning shores of Teahupo’o in Tahiti, where football, handball, and surfing competitions will take place.
Competitions will be held across 21 venues in nine cities:
Ensuring Your Safety During the 2024 Paris Olympics
If you’re attending the 2024 Paris Olympics, ensuring your safety and staying informed are paramount. Whether you’re a participant or a supporter, being proactive about security and preparedness can significantly enhance your experience. Consider the following safety concerns to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip:
Terrorism
While there have been no direct threats against the Paris 2024 Olympics, the event remains a potential target for militant groups like Islamic State (IS) and al-Qaeda, as well as radicalised lone individuals. Since 2014, militant attacks in France have caused 265 deaths and nearly 1,210 injuries, with the deadliest on 13 November 2015, when IS-perpetrated shootings and suicide attacks in Paris killed 130 and injured 413.
Nearly 20,000 military personnel will be deployed during the Games, and CCTV surveillance, including algorithmic video monitoring, will be increased. Visitors should stay vigilant in crowded areas and near places of worship, and report any suspicious items or behaviour to authorities.
Hooliganism
Despite assurances that the Games will be free of hooliganism, clashes between rival national teams’ fans remain possible, influenced by global political events. A strong police presence aims to deter violence and respond swiftly, but sudden confrontations could still occur, risking harm to bystanders.
Authorities plan to ban alcohol at competition venues to prevent related crimes. Security perimeters will be established around these venues to ensure safety.
Exercise caution around large groups of fans and major transport hubs. Avoid unruly crowds, as police may use baton charges, tear gas, and arrests to manage hooliganism. Seek shelter if unrest occurs.
Policing
The Paris Police Prefecture operate 24/7 reception points, including 20 central district stations. Officers’ English skills vary, but bilingual officers can be identified by national flags on their badges. Complaints can be filed in 30 languages, including English, other European languages, Mandarin Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Hebrew, and Turkish.
Fraud
Unlicensed taxis, ATM scams, credit card fraud, and identity theft are common in Paris. Criminals may impersonate police officers, impose false fines, or pose as petitioners collecting fake donations. These scams often occur at tourist sites, attractions, airports, and rail stations, with criminals working alone or in groups. Avoid engaging with street hawkers asking for money or personal information. Use ATMs inside banks, and regularly check your bank statements. Seek police or consular help if you become a fraud target.
Crime
Foreign travellers in Paris often encounter petty crimes such as pickpocketing, theft, and bag-snatching. High-traffic tourist spots like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Champs-Elysées, Saint-Michel, the Bastille, and the Centre Pompidou are particularly vulnerable. Organised gangs, including children, frequently target tourists at the Louvre. Public transport hubs also experience frequent thefts. To minimise risk, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, keep credit cards in concealed pockets, avoid displaying wealth, and stay alert.
Violent crimes, though rarer, do occur. Reports include armed robberies and assaults at major attractions like the Champs-Elysées, the Louvre, Palais Royal, Les Halles, the Latin Quarter, and Gare du Nord, as well as on RER train lines to the suburbs late at night. The 19th arrondissement and certain suburbs like Saint-Denis, Aubervilliers, and Pigalle have higher crime rates. Avoid travelling alone in these areas after dark and remain vigilant.
Stay Safe and Enjoy the Celebrations
As the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics approach, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience amidst the excitement requires diligent preparation and awareness. While Paris will undoubtedly be buzzing with energy, the potential for security challenges—ranging from terrorism and hooliganism to petty crime—necessitates proactive measures.
To enhance your safety, consider leveraging our Travel Risk Management App. Monitored around the clock by our Global Response Centre, this app keeps you informed with real-time alerts and updates, allowing you to navigate risks with confidence. By staying updated on the latest developments and advisories, you can better protect yourself whilst enjoying the Games. Safe travels!