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By Amanda Greenwood
Associate News Editor
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The U.S. Embassy in Paris has issued a security warning to Americans in France ahead of a nationwide strike expected to disrupt trains, public transportation, flights and public services on Thursday.
The alert, issued on November 4, said a "nationwide multi-sector strike" is due to take place on November 5, involving teachers, health care workers and government employees, as well as public transport workers across the entire country.
Demonstrations are also expected nationwide and could continue through the weekend.
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The action is part of a broader dispute over wages, public services, employment and the French government's budget plans.
According to the French General Confederation of Labour (CGT), unions are demanding higher wages and pensions, greater funding for public services and changes to the government's proposed state and Social Security budgets for 2027. It said 1,512 strike calls had been recorded and listed demonstrations in cities across France, including Marseille, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Dijon, Caen and Nîmes.
The French Democratic Confederation of Labour has similarly cited falling purchasing power, frozen public-sector pay, threats to employment and pressure on public services.
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What Travelers Need To Know
The U.S. Embassy in Paris warned that rail disruptions could begin as early as the evening of November 4, while metro services could experience delays or last-minute station closures. Air travel and roads might also be affected, and schools, hospitals, banks and government offices could close or provide reduced services.
Travel disruption in Paris is already taking shape. RATP, the capital's public transport operator, says numerous metro stations will close from 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, at the police's request for security reasons. They include Concorde, Assemblée Nationale, Invalids, Madeleine, Charles de Gaulle-Étoile, Champs-Elysées-Clemenceau, Franklin D. Roosevelt and George V.
Stations will reopen only with authorization from the police.
The embassy has also urged travelers to contact their airlines directly because flights could be affected.
Despite the disruption, the U.S. hasn't imposed a "travel ban" on France, and the embassy isn't telling Americans not to travel there.
The country currently carries a Level 2 "Exercise Increased Caution" advisory from the U.S. Department of State, issued October 21 because of "terrorism and unrest." Level 2 means travelers should be aware of increased safety and security risks, rather than avoid the country altogether. The department reserves "Do Not Travel" advice for its highest category, which is Level 4.
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Recent Protests Turn Violent
The warnings follow violence during recent demonstrations. According to the French Ministry of the Interior, groups of people attacked government-related sites, looted businesses and violently confronted police during demonstrations on October 17. Ahead of further demonstrations on October 31, authorities mobilized 70,000 police and military officers, alongside specialist units, drones, helicopters, armored vehicles and water cannons.
Newsweek has contacted the French Ministry of the Interior for comment.
The Gendarmerie Nationale, the French military-status police force, reported that while most October 31 demonstrations were peaceful, violence erupted at Porte de Charenton in Paris. Several military officers were injured after they were attacked with what authorities described as "explosive and incendiary" devices. An attempted murder investigation has been opened.
The U.S. Embassy in Paris said that during the recent demonstrations, French police responded with "less-than-lethal crowd control methods," such as tear gas, pepper spray, water cannons and batons. It also said curfews in parts of France, including some areas of Paris and its surroundings, could continue and may be imposed at short notice.
Americans are being told to avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, exercise caution if they unexpectedly encounter one, monitor local authorities for curfew information and allow plenty of extra time for journeys. Travelers in Paris should check RATP updates, while rail passengers should monitor SNCF Voyageurs. Air passengers should check directly with their airline.
The U.S. Department of State additionally recommends enrolling in its Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP, which allows Americans abroad to receive security alerts and can make it easier for U.S. authorities to contact them during an emergency.
Newsweek's reporters and editors used Martyn, our AI assistant, to produce this story. Learn more about Martyn here.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Matthew Robinson and Shakeema Edwards.
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