From: <[email protected]>
Date: March 22, 2016 at 10:44:24 AM EDT
Subject: Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Security Situation in France
Reply-To: <[email protected]>

United States Embassy Paris, France

Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Security Situation in France

March 22, 2016

In the wake of today’s multiple attacks in Brussels, Belgium, the U.S. Embassy in France informs U.S. citizens that attacks in Europe by terror groups and individuals inspired by major terrorist organizations remain possible. In addition to earlier measures outlined below as part of the ongoing State of Emergency, French authorities announced today:

· expect an increased security presence at borders, airports, train stations, and in the public transportation system.

· individuals may be requested to present a travel ticket and/or photo identification to enter public areas at airports and train stations and may be subject to a pat down at airports, train stations, and on the public transportation system.

As part of the State of Emergency extended through May 26, 2016, French authorities have reinforced security measures throughout the communes in the Ile de France region. These allow for:

· house arrest of any person whose activities are deemed dangerous,

· the closure of theaters and meeting places,

· the surrender of weapons, and

· the possibility of administrative house searches.

The French Government has decided to re-establish border controls when needed and movement may be restricted in some areas. Travelers should:

· expect delays at airports and train stations due to heightened security measures.

· expect increased security at both border checkpoints and toll booths, due to strengthened border controls,

· contact transport companies for the latest information and to arrive at airports and train stations early.

The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens of our Worldwide Caution. Travelers should exercise particular caution during festivals or events, including Easter and similar religious celebrations. Be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid large crowds or crowded places. U.S. visitors or residents in France should be aware of their local security situation, and take appropriate steps to bolster their personal security.

U.S. citizens are encouraged to monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities. Specific safety concerns should be addressed to French law enforcement authorities who have responsibility for the safety and security of all visitors to France.

For further information:

· See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and France Country Specific Information.

· Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

· Contact the U.S. Embassy in Paris, located at 2 Avenue Gabriel 75008 Paris, at +(33)(1) 43-12-22-22 or by email at [email protected]. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +(33)(1) 43-12-22-22.

· Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

<<The French Government has decided to re-establish border controls when needed and movement may be restricted in some areas. >>

Why only "when needed"? Why not set up permanent border controls again?

'cause they have EU treaty obligations that only allow 3 month derogation of open borders within Schengen. These obligations need them to identify good cause.

Not a good year to travel, is it?
Maybe we should head to Asia this summer. The continent doesn't seem to be on the agenda of Isis.

Any change the Schengen Treaty will be overturned? It seems there is definitely a "good cause" identified.

I keep reading these warnings, but as someone who lives full-time in Paris, I can tell you that this is "business as usual" - especially since the last two attacks in Paris.

If you want to come to Paris, you should do so. Just expect slight inconveniences when entering public buildings - bag checks, open your coat, no luggage or backpack storage in museums, etc.

The Schengen Treaty will be overturned by the time most of us are too old to travel. Nothing moves quickly when it involves several nations and their bureaucracies.

Why do members get the EU and Schengen Treaty mixed up as being of the same thing, when it is not?

Very good post Fuzz.

Will tell you if the queues lengthened at Gare du Nord to take the Thalys... on my way home (at last).
Cancelled my trip to Paris this friday (not because of the attacks, though). No more Paris for me before ... 4th of April !

I wonder if we have travel advisories in Colorado Springs and San Bernardino? While this is concerning, it is no different than any other time, really. We need to be vigiliant and sensible, not take foolish chances or risks, and NOT stop our activities.

Terrorists win when we submit to fear.

I humbly submit that there is a natural difference in views between a tourist and a resident.

I have many friends in DC and NYC, and one in Paris, and none of them moved out of their city or altered their daily routines except as required. If you had said to any one of them, "I am heeding the State Department warning and not traveling to (X)," they would have found it ridiculous.

But these warnings are intended for tourists, mainly, who may be planning their one major vacation and may indeed wish to go somewhere where the risk is deemed to be smaller by "experts".

I have often posted here to say that no place is perfectly safe, and that we should not stop traveling in response to terror. I'm not changing my view. But these warnings, however imperfect they are, do have a place, I think.

Glad you are headed home, Whathello. Safe travels. Give us an update once you get there.

"Why only "when needed"? Why not set up permanent border controls again?"

Because that would involve enormous expense and disruption, and is unlikely to actually make much difference.

One might equally ask why the United States does not reduce the number of gun deaths by implementing restrictions on firearm purchase.

I have been in Paris for both previous attacks. I always spend a great deal of time with my Paris friends. We shared the tragedies together.

I always stay in the western part of the 7th and noticed very little, if anything, regarding gendarmes patrolling etc.

Obviously the heavy tourist attractions would have more security.

I don't let these things change my life. In the wwrld today anything can happen wherever you are!!

It is commendable that the American government worries about the safety of its citizens when they are out of the country. It is a shame that they don't give more attention to safety inside their country.

As has often been pointed out, most Americans are safer absolutely anywhere in Europe, even when there are terrorist attacks, than they are at home.

<<One might equally ask why the United States does not reduce the number of gun deaths by implementing restrictions on firearm purchase.>>

There are restrictions. Half the population wishes there were more restrictions, half the population wishes there were no restrictions. That's the problem.

But I'm not sure why you changed the subject. This is a thread on a terrorism warning from the U.S. Embassy, not a debate on US gun laws. Let's stay on topic, please.

I only asked about border controls because it was brought up on national news this morning. The terrorist at large could easily leave Belgium because there is no border security. Versus if there was border security, he might be more easily apprehended.

Border controls on Belgium

For those of us who have hiked through the Ardennes I can tell you now that it would cost a fortune to wall Belgium in. Having done so you will note that the crazies are on the inside with us (see also Trump in USA etc). Border control is not the issue. You win hearts and minds in the everyday not in the barbed wire of a fence.

This thread regarding Schengen is curiously devoid of any awareness of recent events within the EU regarding Schengen. Since the end of last year, it has effectively and officially been suspended througout Europe. Earlier this month, the EU presented a plan for restoring Schengen by the end of 2016, contingent upon creating a new, commonly patrolled super-external "border", mainly in the Mediterranean, to keep refugees from entering Europe (kettling them elsewhere). This is quite different from spontaneously shutting borders to keep terrorists from exiting the scene of a crime. However, terrorist events may end up superseding and undermining plans for the restoration of Schengen this year, the plan for which was unrealistic anyway.

I disagree without the rosy-eyed (or cynical?) view that Schengen will be with us for the foreseeable future. It is already effectively gone, and is likely to be more formally done away with in the very near future.

Sorry for my typo. Meant to type: I disagree with the rosy eyed...

gracejoan, nice to see you posting!

Thanks for the information, Sandralist.