Component demo

Terrorism

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in France.

There is a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals, from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out more about the global threat from terrorism.

Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places frequented by foreign nationals such as shopping centres, entertainment establishments, cultural events, public transport and places of worship. Methods of attack have included knife attacks, shootings, bombings, as well as vehicle attacks. You should be vigilant in public places and follow the advice of local French authorities.

In recent years, there have been a number of high profile terrorist attacks across France. Previous attacks in France include:

  • On 23 April 2021, a police officer was killed at a police station in Rambouillet.
  • On 29 October 2020, a stabbing took place at the Notre-Dame de Nice in Nice. Three people were killed.
  • On 16 October 2020, a school teacher was killed and beheaded outside the school where he worked in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, a town north west of Paris.
  • On 25 September 2020, a knife attack took place in the Richard Lenoir area of the 11th arrondissement, in central Paris. Two people were injured.