EU opens door to Schengen visa-free travel for five Gulf countries, step could benefit French exporters
France-Visas portal offline for scheduled maintenance, visa applicants urged to plan around 4-hour outage
France-Visas website offline this morning for scheduled maintenance
Latest News
Nation-wide airline crew strike notice expires without disruption after unions suspend action
The threatened 17-21 October airline crew strike was officially lifted without service disruption, averting what could have been thousands of flight cancellations during France’s school-holiday week. Unions paused action after the government offered fresh talks on pension reform, but warn they could strike later if concessions are not secured.
Paris RATP unlimited strike continues into late October, low-level disruption on metro and RER lines
CGT-RATP’s open-ended strike, active since 28 September, continues to cause minor but chronic delays on Paris metro, RER and bus services. Travellers should build contingency time into itineraries, particularly given overlapping night-time curfews and dense road traffic.
French Senate Tables Bill to Grant Municipal Voting Rights to Non-EU Residents
A constitutional bill introduced in the Senate on 20 October would give non-EU foreigners with five-years’ residence the right to vote and stand in municipal elections. The proposal could enhance expatriate integration and influence relocation attractiveness, but faces political resistance.
French Government Imposes Night-Time Curfews in Paris, Lyon and Major Cities After Unrest
France has reinstated 9 p.m.–6 a.m. curfews in Paris, Lyon and other major cities after violent protests. Travellers must carry proof of essential movement, and airlines are rescheduling late arrivals. The restrictions, reviewed every 72 hours, present immediate compliance and scheduling challenges for business visitors.
France Imposes Nightly Curfews in Paris, Lyon and Other Hubs After Weekend Unrest
France has re-introduced night-time curfews (21:00-06:00) in Paris, Lyon, Lille, Bordeaux and Nice following violent protests. Key metro and RER hubs will close early, and travellers need exemption letters or risk fines. The measure complicates late-night flights, business dinners and shift work, so companies should update itineraries and duty-of-care protocols.
France Renews Internal Schengen Border Checks Through 30 April 2027
France has told the EU it will keep passport checks on all internal Schengen borders from 1 November 2026 to 30 April 2027, citing security threats. Business travellers should factor in extra time at land crossings and carry full ID and work documentation. The extension continues a trend of near-permanent French border controls since 2015.
Paris Metro Shuts Key Interchange Stations at 22:00 Amid Security Clamp-Down
RATP will close République, Châtelet and Les Halles from 22:00 on 20–21 October, rerouting metro and RER services as part of police-ordered security measures. Late-night journeys across Paris will take longer and alternative transfer points are recommended.
EU Portal Confirms French Internal Border Controls Remain in Force Until 31 October
The European Commission’s 20 October update confirms that France’s internal border checks are still authorised until 31 October. Companies should prepare for at least 11 more days of spot passport inspections and remain alert to a possible extension.
France’s Schengen Internal Border Checks to Remain in Force Until 31 October
An EU notice confirms France will maintain internal Schengen border checks until at least 31 October 2026. Business and leisure travellers should expect spot passport inspections on road, rail, sea and air routes to neighbouring countries.
Australian Government Updates France Travel Advice, Flags Potential Border Delays for Short-Term Visitors
Australia’s Smartraveller bulletin for France, updated 20 October, highlights the risk of sudden protests, curfews and border slow-downs. Australian business visitors are urged to build extra buffer time into itineraries and verify insurance coverage for civil-unrest disruptions.
Australia Updates France Travel Advisory: Heightened Border Checks and Local Curfews
DFAT’s Smartraveller has updated its France page (20 Oct), warning of stricter border controls, potential curfews and transport disruptions amid ongoing protests. Corporate travellers should monitor local developments and allow extra time at land borders.
Airline Cabin-Crew Strike Notice (17–21 Oct) Suspended but Could Resume, Warns StrikeTracker
A nationwide airline crew strike planned for 17–21 October has been suspended but not cancelled. StrikeTracker warns the action could restart on 24-hour notice, so travellers should stay flexible and airlines are operating stand-by rosters.
U.S. Embassy Issues Security Alert for France, Citing Violent Protests
The U.S. Embassy in France has warned American citizens to avoid violent protest areas and comply with new curfews. The advisory underscores escalating unrest and may affect corporate security policies and insurance coverage for employees in France.
Paris Metro to Close Key Stations Early on 20–21 October Under Police Order
At police request, the RATP will close major central Paris metro stations from 22:00 on 20 and 21 October. The move, tied to security around demonstrations, forces travellers to find alternative late-night transport and adds to current mobility challenges.
Five-Day Airline Crew Strike Notice Remains ‘Suspended’ but Not Cancelled
The national pilot and cabin-crew strike planned for 17-21 October is officially ‘suspended’, not cancelled. Flights are operating normally on 20 October, but unions can reactivate the stoppage at short notice, so travellers should keep flexible tickets and monitor DGAC updates.
France-Visas Portal to Shut for Four-Hour Maintenance on 21 October
France-Visas, the mandatory online gateway for French visa applications, will be offline from 08:00–12:00 (GMT+2) on 21 October 2026 for maintenance. Applicants will be unable to submit or amend files, so businesses should download receipts in advance and adjust travel timelines accordingly.
Level-Crossing Fault Near Surdon Disrupts Normandy–Paris Rail Corridor
A level-crossing problem near Surdon has slowed or cancelled trains on the Normandy–Paris line between 13:00 and 24:00 CET on 20 October. Travellers face up to 40-minute delays and limited replacement buses; alternative routes via Rouen may be faster.
France Imposes Night-Time Curfews in Paris, Lyon and Other Cities After Riots
Paris, Lyon and several other French cities have re-introduced overnight curfews (from 19–20 October) after riots caused major damage. Police are blocking access to central districts and public transport is being rerouted. The curfews could last indefinitely and will complicate evening travel, hotel check-ins and employee mobility across France.
France-Visas Portal Announces 21 October Maintenance Outage: Applicants Urged to Download Receipts Now
The France-Visas website will be inaccessible on 21 October from 08:00-12:00 CEST for scheduled maintenance. Applicants—and employers sponsoring them—should save receipts and complete uploads beforehand to avoid processing delays.
Czech Embassy Warns Nationals About French Curfews and Upcoming Strikes
The Czech Embassy in Paris has alerted its citizens to new curfews in multiple French cities and to upcoming strikes (24, 31 Oct; 5 Nov). Travellers are urged to avoid protests, plan routes carefully and monitor the official strike calendar.
Paris Metro Faces Ongoing CGT-RATP Unlimited Strike Amid Curfew Disruptions
A CGT-RATP unlimited strike that started on 28 September continues to cause reduced Metro, RER and bus service in Paris. Combined with new 21:00 curfews, the action complicates evening travel for residents and business visitors; employers should prepare alternative transport and keep exemption letters on hand.