India issues France travel advisory as cost-of-living protests escalate

The Embassy of India in Paris on 21 October issued a formal travel and safety advisory urging Indian nationals to avoid protest sites, remain vigilant and follow local curfew orders as France braces for another nationwide demonstration on 24 October. The notice follows violent clashes during marches on 17 October that left more than 200 shops looted and prompted several city-centre curfews. The advisory, disseminated via the embassy’s website and X (formerly Twitter), provides emergency contact numbers for the Embassy in Paris and the Consulate in Marseille and reminds travellers that French authorities can impose on-the-spot identity checks under the Vigipirate security plan. Students are asked to carry residence permits at all times, while tourists on short-stay Schengen visas should keep passport copies on their phones. Travel-risk consultants report that major Indian corporates have activated “track and alert” protocols for employees scheduled to attend trade fairs in Lyon and Paris next week. Some firms have switched meetings to Brussels or Frankfurt to avoid potential rail disruptions should unions join the protests. Airlines have so far maintained normal India–France operations, but group PNR holders may face last-minute coach transfers if city-centre rail links are suspended. Insurance providers note that most standard travel policies exclude “civil commotion” unless the policyholder purchases an add-on; mobility managers should verify coverage for staff and assignees. Expatriates already in France are advised to enrol in the embassy’s Global Pravasi Rishta portal for real-time SMS alerts.