France unrest brings curfews, Paris metro closures and new US advisories
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The gist
France imposed partial curfews in several cities and Paris metro stations closed early as unrest spread.
Travellers face shifting advisories, cancellations and disruptions from France to Saudi Arabia.
Background
France's unrest began with demonstrations over rising living costs and education funding and escalated into widespread looting and clashes with police, with more than 2,400 people arrested nationwide. Localized curfews were imposed in Paris, Lille, Lyon, Bordeaux and Nice, and Marseille introduced a curfew for minors from 10pm to 5am. The violence has raised concerns within France's tourism industry as the country enters the Toussaint school holidays, with some hotels reporting cancellations and early departures, though the overall impact on bookings remains limited for now. Separately, air travel to and from Saudi Arabia remains severely disrupted, and the U.S. State Department raised Kenya's travel advisory from Level 2 to Level 3.
How it unfolded
- Oct 17, 2026Violent demonstrations across France prompted authorities to impose partial curfews in several cities.
- Oct 18, 2026Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport reopened but is operating with limited capacity.
- Oct 19, 2026The U.S. Embassy in Paris issued a security alert.
- Oct 20, 2026The U.S. State Department raised Kenya's travel advisory from Level 2 to Level 3.
- Oct 20, 2026RATP announced République, Châtelet, Châtelet–Les Halles and Les Halles stations would close from 10 p.m. on October 20 and 21.
- Oct 20, 2026Air travel to and from Saudi Arabia remains severely disrupted; Etihad extended cancellation of all flights to Riyadh and Dammam until October 24 along with selected services to Jeddah.
- Oct 20, 2026The Dutch consular post in Iran is operating on a limited basis, with appointment slots gradually increasing.
- Oct 21, 2026The U.S. State Department's updated France advisory (Level 2) start date.
- Oct 21, 2026Trade unions are due to meet Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu at Matignon.
- Oct 24, 2026Further demonstrations are expected in France.
- Nov 30, 2026South Africa's temporary visa concessions for foreign nationals affected by airspace closures are valid until this date, or until travel resumes following a ceasefire, whichever comes first.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- The U.S. State Department advises travellers to France to avoid demonstrations and areas of unrest, stay away from large crowds or significant police activity, and warns that terrorist groups continue to plan possible attacks.
- Analysts
- Fragomen says regional tensions remain elevated and recent incidents in Saudi Arabia have renewed concerns about travel disruption.
- Bulls
- Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary predicted European airfares could rise by as much as 20% in 2027 as airlines confront soaring fuel costs.
Still unverified
Other regional airlines have also cancelled services to Saudi Arabia, with no confirmed resumption dates.