Terrorist attack in Paris, 129 dead/352 wounded. Border controls reinstated
#61
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From the US Embassy Paris (LINK):
In the wake of the November 13, 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris and continued terrorist threats against France and Europe detailed in the Department’s Worldwide Caution, we strongly urge U.S. citizens to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security. Authorities believe the likelihood of terror attacks in Europe will continue as European members of ISIL return from Syria and Iraq. Additionally, there is a continuing threat in Europe from unaffiliated persons planning attacks inspired by major terrorist organizations but conducted on an individual basis.
In this context, U.S. citizens should exercise vigilance in public transportation systems, high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business offices, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas, shopping malls, and other tourist destinations. 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.
We strongly suggest U.S. citizens in France directly contact concerned family members in the United States to advise them of your safety.
The French government continues to operate under a state of emergency. The state of emergency allows the government to prevent the circulation of individuals and to create zones of protection and security. There are reinforced 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 U.S. Embassy will be open for business including visa and citizen services on Monday, November 16, 2015.
French schools will be open on Monday, November 16.
Airports and train stations remain open, however travelers may expect delays due to heightened security measures. We encourage travelers to contact transport companies for the latest information and to arrive at airports and train stations early.
The French Government has decided to re-establish border controls and movement may be restricted in some areas.
Public transportation is operational, however some bus, metro, and tram lines are running on modified routes. For the latest information, please visit ratp.fr.
Public events in Paris have been cancelled, and public monuments, tourist sites, and many retail outlets may remain closed. The American Battle Monuments Commission has temporarily closed U.S. cemeteries in France.
In this context, U.S. citizens should exercise vigilance in public transportation systems, high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business offices, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas, shopping malls, and other tourist destinations. 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.
We strongly suggest U.S. citizens in France directly contact concerned family members in the United States to advise them of your safety.
The French government continues to operate under a state of emergency. The state of emergency allows the government to prevent the circulation of individuals and to create zones of protection and security. There are reinforced 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 U.S. Embassy will be open for business including visa and citizen services on Monday, November 16, 2015.
French schools will be open on Monday, November 16.
Airports and train stations remain open, however travelers may expect delays due to heightened security measures. We encourage travelers to contact transport companies for the latest information and to arrive at airports and train stations early.
The French Government has decided to re-establish border controls and movement may be restricted in some areas.
Public transportation is operational, however some bus, metro, and tram lines are running on modified routes. For the latest information, please visit ratp.fr.
Public events in Paris have been cancelled, and public monuments, tourist sites, and many retail outlets may remain closed. The American Battle Monuments Commission has temporarily closed U.S. cemeteries in France.
#62
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#63
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Toll stations, yes, and also speed traps, but not border control so much, although once I made the mistake of driving from Spain to France through Andorra.
#64
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I'm sure I'm not the only one here who is old enough to remember the pre-Schengen days. It wasn't that bad crossing these borders and dealing with passport checks on nearly every flight I took. What was worse as a Euro business traveler was carrying around all that currency pre-Euro. Especially Italian lira.
#65
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I'm sure I'm not the only one here who is old enough to remember the pre-Schengen days. It wasn't that bad crossing these borders and dealing with passport checks on nearly every flight I took. What was worse as a Euro business traveler was carrying around all that currency pre-Euro. Especially Italian lira.
#66
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Service is suspended on Metro lines that go through Place de la République.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articl...curity-concern
Update: incident is now closed and was due to an unattended package. Operation of the lines is resuming and isn't nominal just yet.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articl...curity-concern
Update: incident is now closed and was due to an unattended package. Operation of the lines is resuming and isn't nominal just yet.
Last edited by JOUY31; Nov 24, 2015 at 7:21 am
#67
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Denver CO
Posts: 3,682
Service is suspended on Metro lines that go through Place de la République.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articl...curity-concern
Update: incident is now closed and was due to an unattended package. Operation of the lines is resuming and isn't nominal just yet.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articl...curity-concern
Update: incident is now closed and was due to an unattended package. Operation of the lines is resuming and isn't nominal just yet.
#68
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Coming from Andorra , they are looking for contraband or duty free items that French citizens are bringing in.
#69
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Nothing good comes from this. For my upcoming trip, I'm already thinking about alternates if something goes down wherever I'll be in a few days. What waivers will be in effect, what happens to booked hotel rooms, etc. Who should ever have to think about such things?
#70
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If not why not???? But then they could be innocent people.
The 63 is one of my buses. And I warn you, I've lived here for a very long time and know my pickpockets, the only time that I was, it was an old Frenchman with his trench coat... so be on the look out for such men...
#71
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Denver CO
Posts: 3,682
Did you call the police on them? Did you tell the driver?
If not why not???? But then they could be innocent people.
The 63 is one of my buses. And I warn you, I've lived here for a very long time and know my pickpockets, the only time that I was, it was an old Frenchman with his trench coat... so be on the look out for such men...
If not why not???? But then they could be innocent people.
The 63 is one of my buses. And I warn you, I've lived here for a very long time and know my pickpockets, the only time that I was, it was an old Frenchman with his trench coat... so be on the look out for such men...
#72
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Stuttagrt-Strasbourg
Car registered in another Schengen country. Family with kids travelling for Christmas markets. How slow/difficult is it to drive from Stuttgart to Strasbourg and back these days?
#73
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#74
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I doubt so. Caucasian faces from Eastern Europe, pure white-skinned. We look more like Russians to southern people like Cypriots than anybody else.