Paris terror attack: Francois Hollande's declaration of 'war' disrupts travel in France
Foreign Office says French authorities have 'advised foreign school groups to avoid travelling to France for the time being'
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Your support makes all the difference.The consequences of President Hollande’s declaration that “France is at war” are now rippling through the nation, as fears of a repeat attack distort travel patterns.
The French Education Ministry has cancelled all school trips until Sunday [22 November]. The order does not specifically apply to school parties from abroad. But the Foreign Office says the French authorities have “advised foreign school groups to avoid travelling to France for the time being”.
In Alsace, discussions are taking place about whether the usual Christmas markets should go ahead. The marché de Noël in Strasbourg alone normally attracts 2m visitors in the build-up to Christmas.
But French Railways is operating normally, saying: “SNCF and all its employees express their solidarity with the victims of the Parisian attacks and their families. Trains on all of our lines will run as scheduled. Let’s remain vigilant together.”
The situation in Paris is shortly to become more complicated, as delegates arrive for the UN talks on Climate Change from 30 November to 11 December.
The Foreign Office says: “A large march in central Paris is planned on 29 November and further protests are expected at the end of the conference on 12 December.
“If you see groups of protestors or security forces gathering, you should take extra care, leave the area and follow the advice of the local authorities.”
British Airways is warning its passengers: “The French government has asked for extra security checks at all airports in the country, and this may lead to delays to flights from France.”
Air France has extended its offer to passengers booked to travel in the next few days to postpone their trio; anyone ticketed up to Sunday 22 November can switch dates until 15 December without penalty.
The Belgian government has increased its national threat level to “serious”, indicating that a terrorist attack is considered likely. Security measures have been heightened at Brussels airport and railway stations with international services.
Following the terrorist attacks, Australia is warning its citizens in the French capital and surroundings: “reconsider your need to travel”. The official travel advice from Canberra says “There is a high level of risk.”
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