Fact Check: UK has not advised citizens not to travel to France amid riots
Riots have been ongoing across France in relation to the June 27 fatal police shooting
(Reuters) - The UK foreign office issued guidance for people travelling to France in response to unrest there, but it had not warned UK citizens not to travel to the country at the time of writing, contrary to online posts.
Social media accounts sharing copy-and-pasted paragraphs of text about riots in France included the line: “Britain’s foreign office is now warning UK citizens not to travel to France.”
Examples can be seen on many social media platforms including Facebook.
Riots have been ongoing across France in relation to the June 27 fatal police shooting of a teenager of North African descent, 17-year-old Nahel, in Nanterre, a suburb outside of Paris.
However, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) had not told UK citizens not to travel to France at the time of publication.
Its travel advice for France on July 6, here, which was updated on June 30, advises: “You should monitor the media, avoid areas where riots are taking place, check the latest advice with operators when travelling and follow the advice of the authorities.”
It also includes details about the potential impact of the unrest for tourists: “Since 27 June, riots have taken place across France. Many have turned violent. Shops, public buildings and parked cars have been targeted. There may be disruptions to road travel and local transport provision may be reduced. Some local authorities may impose curfews. Locations and timing of riots are unpredictable.”
The FCDO declined to comment when contacted by Reuters.
VERDICT
False. At the time of writing, the UK foreign office had not issued advice to UK citizens not to travel to France in response to the ongoing riots in the country of June and July 2023 following the shooting of teenager Nahel.
