France is bracing for widespread chaos as unions and protesters call for a “Black Thursday” general strike against the government’s pension reforms. Union leaders have called for a “massive mobilization.”

Demonstration Alert – U.S. Embassy Paris, France

Location: France, nationwide

Event: Countrywide strikes on Thursday, January 19, will have significant impact on flights, long distance and local trains — including TGVs, international, regional and local trains, metros, and trams — as well as local buses and a wide range of other public and private services. This includes transportation to and from airports and train stations. Some gas stations may be low on fuel due to high demand. Demonstrations are anticipated in cities and towns throughout France.

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in Marseille and Strasbourg will be open, although some public services may be subject to longer processing times as a result of the strikes. According to officials, the Concord Metro station nearest the Embassy will only be open from 7:30-9:30 a.m. and from 4:30-7:30 p.m. The closest open Line 1 station will be Franklin Delano Roosevelt; the closest open Line 12 and Line 14 station will be Madeline.

Actions to Take:

• Avoid the areas of the demonstrations
  
  
• Exercise caution if in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests
  
  
• Plan significant extra time to arrive at your destination
  
  
• Verify flight and train schedules with your airline to train provider
  
  Long distance trains, including TGVs:
  https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/help/disruption-information
  
  Paris area public transport: 
  https://me-deplacer.iledefrance-mobilites.fr/en/traffic-infos/lines
  
  
• Monitor local media for updates
  
  
• Be aware of your surroundings
  

U.S. citizens may monitor English-language French media at the following:

• http://www.france24.com/en/
• http://en.rfi.fr/france/
• https://www.thelocal.fr

Assistance:

U.S. Embassy Paris, France
+33 (1) 43 12 22 22

CitizenInfo@state.gov

U.S. Consulate General Marseille, France
+33 (1) 43 12 22 22

CitizenInfoMarseille@state.gov

U.S. Consulate General Strasbourg, France

+33 (1) 43 12 22 22

USAStrasbourg@state.gov

State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444

France Country Specific Information

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