PARIS / SINGAPORE — October 23, 2026
What was supposed to be a dream European holiday is turning into a difficult decision for Singaporean travellers as violent protests, looting, tear gas and heightened police security disrupt parts of France, raising urgent questions about whether tourists should proceed with their planned trips.
Despite disturbing images of damaged businesses and clashes between demonstrators and police, some Singaporeans remain determined to visit Paris, choosing to adjust their travel arrangements rather than abandon long-awaited holidays.
However, with another major wave of demonstrations expected on October 24, the situation remains unpredictable.
Singapore Tourists Caught Between Travel Dreams and Safety Concerns
Among those facing a difficult choice is a 29-year-old Singaporean identified as Rachel, who has planned a birthday holiday in Paris with her mother from October 28 to November 4.
According to Channel NewsAsia (CNA), Rachel remains reluctant to cancel the trip despite concerns that further unrest could threaten their safety or disrupt transportation around the French capital.
Her biggest worry is encountering violent disturbances or being stranded because of sudden public transport closures.
Instead of cancelling, she is considering alternative arrangements, including using taxis when necessary, even if that means spending more money.
Her situation reflects a broader dilemma facing visitors: continue travelling with additional precautions or postpone until conditions stabilise.
Witnesses Describe Tear Gas, Masked Groups and Damaged Shops
Singaporeans already in Paris have reported unsettling encounters during the unrest on October 17.
Julie Haw, 54, who travelled to the city for a food exhibition, described witnessing masked individuals attacking a storefront as groups moved through the streets.
Another Singaporean, aged 33, reported being exposed to tear gas near Place de la République after a gathering that initially appeared peaceful became chaotic.
She and a companion struggled to leave the area as crowds ran and police directed people away from the disturbance.
Meanwhile, Edwin Ho, a Singaporean who has lived in Paris for four years, said the latest unrest appeared more disruptive than demonstrations he had previously witnessed.
Public transport closures forced him to abandon weekend plans.
Yet the scenes of violence did not represent conditions throughout the entire city.
Some neighbourhoods continued operating normally, with restaurants serving customers and residents carrying on with their daily routines.
The contrast highlighted how rapidly conditions can change between different parts of Paris.
Why Is France Experiencing Widespread Protests?
France’s latest unrest has been driven by frustration over rising living costs, deteriorating public services and economic pressures affecting households.
Mass demonstrations on October 17 attracted hundreds of thousands of people across the country.
While many participants protested peacefully, some demonstrations escalated into violence, including vandalism, looting, attacks on public property and clashes with police.
Reuters reported on October 19 that several European and Asian governments had responded by warning their citizens about deteriorating security conditions.
The unrest has also created a political challenge for President Emmanuel Macron’s government as it confronts public dissatisfaction ahead of France’s 2027 presidential election.
French authorities maintain that peaceful demonstrations remain legitimate, but have moved to restrict gatherings considered likely to trigger further violence.
France Prepares for Another Major Protest on October 24
French authorities are preparing for further demonstrations scheduled for Saturday, October 24.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has called for a substantial police presence, while authorities are considering targeted restrictions and nighttime curfews in affected areas.
On October 22, Reuters reported that President Emmanuel Macron was tightening measures against violent unrest, with particular attention to protecting businesses and preventing further destruction.
These measures could create additional disruptions for tourists, especially those planning to visit central Paris, major shopping districts or protest locations.
Visitors could encounter closed metro stations, altered transport routes, increased police checkpoints or restricted access to certain streets.
However, these risks do not mean that every tourist attraction or neighbourhood in Paris is experiencing violence.
Singapore Travel Agencies Report Itinerary Changes, Not Mass Cancellations
Despite growing concerns, Singapore travel agencies have not reported widespread cancellations linked to the disturbances.
Dynasty Travel told CNA that fewer than 10 France trips had been amended because of the protests.
The agency said affected customers had generally requested itinerary adjustments rather than cancelling their holidays completely.
It is prepared to modify evening activities, transportation and sightseeing schedules if local restrictions make changes necessary.
Chan Brothers Travel similarly reported no protest-related cancellations, with its November and December tour departures still proceeding as planned as of October 23.
Both agencies are monitoring developments and preparing alternative arrangements where necessary.
Singapore Has Not Issued a Specific France Travel Advisory
Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed to CNA that, as of October 23, it had not issued a separate travel advisory or notice for France in response to the unrest.
Nevertheless, the ministry’s standing travel guidance advises Singaporeans to avoid large crowds and demonstration areas because political and economic protests can disrupt traffic and public transport.
Other governments have issued stronger warnings.
Malaysia has advised citizens to consider postponing non-essential travel to France, while Australia recommends exercising a high degree of caution.
The United Kingdom has also warned that demonstrations can occur with little notice and may result in transportation disruptions or localised safety restrictions.
The different responses underline the importance of checking official guidance rather than assuming that travel warnings are identical across countries.
What Should Travellers Do Before Visiting Paris?
Tourists planning to visit France in the coming days should closely monitor official security announcements, transport schedules and information from their airlines or travel providers.
Avoiding demonstrations, preparing alternative transportation and staying away from heavily policed gathering areas can reduce exposure to potential disturbances.
Travellers should also check their travel insurance conditions before making cancellation decisions, because policies may not cover voluntary cancellations based solely on general safety concerns.
The European emergency number 112 is available in France for urgent assistance.
Is Paris Still Safe for Tourists?
The latest unrest has created genuine security concerns, but the situation is more complicated than images of burning debris and damaged shops might suggest.
Much of Paris continues to function, and tourists are still visiting the city.
The greatest uncertainty concerns how quickly peaceful gatherings could escalate, whether authorities will impose additional restrictions and how widely the next demonstrations will affect transport and public spaces.
For Singaporeans preparing to fly to France, the question is no longer simply whether their holiday plans can proceed.
It is whether those plans can remain safe if conditions change unexpectedly.
With fresh demonstrations approaching, will Paris regain its calm — or will another weekend of unrest force travellers to make the cancellation decision they have been trying to avoid?
