This page is for Australians planning to travel to the:
Read this page to learn about:
- Olympic event locations
- what to do before you travel
- travelling to France and getting around while you're there
- safety and security
- taking care of your health in the heat
- where to get help
Olympic event locations
Olympic events will happen in France, in the cities of:
- Paris
- Versailles
- Lyon
- Nice
- Bordeaux
- Nantes
- Marseille
- Saint-Étienne
- Lille
There will also be events in Teahupo’o, French Polynesia.
What to do before you travel
- Read our travel advice for where you're going. Subscribe for email updates. Also, read the advice for any countries you'll transit through.
- Follow @smartraveller on Facebook, X and Instagram.
- Get travel insurance. Make sure it covers everything you plan to do. Read the CHOICE travel insurance buying guide.
- Talk to your doctor at least 6 weeks before you travel. Get your travel vaccinations. Make sure your medicine is legal in France.
- Take copies of your passport ID page. Leave one with someone you trust in Australia, along with your itinerary. Take the other copy with you. Keep it separate from the original.
- Print any e-tickets and bookings. Write out a list of important contacts. Take them as backups in case your mobile device is lost or stolen.
Use our travel basics checklist to make sure you cover the essentials.
Travelling to France and getting around while you're there
Passports and visas
France is part of the Schengen Area. This means you may not need a visa to visit as a tourist. Make sure you understand the rules and trip duration limits. Read our advice about travelling to the Schengen Area.
Check your passport expiry date. The expiry date must be at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave France. You may not be allowed to enter if you have less than 3 months left.
If you're a dual citizen of France, you may have to show your French passport to enter the country.
Accommodation
Accommodation in and around Paris and other host cities is in demand. Book as soon as possible. Don't plan on finding a place to stay after you arrive.
There have been reports of identity theft through accommodation scams. Be cautious when booking travel. Only use travel providers with a good reputation. Avoid giving your personal details to unknown sources.
Getting to and from events
Many Olympic and Paralympic event sites are in the centre of Paris and other host cities. Security perimeters around event sites will restrict car access. Some events will also happen on public roads. This will affect public transport, traffic, parking and road access across the city.
- Plan your trips before you go.
- Have backup plans for missed, full or cancelled public transport services.
- Leave plenty of time to get where you need to be.
Arrive at competition venues 2-3 hours before the event begins to account for
- congestion on public transport
- planned disruption to regular traffic
- security screening processes at competition venues.
If you go to venues on the outskirts of Paris such as Saint-Denis, plan your public transport route home before you go. Taxi wait times after events are likely to be long.
For more about getting around, see:
- getting around in Paris during the Games
- up-to-date information about public transit disruptions in and around Paris
- public transport during Paris 2024 - frequently asked questions
Also see other resources in French only:
- Map of the Games' impact on roads and public transit (in French only)
- Alerts for public transit changes (in French only).
Read our advice about travelling on public transport.
Safety and security
France's national terrorist alert is at the highest level.
- Expect high levels of security nationwide.
- Stay alert when out and about.
- Follow the local media for updates.
- Report anything suspicious to the police.
Armed security will be patrolling in and around event sites, including sniffer dogs and mounted patrols. They may stop you for random bag searches. Always carry photo ID.
French authorities will set up colour-coded security perimeters around event sites. There'll be restricted access within each perimeter. For details about the security perimeters, see:
- getting around in Paris during the Games
- maps of security perimeters around sites during the Games (in French only)
Follow the instructions of local authorities. If you don't, you could be arrested.
Read the Safety section of our travel advice for France. Also, read our advice about terrorism.
Theft and petty crime
Theft and petty crime are common in Paris. Be alert in crowds and on public transport.
- Carry your belongings in a theft-proof bag. Use a money belt for your cash, cards and ID.
- Don't leave your bag, phone or wallet exposed to snatching. For example, hanging on a chair, lying on a cafe table or in a back pocket.
- Don't leave your bags unattended.
- Only carry as much cash as you need for the day.
- Use ATMs in more secure places such as banks and shopping centres.
- Keep your ATM and credit cards in sight when paying for services.
Always get a police report when you report a crime. You’ll need it to claim insurance.
Read our advice about preventing theft while travelling.
Cyber security
Paris Olympics have gone digital-first. This has raised concerns about cyber-attacks and scams.
Be aware of your cyber security.
- Buy tickets and services from verified sources.
- Be careful using QR codes. Check the web address it takes you to before giving your details.
- Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
- Keep a printed copy of your tickets and bookings. This will make sure you can still access them if systems go down.
See our advice on protecting your cyber security. Also, read our advice on scams.
Taking care of your health in the heat
The Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics will take place in European summer.
Extreme hot weather is possible during the competition. Paris can have temperatures up to 40C during summer heatwaves. Remember to slip, slop, slap, seek, slide.
- Wear clothing that protects you from the sun, including hat and sunglasses.
- Use SPF 30-50+ sunscreen.
- Stay in the shade as much as possible.
- Remember to keep well hydrated.
Where to get help
Find the right help for your situation on the My Security website. The site lists all emergency numbers and has a 24/7 online chat support service.
To contact French emergency services, call 112.
In Tahiti, call
- 17 for police
- 15 for ambulance
- 18 for fire and rescue
For non-urgent help, depending on what you need, contact your:
- family and friends
- travel agent
- travel insurance 24-hour emergency helpline
- airline.
If you need consular help
Read the Consular Services Charter to understand what we can and can't do to help.
Australian Embassy in Paris, France
4 Rue Jean Rey,
75015 Paris, France
Phone: (+33 1) 4059 3300
Email: consular.paris@dfat.gov.au
Website: france.embassy.gov.au
Note: the Australian Embassy is located near an Olympic venue. Travel times to and near the Embassy may be affected during the Olympic Games.
Australian Consulate-General in Papeete, Tahiti
Level 2, CCISM Building
41 rue du Docteur Cassiau
Papeete, Tahiti
French Polynesia
Phone: +689 40 57 69 00
Email: consular.papeete@dfat.gov.au
Website: papeete.consulate.gov.au
24-hour Consular Emergency Centre
If you're concerned for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian overseas, call:
- +61 2 6261 3305 overseas
- 1300 555 135 in Australia
Read more
- Read our advice about travelling for a major event.
- Learn more about staying safe overseas.
- See our travel health checklist.