Protests and Riots in Europe: Travel Advice for France, Italy and Albania

Violent protests and civil unrest in France, Italy and Albania are raising questions for international travellers: is it safe to visit, could a journey be disrupted and what should you do if demonstrations develop nearby?

Reports over the weekend of 17–18 October include clashes with police, fires and damage to businesses in several cities. The immediate concern for visitors is the location of the unrest in relation to their accommodation, transport connections and planned activities. Review the specific journey, rather than making a decision based on a country name or dramatic footage alone. Conditions can differ between neighbourhoods and change during the day.

France: fresh warnings following weekend violence

Several European governments issued warnings on 19 October following violent unrest in France. Reuters reported advice to avoid demonstrations and large crowds, exercise caution and follow local police instructions. The unrest followed protests over living costs and public services. Reporting from Paris describes damage and looting after the weekend’s demonstrations. 

For travellers, the practical questions are whether a planned visit passes through an affected area, whether accommodation remains accessible and whether local restrictions alter the journey. Ask your hotel about its immediate surroundings and check official local notices before setting out.

A national news report cannot establish the conditions on every street. Equally, a quiet morning near your hotel does not establish that a planned protest elsewhere will remain peaceful.

Italy: clashes in Milan and other northern cities

Reuters reported renewed clashes in Milan on 18 October, including looting and police use of tear gas and water cannon near Piazza Duomo. Similar unrest had occurred the previous day in cities including Bologna, Turin, Brescia and Bergamo.  The location matters for visitors because of its central squares and shopping districts which can be part of an ordinary sightseeing itinerary. Travellers can encounter a demonstration without having intended to approach it.

If you are visiting these cities, check whether planned activities or transfers overlap with announced gatherings or police cordons. Confirm access to accommodation and allow flexibility to change a walking route, meeting point or collection location. Do not assume that a reported clash means all transport has stopped. Check the specific service with the operator and the route to the station or airport separately.

Albania: sustained unrest in central Tirana

Tirana has experienced several consecutive days of violent anti-government protests. Reporting published on 19 October describes clashes around government buildings and central streets, with fires, property damage and police use of tear gas and water cannon. 

For visitors staying or attending meetings in central Tirana, the proximity of accommodation to government offices and protest locations deserves particular attention. Confirm vehicle access with your hotel or transport provider. A driver may need to collect you away from an affected street, and an apparently straightforward walk could pass through a gathering or police operation.

Travellers elsewhere in Albania should assess their own location and itinerary. Reports from the capital should prompt checks of planned movements rather than assumptions about conditions throughout the country.

Is it safe to travel to France, Italy or Albania?

There is no single answer that applies to every traveller and destination. The decision should account for official advice, current local information, the purpose of the visit and how easily the itinerary can change. A city centre hotel beside a demonstration route presents different considerations from accommodation away from the affected area.

Before departure, review your government’s travel advice and ask practical questions such as can you reach your accommodation, are the planned activities operating, and can you change arrangements if access becomes difficult?

Families with young children, people with reduced mobility and anyone travelling alone may need additional flexibility. If the main purpose of the trip depends on access to an affected area, discuss postponement or alternative arrangements with the relevant providers.

Could protests affect flights, trains or airport transfers?

Unrest can affect a journey even when the airport and flight continue operating. Road closures, police cordons or changes to local transport can complicate the transfer. Check three separate elements: the flight or train itself, the connection to the departure point and access to the destination on arrival. A confirmed ticket does not answer all three questions.

Allow additional transfer time where local disruption is reported and agree an alternative collection point with your driver where appropriate. Check live operator notices before leaving your accommodation. Use current, location-specific information. Social media footage may show a different city, an earlier incident or an area several kilometres from your planned route.

What should you do if a protest turns violent nearby?

Leave the area early if a clear route is available. Avoid moving towards clashes, police lines or groups breaking away from a gathering, and do not stop to watch or film.

If you cannot leave safely, seek shelter in suitable premises away from the disturbance and follow instructions from local authorities. Ask staff for assistance and avoid crossing a police cordon to reach a hotel or vehicle. Tell a travelling companion, family member or assistance provider where you are. If you face an immediate threat or need urgent medical care, contact local emergency services.

Should you cancel,and will insurance cover it?

Check the position with your airline, hotel, tour operator and insurer before cancelling. The available options will depend on the booking terms, actual disruption and applicable policy wording. Ask specifically about civil unrest, changes in official advice and additional accommodation or transport costs. Do not assume that concern about a destination automatically creates a right to reimbursement. Keep records of cancellations, provider instructions, receipts and relevant correspondence if your journey is affected.

Practical assistance during civil unrest

Global Traveller provides access to 24/7 human medical, security and travel assistance. When a situation becomes difficult to manage, support can help you understand local options, communicate with providers and coordinate appropriate onward arrangements. Our guide to emergency travel assistance⁠ explains how practical support can help when ordinary travel arrangements break down.

If you need assistance, provide your current location, contact number, number of travellers and intended destination. Explain whether you are safe where you are and whether anyone has medical or mobility needs.

Conditions remain fluid. Recheck official advice, local restrictions and transport information before travelling.