Paris is preparing to welcome thousands of American football fans for the NFL’s first regular-season game in the city, as the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the New Orleans Saints at Stade de France on Sunday, October 25.
While recent demonstrations and periods of civil unrest have created some disruptions in parts of France, the game is moving forward and NFL officials say heightened security measures have been coordinated with local authorities.
With an estimated 81,000-plus fans expected to travel for the historic matchup, visitors should stay informed and take a few extra precautions while exploring Paris. The U.S. State Department currently advises Americans to exercise increased caution in France because of the potential for terrorism and unrest.
For fans headed to Stade de France, as well as travelers planning to explore Paris or other parts of France during the NFL weekend, a little advance planning can go a long way toward making the trip enjoyable and stress-free.
The U.S. State Department’s Maintains a Level 2 Advisory
The government continues to advise tourists to exercise increased caution in France due to terrorism and unrest despite recent violent escalations. The U.S. Embassy in Paris has continued to caution Americans to avoid demonstration areas, anticipate public transit delays, and respect localized curfews implemented in their travels to the country.
Monitor Planned Demonstration Locations
The U.S. Embassy Paris Demonstrations Alerts page provides real-time safety advisories and notifications on planned marches as you plan your stay. Once you arrive in France, keep an eye on local national news media, including outlets like France 24 or Le Monde, who regularly report planned mobilization dates.
Avoid staying near popular commercial areas, public squares, and educational institutions. Retail stores and popular shopping plazas were targeted by looters, so staying in a less well-known part of town can be safer. Quiet residential areas are your best bet to avoid chaos.
For NFL game travelers, the stadium location is at Stade de France, in the northern region of Saint-Denis. Saint-Denis sits on the northern perimeter of Paris, 5 miles or a 10-15 minute train ride from the central Paris where the most intensive looting and riots have occurred.
Monitor public transit delays.
Public transit and rail status can be monitored via the RATP Official Website for Paris metro and bus disruptions. For more local routes, monitor local community platforms like this Paris Travel Guide Megathread. Grabbing a taxi or ride share may not be the best choice if the route intersects with the path of the protesters. As a safety precaution, always text someone as you leave and arrive key destinations.
Arrive Early to Engagements
If you have important meetings or events to attend, do your best to arrive early and stay close to the event location to avoid last minute traffic or public transportation delays.
For those attending the NFL’s inaugural regular season game in northern Paris this Saturday, gameday activities begin at 12:00 PM, well before the 2:30PM kickoff time. Attendees should also expect extra security, as organizers have ramped up precautions in light of recent escalations in central Paris.
Be Aware of Local Curfews
As of October 20, 2026, curfews have been activated in designated zones in Paris. A nightly curfew from 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM is active in areas including around the Place de la République and the Les Halles shopping district, while unauthorized public gatherings and protests are banned in parts of central Paris starting in early evenings. To confirm curfew details and locations, check the Préfecture de Police de Paris website or social media feeds.
If you are traveling outside of Paris, curfews also currently exist in other cities including Lille, Nice, Marseille, Lyon, and Bordeaux, so be sure to check local bulletins to comply with local regulations.
Don’t Forget Common Sense Travel Safety Tips
Paris remains open and welcoming to visitors, but one would be wise to be extra caution and aware of their surroundings. Don’t be afraid to switch up your itinerary as some tourist spots may close, continue to watch for pickpockets on crowded metro lines, make a copy of your passport, and always share your travel plans with a loved one!