French Law and You
If you are arrested
If you break the laws of another country, you must expect the same treatment as a local. The Consular Service can help ensure that your treatment is no worse than a French national would receive, but that is all.
• Stay calm — getting angry or abusive will not help your cause.
• If you are charged, insist on the Consulate being informed. They will contact you as soon as possible.
• The Consulate will advise you of procedures and can assist with finding a local lawyer (but they will not pay for legal services).
• The Consulate can contact relatives in the UK and advise on the transfer of funds.
If the worst comes to the worst
Basic guidelines on Customs rules (yes, they do still exist!), encounters with French law enforcement and coping with a crisis. If the worst comes to the worst. . .
In France, as in any country, there is always the possibility of falling victim to crime. There are some basic precautions you can take to minimise the chances of it happening to you.
• Be mindful of pickpockets and bag-snatchers in stations, airports and other busy places.
• British number plates, and hire car ("51") registrations, indicate you are tourists and can attract thieves. Be wary when stopped in traffic (e.g. at lights) or if you leave the car unlocked and unattended.
• Keep a note of your credit card numbers somewhere safe in case you lose the cards.
• Carry only the cash or cards you need for the day or evening; leave the rest in your accommodation.
• If you are unfortunate enough to become the victim of a crime in France and need assistance, the British Consulate can help (see Consular services in this section)
Assault
In the event of an assault you should contact the British Consulate, especially if you are in hospital or if you are arrested.
Dealing with theft
In the event of any theft you should:
• make a list of what's missing.
• report theft to the police and insist on a police report for insurance purposes.
• cancel stolen cards and re-book lost travel tickets.
Car theft
In larger towns, if you return to find your car is gone, it may be in the car pound (fourrière). If you have been parking illegally your car may have been removed by the police.
Credit card theft
Phone the card provider helpline as soon as possible.
Passport theft
Contact the nearest consulate to obtain a temporary replacement.
Rape
• The victim may need someone to talk to; the Consulate will help.
• They may suffer from shock and so should avoid alcohol.
• Report the rape to the police straight away. The victim may not wish to report the crime, but if they change their mind, remember that vital forensic evidence may be lost if they bathe or change their clothes. The Consulate can help arrange an interpreter if required.
• Talk to the Consulate about seeing a doctor to get advice about sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy.
Homicide
If one of your party is murdered, report the crime to the police and contact the Consulate
Death
If one of your party dies, the Consulate can advise on:
• local burial/cremation or contacting an international undertaker to return the body to the UK.
• registering the death with the local authorities.
• the procedures necessary to obtain a UK death certificate.
• locating local lawyers and translators.
Import and export
NB: This information is primarily intended for UK residents.
Antiques
Export restrictions apply to some antiques (in the interest of preserving the French national heritage) and an export certificate from the Ministry of Culture may be required. Check with the vendor if this applies and, if so, to whom the application should be made.
Restricted goods
There are items available in France that are illegal in the UK; it is against the law to import them. These include: firearms and ammunition; flick-knives; personal defence sprays (CS gas cannisters); hard-core pornographic publications and videos.