The Ministry of External Affairs has asked Indian nationals to stay informed and avoid protest areas. For students in or heading to France, the advice is practical: follow your university and local updates, and plan your travel with a little extra care
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has advised Indian nationals in France, Italy and Belgium to stay vigilant and avoid areas where protests are taking place. The advice was given by spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal at the ministry's briefing on October 23, 2026. The Indian Embassy in France had already issued its own advisory on October 21. It is a precautionary notice. It does not suspend travel, and none of the reports reviewed mention any change to visas, admissions or university teaching for international students.
Key Facts at a Glance
- MEA advice (October 23, 2026): Indian nationals in countries where protests are taking place should "remain vigilant". The embassies in France and Italy have issued their own advisories
- Indian Embassy in France (October 21, 2026): The advisory refers to localised curfews and asks people to avoid large gatherings and crowded places where protests are taking place, follow instructions from French authorities, stay informed through local news and official updates, and check for public transport disruptions
- Why the advisory was issued: Protests in France began in September over school conditions and teacher shortages, and later widened into demonstrations over the cost of living. Local authorities have said curfews will be decided locally, where necessary
- Where the advice applies: The MEA statement covers France, Italy and Belgium. The reports give France-specific details but no separate advisory for Belgium
Students: The reports do not mention Indian students or any effect on their studies - Embassy contacts reported: Embassy of India, Paris: +33 6 48 34 00 63 and cons.paris@mea.gov.in. Consulate General of India, Marseille: +33 7 43 16 25 59 and cgo.marseille@mea.gov.in. Confirm these on the embassy's website before use
What this means for students
An advisory like this is a reminder to take ordinary precautions, in the way many embassies advise during large demonstrations. Most daily life, classes and travel continue as normal, and the guidance is aimed at avoiding protest sites, not at changing plans. Students who are already in France are best served by following their university's announcements, since local arrangements can change from one campus or city to another.
For students planning to travel to France in the coming weeks, the main practical points are timing and transport. Public transport can be disrupted around demonstrations, and local curfews, where they apply, are set by city and prefecture authorities.
What you can do
- Follow your university's announcements and your city's official updates for any change to classes, access or events.
- Avoid large gatherings and protest areas, and check public transport before travelling, especially at weekends and around planned demonstrations.
- If you're in France, save the Indian Embassy's emergency contacts on your phone and keep your passport and residence documents with you.
- If you're travelling soon, check your flight and transfer details close to departure, and leave extra time for the journey from the airport.
- Tell your family where you are staying and how to reach you.
- If you have an offer or visa process in progress, there is no reported change to either. Keep to your timeline and follow your university's guidance.
IRS Study Abroad, Kottayam, supports France-bound students with visa, documentation and pre-departure guidance. If you are travelling soon or have a question about your plans, our team can help you check your arrival arrangements with your university.
Sources: Ministry of External Affairs briefing of October 23, 2026, as reported by ANI, The Tribune and ETV Bharat; Indian Embassy in France advisory of October 21, 2026, as reported. Situations can change, so check the embassy's website and official French sources for current guidance.
