Already this summer, France will host the Olympic Games, the opening of which will be held outside the stadium for the first time in history. This approach from the organisers is forcing local authorities to think seriously about safety. Find out what measures are planned to be implemented in Paris during the sporting events
One of the most important sporting events - the Olympic Games - will begin in the French capital very soon. The competitions will start on 26 July and last less than a month - until 11 August. However, due to the geopolitical situation, France is stepping up security measures to avoid emergencies. We will tell you what measures will be taken and how they will affect tourists.
Security measures will be tightened during the Olympics: what is the reason?
Earlier, France's foreign intelligence service warned of possible terrorist attacks during the tournament opening. Special services want to avoid the worst-case scenarios. In this regard, France has already invited additional police and military personnel to 45 countries to monitor security during the ceremony. It is noted that 35 countries have already agreed to help.
Thus, about 45,000 police officers, 20,000 employees of private companies and another 15,000 military personnel will work at the opening ceremony alone.
How many people will be allowed to attend the opening of the Olympic Games in Paris?
Residents and guests of the French capital will not be able to watch the start of the competition, as previously promised. Initially, the organisers planned a grand opening ceremony on 26 July, with up to 600,000 people in attendance. However, security and logistical issues, as well as protests by booksellers on the picturesque quays of Paris, forced the government to abandon the idea.
Last month, the total number of spectators dropped to around 300,000, and on 5 March, Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said that 104,000 fans would be able to buy tickets for seats on the lower banks of the river, and another 222,000 people would watch the ceremony for free from the upper banks - but only with special permits.
It is worth noting that the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics will be held outside the stadium for the first time in history. About 10.5 thousand athletes will parade through the heart of the French capital on boats along the Seine along a 6-kilometre route. In this regard, the government is expected to close all airports and airspace within a 150-kilometre radius around Paris before, during and after the 3.5-hour ceremony.
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Access to Olympic venues by special permit only
During the Olympic Games in Paris, a security perimeter will be established around the Olympic venues (opening ceremony, competition venues, celebrations and athlete reception areas). Access to these areas requires a special permit.
Access zones will be set up around the Olympic venues (opening ceremony, competition venues, celebrations and athlete reception areas), with restrictions becoming stricter as you get closer to the venues.
The country's authorities announced that a special permit will be introduced to access these areas, which tourists will be able to use with a QR code.
According to the French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, everyone who wants to access these protected areas must have a permit, regardless of whether they are tourists, locals or shop owners, motorists, pedestrians or cyclists.
Registration for special permits will start on 10 May 2024. People who want to apply for a permit will have to fill out a form with their name, date of birth, etc. The purpose of this information is to identify any dangerous individuals known to the police and prevent them from entering Olympic venues where thousands of visitors are expected.
Applications will be submitted online and the permits should be activated around 20 July.
As for visiting public places such as train stations, museums, theatres, etc., citizens will simply need to show their ticket when passing through security.
How to protect yourself while staying in France?
Ukrainians abroad, whether in France or another country, need to take care of their safety.
You can always protect yourself from unforeseen situations and other problems with an insurance policy that guarantees insurance payments in case of health emergencies. You can choose a package convenient for you and take out insurance in general by following the link.
We remind you! French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed to introduce an Olympic truce around the world, including in Ukraine. We will tell you what exactly he proposes and who he wants to involve to put pressure on russia to agree to a temporary ceasefire here.
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