UPDATED: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015 at 4:00 a.m. EST
France announced that it will institute border checks in response to a series of attacks on Paris that has left dozens dead.
President Francois Hollande declared a state of emergency in an address on Friday after violent attacks on at least three locations in Paris, including a widely watched soccer game between France and Germany, resulted at least 120 deaths.
It was not immediately clear exactly what the border checks meant for people traveling to or from France. The country's airports are still open, as is its rail system, according to a release from the French government.
There will be checks at all entry points, however some driving across the Belgian and French border in the early hours of Saturday morning reported they were not yet in place.
Driving over the Belgian/French border. No border controls here as yet. #ParisAttack pic.twitter.com/fP9szUIKWA— Imelda Flattery (@Imeldaflattery) November 14, 2015
While flights have not been suspended, security has been "significantly heightened" at Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport, police told the New York Times. Travellers reported long security lines to enter and depart the country.
Long long lines upon arrival at #Paris Charles de Gaulles airport pic.twitter.com/ZKC4vESKxa— Clarissa Ward (@clarissaward) November 14, 2015
If departing #charlesdegaulle from #paris, come early! Security lines are VERY long— Gillian Burles (@GillianBurles) November 14, 2015
The U.S. State Department said on Twitter anyone traveling to or from Paris should get in touch with their airline to determine if flights would take off.
Traveling to or from Paris? Anyone with travel plans should be contacting their airlines directly for flight information.— Travel - State Dept (@TravelGov) November 14, 2015
American Airlines reportedly suspended some flights to Paris, although the company tweeted that other flights were still operating. It also continued to operate services out of Paris.
More from @AmericanAir: Charles de Gaulle International Airport is open. We are holding our remaining departures this evening to Paris.— Julie Fancher (@juliefancher) November 14, 2015
@kaustabh American Airlines is actively monitoring the tragic situation in Paris. We're planning to operate our flights.— American Airlines (@AmericanAir) November 14, 2015
Air France and Delta both said on Twitter their flights to Paris were also continuing.
At this stage, #AirFrance flights program is maintened. #ParisAttacks pic.twitter.com/BsZp1yWQ3r— Air France Newsroom (@AFnewsroom) November 14, 2015
UPDATE: Flights from U.S. to Paris depart as @Delta monitors situation @DeltaNewsHub https://t.co/l89Io4rly0— Delta News Hub (@DeltaNewsHub) November 14, 2015
A number of airlines announced they would waive fees for those wishing to change their travel plans to France.
Air France said it would allow those who held a ticket from Nov. 13 to 15 to postpone their trip until Nov. 22 for no extra charge, and offered a voucher for those hoping to cancel their trip entirely. Air Canada offered a "goodwill policy" for flights on Friday and Saturday, among other companies.
@99sbrooks We've issued a goodwill policy for people who do not wish to fly to Paris. /pd— Air Canada (@AirCanada) November 14, 2015
Due to the tragedy in Paris, we've issued a waiver traveling to and from Paris through 11/22. For more info see https://t.co/7KJbgGL7b5.— Delta Assist (@DeltaAssist) November 14, 2015
Status remains for Paris flights to operate as normal. Guests flying to/from #Paris today may change travel date or cancel for full refund.— Aer Lingus (@AerLingus) November 14, 2015
Eurostar, the company that operates trains between London and Paris, said its services were continuing Saturday. However, it also announced it would offer a free exchange for those with tickets who no longer wished to travel.
Eurostar trains are planned to run on Saturday, please check in 60 min before departure and see https://t.co/deI6LKzpmD for updates.— Eurostar (@Eurostar) November 14, 2015
The train was largely empty on Saturday morning, according to Mashable reporter Tim Chester who was onboard.
First Eurostar from London to Paris pretty quiet. Only six others in my carriage. pic.twitter.com/MtLtjg3d4O— Tim Chester (@timchester) November 14, 2015
France's borders had been a topic of conversations due to a flood of refugees that fled conflicts in Africa and the Middle East.
There had been considerable support among the French to close the country's borders to refugees, and the country had announced that it would reinstate border controls ahead of a major climate conference.
That climate summit is set for November 30 and is planned to host more than 125 heads of state and thousands of international visitors.
Travel within Paris was also limited. Uber reportedly suspended service, but regular taxis were giving free rides. The city's public train system was also reportedly shut down.
#Paris Metro has been closed. @FRANCE24 reporter on air now describing earlier evacuation. @GroupeRATP https://t.co/snUFHVDLWq— Rachel King (@rachelking) November 13, 2015
There are also reports that Belgium is taking precautions at its border with France.
Reuters: #Belgium is imposing new checks on French frontier, rail and air arrivals after #Paris attacks— Sky News Newsdesk (@SkyNewsBreak) November 14, 2015