Demonstrations are a normal part of public life in many countries, and most of them are peaceful. As a visitor, though, you do not know the local codes, the usual routes or how quickly a situation can change. Tear gas, crowd surges and sudden transport closures can catch travelers off guard. This guide covers what to do before, during and after a protest, whether you are on holiday, living abroad or traveling for work.

Before you go out

  • Check the news each morning. Marches are usually announced in advance, with a route and a time. Local news sites, city halls and police prefectures publish them.
  • Know the curfews. Some cities restrict movement at night during periods of unrest. Find out where the zones are and when they start.
  • Plan your route. Avoid central squares, government buildings and the announced route, especially at the end of the day.
  • Charge your phone and carry a power bank. Keep a copy of your passport and your accommodation address with you.
  • Save the local emergency numbers. In the European Union, 112 works everywhere. Weelp. stores the verified numbers for every country, offline.
  • Share your plans with someone you trust, and agree on a meeting point if you are traveling as a group.

If you find yourself near a demonstration

  • Do not stop to watch or film. Onlookers are often caught up in police operations, and in some countries foreigners taking part in protests can face legal consequences.
  • Move away calmly toward side streets, away from police lines and the front of the crowd.
  • Stay on the edges. If you cannot leave, avoid the centre of the crowd, where pressure is highest, and keep an eye on exits.
  • Follow police instructions, even if you are not involved. Keep your hands visible and explain calmly that you are a visitor.
  • Enter a shop, café or hotel if the street becomes dangerous, and wait for things to calm down.

Tear gas: what to do

Tear gas is commonly used to disperse crowds. It irritates the eyes, nose, throat and skin, but the effects usually fade within 30 minutes to an hour once you are out of the exposure.

  • Move upwind and to higher ground if you can, away from the cloud.
  • Do not rub your eyes. Blink, and rinse them with plenty of clean water.
  • Breathe slowly through your nose, and cover your face with a scarf or cloth.
  • Once indoors, remove contaminated clothing and wash your skin with cold water and soap.
  • Seek medical help if you have difficulty breathing or chest pain, or if you have asthma or another respiratory condition.

If a crowd starts to surge

Crowd crushes are rare but dangerous. If you feel pressure building, keep your arms in front of your chest to protect your breathing space, stay on your feet, and move diagonally toward the edges rather than against the flow. If you fall, get up quickly or curl up on your side, protecting your head.

If you are injured or someone needs help

  • Call the local emergency number and give your exact location. In the EU, 112 connects you to police, ambulance and fire services, and operators often speak English.
  • If you can do so safely, move the injured person away from the crowd.
  • Apply basic first aid while you wait. Weelp. includes step-by-step first aid guides that work without a connection.

If you are arrested or lose your documents

Stay calm and do not resist. Ask to contact your country's embassy or consulate: under international law, foreign nationals have the right to consular notification. Our Embassy Finder lists verified embassy addresses and phone numbers by country. If your passport is lost or stolen, follow our step-by-step guide on what to do if you lose your passport abroad.

After the demonstration

  • Check that public transport has reopened before heading home. Stations near the route are often closed for several hours.
  • Let your family know you are safe, especially if the news has reported clashes.
  • Keep receipts and records if your plans were disrupted. Your travel insurance may cover some extra costs.

Frequently asked questions

Can tourists take part in protests abroad?

It depends on the country. In some, taking part in demonstrations can lead to arrest, deportation or visa problems for foreigners. As a general rule, official travel advice recommends that visitors avoid all demonstrations.

What number should I call during a riot in Europe?

Call 112, the single emergency number of the European Union. It works from any phone, free of charge.

How long do tear gas effects last?

For most people, symptoms fade within 30 minutes to an hour after leaving the exposure area. Seek medical help if breathing problems persist.

For the current situation, read protests in France, October 2026 and protests across Europe in autumn 2026.

This article is general safety information, not legal or medical advice. Always follow the instructions of local authorities and emergency services.