Burkini ban: US warns tourists to obey French law

Washington: The US State Department warned travelers to France that they should obey local laws Wednesday after several beach towns imposed a ban on swimwear incorporating Muslim veils.

Dozens of French resorts have banned beachwear that "conspicuously" shows a person's religion such as a "burkini" -- a full-body swimsuit for Muslim women.

In response to a query from AFP as to whether the United States would update its travel advice to warn Muslim Americans, a US official advised them to obey the rules.

"In the country specific information for France that we provide on our website... We inform US citizen travelers that they are subject to local laws," he said.

"And if they violate local laws, even unknowingly, they may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned," he warned.

The United States has expressed concern about French attitudes to Muslim dress in the past, in particular its ban on full-face veils in public spaces.