Is the UK a Safe or Dangerous Country?

As all European countries, the UK is a safe country. Violent crime is low, and most tourists will never be bothered by safety concerns other that petty crime. It is ranked 33th on the ranking of world’s safest countries. In some cities, some neighborhoods are pretty nasty and risky for tourists – refer to local advice or our city guides to know which parts are better avoided. In London and other cities, some areas with a lot of bars and nightclub can get dangerous at night, where intoxicated people are sometimes easy targets for muggers. Sport events – such as soccer games – can end with some violence between teams. Traffic and crossing lanes can be an issue since people drive on the left side of the road, and every year tourists get run over because they forgot to look before crossing the road. Pickpockets are an issue in urban areas cities or at crowded events.  Travelers should also know that pickpockets often work in teams, and sometimes even in conjunction with street vendors. Begging is not uncommon in some larger cities, but not to a greater extent than in most other major cities, and you will rarely experience aggressive beggars. Some beggars are organized in groups. Be aware that flashing any cardboard sign very near to your body could be a pickpocket trick. Recent terrorist attacks have happened in neighboring countries (France and  Belgium);and while tourists should raise their level of caution, the police presence has been greatly increased in large cities to deter further attacks. While very few tourists have been victims of these attacks, the terrorist threat is reflected in the safety ranking. Be especially vigilant for bag and phone thieves at transport hubs like train stations, airports, restaurants, outdoor cafes, beaches and on public transport. Protect your personal belongings at all times, especially your ID and passport. Petty crime, like bag snatching and pick pocketing, is a serious problem around touristic areas and on public transport. For any emergency, call the free european-wide number 112 (or 999). For more details, see city specific advice or take a look at our travel articles.

Warnings & Dangers