Europe
Is Sweden safe?
L2Exercise increased caution
Is Sweden safe?
Very safe for visitors. Gang shootings make headlines but target rivals in specific suburbs; visitors mostly face pickpockets and bike theft.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2026-05-17.
- Homicide rate: 1.1 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 3.1 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 112 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112.
- Solo women: Very safe for solo women; normal nightlife care. Sweden has a strict consent law and police take reports seriously.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Pickpockets around Stockholm Central Station and Gamla stan
- Winter ice, darkness and cold, especially in the north
- Bike and phone theft in city centres
Laws visitors break by accident
- Drinks over 3.5% are sold only at Systembolaget; ID is checked if you look under 25.
- Buying sex is illegal; the buyer is prosecuted.
- Drinking alcohol in public is banned in many town centres.
Safety by place in Sweden
Quick answers
Is Sweden safe for tourists?
Very safe for visitors. Gang shootings make headlines but target rivals in specific suburbs; visitors mostly face pickpockets and bike theft.
Is Sweden safe for solo female travelers?
Very safe for solo women; normal nightlife care. Sweden has a strict consent law and police take reports seriously.
What is the emergency number in Sweden?
Police 112 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- Swedish Migration Agency
- EU Entry/Exit System (EES)
- Speedtest Global Index, Aug 2026
- 1177 healthcare guide
- Systembolaget
- Bolt in Stockholm
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.