Europe
Is United Kingdom safe?
L2Exercise increased caution
Is United Kingdom safe?
Safe overall with normal big-city care. Phone snatching and pickpocketing are the main problems in London; violent crime against visitors is rare.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-05-07.
- Homicide rate: 1.1 per 100,000 people (2021, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 3.2 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 999 · Ambulance 999 · Fire 999 · All emergencies 999.
- Solo women: Generally comfortable alone. Use licensed taxis or apps late at night and watch your drink in busy nightlife areas.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Phone snatching by thieves on bikes in central London
- Pickpocketing on the Tube, buses and at busy sights
- Late-night drunken disorder in city centres at weekends
Common scams
- Unlicensed minicabs touting outside clubs and stations; book through an app
- Fake or resold tickets for sold-out gigs, shows and football
- Shoulder-surfing and card skimming at cash machines in busy areas
Laws visitors break by accident
- Riding a private e-scooter on public roads or pavements is illegal; only official rental schemes are allowed.
- Carrying a knife in public without good reason is illegal, including locking or long folding blades.
- Cannabis is illegal, and drinking alcohol is banned on London public transport.
Safety by place in United Kingdom
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Edinburgh | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Oxford | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Bath | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Cambridge | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Scottish Highlands | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Isle of Skye | 5/5 · Very safe |
| York | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Lake District | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Cornwall | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Cotswolds | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Snowdonia | 5/5 · Very safe |
| London | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Manchester | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Liverpool | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Glasgow | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Brighton | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Bristol | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Belfast | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Cardiff | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Newcastle | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Leeds | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Birmingham | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is United Kingdom safe for tourists?
Safe overall with normal big-city care. Phone snatching and pickpocketing are the main problems in London; violent crime against visitors is rare.
Is United Kingdom safe for solo female travelers?
Generally comfortable alone. Use licensed taxis or apps late at night and watch your drink in busy nightlife areas.
What is the emergency number in United Kingdom?
Police 999 · Ambulance 999 · Fire 999 · All emergencies 999.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- GOV.UK: Electronic travel authorisation (ETA)
- NHS: Visiting or moving to England
- GOV.UK: Driving in Great Britain on a non-GB licence
- Speedtest Global Index: United Kingdom
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.