Yes, the UK is generally a safe country to visit. In England and Wales, homicides fell 7% to 499 in the year to March 2026, theft from the person fell 20%, and violent crime is about a third lower than a decade ago. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing and phone snatching in busy places, scams and fraud, and a national terrorism threat level of SEVERE. In an emergency, dial 999 or 112.
Updated 4 October 2026 · Sources: ONS, Crime in England and Wales, year ending March 2026 (23 July 2026); GOV.UK (national threat level, 1 May 2026; 999 and 112; NHS entitlements); DfT, Reported road casualties Great Britain 2025 (30 July 2026); Metropolitan Police; US State Department travel advisory (9 September 2026)
112 works exactly like 999 in the UK. Ask for police, ambulance, fire or coastguard. For a police matter that is not an emergency, call 101.
UK safety for visitors in four numbers
Crime figures are for England and Wales, year to March 2026 (police recorded crime, except violence, which comes from the Crime Survey). The threat level covers the whole UK. For Scotland and Northern Ireland, see how crime in Scotland and Northern Ireland compares.
Is the UK safe for tourists?
For most visitors, yes. Serious violence is rare and most crime types are falling. The US State Department rates the UK at Level 2, “exercise increased caution”, mainly because of the risk of terrorism, and notes that petty crime is common in popular tourist locations. Keeping your phone and wallet out of sight prevents most problems. Our guide is crime going up or down in the UK? has the full picture.
What crimes should visitors to the UK watch out for?
Mainly theft. The Metropolitan Police warns about pickpockets in crowded places and thieves on mopeds and e-scooters who snatch phones, often at road crossings. On nights out, never leave a drink unattended, as drink spiking happens. Avoid minicabs that pick up from the street without a booking: the Met says they are illegal and uninsured.
Is London safe to visit?
London is safe for most visitors, but it has more recorded crime per resident than England as a whole, much of it in busy central areas where crowds attract thieves. The Metropolitan Police area also accounted for 28% of knife offences in England and Wales. For borough-level figures, read Is London safe? on safety-app.uk, or check where you are staying with the postcode checker.
Visitor risk scorecard: what is rising and what is falling?
Key: ▼ green = fewer than a year earlier; ▬ amber = no statistically significant change; ▲ red = higher or raised. Crime rows: England and Wales, year to March 2026 (ONS). Road deaths: Great Britain, 2025 (DfT). Threat level: whole UK (GOV.UK).
Four habits that keep visitors safe
What should you do if you are a victim of crime in the UK?
If you are in danger, call 999 or 112. Otherwise report it to the local police on 101 or online, and keep the crime reference number, as your insurer may ask for it. Treatment at A&E and advice from NHS 111 are free to everyone, including overseas visitors. Our guide 999 or 101? explains which route to use.
What does the SEVERE threat level mean for visitors?
It means an attack is judged “highly likely”, not that one is expected at a particular place. The government asks people to be “alert but not alarmed” and to report anything suspicious. Tell staff about unattended bags, follow police instructions at busy venues, and learn Run, Hide, Tell. Check MI5’s website for the current level before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
Generally yes in busy, well-lit areas. Plan your route back before you go out, stay with friends, and keep your phone charged but out of sight. Our walking home at night checklist covers the details.
A&E, walk-in centres, minor injuries units, GP consultations and NHS 111 are free to everyone, whatever country you normally live in. Other hospital care, such as treatment after you are admitted, can be charged to overseas visitors, so travel with insurance.
Yes, with the usual precautions: share your plans with someone at home, book licensed transport and arrive in daylight where you can. Read our solo travel safety guide.
Sources
- ONS: Crime in England and Wales, year ending March 2026 (23 July 2026)
- GOV.UK: UK national threat level raised to SEVERE (1 May 2026)
- MI5: Threat levels (check for the current level)
- GOV.UK: 999 and 112, the UK’s national emergency numbers
- GOV.UK: NHS entitlements (services free to everyone)
- DfT: Reported road casualties Great Britain, final results 2025 (30 July 2026)
- Metropolitan Police: Staying safe in London
- US State Department: United Kingdom travel advisory (9 September 2026)
General safety information based on official sources, not travel or legal advice. Check the current threat level and your own government’s travel advice before you go. In an emergency, always call 999 or 112.
Keep reading
Visiting the UK? Know which streets to avoid before you walk them
Safety App UK shows a live safety map built from police data and community reports, with police stations and Ask for Angela venues, and helps you plan safer routes. Share your live location with a trusted circle, get Safe Zone alerts when you arrive or leave, and trigger an SOS by button or shake, or automatically in higher-crime zones, sending live location and live video to the people you choose. It does not call the emergency services, so in an emergency always dial 999 or 112. Free for 7 days, then £2.99 a month. For ages 16+.