Exercise Increased Caution
“Exercise increased cautionin the United Kingdom due to terrorism. There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in the United Kingdom.”
Updated Wed, 09 Sep 2026
Full advisory →Personalize Report NowTailor this report specifically to you and get the latest and most valuable insights with one click.23 assessed
Is United Kingdom safe? 🇬🇧
Europe · Updated
As of October 2026, United Kingdom scores 85/100 on the IsMyTripSafe safety index — verdict: yes — very safe. The U.S. State Department rates United Kingdom Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Of the 23 United Kingdom destinations assessed, Hexham scores highest (91/100), while London scores lowest (69/100).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
United Kingdom 🇬🇧
United Kingdom · Assessed 13 October 2026
85
/ 100
What drives this score
Crime76/100GoodCrime index 49.2 / 100
Sentiment84/100GoodMostly positive
Advisories75Good
Stability81Good
Health90Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
Exercise a high degree of caution
“Canada's official risk level for United Kingdom: exercise a high degree of caution.”
Updated 2026-10-05T14:33:12.1948964-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Good
Homicide rate
1.1 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6United Kingdom1.1World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
93
Robbery / mugging
LowMugging and armed robbery are uncommon for visitors, mostly occurring in isolated areas at night
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching happen in busy tourist spots like London Underground stations and major attractions
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Good
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Stable
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
84/100
Reported feel78Mostly positive
Robbery risk92Low risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
Recent traveler reports indicate visitors feel safe walking in cities during the day and generally secure at night, with caution advised in unfamiliar areas after dark.
Yes. The United Kingdom remains very safe for travelers, with low violent crime and strong institutions, though terrorism warrants increased caution.
The UK scores highly on safety indicators, with a homicide rate of 1.1 per 100k and excellent air quality, while terrorism concerns prompt Level 2 advisories from the US and Canada. Street crime like pickpocketing occurs in tourist areas but is generally moderate, and visitors report feeling safe in daily life.
Recent developments
- Oct 2026UK police made 12 arrests following an anti-migrant protest in October 2026— Reuters
- Oct 2026U.S. Embassy issued a security alert for London on October 7, 2026, due to heightened terrorism concerns— U.S. Embassy and Consulates in the United Kingdom
- Sep 2026U.S. Embassy issued a security alert for London on September 27, 2026, related to ongoing terrorism threat levels— U.S. Embassy and Consulates in the United Kingdom
Common scams
- Fake ticket sellers near major attractions
- Unlicensed taxi drivers overcharging tourists
Full briefing
The UK maintains a strong safety record for visitors, with low levels of violent crime and excellent infrastructure. Recent months have seen heightened attention on terrorism threats, prompting security alerts from the U.S. Embassy in London in both September and October 2026, though no attacks were reported. Street-level risks remain focused on petty crime, particularly pickpocketing in crowded transit hubs and tourist zones, while mugging is rare and typically confined to less frequented areas at night. Travelers consistently report feeling safe in urban environments during daylight hours, though they advise staying alert after dark in unfamiliar neighborhoods. Practical precautions include using licensed transport, securing belongings in busy areas, and monitoring official updates for any changes in the security situation.
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06 · Destinations
United Kingdom destinations by safety score
#1🇬🇧HexhamVery Safe · updated 13 October 202691#2🇬🇧ScotlandVery Safe · updated 17 August 202688#3🇬🇧Bury St EdmundsVery Safe · updated 19 October 202687#4🇬🇧LeicesterVery Safe · updated 13 October 202687#5🇬🇧AberdeenVery Safe · updated 13 October 202687#6🇬🇧EdinburghVery Safe · updated 13 October 202687#7🇬🇧HalifaxVery Safe · updated 7 October 202687#8🇬🇧ManchesterVery Safe · updated 13 October 202686#9🇬🇧BirminghamVery Safe · updated 13 October 202686#10🇬🇧NewportVery Safe · updated 19 September 202686#11🇬🇧OxfordVery Safe · updated 20 October 202685#12🇬🇧Newcastle upon TyneVery Safe · updated 13 October 202685#13🇬🇧CambridgeSafe · updated 13 October 202684#14🇬🇧LeedsSafe · updated 13 October 202682#15🇬🇧CardiffSafe · updated 13 October 202680#16🇬🇧BrightonSafe · updated 13 October 202679#17🇬🇧BelfastSafe · updated 20 October 202677#18🇬🇧BristolSafe · updated 19 October 202677#19🇬🇧NottinghamSafe · updated 19 October 202676#20🇬🇧BlackpoolSafe · updated 13 October 202674#21🇬🇧GlasgowSafe · updated 13 October 202674#22🇬🇧LiverpoolSafe · updated 13 October 202674#23🇬🇧LondonSafe · updated 19 October 202669
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07 · Questions
United Kingdom safety FAQ
Is United Kingdom safe to visit right now?
The U.S. State Department currently rates United Kingdom Level 2 of 4 — Exercise Increased Caution. On our composite index United Kingdom scores 85/100. See the destination reports above for city-level detail. (Updated 20 October 2026.)
What is the safest place to visit in United Kingdom?
Of the destinations we've assessed, Hexham currently scores highest at 91/100 (Very Safe). London scores lowest at 69/100.
Where does this United Kingdom safety data come from?
Directly from public sources: US, UK and Canadian government advisories, World Bank and UNODC crime statistics, WHO health data, live air-quality, disaster and earthquake feeds — plus AI field research over current local reporting. Read the full methodology.