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Home » Europe » Travel Safety

Is Europe Safe for Travel? (Insider Tips)

Europe is a big place, but if you’re thinking of travelling around this fascinating continent, we’re all for it. There’s a complete glut of ancient history here, some of the world’s best cuisine and more culture than you can shake a shakey-sticky stick at. Europe is a levelled-up destination.

This continent also has the benefit of (mostly) open borders, meaning you can travel freely from one end of the continent to the other without  too much  trouble. There’s so much to see here that you could spend an age road tripping or train journeying around seeing it all.

However, Europe is a big place and there certainly more than just a few concerns. Aside from some possible language barriers and cultural differences, there is the increased threat of terrorism as well as plentiful pickpockets in some of the more popular European cities.

That is exactly why we have decided to create this epic insider’s guide to staying safe in Europe. You are going to find a whole lot of useful tips for everyone from families to solo female travellers in our guide, helping you to stay safe as you explore this cool continent.

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How Safe is Europe? (Our take)

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As we’ve already established, Europe is big, Europe is diverse and Europe is an amazing place to travel. Spread spread across an area of over 10 million kilometres, from Asia to the Atlantic, from Africa to the Arctic, there’s a ton of cultural heritage, numerous open borders, efficient transport and multiple languages and cultures to get stuck into.

Needless to say, any fan of history, of food, or of amazing architecture, or learning some new local lingo will absolutely love it here.

Whilst most visits to Europe are 100% trouble free, with nothing to worry about, there are still a few safety concerns that some travellers will come across.

Pickpockets targeting unsuspecting tourists, are an issue in many of Europe’s major cities and at its larger transport hubs.

Terrorism has also been a concern in many countries, with a spike in terrorist attacks across the continent throughout the past decade. Tourists may therefore feel apprehensive about visiting the global cities that have been at the centre of these kinds of attacks.

Civil unrest has, does and can cause disruption in some cities. Paris, for example is well known for strikes and other industrial protests, whilst cities such as Kiev have also seen large demonstrations in recent years.

European cities are also known for their drinking cultures, with some city centres in particular (Bratislava, Krakow, Vilnius and Bucharest, to name just a few) becoming quite rowdy. Though usually fun and nothing more, you may not be used to this level of everyday hedonism.

There’s extremes of nature as well: in the Arctic Circle not only are there sub-zero temperatures to consider, but there’s also that issue of the sun never rising in some places during winter. On the other hand, summers in Greece and Spain, even Hungary, for example, can be extremely hot.

With all that in mind, let’s dive into the details of this continent…

There is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, and this article is no different. The question of “Is Europe Safe?” will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on the parties involved. But this article is written for savvy travellers from the perspective of savvy travellers.

The information present in this safety guide was accurate at the time of writing, however, the world is a changeable place, now more than ever. Between the pandemic, ever-worsening cultural division, and a click-hungry media, it can be hard to maintain what is truth and what is sensationalism.

Here, you will find safety knowledge and advice for travelling Europe. It won’t be down to the wire cutting edge info on the most current events, but it is layered in the expertise of veteran travellers. If you use our guide, do your own research, and practise common sense, you will have a safe trip to Europe.

If you see any outdated information in this guide, we would really appreciate it if you could reach out in the comments below. We strive to provide the most relevant travel information on the web and always appreciate input from our readers (nicely, please!). Otherwise, thanks for your ear and stay safe!

It’s a wild world out there. But it’s pretty damn special too. 🙂

As we keep saying, Europe is huge. Each country gets its fair share of tourists, with the continent as a whole attracting many, many visitors yearly.

In 2018 (according to the UNWTO) there were approximately 1.401 billion international tourists worldwide. 710 million of these arrived in Europe, which is 50% of all global tourists – and a figure that was up 5% on the year before.

Two of the top 10 international tourist destinations of 2018 were European: France (No. 1 – 89.4 million) and Spain (No. 2 – 82.8 million).

There are numerous hotspots around the continent that attract tourists in particular: Barcelona in Spain, for example, as well as Paris, France, and Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Having all these tourists in one place can cause issues, but we’ll look at that later.

The main travellers to EU countries come from Italy, France, Spain and England, making up a combined 55% of all tourists to the EU.

With all these tourists, the tourism industry has become a very important factor in the economy of the continent and crucial to the development of many countries within it. Britain’s travel industry, for example, is on track to be worth £257 billion by 2025. Moreover, 35% of all money spent on tourism anywhere in the world is generated in the EU. People love it here!

As tourism is so valuable, protecting those tourists is important for the continent in general. That doesn’t mean there isn’t any crime, however.

The number of homicides across the EU in 2017 was 5,200, with 1.1 million cases of assault. This may sound like a lot, but compare this to the same year in the USA, a country with less than half the population of Europe, when 17,284 people were murdered. However, between 2011 and 2018, robberies across the EU had decreased by 24%.

In a study by Mercer assessing the safety of 450 cities worldwide, many European cities were found amongst the top. There were also some surprises – and concerns.

For example, Barcelona was ranked at 64th in the world because of low personal safety and an increase in thefts. Belfast, Northern Ireland tied at 64th, though with a relatively low violent crime rate, social instability and poverty were causes for concern.

Tallinn, Estonia – with picturesque city centre and plenty of history – was ranked at 66th, owing to drug and human trafficking by Russian syndicates. Paris, France ranked 71st, due to concerns about terrorist attacks, and London, England at 72nd for similar reasons.

What should you take away from all this? That, whilst for the most part Europe is safe, not all parts of it are and it pays to keep up with current news events. Speaking of which…

Europe has come into the headlines recently with much civil unrest and a spike in terrorist attacks catching the world’s attention. The thing is, in reality, these types of events – as serious as they are – are actually pretty rare.

Whilst attacks have occurred as recently as 2019 throughout the continent, and whilst this does affect people’s mindsets and security procedures, it shouldn’t affect your actual visit to any European city. When it comes to the countryside, life is far removed from terrorist attacks.

Race could be a concern in certain corners of Europe. Much of Western Europe shouldn’t be a worry for travellers from Asian, Arab or African backgrounds, but there are times when racist attitudes could affect your time in a country. For example, in rural areas, you may get more unwanted attention (possibly just staring) than you may have been expecting.

In the former “Eastern Bloc” countries, racism is more of an issue; Russia itself has seen an increase of racially motivated attacks.

Pickpockets, scams, groups of children distracting you with bogus charity clipboards, and other clever, well versed street thieves can be a real issue in some city centres, especially around tourist sights. It’s not something that seems to be lessening.

In general, most of Europe is safe to travel, but certain areas are best avoided. Before you travel to a specific country, it’s important to read up on where in that particular country you shouldn’t be going to. For example, in Ukraine, you shouldn’t be travelling to Crimia (occupied by Russia, currently) and the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. However, backpacking the rest of Ukraine is perfectly fine.

Terrorism is what most governments around the world are warning their citizens of when it comes to travel in Europe. There’s nothing much you can do to prepare yourself for what are freak events, just stay aware of current situations, but don’t let it keep you from enjoying your trip.

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Europe is ranked up there as one of the biggest tourist hotspots in the world and many people have a completely trouble-free time in this amazing continent. Although you’re unlikely to be a victim of crime and/or terrorism, it still pays to have a lot of information to ensure your own security. With that in mind we’ve got together a bumper list of the best travel safety tips for Europe to help you prepare…

• Be aware of pickpockets – sometimes acting as groups, they operate in crowded areas (tourist sites, public transport, train stations); stay aware of people acting suspiciously around you
• Scams are everywhere – money changing, the “gold ring” and other distraction techniques often target tourists. Basically, don’t trust overfriendly strangers or “accidents” happening right in front of you
• Be careful withdrawing money from ATMs – be aware of who’s around you, if anyone’s watching you do it, or if the machine itself looks like it’s been tampered with
• Dress down – expensive watches, diamond earrings, SLRs, anything that makes you look rich and/or a tourist can single you out as a target for petty thieves
• Don’t leave bags unattended – on the backs of chairs at cafes, in lobbies, anywhere, as they could easily go missing. Alternatively, they could be destroyed and cause a security panic: the threat of terrorism is taken seriously
• Don’t carry valuables all in one bag – or in one pocket! Cash, cards, iPhone, passport – if it’s all in one place, and that thing goes missing, it’s a big stress. We can tell you that one from experience.
• Don’t resist if someone tries to mug you – though not rife, it’s best not to resist if someone wants your stuff
• Keep copies of your passport – theft is an issue and copies of your passport (and visa) can be very helpful
• Stay informed of political/social issues – unrest can put cities on lockdown and disrupt transport. It pays to be in the know
• Use a money belt – it’s a great way to keep your money safe in Europe (and we’ve got an awesome recommendation for you later)
• Be aware of the legality of drugs – these vary, especially with cannabis; harder drugs are never legal (Portugal is a special case).
• Take a taxi at night instead of walking – mainly in certain cities, or certain areas of certain cities, and make sure you take an licensed taxi
• Choose the area in which you’re staying wisely – security can vary in different parts of different places, so make sure you do your research
• Read up on areas you shouldn’t be wandering around – especially in cities; not all parts of European cities are UNESCO, you know… Far from it. Some areas are not really ok to explore
• Be culturally aware – understand local culture, cover up at religious sites (and keep your voice down), know about queuing, don’t snapping selfies at sensitive memorials… All good things to know
• Be politically aware, too – in some countries it’s not ok to suddenly bring up political issues. For example, in Northern Ireland it’s not cool to start talking about The Troubles, or talk about Russia too much in Ukraine, anything like that
• Know that Europe is diverse – what works in southern Italy doesn’t cut it in Germany, and the tips you picked up in the UK won’t help you at all in Croatia. Nothing is “European”
• Learn some language(s) – there’s a lot of them and it’s fun to add dozens of new phrases into your vocab!
• Get a sim card – this means you can get online, translate things, call someone in an emergency, not get lost. It’s a no brainer

If you’re travelling to Europe, chances are you are going to be going through more than just one country. It’s important to know that not all countries are the same, differing much more than American states. Places, people, languages, levels of safety, hospitality – all of these vary wildly across the continent. Know that you’re getting yourself into an epic trip, pay attention to your surroundings: you’ll be fine.

Trust us: one of the worst things that can happen to whilst you’re travelling is to have your money stolen from you. We’ve learned the hard way and it’s totally not fun at all to find yourself $100 down at the beginning of a trip.

The same goes for Europe though. Though it’s not exactly one of the most unsafe places in the world, many countries have varying levels of street crime and petty theft that can mean keeping your money safe here becomes something of a priority.

By far the easiest way to keep your money safe in Europe is to use a money belt. You may know how to take all the precautions possible, and how not to draw attention to yourself, but you can still find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time… It happens.

A money belt is a good way to stop potential thieves in their tracks – you’ll have nothing in your pockets to pick in the first place!

Some money belts can be pretty obvious though, bulging underneath clothes and actually alerting savvy pickpocketers to the presence of a hidden source of money. Not good. Other money belts can be overcomplicated and uncomfortable to wear.

The Pacsafe Money Belt is our best bet. It’s affordable, it looks and acts like a belt, and it’s sturdy – what more could you ask for out of a money belt!

It’s quite literally a belt: the only difference is that there is a hidden zipper pocket where you can stash your cash for the day. Other than that, it just looks like a belt – a sturdy and affordable one at that, too!

Whilst you may not be a fan of belts, other ingenious solutions to keeping your money safe in Europe do exist. For example, there’s an infinity scarf with a secret pocket for your money that you could get your hands on.

Solo travel anywhere in the world is going to be pretty cool, but nowhere quite as varied and interesting as Europe. Solo travel in Europe is just perfect. There are loads of hostels, events to attend, museums and galleries, tours on offer and endless culture to soak up.

For the most part, Europe is safe to travel alone. Being so well established as a backpacker destination for decades, the transport is easy, accommodation is plentiful, and routes are well trodden. Still, we’ve got some solo travel tips for Europe to help you out.

• Choose the right accommodation for you. Europe is full of social backpacker hostels , homestays, Airbnbs, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, couch surfing – a lot. However you should definitely do your research. Is the place you want to stay in a safe area? Is the hostel secure? Is it good for solo travellers? Are the hosts helpful and easy to get in touch with? Don’t skimp on your security by going for the cheapest digs.
• Try not to arrive at your destination too late at night. Railway stations and bus terminals are known for being crime hotspots after dark, so you will put yourself more at risk if you happen to find yourself at one of these at that time. If you are taking the bus, ( Flixbus operate some cheap routes. )
• Ask your accommodation what you should be doing in the town or city you’re in. They’ll be able to tell you areas that are safe, where you can easily explore, and areas to avoid. They may even tell you about a few local gems that your guidebook won’t have.
• Travel light. A big bag, or multiple bags, on packed trains, buses, or even just walking around any European city just a) isn’t a good look, b) could single you out for potential thieves and c) is not fun or comfortable at all. Try to streamline your packing, cut down on things you don’t need, and you’ll end up having a much more enjoyable time – especially when it comes to travel days!
• Watch what you drink and don’t get completely wasted. Though in some places it may be easy to get swept up in all the drinking and dancing that much of Europe’s cities love, you shouldn’t get too drunk. This just means you’ll put yourself at risk, have worse judgement, and might have trouble getting back to your accommodation.
• If you are going out partying, have a plan of how to get home. Often public transport shuts down in city centres after a certain time, which means you’ll be taking a taxi – walking won’t always be a safe or even viable option.
• Don’t get into arguments with people, especially intoxicated locals. If it seems like there’s trouble brewing anywhere you are, or some people seem to be getting overly drunk – and it’s making you feel anxious or uncomfortable – just leave. Simple as that.
• Make sure you have different ways to access your money. Savings are great, but you should have more than just a savings account to access. Have a separate bank account, maybe even two, just so you have some emergency funds in case you lose one (or more) debit card. At the same time, an emergency credit card is a good idea, too.
• Keep in touch with people who you know back home. Going off grid isn’t safe, so just let your friends and family know what you’re doing, when and where you plan to do it. They’ll be able to track your journey and will know your whereabouts if you stop contacting them for whatever reason.

Europe is suitably amazing for solo travellers. You should totally do it if you feel like doing so – there isn’t much unsafe about many of the countries that make up this fascinating continent. Cities are where you’ll have to take the most care, but other than that it’s mostly fine.

We would even say that much of Europe is perfect for a first time solo travel trip. You could even go interrailing for a couple of weeks and hit up the highlights of the continent. Or you could hop around the Greek islands one summer. Or chill in Scandinavia. It’s all awesome.

Travelling as a solo female traveller pretty much anywhere in Europe is quite safe. In fact, this awesome continent is a good place to kick off your solo travelling adventures if you haven’t done so before – it’s that safe, that fun, that well trodden and that easy to get around here.

However, if you ask any other solo female traveller about Europe and they will totally have their own tips to keep themselves safe on any European trip – things that you pick up as you go. With that in mind, we have decided to give you a roundup of the best tailor made tips for solo female travellers in Europe so that your trip goes as smoothly – and as safely – as it can possibly go. It’s going to be a total blast.

• Not every place in Europe is the same and the safety, or comfort levels, for a solo female traveller will vary greatly. For example, you may get catcalling in Naples, Italy, some rural areas of Spain will be super conservative, and in Turkey, you may get overt levels of unwanted attention.
• Pick your accommodation wisely. This means looking up places that have good reviews from other solo female travellers; opting for female only dorms; and making sure that the location of the hostel (or guesthouse) is in a safe neighbourhood.
• Don’t put yourself in danger just because you have a tight budget. This means taking a taxi instead of walking at night time – or paying that little bit extra for a secure hotel room in a good area. Your safety is a priority compared to saving a bit of money.
• Speaking of which, try not to walk around by yourself alone at night. You may think it’s just a short journey, but walking alone after dark somewhere you don’t know anything about will just put you at risk.
• Always trust your gut. This may sound like a cheesy cliche, but it really will help you out. If something doesn’t feel right, or you’re feeling uncomfortable, or a person seems weird, don’t stick around out of politeness. Instead, just make an excuse and leave. Or just leave outright.
• If you want to go out at night partying, the safety levels of a solo female traveller depends on where you are. A tapas bar in Spain, for example, is likely to be fine, or even a superclub in Ibiza. But being by yourself in some countries may be riskier and come with too much unwanted – Paris, for example, or Istanbul.
• Watch your drink. Drink spiking is a big issue in many towns and cities and can absolutely ruin a night – if not the whole trip. Never leave your drink unattended – ever – and if somebody offers to buy you a drink, make sure you’re there next to them and see the drink being made.
• Meet up with other women, be they female travellers or locals. There’s a ton of super cool and amazing women travelling around Europe, or living in the continent, and will be more than keen to meet up. Girls Love Travel, for female travellers, and Host A Sister, are two welcoming Facebook groups filled with likeminded women that you can ask for advice or meet up with.
• Blend in with what other local ladies are wearing. Again this is going to vary. What goes in the centre of Madrid is not the same in rural Turkey, or even in London. Not only will you stand out as a tourist (and potential target) if you dress too differently, but you may even get some unwanted attention. Err on the side of modesty (except on beaches, of course).
• In most of Europe, if you feel like you’re in danger or need help, people will help you out. Just ask for help. If you’re feeling uncomfortable at a bar, tell the bar staff; if you’re on the street and feel like someone’s following you, tell someone who looks like you can trust (a woman with children); if you’re lost, head into a shop and ask someone for directions. People are helpful.
• Tell people what you’re doing. Your friends and family will be worried about you no matter how time you call them up and tell them what you’re doing, but keeping in touch with people is safer – and better for your mental health – than not keeping in touch with people.

In general, Europe is absolutely amazing to travel as a solo female. Without doubt, there will be a whole load of other solo female travellers doing exactly what you’re doing there, all staying in a whole host of amazing hostels and guesthouses around the continent.

Accommodation for solo female travellers is available in most places in Europe. Most of the time, getting from A to B is simple. As a bonus, it’s not seen as unusual (in most countries, especially EU ones) for women to be travelling around by themselves. It’s normal!

Women in European society, and within the EU in particular, usually live a free life, not dictated by the men in their lives. Women usually dress how they like, party as much as they want, and are respected. Sometimes, that’s not the case, but mostly, you’ll have a great time.

Of course Europe is safe to travel for families. It’s probably one of the top destinations in the world for families, in fact. Europeans are very much used to the idea of travel with children, so having travellers in their own country with their kids in tow is natural.

Being for the most part, developed countries, the infrastructure, amenities and facilities that you will find across Europe are efficient, safe and easy to use for families; even if they’re not always in English!

If Europe feels like a bit of a daunting trip as a whole for a trip with your family, then you should try and hone in on a destination that you all enjoy. A European city break, for example, will be a mix of interesting history, cool museums and good food; but this might not necessarily the best choice for families with young children.

A beach vacation in Spain, on the other hand, is the perfect choice for a relaxed family trip and is actually a time honoured tradition of many families from all over Europe. These sorts of places will come complete with hotels that have kids’ clubs, family suites and restaurants with kids’ menus.

There’s even the option to go camping, without any of the stress since you arrive at the camp with the tents pre-erected (EuroCamp, for example, hundreds of sites across the continent). Again, this is the vacation of choice for many European families and the sites come packed with everything you’ll need.

In general, Mediterranean parts of Europe are more geared towards families than anywhere else. It’s in the culture: in Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece, children and families tend to stay out till late, playing in parks, eating and generally having fun family time together.

Aside from beaches and nature, Europe is packed with huge amusement parks. There’s Disneyland Paris, Legoland in Copenhagen, Denmark, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in the UK, as well as a whole load of water parks in Spain.

In general, you’re going to be totally fine as a family travelling to Europe. Most societies on the continent are relaxed and open minded; for instance, you shouldn’t have any problems with breast feeding in public, or finding baby products and baby changing facilities in public spaces.

What are you waiting for? Europe is the perfect family destination and it’s really safe for children.

Mostly, yes, it is safe to drive in Europe. Being such a large continent with so many countries filling it, however, there are different driving styles and – more importantly – different rules of the road and hazards to watch out for. What you’ll be worried about driving in Albania won’t be a problem in Sweden, and driving around the Alps will be very different to driving in Central London.

Driving offers you the opportunity to explore the continent on a huge European road trip. It will allow you to see parts of different countries that you wouldn’t get to see otherwise, and open it all up for you.

Europe may have, in general, some pretty solid public transport, but nothing quite allows you to explore the more remote corners of Europe than your own set of wheels.

One of the main issues with having your own vehicle – rental or otherwise – is that it could be targeted for thefts. This goes doubly for cars that are obviously from outside of the country you’re driving in. You should definitely hide your belongings in your car when parking near beaches, or in city centres, and don’t keep anything valuable in your car at all.

Cars, it should be noted, aren’t actually that useful in big European cities – especially capitals. The roads are clogged with traffic, there’s tariffs on cars (to help ease congestion and pollution), parking can be really expensive and, much of the time, the public transport is good enough to get around.

Highways across most of Europe are the quickest way to get around. These multiple lane roads – often called motorways, autobahns, autostrades, and autoroutes, etc. – can be quite stressful as you reach big towns and cities, with exits and junctions to stress you out; make sure you keep an eye on signs and have both a GPS navigation system and a physical map handy.

Some highways have speed cameras, by the way, so don’t rush. Many highways throughout the continent are actually toll roads and can be pretty pricey – especially in France, Spain and Italy.

Road surfaces are usually good, but in rural areas can be potholed, not well maintained or generally just narrow and hair-raising: we’re talking Greece, countryside lanes in Ireland, Albania, to name a few. Not to mention that these roads will also be pitch black at night time.

Most of the time you’ll be driving on the right hand lane (except in Ireland and the UK), so if you’re used to that – great.

Drink driving is very strictly prohibited. The BAC (blood-alcohol) is usually somewhere between 0.05% and 0.08% – in Gibraltar and Belarus, however, it’s 0%. If you are stopped, breathalysed, and found to a BAC level that’s too high, then you could be arrested, get fined and have your license suspended.

One important to note is that certain countries require the driver to carry certain items in their car at all times – without question. For example, a warning triangle and a yellow high visibility jacket is common in most countries. France also requires drivers to have their own breathalyser.

Another thing: if you are travelling over international borders, it is necessary to have a sticker that indicates the country of registration.

Roundabouts are a thing – you may not know anything about these. They’re sporadic, mostly, but in Britain, they’re everywhere. The trick is to know your exit before getting on (count as you go round if necessary). Remember that traffic on the roundabout has right of way: it’s all about timing. If you miss your exit, the beauty is that you can just drive around and try again!

Children have to be in the correct safety seats for their age (and may not be able to travel in the front seat); many countries also have rules about using mobile phones and other electrical equipment whilst driving.

All in all, Europe is a safe place to drive. It’s a good place to do so, too, with so much stunning scenery to discover off the beaten track.

Uber is safe in Europe, but in some places it is no longer allowed to operate.

In London, in 2019, the ride-share company was banned. Elsewhere in the UK, it’s still very much in use and is safe.

Elsewhere, European cities such as Amsterdam, Rome, Berlin, and many others, all have Uber. It’s safe in these places, too.

You can use Uber to get a ride 24 hours a day, you don’t have to worry about having enough of the local currency – or being able to speak the right language – and arrive at your destination having checked the review of your driver and tracked your journey safely.

The most important thing to note regarding an Uber in Europe is to make sure you’re getting in the exact car that you have been assigned on the app. If a car stops by and it looks like the right make, don’t get in unless you can confirm the number plate of the car and ask the driver their name too.

Taxis in Europe are safe – mostly. They vary, obviously, across the countries and even from city to city within the same country.

Often you will find that taxis are quite expensive in Europe, especially in capital cities, but again: this varies. London taxis are notoriously expensive, for example, but getting a taxi in Bulgaria will be a completely different story. Taxis from airports tend to be pricey everywhere.

Though many places are different, there are some general rules to think about when it comes to catching a cab in Europe.

When you turn up at the airport, or a transit terminal like a bus or train station, make sure you only get a licensed taxi. These sorts of places are where scam-y taxi drivers will be preying on unwitting tourists who have only just arrived in their country. Often at airports, you can find an official taxi counter, so you can pay in advance to get to certain destinations.

In most cities, there will have one or more official taxi company. Make sure you can familiarise yourself with what these look like; the driver will have to have official ID and some kind of marking from the city on the car. Do your research on this before you arrive at your destination.

Flagging down a taxi in most European cities is normal. Just make sure that the taxi driver uses the meter, which they usually by law have to use, or instead you could head to a taxi rank: find these outside train stations, malls and hotels.

A good option for getting a rough estimate of how much a taxi ride should cost anywhere in Europe is by heading online and checking out worldtaximeter.com .

If you’re not sure about flagging down a cab yourself, then you can ask your accommodation for the recommended number of a radio taxi company. Better yet, you could ask them to book the taxi for you.

One important thing you should know about some taxi companies in Europe is that, quite often, unlicensed taxi drivers hang out outside nightlife spots and offer taxis to partygoers. These guys can be shady, have dangerous practises, cars not up to scratch and – especially if you’re a female traveller by yourself – it is not a good idea to use them. Always get a licensed taxi, even if it costs more.

As we keep saying, Europe is big – and varied. With that in mind, it probably comes as no surprise that there are a ton of different ways to get from A to B almost anywhere in the continent. From trams in Amsterdam and rack railways in Switzerland, to continent-crossing budget intercity coaches, there’s a lot to choose from.

Across the continent, most cities and towns have some form of public transportation systems – often very good. These in the form of metros, trains, trams and buses, and even city bike rentals, too.

Buses in cities and towns can vary from the very, very local, to the swish, commuter-friendly affairs with wi-fi and even tourist-oriented buses, too.

They’re usually fairly safe to use across Europe, but it is important in most places to look after your belongings – especially when it’s crowded. Night buses, in particular, can be filled with drunk people (i.e. London) and – sometimes – shady characters.

National buses that travel around certain countries are an option in most European nations. These travel between cities and are usually considerably cheaper than train travel, but also not as nice and not as fast, either. These kinds of buses need to be reserved and, usually, you can get some bargain prices; if you’re on a budget, book in advance.

As with everything travel related, do your research and go with the most reputable companies.

The same thing goes for international buses. They’re usually cheaper than trains and travel some mega long distances – usually overnight, as well. Eurolines, for example, has a network of over 500 destinations covering all of Europe (even Morocco). You can get a Eurolines Pass, which allows you to visit a whole load of different places within a certain time limit.

Another bus company is Busabout, but it’s a hop on, hop off, kind of deal and mainly in and around big cities. Book the leg you want to travel in advance so you don’t get stuck – these guys get sold out.

Trains are an amazing way to travel around Europe. In cities, metro systems and local trains connect the centre of towns and allow you to explore the surrounding area, too. They’re usually quick and efficient and safe, too, but again, beware of thieves that operate on underground services (such as the Paris Metro) as well as rowdy, drunk passengers later at night.

Another thing to note about train travel is to not sit in empty carriages. They may be empty for a reason (i.e. threatening group occupying a bank of seats) or it may just put you at risk, especially at night. Try to stick with crowds.

Trams, such as those in Amsterdam, are convenient to get around tourist sights but can be hotspots for thieves, so make sure to keep your belongings close to you.

Trains are usually clean and run on time, though this is mainly the case for Central and Western Europe more than the former Eastern Bloc countries .

When it comes to international trains, they’re pretty frequent and reliable and can mean that your adventure around multiple countries runs smoothly. Famously, Interrailing (i.e. using an International Rail Pass) means you can hit up a variety of different countries within the space of two months and is popular with many backpackers and students in the summer months.

Sleeper trains, especially in former Eastern Bloc countries, meaning you can travel long distance and get somewhere to rest at the same time, saving you money on one or two nights of accommodation. Though usually fine and pretty fun, make sure you look after your belongings as thefts aren’t unheard of.

You may to take advantage of the Eurostar, too. This cool international train runs underneath the sea between London and Paris, and even goes as far as Brussels and Amsterdam. Check in advance to get deals and tickets from London to Brussels for as little as £29 (around $38).

It’s rare to for something to happen on a train that seriously affects your safety – or your money. That said, it’s still a good idea to take a few precautions, locking bags to racks on sleeper trains and other long distance services, and generally just watching your surroundings in other places. For the most part though, public transport in Europe isn’t just safe: it’s amazing.

Food and Europe is a match made in heaven. Food in Europe is also diverse. This is a continent of global heavy hitters in terms of cuisine. French cuisine? Spanish food? Italian? We mean, this is the land of the pizza after all. The land of schnitzel. The land of French bread, pastries and myriad cheeses.

Where else can you get a fresh, authentic Greek salad or a tapas as tasty as it is in Spain? Or get a genuine brat wurst and a beer in Bavaria? It’s all pretty amazing, guys, and to help you eat your way around Europe with no worries at all, here’s some of our top tips…

• With all those tourists to Europe, tourist traps are bound to follow. These restaurants are usually (but not always) tacky-looking, have English signage outside, might have a tout trying to coax you in and are in touristed areas of countries. The focus with these is not on quality, hygiene or service, but is most likely going to be money. Avoid these. Please.
• Follow the locals. Locals (discernible from how they dress and what language they’re speaking) tend to know what’s good in their own cuisine, so if you’re hungry at lunch or dinner time anywhere in Europe, head into somewhere that’s busy and which probably won’t have an English menu. Someone will help you choose something delicious. If you have to wait, most likely it’ll be worth it.
• Opt for things that have been cooked freshly. The only way to judge this is to either see it being cooked in front of you or to make sure that it’s piping hot when it’s served up to you.
• Similarly, you should go to street vendors and restaurants at mealtimes. Anytime in between may mean that you get served up what didn’t sell at lunch, and which may have been sitting around catching germs for an hour or two.
• Do your research on local specialities. Europe is a big place and though you may not notice a distinct change in culture between the south of France and the north of Italy, or even between regions, getting on the bus and getting off in a completely different place can throw you. Make sure that you know what’s good in the next country so you can make a beeline for it right away.
• Don’t be scared of street food or eating at markets. Though you may be worried about getting ill from eating somewhere that doesn’t look “sanitary,” you need to remember that tons of people eat at these stalls all the time. A good rule of thumb is to go to somewhere that seems to be doing a good business – preferably with locals.
• Don’t go all in too quickly. One of the easiest ways to give yourself an upset stomach is to have a sudden change in diet, and with many different culinary traditions spread across the continent, that could happen. Limit the amount of exceptionally garlicky or well spiced food, especially if you have a delicate stomach, at first.
• Last, but definitely not least, you should really always be washing your hands. This is a complete no brainer, and you should be doing this in life anyway, but washing your hands before you eat (especially before eating things with your hands) is a good way to not let germs get into your stomach.

Europe is basically the ultimate foodie destination. You get a mix of fresh food, cuisines, different traditions, certain meats being used in certain places, fish being more popular in other places, and a culture of long lunches and plenty of vegetables in other places. We love it.

The number one thing, basically, is to make sure you avoid tourist traps. These are unfortunately quite rife in Europe, especially around the sights you probably want to see. Make an effort to walk that extra block to find somewhere authentic that will blow your mind!

Water quality varies throughout Europe, but for the most part, is safe – especially in Western Europe.

In Eastern Europe, and surrounding countries such as Ukraine and Russia, it’s often best to stick to bottled water as there is a parasite called giardia that is present – and which can be a problem.

In some areas, it’s best to stick to filtered waters and boil the water if you’re not sure (do this for 1 minute vigorously, or 3 minutes if you’re at high altitude).

Bring a water bottle with that you can fill up as you go around and be a responsible traveller. We don’t need more plastic bottles polluting the planet!

The cultures, cities and day to day lives of Europe are as varied as the landscapes and climates you can come across here. On the whole, however, Europe is a safe and great place to live .

Defining the whole of Europe as “safe” however is just too general. EU (European Union) countries provide a generally high quality of life, but that doesn’t mean that a lot of countries outside of the EU aren’t safe: Norway, for example, or Switzerland.

Looking at the EU countries compared to the United States, the EU has fewer traffic-related deaths, fewer homicides, fewer cardiovascular deaths and a lower infant mortality rate. In that respect, Europe is safe to live, but it could be argued that these lower figures are a result of lifestyle, and so it doesn’t mean you will automatically become super healthy.

If you do take into account the lifestyle and it’s attractive to you, the benefits are clear to see: many Mediterranean countries – including Spain, Italy, France, Malta and Greece – are high in the life expectancy rankings. Even places like Iceland, Sweden and Norway are in the top 20 countries for life expectancy.

Family and friends are important in many European cultures and socialising regularly, eating meals together – even living with several generations of family – is common in some countries.

When it comes to where to live in Europe, it depends on what sort of lifestyle you are into. Most European countries have similar rural traditions of farming and laid back lifestyles, but it’s a possibility that you could feel more isolated due to cultural and language related issues.

Global cities, on the other hand, provide a concentration of whatever country you’re living in, with plenty of culture to soak up and (usually) the presence of an expat community. Transport in these big cities is reliable, clean, safe and well run, but housing varies and can be expensive. London and Paris have sky-high prices, whilst Madrid and Porto could offer more value for money, but with a high quality of life.

When it comes to living within the EU, you can rely on European standards to ensure that you’re getting the best of your time in the country: there’s directives on things from food and product safety, to labour laws and healthcare.

The beauty of living in Europe is, regardless of where you choose to live, you can travel to any other country within just a few hours. It’s great!

To conclude, Europe is a safe, awesome and rewarding place to live. If you’re at all interested in culture, politics, learning another language, architecture, skiing, snowboarding, hitting up beaches, being part of a global community, then you should base yourself in Europe for at least one year of your life. It really is a cool place to be.

As ever, though, do your research. Talk to expats and locals online, visit a few countries, see where will suit you the most and go for it.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Europe not being an actual country, we can’t really say “Europe’s healthcare is amazing” or “Europe’s healthcare is bad”, but we can say that – in general – most countries in Europe, especially in the EU, have a good standard of healthcare.

Cities usually have large hospitals that are well equipped to deal with a range of specialist issues and have 24 hour emergency units attached. When it comes to getting advice, hospitals often have their clinics – though there are also local clinics – where you can simply drop in instead of having to make an appointment.

Alternatively, you could turn up at A&E, but you have to make sure that your condition warrants an emergency – a broken bone, for example.

Most of the countries in Europe have some variation of the universal healthcare system. This means that most people have access to a good level of healthcare across the continent, whether it is 100% paid for by taxis as in the NHS in the UK, or if it is subsidised and you pay only a small percentage of fees, like in France.

If you need to see a medical professional, the best way to do so is to ask at your accommodation. They will be able to point you in the right direction of a doctor, clinic or hospital that will suit your needs.

In tourist hotspots, especially in popular resort towns, you will find tourist clinics, usually with English speaking doctors and nurses who will be able to treat minor ailments and injuries. Some resorts themselves will even have their own in-house doctors.

Pharmacies are of a high quality throughout Europe and there are a lot of them. Used by Europeans as a first port of call if they’re feeling under the weather, pharmacists are highly trained and knowledgeable, and will be able to advise you about remedies and medication, but often won’t be able to prescribe you anything.

A lot of pharmacies in city centres are open 24 hours. But be careful on Sundays as in some countries they could close (even in Paris, France). A pharmacist can also direct you to a clinic or doctor relevant for your condition.

You should know your emergency numbers, as they do vary throughout the continent. 112 is the number you can use in many European countries (including all 28 EU member states), but not in all, so make sure you know what you should be dialling if you’re in an emergency.

In conclusion, European healthcare has high standards of service, hygiene and care. Though the same can’t be said of all countries in Europe, most countries – including Central and Western Europe – will be able to offer you a level of medical care that you’re used to in your own country.

Just make sure to European medical travel insurance as it can get pricey. Citizens from the UK visiting Europe can use a European Health Card to claim free emergency health-care.

Here are some quick answers to common questions about safety in Europe.

What are the most safest countries in Europe?

These are the safest countries in Europe: – Switzerland – Denmark – Iceland – Portugal

What should you avoid in Europe?

No matter what country you visit, these are the things you should avoid: – If you’re being robbed, don’t refuse to hand things over – Don’t carry valuables all in one bag – Don’t disrespect the local culture – Avoid being careless when withdrawing money from the ATM

Is Europe safe for solo travellers?

Europe is safe for solo travellers and an incredible experience. Pretty much all countries welcome backpackers with open arms and great hospitality.

Is Europe the safest continent?

Yes, Europe is the safest of all continents. It holds most developed countries and has a very low crime rate. Most Europe visits are very safe.

We’ve said it a lot of times in this article already, but Europe is big. It’s also not a country, being instead a collection of varying nation states from the tiny Andorra, Liechtenstein and Monaco to large, globally recognised countries such as Germany, France and Italy. It’s not all the same. Western Europe differs from Eastern Europe, with Belarus and Hungary worlds away from Ireland and Spain, for example.

With all that difference comes a lot of awesomeness. There is of course, a lot of intriguing history that you probably never knew anything about, architectural relics of royal dynasties great empires that you never heard of, and a melting pot of languages – some oddities, like Basque, some more familiar, like Spanish (and that’s in the same country). It also has some amazing landscapes, from the Mediterranean coast to the Arctic Circle.

Assessing the safety of Europe as a single entity is pretty tricky. For the most part, Europe is safe. There are certain countries that are less safe, certain countries that are more safe, and even certain regions of some countries that are safer than other parts of the same nation. A good gauge however are Europe’s cities: they’re safe and full of culture – intriguing stop-offs along your journey through the Old Country.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Mathilde Magnier

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What to Know About the State Department's New Travel Advisories for Europe

By Rachel Chang

Between pandemic outbreaks and unrest in much of the world, global travel inherently comes with more anxiety than before. On top of that, earlier in October, officials issued an updated U.S. State Department travel advisory for a slew of countries, ranging from Belize and Italy to South Africa and the U.K, putting them at a Level 2 status cautioning visitors to “exercise increased caution.” While the new batch of advisories captured travelers' attention, the reason they were issued is more complex than it might seem. Most of the updated bulletins were dated October 4 or 5, a few days after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) removed COVID-19 Travel Health Notices from its site, a State Department spokesperson says. That change sparked the new advisories, but also drew attention to the warnings that had existed in each country.  Any time there is an alteration to the listed information, the travel advisory for each country will clearly note the reason for the update at the top. As with countries like Belize , Italy , France , and South Africa , the first line of the advisories read: “Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information”—noting that CDC change was the cause for the new advisory, as COVID-19 had been a major factor in these notices for the greater part of the last couple of years. For many of the nations, that was the sole reason for the update. But the State Department is constantly reviewing the information. Any country with a Travel Advisory at Level 1 (“Exercise Normal Precautions”) or Level 2 (“Exercise Increased Caution”) is reassessed at least every 12 months, while any on Level 3 (“Reconsider Travel”) or Level 4 (“Do Not Travel”) are looked at again every six months, at a minimum.  Moving forward, the State Department’s Travel Advisories will no longer include the CDC’s Travel Health Notices, and the CDC will only issue a notice for a country if a concerning COVID-19 variant is identified that alters recommendations for traveling there.

Large-scale safety warnings

With the health warnings off of these pages, terrorist and civil unrest advisories now sit at the top of many of the countries' pages. The State Department says that if the latest update was related to one of these reasons, it would be clearly labeled up front. Still, the recent update exposed just how many nations are currently at elevated caution levels.

“Level 2 travel warnings are not normal for these countries at this scale,” Jukka Laitamaki of NYU School of Professional Studies ’ Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality says. “Currently, in Europe only Scandinavian countries and Finland have the lowest Level 1 advisory.”

The State Department doesn’t specify what threats are behind the warnings, so it does mean travelers should be aware of the state of affairs in each country. “Pay attention to [the advisories] and use them as an important part of your travel planning,” he says. “Supplement them with local news from the destinations you plan to travel to and consider your own level of risk tolerance.” It’s possible recent one-off incidents like the Monet painting being defaced in Germany or the upcoming enthusiasm around the World Cup in November could be causes, Rewaken Adventure travel consultant Lori Avirett-Mackenzie says. “So State Department increasing the levels makes sense in a broad and general way,” she says.

Knowing how to use that information for travel planning can be difficult to parse. “There are no universal answers as the decision to travel and where to go when is highly personal,” Sandra Weinacht of Inside Europe . “But from my perspective and experience, I say yes, come to Europe.”  Of course that doesn’t mean completely letting your guard down—it may just be digging deeper into the specifics of where you’re going. Often the travel advisories will caution about certain areas. For instance, while Peru is on a Level 3 warning , there are certain border regions on Level 4. 

“We advise clients to take these alerts seriously, but we also recommend that, together, we dig into the alert and in more detail before changing or cancelling their travel plans to determine if or how the alert affects their specific trip,” Jenny Mikkelson at Travel Beyond says. She reminds that the advisories are issued for entire nations and for a broad range of traveler types, so specifics are important. “The particular destinations a traveler may be visiting may not be anywhere near the points of concern,” she adds.  Even so, Level 4 warnings stating not travel to the country should be heeded, Laitamaki says. As of press time, that list includes Afghanistan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Burma (Myanmar), Central African Republic, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Mali, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tonga, Venezuela, Yemen, and Ukraine.

No matter what the advisory level is, it’s also just important to stay smart while on the road. Officials recommend signing up for the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) program with details of your trip in order to receive the latest safety and security alerts from the U.S. government.

While the advisories can be daunting, it shouldn’t prevent travelers from leaving home. “I believe the best option is to be well-educated and prepared,” Avirett-Mackenzie says. “International travel is key to changing and enlarging our perspectives, helping us all recognize that the vast majority of people everywhere have the same goals and are good and kind people at heart."

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Simple Flying

How flying today is safer than at any time in the past.

Becoming safer with every year that passes.

It's been said that all aviation safety regulations are written in blood, but how true is that?

Every year, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) releases its global safety report. In its most recent iteration, findings showed that in 2022, the aviation industry saw a nearly 10% decrease in accidents compared to 2020—furthermore, fatalities resulting from aircraft accidents dropped by over 65%.

Interestingly, these numbers have fallen despite the number of scheduled flights increasing. The ICAO attributes the improvements in safety to the safety commitments shared across the industry. In fact - the trend across many years of aviation is that today, flying is safer than ever.

Improving safety over time

According to research by Harvard University, flying in the US, Europe, and Australia is significantly safer than driving a car. Your odds of being in an accident during a flight is one in 1.2 million, and the chance of that being fatal is one in 11 million. Comparatively, your chances of dying in a car crash are over 200,000 times higher, averaging around one in 5,000.

Harvard is far from the only US academic institution researching this topic. Indeed, a 2020 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) study tracked how airline safety has improved in recent years. Between 2008 and 2017, there was one fatality for every 7.9 million passengers who boarded a flight, while between 1998 and 2007, it stood at closer to one death per 2.7 million passengers.

Love aviation history ? Discover more of our stories here

The trend is even more apparent in the pre-9/11 era of lowered safety standards, limited security, and airport vending machines offering airline insurance. From 1988 to 1997, there was one fatality for every 1.3 million passengers, and from 1978 to 1987, that decreased further to one per 750,000 boardings. 1968 to 1977 saw an abysmal record of one fatality for every 350,000 passengers. Adjusted to 2023 traffic figures, that would account for at least 18 aviation-related deaths every day.

Arnold Barnett, the author of the MIT paper, summarized the findings, outlining the astounding work the aviation industry has done to limit fatal accidents,

“The worldwide risk of being killed had been dropping by a factor of two every decade… The pace of improvement has not slackened at all even as flying has gotten ever safer and further gains become harder to achieve. That is really quite impressive and is important for people to bear in mind.”

Different rates for different regions

Of course, within the data, geographical differences can be found. The countries where passengers will find the lowest-risk airlines include Europe, China, Japan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Israel. Across these countries, the fatality rate between 2008 and 2017 was one in 33.1 million passengers. Meanwhile, the higher-risk airlines came from developing countries that typically operate older aircraft or have limited regulatory oversight, such as Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

In these locations, the overall risk was found to be one fatality per 1.2 million passenger boardings. But, even here, the safety culture had improved dramatically, from one fatality per 400,000 boardings between 1998 and 2007.

What's making aviation so much safer?

A range of factors go into making air travel the safe environment it is today, ranging from engineering overhauls to improved regulation.

Recent technological developments have significantly enhanced aviation safety. Aircraft are no longer manually flown with limited navigational equipment; modern glass cockpits boast state-of-the-art technology to limit human error .

Not too long ago, at least three engines were required to cross the Atlantic due to reliability concerns and ETOPS regulations . In 1980, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) director J. Lynn Helms was quoted as telling Boeing's Engineering Director Dick Taylor that "it'll be a cold day in hell before I let twins fly long-haul, overwater routes," but just eight years later, ETOPS for was doubled from 90 minutes to 180, signaling a significant shift in the industry. Recent advancements in engine technology have seen the introduction of up to ETOPS-370 for Airbus' A350XWB, with many other twin-engine widebodies holding ETOPS-330 capabilities.

On the ground, flight crew, air traffic controllers, and dispatchers all work together to ensure a safe flight, and any changes to the plan are scrutinized by all parties to avoid mistakes.

When you're in the air, you can be confident you're flying with highly trained, certified individuals. In the US, pilots are required to have a minimum of 1,500 flying hours before they can work on a commercial airliner, the equivalent of nine straight weeks in the skies. Cabin crew is also vital to aircraft safety, with large portions of current training programs now related to keeping passengers safe onboard and minimizing risk during incidents .

Read More: 5 Major Air Disasters That Were Easily Preventable

The role of regulation and industry pressure

However, many of these advancements can be attributed to improvements in regulation. Everyone from aircraft manufacturer board members to part-time airline ground employees must adhere to strict governmental oversight. These regulations range from something as simple as minimizing work hours to reduce fatigue to ensuring aircraft parts are made from high-quality, approved materials.

Want answers to more key questions in aviation? Check out the rest of our guides here

The strict requirements for maintenance, reporting, training, and operations can extend further than the country in which it's implemented. Flight and airline bans, such as the European Union's Air Safety List, have prompted governments to shape up their act to ensure continued international operations and encourage tourism.

A notable recent graduate of the Air Safety list is Indonesia. Following two fatal crashes in early 2007 and a historically poor aviation safety record, all Indonesian airlines were banned from EU airspace. Gradual advancements by individual airlines saw some carriers slowly removed from the list before the ban was lifted entirely in 2018 amid consultation with the FAA and ICAO.

In a statement by the Government of Indonesia, EU Ambassador Yuri O. Tharmin noted the country's significant investment in improving its aviation industry and complying with global regulations. Tharmin added,

“The lifting of the flight ban for all Indonesian airlines is a form of EU ’ s recognition to the Indonesian Government in improving air safety in the country.”

What are your thoughts on the recent advancements in aviation safety? Let us know in the comments.

• COVID-19 travel advice

Considering travel during the pandemic? Take precautions to protect yourself from COVID-19.

A coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine can prevent you from getting COVID-19 or from becoming seriously ill due to COVID-19 . But even if you're vaccinated, it's still a good idea to take precautions to protect yourself and others while traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you've had all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses, including boosters, you're less likely to become seriously ill or spread COVID-19 . You can then travel more safely within the U.S. and internationally. But international travel can still increase your risk of getting new COVID-19 variants.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you should avoid travel until you've had all recommended COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses.

Before you travel

As you think about making travel plans, consider these questions:

• Have you been vaccinated against COVID-19 ? If you haven't, get vaccinated. If the vaccine requires two doses, wait two weeks after getting your second vaccine dose to travel. If the vaccine requires one dose, wait two weeks after getting the vaccine to travel. It takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination.
• Have you had any booster doses? Having all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses, including boosters, increases your protection from serious illness.
• Are you at increased risk for severe illness? Anyone can get COVID-19 . But older adults and people of any age with certain medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 .
• Do you live with someone who's at increased risk for severe illness? If you get infected while traveling, you can spread the COVID-19 virus to the people you live with when you return, even if you don't have symptoms.
• Does your home or destination have requirements or restrictions for travelers? Even if you've had all recommended vaccine doses, you must follow local, state and federal testing and travel rules.

Check local requirements, restrictions and situations

Some state, local and territorial governments have requirements, such as requiring people to wear masks, get tested, be vaccinated or stay isolated for a period of time after arrival. Before you go, check for requirements at your destination and anywhere you might stop along the way.

Keep in mind these can change often and quickly depending on local conditions. It's also important to understand that the COVID-19 situation, such as the level of spread and presence of variants, varies in each country. Check back for updates as your trip gets closer.

Travel and testing

For vaccinated people.

If you have been fully vaccinated, the CDC states that you don't need to get tested before or after your trip within the U.S. or stay home (quarantine) after you return.

If you're planning to travel internationally outside the U.S., the CDC states you don't need to get tested before your trip unless it's required at your destination. Before arriving to the U.S., you need a negative test within the last day before your arrival or a record of recovery from COVID-19 in the last three months.

After you arrive in the U.S., the CDC recommends getting tested with a viral test 3 to 5 days after your trip. If you're traveling to the U.S. and you aren't a citizen, you need to be fully vaccinated and have proof of vaccination.

You don't need to quarantine when you arrive in the U.S. But check for any symptoms. Stay at home if you develop symptoms.

For unvaccinated people

Testing before and after travel can lower the risk of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 . If you haven't been vaccinated, the CDC recommends getting a viral test within three days before your trip. Delay travel if you're waiting for test results. Keep a copy of your results with you when you travel.

Repeat the test 3 to 5 days after your trip. Stay home for five days after travel.

If at any point you test positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 , stay home. Stay at home and away from others if you develop symptoms. Follow public health recommendations.

Stay safe when you travel

In the U.S., you must wear a face mask on planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation. The mask must fit snugly and cover both your mouth and nose.

Follow these steps to protect yourself and others when you travel:

• Get vaccinated.
• Keep distance between yourself and others (within about 6 feet, or 2 meters) when you're in indoor public spaces if you're not fully vaccinated. This is especially important if you have a higher risk of serious illness.
• Avoid contact with anyone who is sick or has symptoms.
• Avoid crowds and indoor places that have poor air flow (ventilation).
• Don't touch frequently touched surfaces, such as handrails, elevator buttons and kiosks. If you must touch these surfaces, use hand sanitizer or wash your hands afterward.
• Wear a face mask in indoor public spaces. The CDC recommends wearing the most protective mask possible that you'll wear regularly and that fits. If you are in an area with a high number of new COVID-19 cases, wear a mask in indoor public places and outdoors in crowded areas or when you're in close contact with people who aren't vaccinated.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• If soap and water aren't available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub your hands together until they feel dry.
• Don't eat or drink on public transportation. That way you can keep your mask on the whole time.

Because of the high air flow and air filter efficiency on airplanes, most viruses such as the COVID-19 virus don't spread easily on flights. Wearing masks on planes has likely helped lower the risk of getting the COVID-19 virus on flights too.

However, air travel involves spending time in security lines and airport terminals, which can bring you in close contact with other people. Getting vaccinated and wearing a mask when traveling can help protect you from COVID-19 while traveling.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has increased cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and equipment, including bins, at screening checkpoints. TSA has also made changes to the screening process:

• Travelers must wear masks during screening. However, TSA employees may ask travelers to adjust masks for identification purposes.
• Travelers should keep a distance of 6 feet apart from other travelers when possible.
• Instead of handing boarding passes to TSA officers, travelers should place passes (paper or electronic) directly on the scanner and then hold them up for inspection.
• Each traveler may have one container of hand sanitizer up to 12 ounces (about 350 milliliters) in a carry-on bag. These containers will need to be taken out for screening.
• Personal items such as keys, wallets and phones should be placed in carry-on bags instead of bins. This reduces the handling of these items during screening.
• Food items should be carried in a plastic bag and placed in a bin for screening. Separating food from carry-on bags lessens the likelihood that screeners will need to open bags for inspection.

Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds directly before and after going through screening.

Public transportation

If you travel by bus or train and you aren't vaccinated, be aware that sitting or standing within 6 feet (2 meters) of others for a long period can put you at higher risk of getting or spreading COVID-19 . Follow the precautions described above for protecting yourself during travel.

Even if you fly, you may need transportation once you arrive at your destination. You can search car rental options and their cleaning policies on the internet. If you plan to stay at a hotel, check into shuttle service availability.

If you'll be using public transportation and you aren't vaccinated, continue physical distancing and wearing a mask after reaching your destination.

Hotels and other lodging

The hotel industry knows that travelers are concerned about COVID-19 and safety. Check any major hotel's website for information about how it's protecting guests and staff. Some best practices include:

• Enhanced cleaning procedures
• Physical distancing recommendations indoors for people who aren't vaccinated
• Mask-wearing and regular hand-washing by staff
• Mask-wearing indoors for guests in public places in areas that have high cases of COVID-19
• Vaccine recommendations for staff
• Isolation and testing guidelines for staff who've been exposed to COVID-19
• Contactless payment
• Set of rules in case a guest becomes ill, such as closing the room for cleaning and disinfecting
• Indoor air quality measures, such as regular system and air filter maintenance, and suggestions to add air cleaners that can filter viruses and bacteria from the air

Vacation rentals, too, are enhancing their cleaning procedures. They're committed to following public health guidelines, such as using masks and gloves when cleaning, and building in a waiting period between guests.

Make a packing list

When it's time to pack for your trip, grab any medications you may need on your trip and these essential safe-travel supplies:

• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol)
• Disinfectant wipes (at least 70% alcohol)
• Thermometer

Considerations for people at increased risk

Anyone can get very ill from the virus that causes COVID-19 . But older adults and people of any age with certain medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness. This may include people with cancer, serious heart problems and a weakened immune system. Getting the recommended COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses can help lower your risk of being severely ill from COVID-19 .

Travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19 . If you're unvaccinated, staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 . If you must travel and aren't vaccinated, talk with your health care provider and ask about any additional precautions you may need to take.

Remember safety first

Even the most detailed and organized plans may need to be set aside when someone gets ill. Stay home if you or any of your travel companions:

• Have signs or symptoms, are sick or think you have COVID-19
• Are waiting for results of a COVID-19 test
• Have been diagnosed with COVID-19
• Have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 in the past five days and you're not up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines

If you've had close contact with someone with COVID-19 , get tested after at least five days. Wait to travel until you have a negative test. Wear a mask if you travel up to 10 days after you've had close contact with someone with COVID-19 .

• How to protect yourself and others. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Domestic travel during COVID-19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Requirement for face masks on public transportation conveyances and at transportation hubs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/face-masks-public-transportation.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• International travel. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel/index.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• U.S citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and immigrants: Travel to and from the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel-during-covid19.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Non-US. citizen, non-U.S. immigrants: Air travel to the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/noncitizens-US-air-travel.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• People with certain medical conditions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Stay up to date with your vaccines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Pack smart. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/pack-smart. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Travel: Frequently asked questions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) information. Transportation Security Administration. https://www.tsa.gov/coronavirus. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• WHO advice for international traffic in relation to the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/articles-detail/who-advice-for-international-traffic-in-relation-to-the-sars-cov-2-omicron-variant. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• VRHP/VRMA Cleaning guidelines for COVID-19. Vacation Rental Management Association. https://www.vrma.org/page/vrhp/vrma-cleaning-guidelines-for-covid-19. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• Safe stay. American Hotel & Lodging Association. https://www.ahla.com/safestay. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• Khatib AN, et al. COVID-19 transmission and the safety of air travel during the pandemic: A scoping review. Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases. 2021; doi:10.1097/QCO.0000000000000771.

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U.S. travel resources

• Check CDC recommendations for travel within the U.S.
• Review testing requirements for travel to the U.S.
• Look up restrictions at your destination .
• Review airport security measures .

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9 Safest Countries in Europe: Ranked by Data (Traveler’s Guide)

Thinking of traveling to Europe? You’ve chosen well, since it’s considered to be the most peaceful region in the world, having 7 of the most peaceful countries, according to the Global Peace Index.

The safest country in Europe is Iceland. This is based on data from the Global Peace Index. It compares conflict, safety and security, and militarization. Some of the other safest countries in Europe include Ireland, Denmark, and Austria.

In this article, you’ll see the 9 safest and most peaceful countries in the continent of Europe, some travel advisories, and some sights to check out while there. Interestingly, all of these 9 countries come in at the top 15 of safest and most peaceful countries in the world.

PLEASE NOTE:  The following information on safety is not my personal opinion or from my personal experience. This comes from the 2022 Global Peace Index Report from Vision of Humanity ( Download PDF report ), which ranks 163 countries around the world. Any travel warnings listed below have been found on  travel.state.gov .

Safest European Countries: Ranking System

The Global Peace Index uses three main factors (which are divided into 23 indicators) that are assessed, then a score is given. The countries can then be compared based on this standardized set of criteria.

As a quick summary, here are the 3 main sections that determine each country’s score:

• Ongoing Domestic and Internation Conflict:  Duration and intensity of conflicts, number of deaths, and relationship to neighboring countries are some of the factors looked at.
• Societal Safety and Security:  Political instability, refugees, terrorism, violent crimes, murders, number of incarcerated, and police are some examples of this section.
• Militarisation:  Military expenses, armed services personnel, how much contributed to UN peacekeeping missions, and nuclear and heavy weapons capabilities are some points that contribute here.

The lower the score, the safer the country is considered, and the higher it is on the list. Here’s a handy map to visualize the safety of all the countries listed in the GPI.

The guide is part of an ongoing series covering the best destinations around the world.

Learn more about the  safest countries in Africa ,  Central America , South America , Latin America , and Asia . These are all part of our series about the safest countries in the world .

Safest European Countries: The List

Please note that tourist figures come from the site worlddata.info.

• Safety Score: 1.107
• Worldwide Rank: 1
• Population: 372,295 (2021)
• Capital City: Reykjavík
• Tourists Per Year: 2.2 million (2019)

Iceland, the land of fire and ice, is the top country for safety and peace, both on this list and in the world. If you’re looking for outdoor adventures, Iceland may be the place for you.

You can visit the Jokulsarln glacier lagoon to try and see the Northern Lights, enjoy a relaxing spa day at the Blue Lagoon, or explore the rugged terrain with ATV or buggy tours.

Unsurprisingly, at number one, Iceland is at a Level 1 travel advisory , “Exercise Normal Precautions”.

• Safety Score: 1.288
• Worldwide Rank: 3
• Population: 5.028 million (2021)
• Capital City: Dublin
• Tourists Per Year: 10.95 million (2019)

The Republic of Ireland (not to be confused with Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK), comes in at number 2, and number 3 in worldwide rankings.

The Emerald Isle has lots to offer. I visited once in 2015, having gone to the Chester Beatty Museum, the Stag’s Head pub, and Jameson Distillery. There’s so much more to see, and I would definitely go back a second time.

Ireland is at a Level 1 travel advisory .

• Safety Score: 1.296
• Worldwide Rank: 4
• Population: 5.857 million (2021)
• Capital City:  Copenhagen
• Tourists Per Year: 33.09 million (2019)

At number 3 on our list, Denmark is 4th worldwide, and is also considered the 2nd happiest country in the world in 2022, behind Finland and ahead of Switzerland and Iceland. You can visit the amusement park Tivoli Gardens, the historic Rosenburg Castle, or visit the birthplace of Lego and enjoy LEGOLAND in Billund.

Despite being so high on this list and in the world, Denmark is currently (as of Dec 30, 2022) at a Level 2 travel advisory due to terrorism.

Learn more about living in Denmark .

• Safety Score: 1.3
• Worldwide Rank: 5
• Population: 8.956 million (2021)
• Capital City:  Vienna
• Tourists Per Year: 31.88 million (2019)

Closing out the top 5 in the world, Austria is number 4 on the safest country list. Austria is famous for having many architectural wonders, like the Vienna Hofburg and the Fortress Hohensalzburg.

If you’re a classical music enthusiast, Vienna is for you, having been host to many famous composers like Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. You can enjoy tours that delve into Vienna’s music history.

Austria is at a Level 1 travel advisory .

5. Portugal

• Safety Score: 1.301
• Worldwide Rank: 6
• Population: 10.3 million (2021)
• Capital City:  Lisbon
• Tourists Per Year: 17.28 million (2019)

The fifth safest country in Europe is Portugal, the oldest country on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal gets over 300 days of sun per year, so chances are you’ll get good weather traveling there. You can enjoy such attractions and sights as the Oceanário de Lisboa, the Palacio Nacional de Sintra, or take a trip out to the Azores.

Portugal is currently at a Level 1 travel advisory .

6. Slovenia

• Safety Score: 1.316
• Worldwide Rank: 7
• Population: 2.107 million (2021)
• Capital City:  Ljubljana
• Tourists Per Year: 4.7 million (2019)

Slovenia comes in as the 6th safest country in Europe. Hosting a wide variety of landscapes, anywhere from the Julian Alps to the Mediterranean, Slovenia has a little something for everyone.

You can go hiking at Steska Vintgar, enjoy the picturesque Lake Bled, or tour around the capital, Ljubljana.

Slovenia is at a Level 1 travel advisory .

7. Czechia (The Czech Republic)

• Safety Score: 1.318
• Worldwide Rank: 8
• Population: 10.7 million (2021)
• Capital City:  Prague
• Tourists Per Year: 37.20 million (2019)

Number 7 on the list is Czechia or the Czech Republic. Home to over 2,000 castles, including Prague Castle (one of the largest in the world), there’s lots to see in Czechia.

Besides castles, you can also check out the 600-year-old Prague Astronomical Clock or visit the Adršpach-Teplice Rocks.

Czechia is at a Level 1 travel advisory .

8. Switzerland

• Safety Score: 1.357
• Worldwide Rank: 11
• Population: 8.698 million (2021)
• Capital City:  Bern
• Tourists Per Year: 11.82 million (2019)

Coming in at number 8 on our list, and just outside the top 10 in the world, is Switzerland. There are a lot of wonderful things to do in this country.

You can go skiing in the many ski resorts in the country (like St. Moritz); visit such attractions as Rhine Falls or the Matterhorn; or walk around scenic cities like Zürich or Lucerne. Be warned, though, as Switzerland often tops the list of the most expensive countries to visit in Europe.

Switzerland is at a Level 1 travel advisory .

Learn more about living in Switzerland .

• Safety Score: 1.411
• Worldwide Rank: 13
• Population: 9.71 million (2021)
• Capital City:  Budapest
• Tourists Per Year: 61.4 million (2019)

Our final country on the list of safest countries in Europe is Hungary. Also known as the “Land of the Magyars”, this landlocked country in Central Europe is home to many hot springs and spa towns, like the Gellért Baths.

You can go shopping at the oldest and biggest indoor market in Budapest, aptly called the Great Market Hall. Or you can enjoy a nice river cruise on the Danube.

Hungary is at Level 1 travel advisory .

Safest European Countries: FAQ

What is the safest country in europe.

The safest country in Europe is Iceland. With a score of 1.107, Iceland also ranks as the safest country in the world.

Other safe countries include Ireland, Denmark, Austria, and Portugal.

What is the most stable country in Europe?

Iceland is the most stable country in Europe. It has been number one in the region and in the world for the last 5 GPIs, starting in 2018. Portugal, Austria, and Denmark have also been consistently in the top 5 in Europe over this timespan.

Which European country gets the most tourists?

France gets the most tourists of any country in Europe, getting 217.88 million tourists in 2019. Spain follows with 126.17 million tourists in 2019.

France has a score of 1.895, and lands as the 33rd safest country in Europe, number 65 worldwide. Spain ranks higher than France, coming in at number 20 for Europe and 29 in the world, with a score of 1.603.

Both France and Spain are at a Level 2 advisory due to terrorism and civil unrest.

What is the most dangerous country in Europe?

The most dangerous country (in terms of score) in Europe is Russia, followed closely by Ukraine and Turkey.

Russia has a score of 3.275 and a worldwide rank of 160 out of 163.

Ukraine is at 2.971, ranked 153rd in the world; and Turkey scores 2.785, ranking 145th in the world.

Unsurprisingly, Russia and Ukraine are at a Level 4 Travel advisory, Do Not Travel. Despite its higher score, Turkey is only at a Level 2 travel advisory due to terrorism and detentions.

Which European country have you been to, and what was it like? Where else would you like to visit in Europe, whether on this list or otherwise? What did we miss? Let us know in the comments below!

Hello, I'm Joshua Diegor . My love for travel began I was 18 when I went with some friends to New York City. All in all, I've traveled to 6 continents and 14 countries.

I'm a regular contributor to Storyteller Travel .

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România it’s one of the safest country in Europe.

I would say that Croatia is one of the safest countries in Europe, but it always seems to be left behind. It is also one of the most beautiful.

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Is It Safe in Europe?

Pola Damonte / Getty Images

Taking a Euro-trip is often the vacation of a lifetime, but there are hazards to be aware of. The biggest threat is someone pickpocketing you, which can really put a damper on a trip. Thankfully, there are ways to minimize your vulnerabilities so you can have a hassle-free trip and explore without losing your valuables. Apart from theft, it's important to research whatever country or countries you'll be visiting to be aware of any specific risks of that destination.

Travel Advisories

The continent of Europe is comprised of nearly 50 different sovereign nations, stretching all the way from Iceland in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean to Armenia in the Caucasus Mountains, and the U.S. State Department provides travel recommendations and advisories for each one. In general, most European countries are safe to visit, although the State Department warns to "exercise increased caution" for many of them due to terrorist threats.

As of November 23, 2020, the only country in Europe with the highest level "Do Not Travel" warning is Russia, due to COVID-19. Virtually every other country on the continent has a "Reconsider Travel" warning due to COVID-19.  

Is Europe Dangerous?

There's no way to give one cookie-cutter answer for such a large region with so many different countries, and a visit to one area could be drastically different from visiting somewhere else. In general, however, you can travel throughout the continent without much worry. According to the Global Peace Index, Europe is the most peaceful region on the planet and of the top 30 safest countries in the world, 21 of them are in Europe  .

What most travelers need to worry about in most European cities is pickpocketing or petty theft . Thieves are very adept at tricking unsuspecting tourists with well-versed distractions, leaving them without their cellphone or wallet before they even realize it.

The more serious threat—albeit much more unlikely—is a terrorist attack. Major tourist destinations across Western Europe have made headlines for successful and thwarted terrorist plots, although you're more likely to come across conflict in Eastern Europe (it just doesn't get the same international attention).

Is Europe Safe for Solo Travelers?

The biggest worry to solo travelers should be pickpockets. You'll likely stand out as a foreigner no matter how well you try and blend in, and being alone can make you an easy target without a friend to cover your back. While you don't want to be caught alone in a dark back alley, the place where most robberies occur is actually in the busy city centers of the cities most frequented by tourists, such as Rome, Barcelona, and Prague . Be wary if a stranger approaches you to make conversation. Hopefully, it's someone friendly who just wants to chat, but hold your bags close just in case it's a distraction to pick your pocket.

Carrying your backpack on your front is a dead giveaway to out you as a tourist, but it can have value, especially on public transportation. Skilled thieves will cut a slit into the bottom of your backpack so they can grab what's inside and run off; hold your backpack to your chest on metros or buses to avoid that common trick.

Is Europe Safe for Female Travelers?

For women traveling around Europe, you can divide the continent into three general regions. If your trip is to the Nordic countries, including Denmark , Norway, and Sweden, you'll be in the part of the world that is considered to have achieved the greatest level of gender equality and you're unlikely to hear so much as an unsolicited compliment when walking down the street.

The next region is most of Western Europe, including the U.K., France , Spain, and Italy. In these countries, women are also exceptionally safe, and perhaps much more so than in their home country. However, attitudes about gender aren't quite as advanced as in the Nordic countries, and catcalling or other forms of harassment are unfortunately commonplace.

In Eastern Europe, attitudes are much different . In many countries, such as Turkey and former Soviet Union countries, there is a palpable difference between the treatment of men and women. Female travelers should be particularly cautious in this region.

Of course, these are overarching generalizations and travelers should research the particular place they plan to visit for a better idea of what to expect.

Safety Tips for LGBTQ+ Travelers

All in all, Europe is a safe place for LGBTQ+ travelers, especially Western Europe. In big cities like London, Paris, Berlin, and Madrid, the LGBTQ+ community isn't just accepted, but embraced. Even in traditionally conservative countries like Italy, one of the few Western European nations that has not approved gay marriage, there's a vocal LGBTQ+ community and it's safe to be out in big cities like Rome or Milan. Even in small rural towns around Western Europe, gay couples may get some prolonged stares but usually nothing more than that.

Outside of Western Europe, travelers have to be more careful. Many popular tourist destinations of Eastern Europe, such as the Czech Republic, Slovenia, or Croatia, are just as safe as their Western neighbors, but on the other extreme, you have countries like Russia and Turkey. It isn't outlawed to be gay or trans in either country, but there have been rampant reports of harassment and violence in both. Look into specific guidelines for whatever countries you plan to visit, and consider using discretion when your safety depends on it.

Safety Tips for BIPOC Travelers

In terms of physical safety, travelers of color can—for the most part—travel across the continent without significant worries. However, a less attuned perception of racial dynamics is common, and BIPOC travelers in Europe are often subjected to microaggressions that may be considered insulting back home, especially for U.S. travelers. Outside of the uber diverse city of London , it's not uncommon for strangers to try and touch a Black woman's hair, or ask an Asian-American person, "where are you really from?" Even though these moments aren't committed with bad intentions, it can still be jarring.

Although Europe is often held up as a beacon for peaceful societies, there has been a steady rise of anti-Semitic and Islamophobic hate crimes across the continent. Jewish and Muslim travelers, in particular, should consider taking extra precautions.

Safety Tips

• Carry your valuables close to you in a sturdy, below-the-belt security wallet. Men should never carry a wallet in a back pocket. If you must wear a pouch above the belt, make sure it's hidden.
• Know about and study your surroundings for things that make you uncomfortable. Back off if things don't feel right. Don't walk blindly into a noisy crowd.
• While Europeans are generally helpful, it's unusual for them to offer their help when it isn't asked for, so be aware that someone offering you unsolicited help might be running a scam.
• Some European cities are prone to strikes and protest marches. By keeping abreast of any planned protests or strikes via the local media, visitors can stay away from areas where there may be unrest.
• The U.S. Department of State urges citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  (STEP), which helps the embassy alert you in times of trouble. STEP is a free service allowing U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
• Look up emergency phone numbers for any of the countries you're visiting. If you will be staying in countries that are part of the European Union, the number across the EU is 112.

U.S. State Department. " Travel Map. " November 23, 2020.

Institute for Economics and Peace. " Global Peace Index 2020. " June 2020.

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Is it Safe to Travel to Europe? An Intel Analyst’s Guide to Visiting Europe

BY Joe Chafetz, Junior Intelligence Analyst & Zev Faintuch, Senior Intelligence Analyst

With the scenes of unrest, sometimes violent, coming from many countries across Western Europe, many travelers are asking whether it’s safe to travel in Europe now. Between the conflict in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine still raging, and various lone wolf incidents of terrorism to contend with, it’s a reasonable question. While Europe as a region is consistently amongst the least dangerous in the world , there are huge discrepancies in security between different countries, cities, and even neighborhoods that travelers should be aware of.

Regardless of one’s destination, visiting an unfamiliar environment leaves travelers vulnerable to risks not encountered at home. These risks are compounded by language barriers, unknown customs, unfamiliar spaces, and criminals or opportunists who prey on the vulnerability of travelers.  

With all this in mind, it’s important to have a reasonable understanding of Europe’s overall safety, and how any risks that do exist can affect your travel there.  

Is it safe to travel in europe now? 

Yes. O verall, traveling in Europe won’t pose many threats to the individual traveler. But part of the onus is on you to stay informed regarding evolving threats. To safely travel to Europe, all travelers should keep an eye out for the following:  

Unrest Regarding Israel and Palestine 

The conflict in the Gaza Strip and Israel significantly heightened protest activities and sporadic political violence across Europe. Notably, there were demonstrations in over 350 distinct locations in Europe during the month of October 2023. In Germany and France, there were instances where demonstrators flouted outright bans on pro-Palestine protests, prompting police interventions at numerous events. Subsequently, France's highest administrative court overturned the ban, although some restrictions persist in Germany.  

Particularly in Germany, and most notably in Berlin, some pro-Palestine demonstrations escalated into violence. On 18 October, prolonged clashes with the police in Berlin resulted in the detention of at least 174 individuals. That same night, an attack on a synagogue in Berlin involved the use of Molotov cocktails, though the assailants remained unidentified. There were also significant confrontations between pro-Palestine protesters and police near a pro-Israel event in Amsterdam on 15 October and close to the Israeli embassy in Athens on 18 October. Some of the major protests have resulted in clashes between protest groups — the protest in London on 11 November (Armistice Day) resulted in over 90 arrests. Protests have and will continue to cause significant travel and security disruptions as they block transportation hubs — either directly or indirectly — and provide targets for extremists.  

As part of the same groundswell of socio-political energy, there has been a dramatic increase in the rates of hate crimes. In London, for example, ethno-religiously motivated crimes against Jewish people rose by more than 1,350% and those against Muslims by 140%. In Paris, Stars of David and anti-Semitic slogans were graffitied on buildings in a move reminiscent of the persecution of European Jews in the 1930 s and ‘40 s. In Lyon, a Jewish woman was stabbed and a Swastika painted on her door. More, and more dramatic, instances of hate crimes are likely in the coming months.  

Threats of terrorism 

The Arab-Israeli conflict is a microcosm for political, religious, and other identity-related grievances and will continue to galvanize actors — both lone wolf terrorists and organized groups — to attack and intimidate other groups in their respective countries. Travel risks to Americans, and Jews specifically, have already increased in Europe. European cities crowded with tourists make attractive targets for violent non-state actors, from ISIS to right-wing extremists. Soft targets including demonstrations and holiday celebrations, provide an opportunity to inflict mass casualties and promote fear. Already, around a dozen airports, and several schools and tourist sites have been evacuated due to bomb threats.   

The rise in lone-wolf attacks has also heightened security concerns, with European authorities linking these incidents to broader developments in the Middle East. A particularly alarming instance occurred 13 October in Arras, France, where a former student originally from Russia's North Caucasus region fatally stabbed a teacher and injured three others. In a separate incident on 16 October in Brussels, a Tunisian individual fatally shot two Swedish soccer fans and injured a taxi driver. Both assailants declared their allegiance to the Islamic State.   

What’s more, on 31 October, Parisian police neutralized a veiled woman who was issuing death threats at a train and metro station. These incidents have also prompted the introduction of more stringent border controls within the Schengen Area, which traditionally allows passport-free movement, reflecting a growing trend towards enhanced security measures in response to an uptick in terror activities.  

While terrorist attacks are difficult to prepare for, keeping abreast of relevant developments can help tourists travel in Europe more safely.  

Theft, Scams, and Threats to Personal Safety 

Tourism is a major industry in Europe, and the beneficiaries are not limited to tour guides and hoteliers. Pickpockets, scammers, and thieves also cash in. There are roughly 5.7 million cases of burglary, robbery, and theft reported to European police annually — and those are just the cases that are reported.  

There’s an expectation that people visiting some of Europe’s dense tourist areas, from Las Ramblas in Barcelona to the Colosseum in Rome, will have valuables such as cash or jewelry on them and will be distracted by the sights or their family members — making them excellent targets for pickpocketing or theft. While outright attacks are unlikely, a thief might try to (or inadvertently) incapacitate you — and regardless, losing your wallet or passport can turn your trip into a nightmare.  

Travelers should also be on the lookout for common scams across Europe, including:   

• The Petition Scam: This consists of a group or individual trying to get signatures for a “humanitarian cause.” The scammers will approach the target and occupy their attention while a coconspirator pickpockets them.   
• Three Card Monty: Often set up near tourist attractions, the scammer has three cups and a ball or token under one of them. The scammer shuffles the cups around and will take bets from bystanders trying to guess which cup has the ball. There is typically a crowd of accomplices surrounding the scammer making it seem as though the game is fair, easy, and lucrative. When the victim attempts to make a bet, the ball is suddenly nowhere to be found. Attempts to get one’s money back can be met by intimidation or violence by the scammer’s associates.  
• The Bracelet/Gift: A scammer will set up a merchandise stand near a tourist attraction and attempt to engage victims in conversation. During the conversation the scammer will tie a bracelet or foist an item upon their victim as a “gift.” However, if the victim tries to leave with the item the scammer will demand payment and will often call over other scammers operating in the vicinity to intimidate a victim into payment.  

Popular Places to Be Careful or Avoid When Traveling in Europe  

Europe is a large place with hundreds of attractive tourist destinations. We can’t put down a blanket statement and say all of Europe is safe for travel now: Some areas, you need to exercise more caution, or avoid entirely.   

Popular European Cities : Where to Be Careful   

There are a number of European cities that receive a disproportionate number of visitors and merit specific attention regarding safety.   

Below are the top five most-visited cities in Europe and the areas to watch out for when visiting them. It is important to note that in all these cities, tourists are rarely targeted for violent crime. The most common crimes that tourists fall victim to are petty theft or other opportunistic crimes in major tourist areas, public transport, or crowded areas like public transportation hubs and markets.    

• The most dangerous borough in London has consistently been Croyden.
• However, tourists are more likely to find themselves in Hackney or Southwark, which also make the top five of London’s most dangerous boroughs.
• The 19th arrondissement is generally considered the least safe. The area around the Stalingrad and Jaures metro stops, as well as Avenue Barbes, are best avoided at night.
• Most pickpocketing and theft occur around popular tourist destinations, including the Eiffel tower, the Louvre, at Trocadero, and on bridges and quais along the Seine.
• The Termini station and its surrounding areas can become sketchy at night, and the Trastevera area — including the piazza Trilussa — is known for occasional alcohol-fueled fights and opportunistic crime.

4. Amsterdam

• Most of Amsterdam’s violent crime is confined to the peripheries of the city. But the Redlight District, and the area around Centraal (the central public transportation hub) host drug traffickers, occasional alcohol-fueled fights, and opportunistic crimes.

5. Barcelona

• Barcelona, like Amsterdam, sees most of its violent crime confined to non-tourist areas.
• The area along the beach, and the areas surrounding major tourist attractions such as the Sagrada Familia and La Rambla see the highest levels of pickpocketing. This analyst has even experienced this phenomenon first-hand. 

Where to Avoid Traveling in Europe  

Global Guardian strongly advises our clients, particularly American travelers, to exercise heightened caution and consider avoiding travel to certain European countries altogether. These recommendations are based on a thorough assessment of current geopolitical and security situations. Among the countries identified, Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus are of particular concern due to ongoing political tensions and potential security risks and should be avoided.  

In addition to these Eastern European nations, caution is also advised when considering travel to eastern Moldova and southern Turkey. These regions may pose specific challenges, ranging from political instability to localized security issues. It is essential for travelers to stay informed about the latest developments, adhere to any travel advisories issued by relevant authorities, and consider alternative destinations if possible.  

How to Prepare for Your Europe Trip

• Maintain awareness: Awareness is paramount to mitigating risk — and avoiding a potentially dangerous predicament. As a rule, it is always best to blend in when possible. Sticking out — by being loud or wearing very different or expensive-looking clothing — can make someone into a target for theft or worse. In general, don’t walk alone at night. If you’re in a crowded space, indoors or outdoors, always know where the nearest exit is. Finally, most crimes are opportunistic. Traveling in a group deters most petty criminals from targeting you.
• Do your research: Take some time to research your planned destinations. Get a sense of what’s going on politically and pay attention to front page news stories. While you’re at it, check your healthcare coverage, and make sure to bring your medications in their original, name-identified bottles, as some prescriptions (for depression, anxiety, ADD, and painkillers) won’t be available to refill. If you know a local, ask them about areas or places to avoid or practice caution. Just like in North America, the summer in Europe is wildfire season, so be on the lookout, especially for destinations in the south, for heat warnings as they often precede fires that could create adverse health conditions or disrupt flights and other transportation.
• Prepare for all outcomes:  Our unofficial motto here at Global Guardian is “have a plan.” Know where to go if your passport is lost or stolen and write down critical phone numbers, addresses (think embassies or hospitals, locals you know) or health card information on a piece of paper (but don’t include any passwords, social security numbers or anything else that could compromise you) in the event your phone is stolen. Labor action is practically a national sport in many European countries, making strikes affecting public transportation possible. Have a backup plan for getting from one stop to the next – you won’t be the only person scrambling to get a ride-sharing service, train, flight, or boat in the event your primary mode of transportation is delayed or cancelled.

Ultimately, travel to Europe can be as safe as you make it. If you know what to look for, where to avoid, what to do in certain situations, pay attention to the news, and have a plan in place for untoward events, you can insulate yourself from the vast majority of travel risks. But if you are apprehensive, having trouble figuring out where to start your preparations, or would like specific advice and recommendations, travel security firms can be a powerful resource. From stolen passports to terrorist attacks, firms of this nature also have the capability to assist you in real-time for almost any issue that may arise.  

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To learn more about our pre-trip and crisis response services, complete the form below or call us at + 1 (703) 566-9463.

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Places the U.S. Government Warns Not to Travel Right Now

You may want to reconsider traveling to these countries right now.

Do Not Travel to These Countries

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Crime, civil unrest and terrorism are common risk factors for countries that end up on the State Department's "Do Not Travel" advisory list.

In 2024, tourism across the globe is “well on track” to return to pre-pandemic levels, according to projections by UN Tourism.

Global conflicts and natural disasters , ranging from a series of coups across Africa to catastrophic earthquakes in the Middle East affected international travel patterns throughout 2023. Still, international tourist arrivals reached 87% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, according to estimates by UN Tourism .

In January 2024 alone, about 4.6 million U.S. citizens left the country for international destinations, 17% higher than the same month in 2019, according to the International Trade Administration . But some destinations warrant more caution than others.

On Oct. 19, 2023, following the outbreak of war between Israel and Gaza and flaring tensions in the region, the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide caution advisory due to “increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.” Prior to this update, the most recent worldwide caution advisory was issued in 2022 after a U.S. strike killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s successor as leader of Al Qaeda, causing “a higher potential for anti-American violence.” The worldwide caution advisory remains in effect.

The U.S. State Department also issues individual travel advisory levels for more than 200 countries globally, continually updating them based on a variety of risk indicators such as health, terrorism and civil unrest. Travel advisory levels range from Level 1, which means exercise normal precautions, to Level 4, which means do not travel there.

About 10% of countries – 19 total – have a Level 4: “Do Not Travel” advisory as of Mar. 4. In Level 4 countries, the U.S. government may have “very limited ability” to step in should travelers’ safety or security be at risk, according to the State Department. Crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and terrorism are common risk factors associated with Level 4 countries.

So far in 2024, the State Department made changes to the existing Level 4 advisories for Myanmar, Iran and Gaza, and moved Niger and Lebanon off of the Level 4 list.

Places With a Level 4 Travel Advisory

These are the primary areas the U.S. government says not to travel to right now, in alphabetical order:

Jump to Place: Afghanistan Belarus Burkina Faso Central African Republic Myanmar (formerly Burma) Gaza Haiti Iran Iraq Libya Mali Mexico North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Russia Somalia South Sudan Sudan Syria Ukraine Venezuela Yemen

Afghanistan: The Central Asian country is wrestling with “terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping and crime,” according to the State Department. U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for wrongful detention and kidnapping. In 2022, the government reinstituted public floggings and executions, and women’s rights are disappearing under Taliban control. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul halted operations in August 2021. Since the Taliban took control , many forms of international aid have been halted . Meanwhile, in 2023, some of the year’s deadliest earthquakes killed more than 2,400 in Afghanistan while the country continues to face a years-long extreme drought.

Belarus: Belarus, which shares a western border with Russia and a southern border with Ukraine, has been flagged for “Belarusian authorities’ continued facilitation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military forces in Belarus, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential of civil unrest, the risk of detention, and the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Belarus.” The U.S. Embassy in Minsk halted operations in February 2022.

Burkina Faso: Terrorism, crime and kidnapping are plaguing this West African nation. Terrorist attacks may target hotels, restaurants and schools with little to no warning, and the East and Sahel regions of the country are under a state of emergency. In late November 2023, hundreds died in clashes between state security forces and rebels near the country’s border with Mali. In June, more than 2 million people in Burkina Faso were displaced due to “violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.”

Central African Republic: While there have not been specific incidents of U.S. citizens targeted with violence or crime, violent crime and sudden closure of roads and borders is common. The advisory states that “Embassy Bangui’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping” is a factor in its assessment. Recent data from UNICEF suggests the country has the worst drinking water accessibility of all countries in 2022.

Myanmar (Formerly Burma): Armed conflict and civil unrest are the primary reasons to not travel to this Southeast Asian country, which experienced a military coup in early 2021. Limited health care resources, wrongful detentions and “areas with land mines and unexploded ordnance” are also listed as risk factors. After Ukraine and Israel, Myanmar had the highest conflict-related death toll in 2023.

Gaza : Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization as designated by the State Department, controls much of the Gaza Strip, which shares borders with both Israel and Egypt. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas fighters broke across the border into Israel, killing hundreds of civilians and soldiers in a brazen attack that stunned Israelis. On Oct. 10, Israel hit the Gaza Strip with “the fiercest air strikes in its 75-year conflict” according to Reuters . The conflict has since escalated into war between Israel and Hamas, with regular Israeli airstrikes leading to extensive civilian casualties in Gaza. As of mid-December, nearly 85% of Gaza’s population were displaced from their homes, according to UN estimates . The region continues to face shortages of food , water, electricity and medical supplies , with conditions deemed “far beyond a humanitarian crisis.” The State Department warns of terrorism and armed conflict within Gaza’s borders.

Haiti: In July 2023, the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince in response to the increased risk of kidnapping and violent crime in the country , as well as armed conflict between gangs and police. The travel advisory states that cases of kidnapping “often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings.” The travel advisory also states that “U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible” given “the current security situation and infrastructure challenges.” A series of gang attacks in late September 2023 caused thousands to flee their homes, and many aid groups have been forced to cut or suspend operations amid escalating violence in recent months.

Iran: Terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest are risk factors for all travelers to Iran, while U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for “arbitrary arrest.” U.S.-Iranian nationals such as students, journalists and business travelers have been arrested on charges of espionage and threatening national security. Executions in Iran rose sharply between 2021 and 2022, bringing the country’s total to nearly 580 people over the year, according to a report by Amnesty International released in May 2023.

Iraq: The State Department cites “terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict [and] civil unrest” as cause for the country’s Level 4 distinction. Iraq’s northern borders, and its border with Syria, are especially dangerous. Since the escalation of conflict in neighboring Israel in October, there has been an increase in attacks against Iraqi military bases, which host U.S. troops and other international forces. In October 2023, non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members were ordered to leave the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.

Libya: Following the end of its dictatorship over a decade ago, Libya has been wrought with internal conflict between armed groups in the East and West. Armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, kidnapping and terrorism are all risk factors. U.S. citizens have been targets of kidnapping for ransom, with terrorists targeting hotels and airports frequented by Westerners. The U.S. Embassy in Tripoli halted operations in 2014. In mid-September 2023, floods, which some say were intensified by climate change , killed thousands in eastern Libya. Clashes between armed factions escalated across the country in the latter half of 2023, including in the capital city of Tripoli and in Benghazi.

Mali: After experiencing military coups in 2020 and 2021, crime, terrorism and kidnapping are all prevalent threats in this West African landlocked nation. In July 2022, non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families were ordered to leave the country due to higher risk of terrorist activity. A U.N. report in August 2023 said that military groups in the country, including both Mali security forces and possibly Russian Wagner mercenaries, were spreading terror through the use of violence against women and human rights abuses. Democratic elections were supposed to occur in February 2024, but Mali’s military junta postponed the plans indefinitely. In December, the U.N. officially ended a decade-long peacekeeping presence in the country, which had been among the agency’s deadliest missions, with hundreds of the mission personnel killed since 2013.

Mexico: Each state in Mexico is assessed separately for travel advisory levels. Six of the 32 states in Mexico are designated as Level 4: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. Crime and kidnapping are listed as the primary risk factors throughout the country. Nearly 112,000 people were missing across the country as of October, a number the U.N. has called “alarming.”

North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea): U.S. passports are not valid for travel “to, in, or through” this country, home to one of the world's longest-running dynastic dictatorships. The travel advisory states that the Level 4 distinction is due to “the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals.” In July 2023, a U.S. soldier fled across the border into North Korea, where he is believed to be in North Korean custody, the first American detained in the North in nearly five years. He was returned to U.S. custody in September 2023.

Russia: The travel advisory for Russia cites its invasion of Ukraine , harassment of U.S. citizens by Russian government officials and arbitrary law enforcement as a few of the reasons for the Level 4 designation. Chechnya and Mount Elbrus are specifically listed as Level 4 regions. Terrorism, civil unrest, health, kidnapping and wrongful detention are all noted as risks.

Russia Invades Ukraine: A Timeline

Somalia: A severe drought resulting from five failed rainy seasons in a row killed 43,000 people in 2022, and caused a famine amid conflict with Islamist insurgents . Violent crime is common throughout Somalia , pirates frequent its coast off the Horn of Africa, and medical facilities, where they exist, have limited capacity. Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health and kidnapping are all risk factors. In January 2024, some passengers aboard a U.N.-contracted helicopter were taken hostage by al-Shabaab militants after the vehicle crashed in central Somalia.

South Sudan: Crime, kidnapping and armed conflict are the primary risk factors for South Sudan, which separated from Sudan in 2011, making it the world’s newest country . Weapons are readily available, and travelers have been victims of sexual assault and armed robbery.

Sudan: The U.S. evacuated its embassy in Khartoum in April 2023, and the country closed its airspace due to the ongoing conflict in the country, only permitting humanitarian aid and evacuation efforts. Fighting has escalated in the region between two warring generals seeking to gain control after a military coup in 2021 ousted the country’s prime minister. Civil unrest is the primary risk factor for Africa’s third largest country by area. Crime, terrorism, kidnapping and armed conflict are also noted. The International Criminal Court began investigating alleged war crimes and violence against African ethnic groups in the country in 2023. Millions have fled their homes due to conflict, and the U.N. has said its efforts to provide aid have been hindered by a lack of support, safety and resources. As recently as December 2023, the United Nations warned of catastrophic famine , with millions of children at-risk for malnutrition .

Syria: The advisory states that “No part of Syria is safe from violence,” with terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict and risk of unjust detention all potential risk factors. U.S. citizens are often a target for kidnappings and detention. The U.S. Embassy in Damascus halted operations in 2012. Fighting in neighboring Israel has escalated since October, and the conflict has spilled over into Syria, where the U.S. has carried out air strikes following drone and rocket attacks against American troops in Syria and Iraq, triggered by the Israel-Hamas war.

Ukraine: Russian setbacks in their invasion of Ukraine buoyed hopes in Ukraine in 2023. However, Ukraine is a Level 4 country due to Russia’s invasion, with crime and civil unrest also noted as risk factors. The country’s forces shot down two Russian fighter jets on Christmas Eve 2023, in a move Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said “sets the right mood for the entire year ahead.”

Venezuela: Human rights abuses and lack of health care plague this South American nation, which has been in a political crisis since 2014. In 2019, diplomatic personnel were withdrawn from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. Threats in the country include crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, wrongful detention and poor health infrastructure.

Yemen: Six of the nine risk factors defined by the State Department – terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict and landmines – are all present in Yemen. Despite private companies offering tourist visits to the Yemeni island of Socotra, the U.S. government argues those arranging such visits “are putting tourists in danger.” Civil war and cholera are also both present throughout the country. The U.S. Embassy in Sanaa halted operations in 2015. The country has experienced a relative lull in the civil war fighting, but as peace negotiations have gotten traction, flare ups in the fighting have jeopardized progress. Most recently, the U.S. and U.K. have carried out a series of airstrikes in the country, targeting Iran-backed Houthi sites.

Other Countries to Watch

Since Jan. 1, the State Department has updated travel advisories for 17 different countries as well as for the West Bank and Gaza, adding information about specific regions or risk factors, or simply renewing an existing advisory. Travel advisory levels can change based on several factors in a nation, such as increased civil unrest, policies that affect human rights or higher risks of unlawful detention.

The State Department has given about 25 countries an assessment of Level 3, meaning it recommends people “reconsider travel” to those destinations.

On Oct. 14, one week after the deadly Hamas attack on Israel, Israel and the West Bank were both moved from Level 2 to Level 3, while Gaza remains at Level 4. The region’s travel advisory was updated in November to reflect travel restrictions for certain government employees who have not already left the area, and it was updated again on Jan. 3.

Following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in early October, the U.S. State Department raised Lebanon ’s travel advisory level from a Level 3 to a Level 4 level due to “the unpredictable security situation related to rocket, missile, and artillery exchanges” between Israel and Hezbollah or other militant groups. In December, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut returned to normal staffing and presence, and on Jan. 29, the country was moved back to Level 3. Crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping and unexploded landmines are listed as the country’s primary risk factors. However, the country’s borders with Syria and with Israel, as well as refugee settlements within Lebanon, are specifically noted as Level 4 regions.

China became a Level 3 country in late 2020, with an update in December 2022 citing “the surge in COVID-19 cases, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, and COVID-19-related restrictions” as the reason for the advisory. In June 2023, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) was moved from the Level 3 to the Level 2 list, but travelers are still advised to be cautious in the area due to “arbitrary enforcement of local laws.” Meanwhile, Macau remains at Level 3.

Following an attempted coup in August 2023, Niger was elevated to Level 4 in August and the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Niamey. In early January 2024, the overall risk level for the country was lowered back to Level 3. Despite the new classification, the State Department still asks non-emergency government personnel and eligible family members to depart the country.

In mid-December 2023 there was an explosion at Guinea’s main fuel depot which has since affected access to health care and basic goods and services. The country was subsequently designated a Level 3 nation after having previously been Level 2. Concerns about civil unrest, health, crime and fuel shortages impacting local infrastructure were listed as the primary risk factors contributing to the change.

Several Level 3 countries are among the worst countries for human trafficking, as designated by the State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report . Level 3 countries on this list include Papua New Guinea, Guinea Bissau, China and Chad. There are also nine Level 4 countries designated as among the worst for human trafficking: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, Syria, South Sudan and Venezuela.

Over 70 countries are currently at Level 2, meaning the State Department recommends travelers “exercise increased caution” when traveling to those destinations.

Botswana became the newest Level 2 country on Feb. 26 after having previously been Level 1, with crime noted as the primary risk factor.

France, which saw nationwide protests throughout 2023, has civil unrest and terrorism noted as risk factors for its Level 2 status, and Sweden’s Level 2 status is associated with risks of terrorism.

The Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas was updated in January to reflect water safety concerns. The advisory warns that “activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated” and notes that government personnel are “not permitted to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.” It also warns visitors to be mindful of sharks, weather and water conditions. The advisory also says that crime is a primary risk factor with gang-on-gang violence contributing to high homicide rates in some areas. Visitors are asked to “be vigilant” and to not physically resist robbery attempts.

Bangladesh 's Level 2 travel advisory was updated in October 2023 to add a note about the country’s general election , which took place Jan. 7, 2024. The advisory states “demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.” The U.S. has since claimed the country’s election was not free nor fair.

In November 2023, several Level 2 travel advisories were updated with new cautionary information. The advisory for Ghana was updated to reflect threats against LGBTQI+ travelers specifically, noting “anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric and violence have increased in recent years.” Meanwhile, the advisory for South Africa was updated in February to note that routes recommended by GPS may be unsafe with higher risk for crime.

Turkmenistan was moved off of the Level 2 list to become the newest addition to the Level 1 list on Jan. 22, meaning normal precautions are recommended but there are no risk factors causing travelers to practice increased caution.

The State Department asks travelers to pay attention to travel advisory levels and alerts , review country information pages for their destinations and read related country security reports before going abroad.

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What Security Experts Want You to Know About International Travel During the Israel-Hamas War

As the u.s. state department issues a worldwide travel alert, is it safe to travel to the middle east what about europe security experts offer their advice..

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Concerns are growing that the Israel-Hamas war could become a wider regional conflict.

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In the days since war broke out between Israel and Hamas on October 7, thousands of people have been killed and more than 1 million people have fled their homes in the Palestinian territory’s Gaza Strip, making this already one of the deadliest wars in Gaza’s history.

As travelers near and far watch in horror and sadness as violence rages on, many people with upcoming plans to travel internationally are left waiting, watching, and wondering whether it is still safe to do so.

Global insecurity surrounding the conflict has intensified to the degree that the U.S. State Department last week issued a worldwide travel advisory , citing “the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests” throughout the world. Consequently, the State Department is advising U.S. citizens traveling abroad to exercise increased caution.

The State Department is also recommending that international travelers sign up for its Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) , so that they can receive information and alerts should they find themselves in an emergency situation while overseas.

Dan Richards, CEO of security and travel risk management company Global Rescue and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board for the Commerce Department, says that given the State Department’s worldwide alert, the Israel-Hamas war, and possible terror threats, his company is seeing “an increase in traveler concern worldwide,” which is “most pronounced in the Middle East.”

“Terrorism and war in a country drives down traveler confidence in the entire region as travelers grapple with a dramatically different risk environment,” adds Richards in a statement provided to AFAR.

In addition to the violent clashes taking place in Israel and Gaza, pro-Palestinian protests have broken out in cities across Europe, including in London , Paris , Berlin, and Rome, alongside vigils denouncing antisemitism and voicing support for Israel .

In the wake of all these events, here’s what travelers should know.

What is the current situation in Israel and the Middle East?

On October 7, Hamas militants launched a deadly surprise attack in southern Israel, killing hundreds of civilians and capturing more than 200 hostages who are being held in the Gaza Strip, the Associated Press has reported . As war broke out in retaliation for the militant attack, at least 1,400 Israelis have been killed thus far, with more than 5,400 people wounded in Israel due to the resulting clashes. More than 6,500 Palestinians are thought to have been killed and more than 18,000 injured, as of press time. Israeli authorities cut off power, water, and fuel to Gaza, with two aid convoys finally having arrived in Gaza over the weekend (plus a third on Monday ) bringing in food, water, and medical supplies.

As devastating as the crisis has already been thus far, “Things are about to get a hell of a lot worse,” predicts Zev Faintuch, a senior intelligence analyst for international security firm Global Guardian and a former Israel Defense Forces member. “At least that’s our expectation. Because Israel is going to go into Gaza at some point and if that elicits a response from Lebanon, via Lebanese Hezbollah, then we have ourselves a regional conflict that would likely draw the United States in, could involve fighting in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, the West Bank, possibly even the Gulf states as well. And then mass rioting in Jordan and potentially Egypt, as well as Türkiye. For us it’s more the question of when, not if, at least with regards to unrest. Across the region the big question is does Hezbollah enter the conflict and if it does, we’re going to have a major regional conflagration.”

As of press time, concerns about a widening war in the region were growing, the Associated Press reported.

“Israel’s ground offensive in the Gaza Strip would put pressure on Iran and its allied armed groups to respond. Lebanon and Syria will be most vulnerable to spillover of the conflict as pro-Iranian groups based in these countries would seek to retaliate against Israeli operations in the Gaza Strip,” Julian Moro, senior vice president and regional security director of global travel risk and security company International SOS , tells AFAR.

Still, Moro remains hopeful that the hostilities will not spill over into other countries within the broader region. “Regional states will seek to avoid direct involvement in the conflict unless their national security comes under direct threat,” says Moro.

Nevertheless, he adds, one small miscalculation by either side—for example, due to human or technological error—could lead to a rapid escalation and expansion of conflict.

As Israeli air strikes in Gaza are mounting, so, too, are concerns about a wider regional conflict.

Is it safe to travel to the Middle East?

In the wake of the upheaval, numerous flights to and from Israel have been suspended, including flights operated by United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and other major carriers.

While Ben Gurion International Airport currently remains open, the State Department is advising U.S. citizens that the availability of commercial flights to and from Israel has become extremely limited, and the U.S. government is facilitating charter flights for U.S. citizens, including on October 26 and October 29, seeking to leave Israel.

In its latest Israel travel advisory , the State Department warns that “terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza. Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Violence can occur in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza without warning.”

Security and risk management firm Crisis24 advises travelers to reconsider any nonessential trips to Israel and the Palestinian territories “until the situation stabilizes, particularly to central and southern Israel.”

“Fighting will almost certainly continue in Israel and over the Israel-Gaza border between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants,” Crisis24 states.

Tour operators with land journeys in the region and cruise lines with port calls in Israel have canceled or altered those departures. Global tour operator Intrepid issued a travel advisory that all tours in Israel and the Palestinian territories have been canceled, and G Adventures has canceled all of its Israel tours.

Athens, Greece–based cruise line Celestyal said that it is monitoring the situation and is temporarily canceling all port calls into Israel.

The State Department is also recommending that U.S. citizens in Lebanon make arrangements to leave the country “while commercial [air travel] options currently remain available,” adding that “we recommend that U.S. citizens who choose not to depart prepare contingency plans for emergency situations.”

Faintuch’s recommendation for Lebanon: “Get out now. If Hezbollah does get involved in the conflict, all transportation options [in Lebanon] go out the window instantly,” he says.

As for Iraq, “Definitely get out if you’re an American citizen,” says Faintuch.

The State Department notes that U.S. citizens in Iraq should monitor media reports and avoid protests and large gatherings. “U.S. citizens should be aware of the potential for demonstrations and protests related to the ongoing events in Gaza to spread rapidly throughout Iraq,” reports the State Department.

Security experts caution that Jordan, with its large Palestinian population, could experience an increase in protests condemning Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip.

“However, the nation is expected to refrain from direct involvement in the Israeli conflict, prioritizing national security concerns. Those planning to travel to Jordan should proceed with security precautions by avoiding any areas where protests are taking place and being aware of their location and surroundings at all times,” notes Moro of International SOS.

Moro advises that “traveling to Egypt right now should be relatively safe but it’s important to be vigilant and aware of surroundings when traveling.”

Right now, safety and security in Egypt “is a little bit better than in Jordan,” says Global Guardian’s Faintuch. That said, he warns about anti-Western sentiment, including in Egypt.

What about elsewhere in the Middle East, including nearby Gulf countries and Türkiye?

When it comes to the wider Middle East beyond the border regions with Israel, Moro advises Israeli nationals in countries across the Middle East and North Africa to “exercise caution and maintain a low profile in the coming days amid heightened tensions.”

As for U.S. travelers, “Currently, it is OK to maintain travel with standard security precautions in place to Bahrain, Kuwait, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates,” says Moro.

Philip Ballard, chief communications officer at group travel specialist HotelPlanner and a former anti-terrorism and force protection officer in the U.S. Navy, reminds travelers that when it comes to the Middle East, the region is very widespread.

“The Middle East is huge,” says Ballard, adding that “Dubai is 1,000 miles from Israel, and they have nothing to do with each other. Dubai is safe.”

Adds Faintuch, “We’re a lot less concerned about anti-Western sentiment in the Gulf. The societies there are a lot more integrated with our markets, our companies. But, the problem there is, just like anywhere else, if this conflict goes regional, if there’s any U.S. involvement, those countries could get hit by Iran.”

The U.S. Embassy in Belgium is advising U.S. citizens to remain vigilant in popular tourist areas, such as the central Grand-Place in Brussels.

Is it safe to travel to Europe?

Beyond the Middle East, tensions have also increased globally, including in Europe where demonstrations and attacks have broken out in response to the Israel-Hamas clashes.

“Travelers should remain vigilant and anticipate heightened security in urban areas, tourist attractions, key government areas and public transport locations in the coming weeks,” notes International SOS.

In addition to concerns about backlash toward U.S. travelers in the context of anti-Western sentiment, security experts also advise Jewish and Muslim travelers to exercise vigilance amid possible further extremist attacks in Europe and elsewhere in the world.

On October 13, the French government elevated its security alert system to the highest level, “Emergency Attack” ( Urgence Attentat ), following a terror attack in the city of Arras in northern France during which a French teacher was killed, as reported by French news agency Le Monde .

“As a result, residents and visitors throughout France may see heightened security in public areas, including airports, public transport, places of worship, tourist sites, schools, major sports venues, and large commercial centers,” the U.S. Embassy in France reminds U.S. citizens.

The embassy is encouraging U.S. citizens in France to avoid demonstrations and areas with significant police activity, exercise caution around large gatherings or protests, monitor local media coverage for updates, keep a low profile, and notify friends and family of their whereabouts.

The Belgian authorities have “increased the threat level to four [which is the highest on a four-tier scale, indicating a ‘very serious’ threat] following an attack in Brussels. The general country’s threat level increased to three, indicating a ‘serious’ threat,” notes International SOS.

The U.S. Embassy in Belgium issued an alert about a large-scale demonstration in Brussels over the weekend, and reported that smaller demonstrations “are being reported with significant frequency.”

As with unrest in France, the embassy in Belgium is advising that U.S. citizens steer clear of any area where demonstrations are being held. The embassy also suggested keeping a cellphone handy and programmed with local emergency numbers (for Europe-wide emergencies, dial 112; the Belgian police can be reached at 101), while remaining alert and vigilant including in popular tourist locations.

What is the current global security outlook?

According to Global Guardian’s Faintuch, “It’s been a long time since the world has been the way it is right now.”

He observes that since the fall of the Soviet Union, the world has been mostly devoid of interstate conflict up until last year when Russia invaded Ukraine . Says Faintuch, “We now live in a very different world—Ukraine yesterday, now Israel and the Middle East, but this could also be China and Taiwan tomorrow. When it comes to big events like this, they have a tendency to cascade. The global security order is fraying. The world is fundamentally different than it was pre-COVID.”

Six Safest Places To Travel in Europe: Covid & Beyond

As European countries begin to reopen their borders, Europe can again be enjoyed as a top tourist destination. In the wake of COVID-19, though, travel safety has become a top priority for many travelers. Those eager to travel again may wonder, what are the safest destinations in Europe?

In addition to COVID-19 and public health measures, a country’s safety is also determined by crime, pollution, and drinking and bathing water quality. While Europe has some of the highest safety standards in the world, several countries stand above the rest.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Slovenia’s capital may not be at the top of every traveler’s list, but its Athens-inspired architecture and lakefront views make it one of Europe’s best-hidden gems. A walker’s paradise, most of Ljubljana is closed off to cars, allowing pedestrians to roam freely throughout the historic city.

Ljubljana also has the lowest homicide rate in Europe, making it one of the safest destinations for travelers. This is true for the entire country of Slovenia, meaning tourists can enjoy all it has to offer. Slovenia has no shortage of adventures, from the Adriatic coastline to the Balkan highlands.

Some of Europe’s Best Drinking Water

For many travelers, potable drinking water is one of their primary concerns. However, this will not be a concern in Slovenia, which hosts more than 7,500 springs . The water that emerges from these springs is naturally filtered by the mountainous surroundings of the Soča Valley. This mineral-rich water fuels the city of Ljubljana, where there’s a clean drinking fountain on almost every corner.

Marbella, Spain

As one of Europe’s most luxurious destinations, yachts and supercars are much more common sights in Marbella than any kind of crime. With very low levels of violent crime and theft, travelers can feel safe walking around Marbella day and night. In addition to Marbella’s safe streets, risk-weary travelers will enjoy its year-round sunshine and warm microclimate.

COVID-19 Measures

Like most European countries, travel restrictions have been lifted, meaning foreign travelers will no longer have to provide proof of vaccination or negative tests. Travelers should make their health a priority, though, and consider travel insurance. Recommended by the CDC, travel insurance will cover visitors in case of illness or injury abroad. 

Basel, Switzerland

The culture-rich city of Basel boasts the lowest overall crime rate in the entirety of Europe. This is no surprise, with Switzerland standing out as one of the safest countries in the world. More popular Swiss destinations like Zurich, Geneva, and Bern are also excellent options due to the safety standards upheld by their host country.

In addition to low crime rates, Switzerland is historically a country free from international conflict and political unrest. Terrorism is a rarity within Swiss borders, primarily due to high border security, tight firearm restrictions, and a significant stateside military presence.

Algarve, Portugal

While Switzerland's crime rate is remarkably low, Portugal comes ahead, according to the Global Peace Index . Considering the level of societal safety and security, the extent of ongoing domestic and international conflict, and the degree of militarization, Portugal ranks as the sixth most peaceful country in the world. Portugal’s safety can also be attributed to a stable government, a strong economy, and low unemployment.

Each of Portugal’s major cities is considered safe, but Algarve is among the most desirable (especially for retirees). In addition to its safety and year-round sunshine, Algarve is landmarked for its seaside cliffs and caves. 

Amiens, France

Its low pollution levels set France apart from the rest of Europe. France is one of the least polluted countries in the entire world. Touted as the fourth-greenest city in France, Amiens is the perfect city to enjoy clean air. Its gothic architecture and long canals make it an ideal destination for tourists looking for long, scenic walks.

Register With STEP

Even when traveling to Europe’s safest destinations, additional safety precautions must be considered. One of the best resources for U.S. Citizens is the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) provided by the Department of State. This free service allows travelers to register their vacation details with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their destination country. Benefits of this program include:

• Information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country
• The ability of the Embassy to contact travelers in such emergencies as a natural disaster or civil unrest
• Easier access for family and friends to get in touch with travelers in an emergency

Leuven, Belgium

While Belgium has excellent health care and low crime rates, Leuven stands out due to its high scores in accessibility, social diversity, solidarity, tolerance, and respect. For these factors, Leuven earned the top spot on Europe’s most “Open-Minded Destinations .” This makes Leuven an excellent choice for people of different cultures, religions, identities, and abilities. A contributing factor is the presence of Leuven’s prestigious university, where students have shaped the progressive, multicultural identity of the city.

Is Europe a Safe Place To Travel To?

Europe is home to some of the safest travel destinations in the world. European countries consistently rank highly in such measures as the Global Peace Index. In 2022, 21 of the GPI’s top 30 safest countries were European countries:

• Czech Republic
• Switzerland
• Netherlands

Does Europe Have any COVID-19 Restrictions?

Until recently, EU member states required either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test from international travelers. These restrictions have since been lifted, allowing travelers to enter the EU without such proof. It should be noted that the CDC rates most EU countries as “Level 3” High-Risk countries. While travel is still considered safe, the CDC recommends vaccinating all travelers.

What Do I Need To Travel to Europe?

ETIAS has an expected launch in 2025 and aims to make Europe even safer. This electronic visa-waiver program will require all non-EU citizens to pre-register before traveling to Europe. Non-EU travelers, including U.S. citizens, will continue to be able to travel throughout the EU visa-free; however, ETIAS will be required every three years.

Will ETIAS Make European Travel More Difficult?

Similar to the U.S. current system, ETIAS will create a safer, more efficient system that will benefit travelers, customs agents, and EU citizens. While non-EU travelers will be faced with the extra step of ETIAS registration, it will ultimately decrease the wait times at EU borders. This is because crucial information will be shared beforehand, expediting the in-person verification. Furthermore, ETIAS is valid for three years, and approval usually takes less than one minute.

How Will ETIAS Increase Safety in Europe?

By requiring non-EU travelers to register electronically before entering Europe, ETIAS will provide border agents with a database of who will arrive each day. Before ETIAS, such information was not known beforehand, creating an imperfect identity verification system. With ETIAS, border agents can quickly verify each traveler's identity, creating a safer and more efficient customs experience.

Europe is one of the safest places one can travel to. In addition to top-tier healthcare and low crime rates, many European countries feature pristine drinking water, minimal pollution, stable economies, and modern ideologies. Additionally, Europe was one of the safest places during the COVID-19 pandemic, as each EU member state takes public health protocols very seriously. 

With the arrival of ETIAS, Europe’s safety will only increase. Travelers planning a trip to Europe should find out how ETIAS applies to them . 

COVID-19 Travel Recommendations | CDC

Best Open-Minded In Europe | European Best Destinations

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program | Department of State

2022 Global Peace Index | Vision of Humanity

Slovenia's nourishing waters | National Geographic

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The Top 10 Safest Countries In Europe To Visit in 2024

D reaming of a European adventure but prioritizing safety? It may be difficult to decide where to travel with so many nations to choose from. Living in or visiting a nation that is deemed “safe” is undoubtedly a luxury, but when it comes to vacations and international travel, it’s sometimes an afterthought. Planning your vacation might go more smoothly if you are aware of which nations are considered safe for visitors to visit before booking your trip. The following list compiles the top ten safest European nations to go to in 2024, along with some key safety indicators like crime rates, political stability and healthcare systems. Let’s find you the perfect European haven for your next unforgettable escapade.

Why Does Travel Safety Matter?

There’s usually a list of “must-haves” that a country has to have, regardless of whether you visit or plan to live there permanently. We are all familiar with the typical must-haves: stunning scenery, advanced infrastructure, a wide range of activities, etc. All of the aforementioned elements are important to Nomad Capitalists, but we also give top priority to things like tax breaks, a welcoming business climate, and investment opportunities.

However, safety is the one consideration that takes precedence over all others. Even if the nation became the most developed, tax-free investment destination, people would still be afraid of touching it with a rod if they felt insecure. Fortunately, Europe continues to be the world’s most tranquil continent.

The Top 10 Safest Countries In Europe to Visit

A safe environment consists of several layers. Not every safety talk touches on issues of law and order or violent crime statistics. Safety also includes general perception, healthcare and the political environment. In light of everything, the safest nations in Europe are:

Iceland has remained on top of the list of safest countries in Europe for ten years in a row. Known as “the land of fire and ice” because of its untamed terrain, it is regarded as one of the safest regions in Europe because of its persistently low crime rate, excellent standard of living and unnecessary reliance on unarmed police.

Iceland boasts robust social networks and a deep sense of community. Nearly 98% of Icelanders claim to know someone they can depend on in an emergency. One of the key benefits of living on an island with a tight-knit community is that crime rates remain low because people know one another and can support one another in situations of need. It is also the third happiest nation in the world, based on the World Happiness Report.

Even if you’re traveling alone, the nation is among the safest countries in Europe for female travelers. Schedule a visit to this secure European nation to increase your chances of seeing the fabled Northern Lights. Make a reservation for the Blue Lagoon for a tranquil activity where you may let your thoughts drift away and harmonize with the opulent surroundings.

Denmark is the second safest country in the world and Europe, and it is also the birthplace of the concept of utter contentment (Hygge). But this nation is renowned for more than just safety; it has a lot to offer visitors, whether they are traveling alone or with a big group of friends. Some of the attractions are LEGO, the Tivoli Gardens and even enjoying a nice Carlsberg beer. You’ll be departing with tales from one of Europe’s safest nations that someone like Hans Christian Anderson would be proud of.

Books, legends and a pint of Irish Guinness. The time has come to get to know  the Emerald Isle if an Irish tour isn’t the last thing on your mind. The Republic of Ireland is ranked third among the safest European nations by the GPI. It is distinct from Northern Ireland, a constituent of the Kingdom of Great Britain.

This little country takes great pleasure in its lush surroundings, its musical talents and its ability to pour the ideal pint. The nation also offers one of the lowest corporation tax rates in all of Europe. We’ve even highlighted Ireland as a great travel destination for single female travelers because of its comparatively low crime rate and low threat levels. Leave Dublin behind and immerse yourself in the fabled tales of bygone eras in other counties like Cork and Limerick; you never know what you could find. Furthermore, the Irish passport is regarded as one of the strongest five passports globally for its excellent freedom of travel.

Austria, which is renowned for its regal and ancient castles and palaces, comes in second place among the safest nations in Europe. But it’s not only architecture, either. Classical music enthusiasts can honor well-known composers like Mozart and Beethoven by swaying along in Vienna. Should your tour happen to arrive in the winter, you may enter the magical Christmas markets and experience a sensation equivalent to being within a joyous snow globe. Find out more about the best places to travel to in Europe during the winter.

Portugal, which completes the top 5 safest countries in Europe, enjoys cordial relations with its neighbors, a very low crime rate, and its armed forces. The country in southwest Europe has high levels of safety, in part because of the presence of security officials. Portugal is also safe politically, as its connections with other nations are cooperative.

In addition, the nation experiences over 300 days of sunshine on average, so visitors may be lucky to experience pleasant weather while touring. Take a tour of Portugal in the spring or summer and return feeling rejuvenated. Leave Lisbon behind and explore the city before expanding your horizons to include the other towns. Saying “yes” to a vacation in this secure European nation is the only thing left to do.

Slovenia is a country with breathtaking scenery, untamed lakes and elaborate cave networks. Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, was voted the Open City of Europe in 2016 because of its completely car-free city center, abundance of open areas and changes to the traffic laws that promote environmental health and sustainability.

But having beautiful scenery by itself doesn’t guarantee a place among the ten safest nations in Europe. Slovenia excels in several areas besides environmental safety. With almost 90% of recorded criminal charges being theft, it ranks high among the countries with the lowest levels of crime in the world. Slovenia deserves a spot on your next trip destination since it has a plethora of medieval castles, lots of recreational opportunities, and the cleanest atmospheres you’ll ever experience.

Switzerland

An excursion to Switzerland is sure to leave you craving more cheese, chocolate, and timepieces. Its long-standing neutrality has played a key role in keeping Switzerland safe, stable, and free of all bloodshed. The Swiss people are an exceptional nation because they have always lived in a tranquil environment free from instability or the threat of conflict. The nation has been able to focus on more vital issues like social welfare and growth because of the prolonged era of peace. Switzerland is now at the top of the Human Development Index.

Were you aware that Switzerland maintains one of the largest rates of gun ownership worldwide? Despite being known for being a major exporter of weapons, it has managed to keep its crime rate extremely low. That’s the extent to which the government’s gun control measures work.

The Czech Republic

Czechia, or The Czech Republic is a well-liked travel destination with a rich cultural heritage and a high level of security within Europe. There is little chance of terrorist threats, communities frequently coexist peacefully and the cost of medical services and other necessities is comparatively lower.

Finland is a deserving destination to be included in the list of the safest European countries. The country is proud to share the statistic that 11 out of 12 misplaced purses are given back to their owners. This country is a delight in every season, home to Lapland, the largest island in the world, and untamed wilderness.

Furthermore, Finland is the second-safest nation according to the Women’s Peace and Security Index, making it a safe sanctuary for lone travelers. Therefore, you can confidently pack your bags and reserve your next trip to this stunning nation if you’re a woman hoping to view the northern lights. If you like to avoid crowds, consider taking a trip in the fall, right before the holiday season.

The Republic of Croatia

Croatia ranks bottom among the ten safest European nations, surrounded by historic walls and terracotta roofs. Even when it came to the safest places to walk at night—which is frequently a top concern for women traveling alone—it came in second. Croatia is a strong candidate for any upcoming European trip plans you may have, given its Mediterranean climate.

Safe Travels!

Now that you are aware of the safest countries in Europe, pack your bags and embrace the peace of mind! Whether you crave the rugged beauty of Iceland or the charming canals of Amsterdam, Europe offers a wealth of safe and unforgettable travel experiences. Remember, this list is a jumping-off point, and further research can help tailor your choice to your specific interests.

While these countries consistently rank highly in safety, it’s important to remember that vigilance is key anywhere you travel. Staying informed about current events, researching specific destinations, and practising common sense will go a long way in ensuring a smooth and secure European adventure. With a little planning and this handy guide, your European adventure is sure to be as safe as it is spectacular.

Global airlines are governed by strict 'freedoms of the air' dating back 80 years. They've created some funky routes.

• Global airlines are governed by nine "freedoms of the air," drafted 80 years ago in 1944.
• These dictate how airlines can operate in foreign nations, with some more complicated than others.
• The fifth freedom can give airlines a competitive edge and help capitalize on demand.

Over the past 100 years of shuttling people around the globe in metal flying machines, the world's aviation network has grown into a vast web of intersecting routes that connect nearly every corner of the globe.

Because of the complexities of crossing international borders, commercial carriers follow what is known as the "freedoms of the air" — or the right for an airline to operate within a nation other than its own.

These building blocks of aviation make international connectivity possible. 

According to the International Civil Aviation Organization, or ICAO , there are five official freedoms and four other "so-called" rights, that have been outlined in agreements between countries. ICAO is an agency of the United Nations that sets standards for the global aviation industry.

Drafted in 1944 during what is known as the Chicago Convention, the laws were written as world governments relaxed their grip on airline networks and pricing. This liberalization, however, meant countries with bigger airlines would likely dominate the skies — prompting them to implement strict route regulations.

The governing freedoms not only promote more competition and choice but also allow airlines to optimize routes and increase efficiency, according to FlightRadar24 . 

Most international carriers except for a very small few follow the basic freedoms of allowing airlines of one state to fly over or land in another, and vice versa.

Open Skies agreements simplify these international routes, like the one between the European Union and the US that allows any airline registered in either market to fly between the two.

Some freedoms are more complicated, but provide interesting and diverse route options to travelers.

The fifth and eighth freedoms of the air

Beyond the first four freedoms, there is one more officially recognized right, as well as the four "so-called" rights. The latter four were not officially drafted during the 1944 Chicago Convention but are regularly accepted and practiced worldwide.

According to ICAO, the fifth freedom gives an airline of one nation the right to fly between two other countries, so long as the one-stop routes start or end in its home country and all parties agree.

Among the most well-known fifth freedom routes are Emirates' flights from New York-JFK to Milan and Newark to Athens, both flying onward to the carrier's base in Dubai.

Similarly, Singapore Airlines flies between New York and Singapore via a stop in Frankfurt , and Australian flag carrier Qantas flies between Sydney and New York via Auckland, New Zealand, according to Google Flights.

United Airlines' delayed fifth freedom route will fly between the US mainland and Cebu, Philippines, via Tokyo starting in October, the carrier told Business Insider on Monday. It was supposed to start in July — before the FAA launched an investigation after a string of safety incidents at United.

These unique routes can be efficient for airlines trying to serve destinations that a plane can't reach nonstop, like Emirates' fifth freedom between Mexico City and Dubai via Barcelona or Latam Airlines' route between Sydney and Santiago, Chile, via Auckland. 

Still, carriers will make stops on otherwise attainable direct flights because they can capitalize on the high-demand market on both legs — filling more seats and making more money.

Customers may also view carriers like Emirates and Singapore as a more luxe offering than the competing US and EU carriers across the Atlantic.

On the other hand, an airline that wants to serve a low-demand market can better fill the plane by adding a fifth-freedom leg to a nearby city, like Dutch flag carrier KLM's flight between Amsterdam and Santiago via Buenos Aires. 

Among ICAO's most interesting "so-called" rights is the eighth freedom, which gives an airline the right to fly between two cities in a country that isn't its own— but the domestic leg seats cannot be sold as the entire journey must start or end in the foreign airline's home nation.

Related stories

Qantas used to fly an eighth freedom route between New York and Sydney via Los Angeles — but only those originating or destined for Australia could fly on the domestic cross-country leg, Forbes reported.

Also no longer flying, per Cirium data, African carrier Air Senegal, for example, launched a flight from Dakar to Baltimore with a layover in New York in 2021. The domestic leg seats couldn't be sold.

Here's a closer look at the freedoms of the air.

"Five Freedom Agreements"

First Freedom

This allows an airline of one nation to fly over another without landing.

Second Freedom

This allows an airline of one nation the right to land in another territory for a technical stop. Think refueling or an inflight mechanical issue that prompted an unplanned emergency landing.

Third Freedom

This allows an airline of one nation to carry passengers to a foreign state, and vice versa.

Fourth Freedom

This allows the airline of one nation to take on passengers originating in another. The fourth freedom is simply the reverse of the third freedom.

Fifth Freedom

This allows an airline of one nation to carry passengers between two countries other than its own so long as the route starts or ends in the carrier's home state.

"So-called" rights

Six Freedom

This allows an airline to carry passengers from one nation to another via its home state. This represents the typical hub-and-spoke network used by global airlines.

Seventh Freedom

The seventh freedom is similar to the fifth freedom but takes out the limitation of where the route must start or end. Instead, an airline has the right to fly between two nations other than its own without flying onward to its home base.

The EU's single-aviation market, for example, grants airlines the right to fly to and from any EU country, like Ireland-based Ryanair that flies between Rome and Vilnius, Lithuania.

Eighth Freedom

This allows an airline to fly between two cities in a foreign country so long as all passengers originate or are destined for the airline's home state.

Ninth Freedom

This cabotage freedom allows an airline of one nation to fly between two points in a separate single country. This does not exist in the US, but it does in the EU — like easyJet's back-and-forth nonstop between Paris and Nice, for example.

Watch: Why Singapore Changi Airport was just named best in the world

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International Edition

Traveling between Europe and Asia will take longer as airlines reroute flights after Iran’s attack on Israel

Airlines are weighing an ever narrowing set of options to fly between Europe and Asia after grappling with airspace shutdowns in the wake of the first direct Iranian attack on Israel from its soil.

Several Middle Eastern countries including  Jordan , Iraq and Lebanon temporarily closed their airspace as Iran launched drones and missiles. Both Israel and Iran also imposed restrictions on airline traffic over theirs.

A number of airlines are rerouting or avoiding trouble spots in a series of decisions that will prolong flight times and add to fuel costs. They include Qantas Airways Ltd., Singapore Airlines Ltd. and Deutsche Lufthansa AG.

Qatar Airways and Emirates resumed some suspended Middle Eastern services on Sunday as airspaces reopened. 

Iran’s airspace is frequently utilized by airlines traveling between Europe and India or Southeast Asia.  Airspace  across the Middle East are littered with risks and complexities. Airlines are contending with a set of challenges after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine severed access for many carriers forcing lengthy diversions which exist to this day.

Earlier in Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, airlines faced scores of disruptions primarily centered on Tel Aviv, cancelling flights into or out of the country.

Israel shut down its airspace for both domestic and international routes on Saturday, before reopening them Sunday morning. Lebanon and Iraq too resumed flights over their territories.

The latest diversions come as Israel and its allies, led by the US, fended off Iran’s response to a  suspected Israeli attack  on Iran’s embassy in Syria on April 1, which killed a top military commander. Iran said on Saturday its forces seized an Israel-linked container ship near the Strait of Hormuz.

Days earlier, Lufthansa Group  suspended  flights to several cities in the Middle East. The group — whose airlines include Germany’s flag carrier Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines and Swiss International Air Lines — said Sunday that it will resume flights to Tel Aviv, Erbil in Iraq and Amman on Tuesday, while those to Beirut and Tehran will continue to be halted until at least April 18.  

Qantas had  temporarily adjusted  its direct Perth-London flights to stop over in Singapore to account for the extra fuel needed to re-route around the volatile region.

Singapore Air  said  that its flights were not overflying Iranian airspace. Cathay Pacific Ltd. is watching the situation in the Middle East closely, but its operations remain normal, a spokesman said in a text message Sunday.

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Safe Solo Travel: Where to Go Alone in Europe?

Europe is a beautiful continent with so much to explore, from the stunning architecture to the diverse cultures and cuisines. It's no wonder that many solo travelers choose Europe as their destination. However, safety is always a concern when traveling alone, and it's important to choose a destination that is secure and welcoming. So, where is the safest place to travel alone in Europe?

When it comes to safety, there are many factors to consider, such as crime rates, transportation, and accommodation options. Fortunately, there are several cities in Europe that are known for being safe for solo travelers. These cities offer not only a secure environment but also a variety of activities and destinations to explore.

In this article, we will explore the safest cities in Europe for solo travelers, transportation and accommodation options, as well as destinations and activities to enjoy. We will also provide some solo travel tips and the best places to travel alone in Europe. So, if you're planning a solo trip to Europe, keep reading to find out where you can have a safe and exciting adventure.

Key Takeaways

• Safety is a top priority when traveling alone in Europe.
• There are several cities in Europe that are known for being safe for solo travelers.
• Transportation, accommodation, and communication are important factors to consider when planning a solo trip to Europe.

Safest Cities in Europe

When traveling alone, safety is always a top priority. Europe is generally considered a safe place to travel, but some cities are safer than others. Here are some of the safest cities in Europe for solo travelers.

Europe is home to some of the safest cities in the world. Many cities have low crime rates, making them ideal for solo travelers. However, it's important to note that petty crime can still occur, so it's important to take precautions, such as keeping valuables out of sight and staying aware of your surroundings.

Top 5 Safest Cities for Solo Travelers

Helsinki, Finland - Helsinki is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in Europe. The crime rate is low, and violent crime is rare. It's also a great city for solo travelers, with plenty of things to see and do.

Reykjavik, Iceland - Iceland is known for its natural beauty and friendly locals. Reykjavik is a safe and welcoming city, with low crime rates and a strong sense of community.

Zurich, Switzerland - Zurich is a beautiful city with a low crime rate. It's also one of the most expensive cities in Europe, so it may not be the best choice for budget travelers.

Vienna, Austria - Vienna is a charming city with a rich history and culture. It's also one of the safest cities in Europe, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere.

Krakow, Poland - Krakow is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture. It's also one of the safest cities in Europe, with low crime rates and a friendly atmosphere.

Overall, Europe is a safe place to travel alone, and there are many cities that are particularly safe. By taking basic safety precautions and staying aware of your surroundings, you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable solo travel experience.

Transportation

Traveling alone in Europe can be both exciting and daunting, especially when it comes to transportation. However, there are several ways to get around Europe that are safe and efficient. In this section, we will cover the two most popular modes of transportation: public transportation and renting a car.

Public Transportation

Public transportation is a great way to get around Europe, especially if you are traveling alone. Most European cities have an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, trains, and subways. Public transportation is not only affordable but also safe and reliable. It is also a great way to meet locals and fellow travelers.

One of the best tools for planning and booking public transportation in Europe is Omio. This platform allows you to compare fares for train, bus, and flight routes. It also provides real-time updates on delays and cancellations.

When using public transportation, it is important to keep your belongings close to you and be aware of your surroundings. Pickpocketing can be a problem in some European cities, so it is important to keep your valuables safe.

Renting a Car

Renting a car can be a great option if you want to explore Europe at your own pace. It gives you the freedom to travel off the beaten path and visit places that are not easily accessible by public transportation. However, renting a car can be expensive, especially if you are under 25 years old.

If you decide to rent a car, make sure to research the driving laws and regulations in the countries you will be visiting. Some countries drive on the left side of the road, while others drive on the right. It is also important to have a valid driver's license and insurance.

When driving in Europe, it is important to be aware of the different traffic laws and road signs. Speed limits, parking regulations, and tolls can vary from country to country. It is also important to be aware of the connections between different countries, such as border crossings and tolls.

Overall, both public transportation and renting a car are great options for traveling alone in Europe. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of each option and choose the one that best fits your travel style and budget.

Accommodation

When traveling alone in Europe, finding safe and comfortable accommodation is crucial. Here are some options to consider:

Hostels are a great option for solo travelers looking to save money and meet new people. Many hostels in Europe offer private rooms as well as dormitory-style accommodations. When choosing a hostel, look for ones with good security measures such as lockers, keycard access, and 24-hour reception.

Some of the best hostels for solo travelers in Europe include:

• Generator Hostels
• St. Christopher's Inn
• Meininger Hostels
• YHA Hostels

Hotels are a more expensive option, but they offer more privacy and comfort. When choosing a hotel, look for ones with good reviews and in safe neighborhoods. It's also important to check if they have 24-hour reception and security measures such as CCTV and secure locks.

Some of the best hotels for solo travelers in Europe include:

• CitizenM Hotels
• Hilton Hotels
• Marriott Hotels

No matter what type of accommodation you choose, always do your research and read reviews from other solo travelers before booking. This will help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable stay in Europe.

Destinations

Europe is a great place for solo travel, with a wide range of destinations to choose from. Safety is a top priority for solo travelers, and some places are safer than others. Here are some of the safest destinations for solo travel in Europe.

France is a popular destination for solo travelers, with plenty of attractions and activities to keep you busy. Paris, the City of Light, is a must-visit for any traveler. It's a beautiful city with a rich history and culture. Other great destinations in France include Nice, Bordeaux, and Lyon.

Italy is another great destination for solo travel. Rome, Florence, and Venice are all popular destinations with plenty to see and do. Italy is known for its delicious food, beautiful architecture, and rich history.

Spain is a warm and welcoming country, with plenty of destinations that are perfect for solo travelers. Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville are all great places to visit. Spain is known for its beautiful beaches, delicious food, and vibrant culture.

Germany is a safe and welcoming country, with plenty of destinations that are perfect for solo travelers. Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg are all great places to visit. Germany is known for its beautiful architecture, delicious food, and rich history.

Netherlands

The Netherlands is a small but beautiful country, with plenty of destinations that are perfect for solo travelers. Amsterdam is a popular destination, with its beautiful canals and vibrant nightlife. Other great destinations in the Netherlands include Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht.

Denmark is a safe and welcoming country, with plenty of destinations that are perfect for solo travelers. Copenhagen is a popular destination, with its beautiful architecture and vibrant culture. Other great destinations in Denmark include Aarhus, Odense, and Aalborg.

Portugal is a beautiful country with plenty of destinations that are perfect for solo travelers. Lisbon, Porto, and Faro are all popular destinations with plenty to see and do. Portugal is known for its beautiful beaches, delicious food, and rich history.

Switzerland

Switzerland is a safe and welcoming country, with plenty of destinations that are perfect for solo travelers. Zurich, Geneva, and Bern are all great places to visit. Switzerland is known for its beautiful scenery, delicious chocolate, and rich history.

Austria is a beautiful country with plenty of destinations that are perfect for solo travelers. Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck are all popular destinations with plenty to see and do. Austria is known for its beautiful architecture, delicious food, and rich history.

The UK is a safe and welcoming country, with plenty of destinations that are perfect for solo travelers. London, Edinburgh, and Manchester are all great places to visit. The UK is known for its beautiful countryside, rich history, and vibrant culture.

In conclusion, Europe has plenty of destinations that are perfect for solo travelers. Whether you're looking for beautiful scenery, delicious food, or rich history, there's something for everyone. These destinations are all safe and welcoming, making them perfect for solo travel.

Europe is a continent full of diverse and exciting activities for solo travelers. Whether you're interested in immersing yourself in the local culture, exploring museums, or seeking adventure, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the best activities to try out during your solo trip to Europe.

Culture and Art

One of the best things about traveling alone in Europe is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture. From visiting castles to attending local festivals, there are countless ways to experience the unique traditions and customs of each country. Some popular cultural activities include:

• Attending a traditional music or dance performance
• Visiting local markets and trying traditional foods
• Exploring historic neighborhoods and landmarks
• Participating in a cooking class or wine tasting

For art lovers, Europe is home to some of the world's most renowned museums and galleries. Some must-visit destinations for art enthusiasts include:

• The Louvre in Paris, France
• The Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy
• The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Netherlands
• The Tate Modern in London, UK

For those seeking adventure, Europe offers a wide range of activities to get your adrenaline pumping. Some popular options include:

• Hiking in the Swiss Alps
• Bungee jumping in Germany
• Skydiving in Spain
• Surfing in Portugal

Whether you're an experienced thrill-seeker or trying something new, Europe has plenty of options for adventure enthusiasts.

Europe is full of charming towns and cities that are perfect for day trips. Some popular destinations include:

• Bruges, Belgium
• Salzburg, Austria
• Sintra, Portugal

These destinations offer a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and a chance to explore the local history and culture.

Europe is home to some of the world's most famous museums, covering a wide range of topics from art and history to science and technology. Some must-visit museums include:

• The British Museum in London, UK
• The Vatican Museums in Rome, Italy
• The National Museum of Natural History in Paris, France
• The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Europe is full of beautiful parks and gardens that are perfect for a relaxing afternoon stroll. Some popular parks include:

• Hyde Park in London, UK
• Retiro Park in Madrid, Spain
• Tiergarten in Berlin, Germany
• Vondelpark in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Walking Tours

One of the best ways to explore a new city is on foot. Many cities offer walking tours that cover the local history, culture, and landmarks. Some popular walking tours include:

• The Free Walking Tour in Berlin, Germany
• The Old Town Walking Tour in Prague, Czech Republic
• The Ghost Tour in Edinburgh, UK
• The Food Tour in Barcelona, Spain

Overall, Europe offers a wide range of activities for solo travelers, from cultural experiences to adventure sports. No matter what your interests are, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Solo Travel Tips

Traveling alone can be a thrilling and rewarding experience, but it is important to take precautions to ensure your safety and protect your belongings. Here are some helpful tips for solo travel:

Safety Tips

• Research your destination before you go. Familiarize yourself with local customs, laws, and potential safety hazards.
• Stay in well-lit, populated areas, especially at night. Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas.
• Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If something feels off, it's better to be safe than sorry.
• Keep your passport and important documents in a secure location, such as a hotel safe.
• Let someone back home know your itinerary and check in with them regularly.

Valuables and Phone

• Keep your valuables, such as your wallet, phone, and camera, close to you at all times. Consider using a money belt or hidden pocket.
• Be discreet when using your phone in public. Avoid flashing expensive devices or accessories.
• Consider purchasing a local SIM card for your phone to avoid steep international roaming fees.

Travel Insurance

• Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself against unexpected events, such as flight cancellations or medical emergencies.
• Make sure you understand what your insurance policy covers and keep a copy of your policy with you at all times.
• Research the reputation and reliability of insurance providers before purchasing a policy.

By following these solo travel tips, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Remember to always prioritize your safety and be prepared for any situation that may arise.

Best Places to Travel Alone in Europe

If you're planning a solo trip to Europe, safety is likely one of your top concerns. Fortunately, there are plenty of safe and welcoming destinations on the continent that are perfect for solo travelers. Here are some of the best places to travel alone in Europe, broken down by category.

City Breaks

If you're looking for a city break, there are plenty of European destinations that are perfect for solo travelers. Amsterdam, for example, is known for its progressive and friendly atmosphere, making it a great choice for solo female travelers. Meanwhile, Riga in Latvia is a charming and picturesque city that is easy to navigate on foot. Other great options include Paris, London, and Berlin, all of which offer plenty of cultural attractions and vibrant nightlife.

If you're looking for a relaxing beach vacation, there are plenty of European destinations that fit the bill. Portugal's Algarve region is a popular choice, with its stunning coastline and laid-back vibe. Greece's Cyclades islands are another great option, with their crystal-clear waters and picturesque villages. For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, consider the beaches of Montenegro, which are less crowded than those in nearby Croatia.

Northern Lights

If you're looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, consider a trip to see the Northern Lights. Tromsø in Norway is a popular destination for this, with plenty of tour operators offering Northern Lights excursions. Other great options include Iceland, Finland, and Sweden, all of which offer stunning natural scenery and plenty of outdoor activities.

No matter where you choose to travel in Europe, be sure to take basic safety precautions, such as staying aware of your surroundings and avoiding walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas. With a little bit of planning and common sense, you're sure to have a safe and enjoyable solo trip to Europe.

Languages and Communication

When traveling alone in Europe, it's important to consider the language barrier and how to communicate effectively. Here are some tips to help you navigate language barriers and communicate with locals.

Language Barriers

Europe is a diverse continent with many different languages spoken. Some countries, such as the Netherlands and Scandinavia, have high levels of English proficiency, while others, such as France and Spain, have lower levels. It's always a good idea to learn a few key phrases in the local language, such as "hello", "thank you", and "excuse me".

If you're struggling to communicate with locals, don't be afraid to use non-verbal communication. Pointing, gesturing, and using facial expressions can be effective ways to get your message across. Additionally, there are many translation apps available that can help you communicate with locals in their native language.

Cafes and Restaurants

Cafes and restaurants can be great places to practice your language skills and meet locals. When dining out, try to order in the local language. Many restaurants will have menus in multiple languages, so you can always point to the item you want if you're struggling to pronounce it.

If you're looking for a more immersive language experience, consider taking a cooking class or food tour. These experiences will not only allow you to learn about local cuisine, but also give you a chance to practice your language skills with locals.

In conclusion, while language barriers can be a challenge when traveling alone in Europe, there are many ways to communicate effectively with locals. Learning a few key phrases, using non-verbal communication, and practicing your language skills in cafes and restaurants can all help you make the most of your solo travel experience.

In conclusion, Europe is a safe place for solo travelers, especially for women. However, it's always important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings. By doing so, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Based on our research, some of the safest cities for solo female travelers in Europe include Helsinki, Reykjavik, Zurich, and Vienna. These cities have low crime rates and are known for being welcoming to tourists.

It's also important to note that each country has its own set of rules and regulations when it comes to safety and security. Before traveling, make sure to research the country you plan to visit and familiarize yourself with its laws and customs.

In addition to being aware of your surroundings and researching your destination, there are other safety measures you can take as a solo traveler. These include:

• Avoiding walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas
• Staying in well-lit areas and avoiding dark alleys
• Keeping your valuables close to you and out of sight
• Trusting your instincts and seeking help if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe

By taking these precautions and being aware of your surroundings, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip as a solo traveler in Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cities in europe are safest for solo female travelers.

When it comes to solo travel, safety is a top priority. Fortunately, Europe has many cities that are considered safe for solo female travelers. Some of the safest cities in Europe for solo female travelers include Bergen in Norway, Zurich in Switzerland, and Reykjavik in Iceland. These cities have low crime rates, friendly locals, and plenty of things to see and do.

What are the best places to travel alone in Europe?

Europe is a vast continent with many destinations that are perfect for solo travel. Some of the best places to travel alone in Europe include Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Barcelona in Spain, and Berlin in Germany. These cities offer a mix of culture, history, and nightlife, making them ideal destinations for solo travelers.

Where can I find safe places to vacation alone in Europe?

If you're looking for safe places to vacation alone in Europe, there are many resources available. Travel blogs, guidebooks, and online forums can be great sources of information. You can also check with your embassy or consulate for travel advisories and safety tips.

What are the safest cities in Europe for students to travel alone?

Europe is a popular destination for students, and there are many cities that are considered safe for solo travel. Some of the safest cities in Europe for students to travel alone include Copenhagen in Denmark, Edinburgh in Scotland, and Vienna in Austria. These cities offer a mix of history, culture, and nightlife, making them ideal destinations for students.

Where in Europe is best for solo travel?

When it comes to solo travel, Europe has many destinations that are perfect for solo travelers. Some of the best destinations for solo travel in Europe include Lisbon in Portugal, Prague in the Czech Republic, and Stockholm in Sweden. These cities offer a mix of culture, history, and nightlife, making them ideal destinations for solo travelers.

Is it safe to travel alone in Europe as a woman?

Yes, it is generally safe to travel alone in Europe as a woman. However, it's important to take precautions to ensure your safety. These precautions include staying aware of your surroundings, avoiding unsafe areas, and dressing appropriately. It's also a good idea to let someone know where you're going and when you expect to return.

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The U.S. issues new travel guidelines, warning that Iran will avenge the killings of senior commanders.

The State Department has barred its employees from traveling to large parts of Israel. Iran has repeatedly vowed to strike back over the deadly bombing this month of an Iranian Embassy complex in Syria.

• Share full article

By Liam Stack and Eric Schmitt

• April 12, 2024

Several countries including the United States have issued new travel guidelines for Israel and the surrounding region, as the Israeli military said its forces were “highly alert” for a possible Iranian strike in retaliation for the killings of several commanders.

Iran has repeatedly vowed to strike back at Israel over the bombing of an Iranian Embassy complex in Damascus, Syria, this month that killed three generals and four other military officers. An American official said on Friday that Washington expects an attack by Iran against Israel that would be bigger than recent attacks in the long shadow war between the two countries, but not so big that it would draw the United States into war. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

The U.S. State Department on Thursday barred its employees from traveling to large parts of Israel, the first time the U.S. government had restricted the movement of its employees in this way since the war in Gaza began more than six months ago.

On Thursday, Britain told its citizens that they “should consider leaving” Israel and the Palestinian territories “if it is safe to do so.” On Friday, India told its citizens “not to travel to Iran or Israel till further notice,” while France advised people not to travel to Israel, Iran or Lebanon and evacuated the families of French diplomats from Iran.

Asked about the U.S. travel warning , Matthew Miller, the State Department spokesman, said at a news briefing Thursday: “We have seen Iran making public threats against Israel in the past few days.” He declined to provide details about any specific information that prompted the warning.

The new guidelines bar U.S. government employees and their families from traveling to locations outside the Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Beersheba metropolitan areas “out of an abundance of caution” until further notice. The State Department said U.S. personnel could move among those areas for personal travel.

The top American military commander for the Middle East, Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, traveled to Israel to coordinate a response to possible Iranian retaliation, U.S. officials said.

“Our enemies think that they will divide Israel and the United States,” the Israeli defense minister, Yoav Gallant, said in a statement on Friday after meeting with General Kurilla. “They are connecting us and are strengthening the relationship between us.”

If Iran attacks, he added, “we will know how to respond.”

On Thursday, the Israeli military’s chief spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said that the armed forces were “highly alert and prepared” for any action Iran might take, even as the timing and scale of any response remained unclear. Analysts say that Tehran, which has long used a network of proxy forces to project power across the Middle East, wants to avoid igniting a full-fledged war that could drag in the United States and threaten the survival of Iran’s regime.

“For years, and even more so during the war, Iran has been financing, directing and arming its proxies — in Lebanon, Gaza, Syria, Iraq and Yemen — to attack the state of Israel,” he said. “An attack from Iranian territory would be clear evidence of Iran’s intentions to escalate the Middle East and stop hiding behind the proxies.”

Liam Stack is a Times reporter covering the Israel-Hamas war from Jerusalem. More about Liam Stack

Eric Schmitt is a national security correspondent for The Times, focusing on U.S. military affairs and counterterrorism issues overseas, topics he has reported on for more than three decades. More about Eric Schmitt

Our Coverage of the Israel-Hamas War

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Britain, the United States, France and other allies of Israel have voiced their anger over the death toll in Gaza, but when Iran launched a missile barrage at Israel, they set it aside . At least for the moment.

The Israel pavilion at the Venice Biennale is closed this year, since its creative team decided not to exhibit work  until there was a cease-fire and hostage deal in Gaza, but it was nonetheless the site of a large demonstration .

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Iran-Israel conflict: Is my flight safe, will I be re-routed and what if I missed my connection?

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The world is watching with concern the increasing tension in the Middle East and the potential next steps. But already the effects of Iran’s attack on Israel on Saturday night, and wider worries about the unstable situation, has had a significant impact on aviation.

Airline passengers flying to, from or via the Middle East are facing disruption. Flights to and from the UK have been cancelled or diverted, and detours around the region are jeopardising flight connections – particularly at Gulf airports.

What are the rights of disrupted passengers – and for travellers who have safety concerns? These are the key questions and answers.

What was the impact on aviation of the Iranian attack on Israel?

Ahead of the attack most countries in the region closed their airspace to passenger aircraft, leading to many diversions and planes returning to their starting points.

With Israel under attack, all airports in the country were closed – as was airspace in other countries. For example, the Saturday evening British Airways flight from London Heathrow to the Jordanian capital, Amman , travelled as far as Basel in Switzerland before turning around and returning to its starting point.

Virgin Atlantic’s Saturday evening flight from Heathrow to Mumbai flew to central Turkey before turning around and heading for Istanbul to refuel before continuing to India by a much more northerly route than normal.

Passengers on the Israeli airline El Al from Luton to Tel Aviv were diverted to the Lebanese capital, Beirut. Lebanon is one of several countries in the region that the Foreign Office warns against visiting , but evidently the airlines decided it was the safer option. Apart from one Aeroflot flight from Moscow to Dubai , which flew straight over Iran, almost all airlines avoided the entire region, resulting in much longer flights.

What are the consequences of longer flights?

A good example is MH2, the Malaysia Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur to London Heathrow overnight on Saturday, due to arrive in the UK early on Sunday morning.

The most direct route between the two airports is off-limits because it goes over Russia, from which many airlines are banned. Instead, the usual chosen track by Malaysia Airlines and many other airlines is to fly directly over Iran.

Over the weekend that changed: the plane arrived over two hours late after making a detour over Saudi Arabia and Egypt . Unlike some other flights, the crew did not need to refuel. Some other planes had to stop along the way because they could not reach their destinations safely without taking on more fuel.

But anyone connecting at Heathrow to other destinations in the UK, Europe or North America is likely to have missed connections.

What’s the situation now?

Most airlines are still giving the area a wide berth. The two main ways to do that between the UK and Asia are to detour to the south, over Saudi Arabia and Egypt, or to the north – squeezing through a relatively narrow corridor of Azerbaijan’s airspace between the southern tip of Russia and the northern tip of Iran.

With this flightpath, UK-bound aircraft are still unable to take the optimum route because that crosses Ukraine – whose airspace has been closed to passenger planes since the Russian invasion.

The concentration of Europe-Asia air traffic into so small an area leads to congestion on air-traffic lanes and possible delays – on top of the extra flying time involved.

For example the Sunday night Emirates flight from Glasgow to Dubai arrived at the Middle Eastern hub two hours late because of delays caused by the longer routing outbound and inbound– leading to many missed connections.

Passengers connecting to Sydney from Glasgow have a normal connecting time of 70 minutes, which was rendered impossible by the late arrival.

If I miss a connection, what are my rights?

For journeys from the UK, you are entitled a hotel, meals and onward travel as soon as possible – including on a rival airline if necessary.

Travelling to the UK, non-British or European airlines have no such obligation to provide care – though many carriers will do so. They should find you a way to get you to your destination, but are not required to find space on other airlines.

What do the aviation authorities say?

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency says it “remains vigilant with respect to the situation in the Middle East”. The body insists: “There was no overflight risk for civil aviation at any time.” But it also says of Iranian airspace: “There continues to be an increased potential for miscalculation and/or misidentification at present.”

Four years ago, the Iranian military shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane departing normally from Tehran to Kyiv after a chain of errors. All 176 passengers and crew aboard the Boeing 737 died. Tension in the region had risen sharply immediately before the crash, with Iran firing missiles at bases with US troops in Iraq.

It appears from information on the tracking service Flightradar24 that Emirates, which has a huge network of flights from UK airports, has resumed overflying Iran. The Independent has asked for a statement about this.

What if passengers are anxious about their journeys and want to cancel?


Normal terms apply – and you can expect zero or very little refund from the cost of your flight.

Would you willingly fly to, from or via the region?

Yes. An obsession with risk management has made aviation astonishingly safe. I entrust my safety to the men and women flying the plane and the smart, informed people who are watching the world on their behalf.

Should I worry about taking my holiday in Turkey this summer?

You should always be conscious of risks abroad. But for Turkey, as with most other countries, my focus is not on the danger of being caught up in a war. Tragically, conflicts have dragged on for decades in the Middle East, successively causing devastation in Lebanon, Iraq and Syria. But they have not affected holidaymakers in nearby countries.

I sympathise with anyone who is concerned about war spilling over, but they should note that the Turkish resort of Bodrum, for example, is over 500 miles from Israel. Cyprus is much nearer to Israel; Larnaca is 200 miles from Tel Aviv. But, again, there is no official warning about threats posed by the Israel-Iran conflict on that island.

I urge instead a focus on a statistically much more likely risk: being involved in a road accident in those places because driving standards are relatively poor. The Foreign Office warns: “Accidents are common and mainly due to poor or reckless driving.” I do all I can to reduce the amount of road travel, taking trains where possible – or trusting in a professionally driven bus.

For completeness, my same advice applies for holidays in Egypt and Jordan: there is no warning against travelling to all the normal tourist locations. Indeed, it may be that you could find bargains as well as an especially warm welcome in those countries if other travellers stay away.

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Airspace closures: how Iran’s attacks have affected flight routes

Drone and missile attacks on israel mean that flights are being rerouted — here’s what you need to know and what to do if your journey is impacted.

I ran’s “retaliatory” strike on Israel last weekend has triggered the greatest disruption to air travel since 9/11, according to one industry expert.

“Not since then have we had a situation with that many different air spaces closed down in that quick succession, and that creates chaos,” says Mark Zee, the founder of the airline operations association OPSGROUP.

Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan and Lebanon closed their airspace during the attacks on April 13, and while all technically reopened on April 14, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency recommends that airlines “exercise caution” and notes that “there continues to be an increased potential for miscalculation and/or misidentification at present over Tehran”.

Consequently flights eastwards from Europe have been facing disruption that could potentially get worse if the conflict escalates — especially as available routes are already significantly compromised by the closure of Ukrainian airspace since February 2022.

So if you’re flying to Asia or Australasia in the next few days or weeks, here’s what you need to know.

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What is the problem.

Concerns about the safety of flying over a conflict zone are leading airlines to avoid Iranian airspace and seek alternative routes east. The options are to fly north of Iran, through the Stans (Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan), or south, via Egypt and the Red Sea. There is, though, a risk that in the event of further conflict between Iran and its allies and Israel, Houthi drone and missile attacks on Israeli targets would overfly Saudi Arabia and force the closure of that airspace too.

Which destinations are affected?

Many airlines, including easyJet, have suspended flights to Israel. Lufthansa has also cancelled departures to Tehran, Beirut and Amman. But the potential for disruption extends beyond the Middle East to many popular destinations east of the Arabian Sea. These include Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand.

• Travel insurance guide: everything you need to know

Which airlines are avoiding Iranian airspace?

Virgin Atlantic says it has “made the decision to temporarily avoid the airspace of Iraq, Iran and Israel, meaning some Virgin Atlantic passenger services between the UK and India will be adjusted. We will continue to monitor the situation and apologise for any inconvenience caused to customers by slightly longer flight times”.

Singapore Airlines is now routing through Central Asia, with the airline warning that “some flights may take slightly longer than usual,” and Malaysian Airlines flights from London — its sole European route — have diverted both to the north and the south of Iran over past days. Qantas’s nonstop route to Perth will now land to refuel at Singapore, and both Air India and Vistara are flying around Iran. Finnair and SAS have also rerouted some Asian departures.

Wizz Air flights from the Abu Dhabi base, however, are still flying over Iran.

• Is it safe to travel to Egypt right now? • The latest travel advice for the UAE

What about British Airways?

BA is continuing to operate four times a week to Tel Aviv, with outbound flights stopping in Cyprus en route for a crew change. Its flight departed London on Monday as scheduled. The airline said it is closely monitoring the situation in the country. The Times understands BA was already avoiding Iranian airspace.

How long could I be delayed?

The duration of flights in both directions between Europe and Asia and Australasia has increased due to the extra distance involved in avoiding Iran. The shortest flight time from London to Singapore — avoiding Ukrainian airspace — is about 13½ hours, but diverting south via the Arabian peninsula could push that to about 15 hours. Stops for refuelling can add further delays — Virgin’s VS354 from Heathrow to Mumbai was hit by a five-hour delay for refuelling in Istanbul last Saturday. But in most cases delays appear to be minimal.

Are all flights east affected?

Not necessarily. If you’re transiting through a Middle Eastern hub such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Doha your onward flights to Asia are unlikely to be affected by airspace restrictions over Iran, which lies to the north. But with so many other flights now flying via the Arabian peninsula or Central Asia, there’s a possibility that you may encounter minor delays as air traffic controllers cope with the congestion. Will that cause significant disruption? John Grant at the aviation analyst OAG doesn’t believe so. “It’s certainly going to make the space a bit busier but they can handle the volumes and hopefully this will only be a short-term issue.”

Will flight prices rise?

In the short term that’s unlikely, but if conflict in the Middle East escalates airlines will pass on the increased operating costs to passengers — and it’s not just a matter of the extra fuel burnt rerouting around Iran. Oil prices haven’t increased since the start of the Gaza war simply because production has not been affected, but if Israel targets Iranian infrastructure that could change.

What happens if I miss my connection?

If your flight originated in the UK or the EU, your airline is legally bound to offer assistance with accommodation, onward travel at the earliest opportunity — even if it’s with another airline — and, where appropriate, compensation for delays or denied boarding. For flights into the UK or EU, on airlines registered outside those jurisdictions, no such obligation applies, but in most cases the carriers will do their best to help. In some cases you’ll have to run to catch connections, and be aware that while you may make it on board, your luggage might not.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

In the absence of formal Foreign Office advice against travelling, normal booking conditions apply, so while you may cancel if you wish, you cannot expect a refund.

How will I know if my flight is affected?

Your airline will be in touch.

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