The short answer? Yes - but like any popular destination, there are a few things worth keeping in mind.
Europe welcomes millions of travellers every year and, while most visits go smoothly, it’s smart to stay aware, especially in busy tourist spots.
Whether you’re wandering the streets of Barcelona, cruising through Venice or catching the view from the Eiffel Tower, being informed means travelling with confidence.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key things to know - from protests in parts of Southern Europe to staying safe on the metro. So you can focus on enjoying your trip, not worrying about it.
Europe is one of the most visited continents in the world. In 2025, it remains a safe and welcoming place for American travellers. That said, safety levels vary by country and region, and it’s always smart to stay informed before you go.
According to the 2025 Global Peace Index, Europe continues to be the world’s most peaceful region. Eight of the top ten most peaceful countries are in Europe, with Iceland, Ireland, Austria and Denmark all scoring high for safety, stability and low crime rates.
But the picture isn’t perfect...
While Western and Central Europe still lead globally, peace scores have been declining for four years straight, mainly due to rising defence spending across the region. The ongoing war in Ukraine is a big factor - Eastern Europe, in particular, saw a 0.77% drop in peacefulness last year.
Meanwhile, countries like France and the UK have seen upticks in civil unrest and petty crime. France is currently ranked the least peaceful in Western Europe, largely due to high militarisation and internal tensions.
Most parts of Europe are stable and safe for tourists, especially in the Nordic region, Central Europe and major cities with strong infrastructure. But it’s worth keeping tabs on local news and understanding that safety can look different from city to city.
By checking local guidance and sticking to well-known routes, you can explore with confidence and stay ahead of potential issues.
In 2025, parts of Southern Europe, especially Spain, saw a wave of protests against mass tourism. From Barcelona to Mallorca, residents hit the streets to call out rising housing costs, disappearing neighbourhoods and the impact of short-term rentals on everyday life. Some even squirted water at unsuspecting tourists to make their point.
What’s behind it? It’s not personal. It’s frustration. Locals are feeling priced out, especially in cities where holiday rentals have taken over homes. In Barcelona, rents have jumped over 30% in some areas, and traditional businesses are disappearing in favour of tourist shops and bubble tea joints.
Similar protests have popped up in Venice, Lisbon and parts of Greece and France, all calling for limits on tourism and new taxes on visitors.
You’re unlikely to be caught up in anything unsafe. But be aware of the local mood, especially in crowded or residential areas. New taxes, entry fees and visitor caps may apply (Venice, for example, now charges day visitors during peak season).
Respect goes a long way. Learn a few words in the local language, stay in legal rentals and be mindful of your impact. These are people’s homes, not just vacation spots.
Most of Europe is politically stable. The ongoing war in Ukraine is the main area of concern, but it’s far from popular tourist regions like France, Spain or Italy. While some Eastern countries have seen protests, these are usually peaceful and don’t affect most visitors.
Terrorism remains a concern in major cities, but attacks are rare and threats are closely monitored. France and the UK maintain higher alert levels as a precaution, and authorities continue to disrupt potential plots.
Governments across Europe take safety seriously, with visible security in public places, strong coordination between agencies and active investment in counter-terrorism. Stay alert in busy areas and follow local advice, just like you would in any large city.
Europe is a safe place to travel, and most visits go off without a hitch. But in busy cities, it’s worth staying aware, especially when it comes to pickpocketing and scams.
Pickpocketing and phone theft are the most common issues, particularly around landmarks and public transport. In 2024, theft from the person rose by nearly 50% in England and Wales, with around 99,000 cases - mostly in big cities and shopping areas.
Fraud and scams also increased, making up over 40% of reported crime in England. But these are usually avoidable with a bit of awareness. Keep bags zipped, avoid flashing valuables and use ATMs in well-lit places.
The truth? Europe’s no more risky than any major destination, and with a few smart habits, you can travel comfortably and confidently.
Europe is known for its high-quality healthcare, with strong public systems in countries like the UK and Germany. While most trips go smoothly, travel insurance that covers private care is always a smart move.
Minor health hiccups like food-related illness or bug bites are the most common issues. In early 2025, a Hepatitis A outbreak led to a small spike in cases in Central Europe, so handwashing and bottled water are good habits to keep.
Heading outdoors? Tick-borne illnesses like TBE are more common in rural areas of countries like Czechia and Austria. If you’re hiking or camping, chat to your doctor about vaccination options.
With a little prep, like insurance, routine jabs and bug spray, staying healthy in Europe is easy. Most travellers don’t run into any issues at all.
Europe isn’t known for extreme weather, but like anywhere, natural events do happen. The key is knowing what to expect, and how to stay safe.
2025 saw one of the most intense wildfire seasons in recent memory, with outbreaks in Greece, Spain, France and even the UK. Heatwaves across Europe have also pushed temperatures to record highs, with local authorities issuing regular safety alerts.
💡Top tip: Avoid midday sun, drink plenty of water and follow local advisories.
Flash floods are becoming more common, especially in Southern and Central Europe. Cities in Spain and Slovenia have seen severe summer downpours, so it’s best to keep an eye on the weather.
Always know the local emergency number (112 EU-wide) and pack essentials like sunscreen, a refillable water bottle and any vital medication.
Europe's public transport system is one of the best and safest in the world. Whether you’re taking a train through the Alps or a coach across Italy, you’re travelling on modes ranked lowest for risk per kilometre.
Trains, coaches and planes are among the safest ways to get around. For shorter flights (under 600km), trains are actually safer. And for longer trips, air travel edges ahead. Just keep an eye out at rail crossings - around half across Europe still don’t have full barriers.
Road travel accounts for about 97% of transport-related deaths in the EU. And while e-scooters are convenient, their crash risk is 4-10 times higher than bikes. If you’re using one, wear a helmet and stick to legal lanes.
Staying connected is easy in Europe, but so is letting your guard down. While most trips go smoothly, digital scams are something to watch out for.
Public Wi-Fi is a hotspot for snooping. Hackers often set up fake networks in cafes and airports to grab your personal info, including banking logins.
In tourist-heavy cities like Rome and Prague, ATM skimming is also common. Criminals attach devices to legitimate machines to steal card details and PINs.
Use ATMs inside banks, not on the street. Stick to official booking sites, especially for trains and apartments. And always use a VPN on public Wi-Fi. Set up two-factor authentication (2FA) before you travel and turn off auto-connect on your phone.
These small steps can make a big difference and help you enjoy Europe without any digital drama.
Did you know that 9 out of 10 of the safest countries for women are in Europe? Europe is widely considered safe, especially in the north and west, for solo and female travellers. Iceland, Finland and Norway regularly top the Women’s Peace and Security Index, thanks to strong gender equality and low violence. Public transport, street lighting and general safety are standouts in countries like the Netherlands, Germany and Portugal.
That said, areas of Southern and Eastern Europe may see more catcalling or street-level harassment. Big cities like Paris or Rome can be pickpocket hotspots at night - stay alert, especially in quiet or poorly lit areas.
Spain, Sweden, Germany and Malta score highly in ILGA-Europe’s LGBTQI+ equality rankings, with strong legal protection and thriving queer communities. But in countries like Poland or Hungary, public attitudes may lag behind the law, so some discretion may be wise in rural or conservative areas.
Wherever you go, check local guidance, trust your instincts and travel how you feel most comfortable.
A simple “Bonjour” or “Gracias” goes a long way, especially in Southern and Eastern Europe, where English isn’t as widely spoken outside big cities.
Dial 112 from any phone for police, fire or medical help. It’s free, works 24/7 and connects you to local services, often with English-speaking operators. If 112 is down, try local numbers:
Lost your passport or need legal help? Head to your nearest embassy or consulate. They can sort replacement documents, connect you with a lawyer or contact your family.
Make sure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area. It must also have at least 2 blank pages and be in good condition. Damaged or nearly expired passports could be denied at the border.
US travellers can visit most European countries visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. That 90-day limit covers the entire Schengen Area, not just one country, so if you're city-hopping across France, Italy and Spain, it's all counted together.
From the last quarter of 2026, travellers will need ETIAS - a quick pre-travel authorisation, not a visa. It’s expected to cost around $23 and will last for 3 years or until your passport expires.
You might be asked to show proof of return travel, accommodation or funds. Some countries may also ask for travel insurance, with a minimum €30,000 in medical cover.
So, is Europe safe to visit? Yes. And not just safe, but full of unforgettable places, warm welcomes and well-connected cities that are easy to explore. Like anywhere, it pays to stay aware and plan ahead, but you don’t need to travel in fear.
From low crime in the Nordics to top-rated transport across Germany, Italy and beyond, Europe remains one of the most secure and rewarding destinations to visit. Whether you’re travelling solo, with family or flying out for something unexpected, the key is staying informed and booking smart.
And when it comes to booking flights, that’s where we come in. We’re on a mission to make flight booking feel easy, not overwhelming. If you’re heading to Europe, here’s how we help:
Planning your trip should feel exciting - not stressful. Book with confidence and get back to looking forward to the good stuff.
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We get it - choosing where to go isn’t always easy, especially when safety is your priority. That’s why we’ve pulled together a list of our safest places to fly, with up-to-date info and tips to help you decide what feels right.
Got a few more questions before you book? You’re not alone.
Here are the answers to some of the most common questions asked about safety in Europe.
Yes, it’s safe to travel to Europe right now, but staying informed is key. Most of the continent remains stable and welcoming to American travellers, with strong infrastructure and low crime in many areas.
That said, safety can vary by country and even city, so it’s worth checking travel advisories and local news before you go. Petty crime and protests can happen in tourist hotspots, but with a few smart habits, you can explore with confidence and focus on enjoying your trip.
Most of Europe is safe and open to American travellers. The main area to avoid right now is Ukraine, due to the ongoing war. Nearby regions in Eastern Europe are generally stable but may feel more tense depending on local politics.
Everywhere else, from France and Germany to Portugal and the Nordics, remains safe for tourists. Just stay informed, check official travel advisories and keep an eye on local news before and during your trip.
The biggest safety concerns in Europe are petty crimes like pickpocketing and phone theft, especially in tourist-heavy cities like Paris, Barcelona and Rome. Scams targeting visitors, like fake petitions or overcharging taxis, are also common.
In summer, heatwaves and wildfires can affect parts of Southern Europe. Political protests and strikes may cause disruption but are usually peaceful. Terrorism risk remains low, with strong security in place across major cities.
Staying alert and planning ahead can help you avoid most issues.
Yes, Europe is generally safe for solo and female travellers, especially in countries like Iceland, Finland, Germany and the Netherlands, which rank high for safety and gender equality.
Public transport is reliable, and most cities are well-lit and easy to navigate. That said, like anywhere, it’s smart to stay alert in busy areas, avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar places, and trust your instincts.
With a bit of planning and awareness, travelling solo across Europe can be safe, rewarding and empowering.
Yes - Europe is a great choice for families. Most destinations are safe, have good public transport, and offer plenty of family-friendly activities. Countries like Germany, the Netherlands and the Nordics are especially known for being clean, well-organised and easy to get around.
Like anywhere, it’s worth keeping an eye on your belongings in busy spots and staying aware of local rules. Europe offers a safe, exciting and rewarding travel experience for all ages.
If there’s an emergency while you’re in Europe, dial 112 - it’s the EU-wide number for police, ambulance or fire services. It’s free, works from any phone and often has English-speaking operators.
You should also register with the US State Department’s STEP program before your trip to get real-time alerts and help the nearest US embassy reach you if needed.
If you lose your passport or need legal help, contact the local embassy or consulate. They’re there to help you get back on track.
Last updated: 18 July 2025
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