Published: October 15, 2025
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State United Kingdom Travel Advisory and United Kingdom Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy London
33 Nine Elms Lane, London SW11 7US.
Tel: +44-020-7499-9000 (24/7)
Hours: 8:30am-5:00pm.
U.S. Consulate General Belfast (Northern Ireland)
Danesfort House, 223 Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5GR.
Tel: +44-28-9038-6100.
Hours: 8:30am-5:30pm.
U.S. Consulate General Edinburgh (Scotland)
3 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BW.
Tel: +44-13-1556-8315.
Hours: 8:30am-5:00pm.
OSAC Country Chapter
London hosts an active OSAC Country Chapter.
Contact OSAC’s Europe team with any questions.
United Kingdom Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise increased caution in the United Kingdom due to terrorism.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed London as being a MEDIUM-threat location, and Belfast and Edinburgh as being LOW-threat locations for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for the United Kingdom.
According to the UK Office of National Statistics’ Crime Survey for England and Wales (ONS), for the year ending March 2025 (most recent data), crimes against individuals and households generally decreased over the last 10 years, with a notable exception for sexual assaults and fraud.
Compared to the year ending in March 2024, the number of homicides decreased by 6% (535 total offenses) and offenses involving knives or sharp instruments decreased by 1% (53,047 total offenses). There was also a 21% decrease in offenses involving firearms, mainly attributed to a decrease in imitation firearms, such as replica weapons or BB guns. Incidents of theft increased by 4% compared to the year ending March 2024, an increase that is not statistically significant.
Most knife-enabled crime takes place in metropolitan areas. The Metropolitical Police Service, responsible for greater London, recorded 31% of all offenses during this time period (a 9% increase from 2024). The West Midlands Police recorded 8% (a 15% decrease from 2024) and the Greater Manchester Police recorded 6% (a 2% increase) of all knife-enabled offenses.
In the year ending in March 2025, 1.9% of people aged 16 years and over had experienced sexual assault, which represents no statistically significant change compared with the year ending in March 2024. However, there has been an increase in sexual assaults over the last 10 years. There has also been a general increase in police-recorded sexual offenses over the last decade due to improvements in police recording practices.
There has been a sharp increase in theft since the COVID-19 pandemic, and ONS recorded a 15% increase in theft from the person in the year ending in March 2025. The UK has a comprehensive website that details crime reporting in certain areas.
Crimes in London, especially those targeting tourists (such as distraction thefts) are typical. Visitors or temporary residents may be more susceptible to criminal targeting due to their unfamiliarity with local practices. Be vigilant; pickpocketing as well as mugging watches and jewelry can occur. Theft of mobile phones is frequent, most commonly snatched out of a user’s hands in public or stolen off tables. Do not leave bags unattended in restaurants, pubs, hotel lobbies, and parked cars. As in any other metropolitan area, there are high-crime areas/localities in cities throughout the United Kingdom. The UK has a comprehensive website that details crime reporting in certain areas.
Be alert to other criminal schemes, such as impostors posing as undercover police officers and “fining” tourists for bogus minor offenses. A legitimate Metropolitan Police Services officer will never demand an immediate cash payment.
Avoid using ATMs that look temporary in structure or location or are located in isolated areas – they may not be legitimate. Use ATMs located inside a bank branch.
If using a taxi, use only licensed Black Cabs, pre-ordered car services (minicabs), or reputable ride-sharing applications. Unlicensed taxis or private cars posing as taxis may offer low fares, but in some instances, travelers have been robbed or sexually assaulted while using these cars. See Transport for London for additional information on cabs and car services.
There are no areas in the United Kingdom that are off limit to U.S. government employees. Visitors to the UK and residents should exercise the same level of common sense and caution that they would while living in any major U.S. urban area.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for the United Kingdom.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed London and Belfast as being MEDIUM-threat locations, and Edinburgh as a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for the United Kingdom, indicating that terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist.
UK intelligence agencies reassess the current terrorist threat level weekly. The terrorism threat levels indicate the likelihood for a terrorist attack in the United Kingdom, which includes England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. There are five categories at which the threat levels could be set:
- LOW - an attack is highly unlikely
- MODERATE - an attack is possible, but not likely
- SUBSTANTIAL - an attack is likely
- SEVERE - an attack is highly likely
- CRITICAL - an attack is highly likely in the near future
As of this report’s publication, the threat to the UK from all forms of terrorism is SUBSTANTIAL. This threat level covers all forms of terrorism aside from Northern-Ireland-related terrorism in Northern Ireland. The threat to Northern Ireland from Northern Ireland-related terrorism is SUBSTANTIAL. Travelers can subscribe to the UK’s threat level alert RSS feed to receive threat level updates.
Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in the United Kingdom. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas. There is also a risk of isolated violence by dissident groups in Northern Ireland, focused primarily on police and military targets.
While there is no indication of any specific threats against U.S. nationals, the UK terrorist threat continues to be primarily driven by Islamist terrorism, with right-wing terrorism posing a growing, but smaller threat. The threat of domestic terrorism inspired by or affiliated with ISIS remains. Since the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack in Israel and Israel’s subsequent reaction, there have been increased calls by terrorist organizations like ISIS and al-Qa‘ida to attack targets in Europe. In April 2024, ISIS and al-Qa‘ida also specifically called on individuals to target quarterfinal matches for a European club soccer tournament in London, Madrid, and Paris, encouraging attacks on stadiums and teams, including by using drones.
The Israel-Hamas conflict has fueled an increased risk of attacks that might be carried out by Islamists inside the United Kingdom. Much of the threat comes from radicalized lone-actor perpetrators, who could attack using knives, vehicle ramming, guns, incendiary devices, and other methods that do not require specialized knowledge, access, or training. In April 2024, a new al-Qa‘ida magazine published a guide for jihadists on knife attacks, including how to attack in close contact and from afar, and the importance of physical fitness and training.
Lone-actor perpetrators pose a serious risk due to their ability to remain undetected, at times, until operational and their willingness to attack civilian and soft targets, such as restaurants, markets/shopping malls, hotels, clubs, and other similar locations.
The Metropolitan Police have a website dedicated to the terrorism risk in the UK, including “Protecting your business from terrorism”, which can be a good source of information.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed London and Belfast as being a MEDIUM-threat locations, and Edinburgh as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for the United Kingdom. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
The law provided citizens the ability to choose their government in free and fair periodic elections held by secret ballot and based on universal and equal suffrage. National elections were widely reported to be fair and free of abuses and irregularities in all jurisdictions. Independent observers reported no abuses or irregularities in any of the elections.
Protests & Demonstrations
Given the diversity of the population, political events that take place around the globe can often precipitate demonstrations in the UK, particularly in London. London has experienced numerous large-scale political demonstrations in recent years. London’s bridges, Trafalgar Square, and the Houses of Parliament are routinely targets of protest and civil unrest. Many UK protests follow or mimic events and issues in the United States as well as other parts of the world. The Metropolitan Police have a visible presence in and around these areas.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland assesses there is a continued threat of violence from dissident groups in Northern Ireland, focused primarily on police and military targets, and may involve the use of firearms and explosives. Tensions increase during the summer marching season (April to August), particularly on and around the July 12 public holiday. The greatest hazards to visitors in Northern Ireland are along the protest and parade routes in Belfast.
Northern Ireland frequently experiences demonstrations, but they are generally small (<100 people) and typically occur near Belfast City Hall. There is always a visible police presence, and there is no recent history of violence occurring at City Hall demonstrations. Demonstrations at the U.S. Consulate in Belfast are rare, small, short, and peaceful.
Maintain good personal security practices, stay current with media coverage of local events, avoid large demonstrations, and exercise caution should they happen upon demonstrations. On days when large political protests are planned, do not wear anything that demonstrators might see as offensive, and/or anything blatantly associated with the United States. Travelers who are confronted or otherwise caught up in a group of demonstrators should attempt to depart the area immediately and seek protection from the nearest police officer or enter a public establishment and contact police by dialing 999.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
The United Kingdom is largely free of anti-U.S. sentiment.
Law Enforcement
Except in Scotland and Northern Ireland, the national police maintain internal security and report to the Home Office. The army, under the authority of the Defense Ministry, is responsible for external security and supports police in extreme cases. The National Crime Agency investigates serious crime in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and has a mandate to deal with organized, economic, and cybercrimes as well as border policing and child protection. The National Crime Agency’s director general has independent operational direction and control over the agency’s activities and is accountable to the home secretary. The Metropolitan Police Service employs 31,000 officers and nearly 1,500 Police Community Support Officers, covering an area of 620 square miles and a population of 8 million people across 32 boroughs of London. There are over 600 “Safer Neighborhood” teams.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) employs 6,600 officers and is responsible for all policing efforts throughout Northern Ireland. PSNI reports to the Northern Ireland Policing Board, a public body composed of members of the Northern Ireland Assembly and independent members of the community.
Police Scotland employs approximately 17,000 officers responsible for all policing matters in Scotland, reporting to the Scottish justice minister and the state prosecutor, coordinating cross-border crime and threat information to the national UK police, and responding to UK police needs in Scotland upon request.
Policing units are routinely unarmed, except for a handful of specialized firearms support teams, counterterrorism protective specialists, and the PSNI. Civilian authorities throughout the UK maintain effective control over the security forces.
Police Response
Response by police, fire, and emergency medical services are equivalent in quality to those in the United States but are often understaffed. Police services are professional, well trained, and community focused. All levels of police services continue to face daunting fiscal challenges – having cut facilities and support staff to bare minimums and struggling to hire officers. Police strongly encourage public participation in ensuring personal and neighborhood safety. These initiatives often take the form of community policing programs that educate citizens, residents, and visitors alike regarding current crime and safety issues. Expatriate residents and long-term visitors may take advantage of the opportunities provided by UK emergency services to educate themselves on safety and security practices.
The emergency line in the United Kingdom is 999. The number connects to an operator who can connect with any needed emergency service (police, fire, medical responders). For non-emergency calls, call other numbers found in the local telephone directory for the service required.
Direct police non-emergency calls to 101, which rings the local police precinct. Find contact information for emergency responders on the U.S. Embassy’s Emergency Assistance webpage.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in the United Kingdom, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for the United Kingdom.
There are no major concerns regarding these issues in the UK. The UK has many of the same laws, procedures, and activities found in other western countries.
Cybersecurity
According to the Cyber Security Breaches Survey, which is a research study for UK cyber resilience, cybersecurity breaches and attacks remain a common threat. Nearly half of businesses (43%) and a third of charities (30%) report having experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. This represents a decrease compared to 2024, where 50% of businesses experienced a cyber breach or attack. However, the prevalence of cyber incidents against medium and large businesses remains high at 67% and 75%, respectively. Phishing attempts are the most prevalent and disruptive types of incidents. Businesses have also reported a significant increase in the temporary loss of access to files or networks.
The UK and its allies have also attributed a number of malign cyber activity incidents in the UK to the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) and the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (GRU) in recent years, such as targeting UK parliamentarians through spear-phishing campaigns, hacking and leaking UK-US trade documents and interference against a UK think tank working on defending democracy against disinformation.
The National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) acts as a bridge between industry and the UK government, providing a unified source of advice, guidance and support on cyber security, including the management of cyber security incidents.
Import/Export Restrictions
Generally, authorities do not allow weapons of any kind in the UK. That prohibition includes firearms, edged weapons/knives, mace or pepper spray, batons, handcuffs, or any other restraints. If authorities discover these items, they will confiscate them and may seek prosecution. Read the State Department’s webpage on customs and import restrictions for information on what you cannot take into or out of other countries.
There are no restrictions on the import and use of satellite phones.
For entry into the UK, travelers must carry medication in prescription bottles with their name on it, which also details the quantity of medication. Essential medicine is typically allowed to be hand carried on flights if appropriate medication prescription is provided.
All U.S. citizens traveling to the UK for 6 months or less must have an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before travel. You can apply for an ETA and find information on new requirements on the UK Government website.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
