Is Sweden Safe to Visit?
Sweden is a beautiful country filled with stunning natural landscapes, great food, and friendly people. But when it comes to planning a trip abroad, safety is a top priority for many travelers. So, is Sweden safe to visit?
The short answer is yes; with some common-sense precautions, you can enjoy your Swedish vacation without worry. Let’s take a closer look at what the security situation in Sweden looks like.
Crime Rates in Sweden
Generally speaking, crime rates in Sweden are relatively low compared to other countries in Europe. According to the Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention (Brå), there were 582,000 crimes reported in 2019—a decrease of 4% compared to 2018 figures.
That being said, as with any country you visit, it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings and take steps to protect yourself and your belongings while traveling.
General Safety Advice
When visiting Sweden or any other foreign country, there are certain safety measures that all travelers should practice. These include avoiding dark streets at night and not carrying large amounts of cash on you at one time.
You should also keep an eye on your belongings when out and about; pickpocketing does happen from time to time and can put a damper on your vacation if items are stolen from you.
Additionally, you should avoid getting into arguments or confrontations—especially with strangers—as this could lead to serious trouble.
Security Alerts
Before traveling anywhere overseas it’s always a good idea to check the U.S. State Department’s travel advisories for up-to-date information about security situations in each country you plan on visiting.
As of June 2021, the State Department has issued a Level 1 Travel Advisory for Sweden which means that visitors should exercise normal precautionary measures while traveling there.
This includes following local laws and regulations as well as monitoring local news outlets for updates about potential risks associated with travel within the country or region you plan on visiting during your stay.
Conclusion
All things considered, Sweden is generally considered safe for tourists as long as they stay aware of their surroundings and practice basic safety protocols while there.
It’s always best to keep an eye out for any potential security risks before traveling anywhere abroad and make sure that you have adequate insurance coverage in case something does go wrong during your trip – but chances are that if you follow these simple tips then you should have no problem enjoying everything that this beautiful Scandinavian nation has to offer!
