Discover Sweden, a Scandinavian gem blending stunning natural beauty with modern design and rich Viking heritage. From the cosmopolitan streets of Stockholm to the Northern Lights in Lapland, Sweden offers diverse experiences year-round.
Sweden is one of the world's safest countries for tourists, with extremely low violent crime rates and excellent healthcare infrastructure. The main concerns are petty theft in tourist areas, occasional gang-related incidents in specific suburban neighborhoods of Malmö and Stockholm, and natural hazards during winter or wilderness activities.
Current safety advisory
Low
Exercise normal precautions. Sweden is generally very safe. Be alert to pickpockets in tourist areas and on public transport. Avoid specific gang-affected suburbs of Malmö and Gothenburg at night.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions
Sweden has a low crime rate overall. Petty theft and occasional gang violence in specific neighborhoods are the main concerns. No significant terrorist incidents recently but threat level is elevated as in most European countries.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Watch for pickpockets in Stockholm's Gamla Stan and tourist areas, especially on public transport
Avoid gang-affected neighborhoods in Malmö, Stockholm, and Gothenburg at night
Keep valuables secure in crowded public transport, markets, and tourist attractions
Be aware of elevated terrorism threat level - stay vigilant in crowded areas
Theft from cars is common - never leave valuables visible in vehicles
Winter driving requires experience and winter tires (mandatory Dec-Mar in conditions)
Register with your country embassy before travelling; the nearest embassies are in Stockholm on Dag Hammarskjolds Vag.
Sweden has strict drink-driving laws (0.02% BAC limit); never drink and drive.
Tap water is safe to drink everywhere in Sweden.
Healthcare is excellent but travel insurance is strongly recommended; EU citizens should carry an EHIC card.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Overcharging taxis
Unlicensed or unmetered taxis occasionally overcharge tourists, especially near Stockholm's Arlanda Airport. Yellow taxis with the meter card displayed in the rear window are legitimate.
How to avoid: Use Uber, Bolt, or official taxi apps. Always confirm the price before entering. Licensed taxis display fare information on the right rear window.
Pickpocketing in tourist areas
Professional pickpocket gangs operate in Gamla Stan, on the Tunnelbana metro, and at popular tourist sites, particularly targeting distracted tourists around Stortorget and Central Station.
How to avoid: Use front pockets or inner jacket pockets. Use a money belt for passports. Be alert when people crowd around you unexpectedly.
Inflated hotel exchange rates
Some hotels offer to exchange currency at the reception but apply very poor rates. Airport exchange bureaus also typically offer 10-15% below market rates.
How to avoid: Use Bankomat ATMs for all cash withdrawal — they offer the best rates. Use your card for purchases wherever possible.
Fake charity collectors
Individuals posing as charity collectors in tourist areas occasionally pocket cash rather than donating it. Organized charity giving is rarely done on streets in Sweden.
How to avoid: Donate only through official charity websites or recognized organizations. Politely decline street collectors you cannot verify.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- No special vaccinations required for Sweden. Routine vaccinations recommended (MMR, DPT, etc.).
- Water
- Perfectly safe to drink everywhere. Some of world's cleanest tap water.
- Food
- Summer
- Mosquitoes in northern Sweden and forests (bring repellent)
- Winter
- Cold-related issues; dress in layers, watch for frostbite warnings
- Ticks
- Present May-October; check after forest walks, Lyme disease risk
- Facilities
- Found in all towns and cities. Some 24-hour locations in major cities.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Sweden is an excellent solo travel destination — extremely safe for solo travelers of all genders, with well-lit public spaces, helpful police, and a culture of minding your own business that makes solo exploration comfortable. Youth hostels have active social scenes for meeting other travelers.
Female travellers
Sweden consistently ranks as one of the world's safest and most equal countries for women. Female solo travelers report high levels of safety and comfort. Use normal urban precautions at night and be aware that some nightlife areas near club zones can be rowdy on weekends. Swedish culture strongly condemns harassment.
Families
Sweden is exceptionally family-friendly and safe. Child-focused infrastructure is excellent nationwide — playgrounds everywhere, stroller-accessible public transport, and a family-oriented culture. Natural hazards (cold, deep water in archipelago) warrant normal parental supervision.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Sweden is one of the world's most LGBTQ-friendly countries — same-sex marriage has been legal since 2009, adoption rights are equal, and anti-discrimination laws are strong. Stockholm Pride in late July is Scandinavia's largest Pride festival. Discrimination is rare and socially unacceptable. Open affection in public is widely accepted nationwide.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 112
- Medical
- 112
- Embassy
- Tourist Police