Safety in London and other places in UK and Ireland
When visiting busy cities and towns in the UK, be wary of your surroundings and keep track of your belongings at all times. Beware of pickpockets and fraudsters in particularly busy areas.
If you’re driving in large cities such as London, Edinburgh and Dublin, it’s best to keep your vehicle in a secured car park, especially if you’re leaving it overnight. When using public transport (particularly the London Underground) after dark, it’s safer to sit in carriages with other people in them rather than on your own.
Are the UK and Ireland safe outdoors?
Thankfully, there are no venomous insects or dangerous animals to worry about in the UK or Ireland. If you’re visiting the coast in either region, be wary of strong currents or riptides when swimming in the sea. Also, make sure you stick to designated paths and tell someone where you are if you’re planning on walking in mountainous or remote areas.
Road Safety in the UK and Ireland
It is illegal to drink excessively and drive in the UK or Ireland. In Ireland and Scotland, you cannot get behind the wheel of a vehicle if you’ve had over 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the limit is 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. Random breathalyzer tests are not uncommon.
For more information, visit the US travel advisory page here.
Emergency Services in the UK and Ireland
If you find yourself in need of immediate assistance when visiting the UK or Ireland, you can contact the emergency services directly by ringing 999 or 112. You’ll find police stations (known locally as Garda stations in Ireland) in most towns and cities if you need to report a crime.