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Sweden
- Travel to Sweden is generally safe and travelers are unlikely to face any significant travel risks. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing are common in tourist areas, particularly in Stockholm.
- The Swedish authorities maintain a “high” terrorism risk rating. Public places, government buildings and crowded areas are potential targets, though no major attack has taken place in Sweden in recent years.
- Winter conditions are severe, with heavy snow regularly causing transportation delays and public facility closures.
Risk Factors
- Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching is common in tourist spots, particularly in Stockholm's Old Town, restaurants, and hotels.
- Violent crime rates have risen in recent years, though this is attributed mainly to gang-related activities. Gang violence occurs more frequently in the outskirts of Gothenburg, Malmö, Norrköping, and Uppsala. Increased number of shootings have been reported in recent years; however, victims include locals rather than foreign nationals.
- Cybercrime is a growing concern in Sweden, with issues related to identity theft and phishing scams. Travelers are advised to avoid public Wi-Fi for financial transactions or sensitive information, use a virtual private network (VPN), keep device software and apps updated, and be wary of phishing attempts (i.e., deceptive emails, text messages, or websites).
- The terrorism risk to travelers in Sweden is relatively low, with the country ranking 70th on the Global Terrorism Index, lower than many other European countries.
- The last major attack occurred in 2017 in Stockholm, where a truck was used to strike pedestrians, resulting in several fatalities and injuries on Queen Street. Limit time spent near key targets, including government facilities, crowded tourist spaces, and transportation sites.
- Civil unrest in Sweden is generally infrequent but can occur, particularly in response to political issues, or labor strikes. Key protest sites include central areas of Stockholm, such as Sergels Torg and outside the Parliament (Riksdag), as well as locations in Gothenburg and Malmö.
- Travelers should avoid large crowds in areas like central Stockholm and Malmö to minimize the risk of delays and disruption.
- Sweden maintains a well-developed transportation infrastructure and an excellent road safety record.
- In rural areas, especially in northern Sweden, there is a risk of encountering large wildlife like moose and deer on the road. Be extra cautious at dawn and dusk when these animals are most active.
- During winter months (November to March), roads can become icy or snowy, especially in northern regions. If traveling in winter, verify that the vehicle is equipped with snow tires, as they are legally required during this season.
- Public transport is safe and reliable but may experience delays in winter, especially in northern Sweden.
- Official taxis are marked with yellow license plates and “TAXI” signs. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt are commonly used and reliable.
- The risk of natural disasters in Sweden is generally low, with the country mostly experiencing milder hazards such as flooding and occasional storms.
- Winter months may bring heavy snow and icy conditions, especially in northern regions, while the southern areas may experience minor flooding during spring. Remain informed of weather developments, particularly if traveling in the northern regions amid winter.