Safety in United Kingdom: what overland travellers should know
Our summary of the country advice published by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Viaggiare Sicuri) on 9 August 2026.
Safety
- Terrorism — The risk of terrorist attacks on British soil is rated "severe". After ten attacks in the country between 2018 and 2026, the authorities have stepped up checks in London and other urban centres at places considered sensitive, such as airports, stations, trains, undergrounds, large shopping centres, markets and crowded places generally, and around anniversaries, holidays and particular times of year.
- Northern Ireland — There is no longer a conflict, but groups and factions opposed to the political peace process remain, and with them the possible risk of terrorist incidents. The ministry advises prudence, and in particular staying out of the districts of Belfast and Derry/Londonderry marked by political and religious divisions, and away from any demonstrations.
- Pickpocketing — Pickpocketing is frequent, above all in London, in streets busy with tourists and on public transport. Carry a photocopy of your ID document to avoid the paperwork that follows a stolen passport, and keep the originals somewhere secure, in a safe where one is available. Take ordinary precautions in the outer areas of London and of other cities such as Manchester, Sheffield, Liverpool, Leeds and Glasgow.
- Storms, floods, isolation — Storms and local flooding, which can cut communications, are the main weather hazards, so watch the Met Office for warnings. In winter the northern Scottish Highlands and the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland can stay cut off for days through snow and, for the islands, heavy seas that sever the links to the mainland. Landslides are possible all year and can close roads, particularly in the more remote areas.
Before you rely on this
This is our summary of advice written by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Italian travellers, published on 9 August 2026. We summarise in good faith, but we cannot guarantee it is accurate, current or complete, and we take no responsibility for decisions made on the basis of it. Rules change without notice and are applied by officials at the border, not by websites. Always read the original source and the travel advice your own government publishes for United Kingdom before you travel. GuideMeet has no way of checking whether an individual guide meets any standard mentioned here — ask them directly.
Source: Viaggiare Sicuri — Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, updated 9 August 2026. Last checked by GuideMeet on 2026-09-20.