Is Europe Safe to Visit Right Now?

Short answer: yes. For the vast majority of destinations across the continent, a 2026 trip looks much like any other year – the biggest headaches travelers will run into are pickpockets in busy tourist areas and longer lines at passport control, not anything resembling danger. Europe continues to rank among the most peaceful regions in the world.

Almost every country in Europe falls into one of the two lowest tiers on the US State Department's travel advisory system – the same range assigned to plenty of other well-established, stable destinations around the globe. Beyond routine street smarts and a bit of extra patience at the airport, there's little reason for concern.

Where Things Stand by Country

Countries like Portugal, Switzerland, Ireland, Poland, Croatia, Greece, Finland, Norway, and the Baltic nations sit at the lowest advisory level, meaning travelers are advised to take only the same precautions they'd use anywhere. A second tier – which includes France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and the UK – carries a slightly elevated advisory, largely because of general terrorism awareness and pickpocketing rings that operate in crowded tourist hotspots. In practice, this doesn't change what a typical visit to any of these places looks like.

What American Travelers Should Know

Millions of Americans travel to Europe every year without issue. The State Department maintains a general "exercise increased caution" notice that applies to US citizens traveling anywhere in the world – it isn't specific to Europe. Two practical steps worth taking before a trip: sign up for the free STEP program to receive embassy alerts, and glance at your destination's official advisory page shortly before departure.

New Border Procedures for 2026

Travelers should be aware of a few changes at European borders this year:

• A new biometric entry system is already in place. As of April 2026, the EU's Entry/Exit System is fully rolled out, meaning non-EU visitors now go through fingerprint and facial scanning instead of getting a passport stamped. Build in extra time at busy airports like Frankfurt, Amsterdam Schiphol, and Rome Fiumicino, especially during peak summer travel.
• The UK now requires a travel authorization for Americans. This has been mandatory since February 2026, costs about £16, and is valid for two years. It's a quick online application best done before you fly.
• A similar EU-wide authorization isn't active yet. That system is expected to launch in the final months of 2026 and will cost around €7, valid for three years. No action is needed for a trip this summer.

Where the Actual Risks Are

The most common issue tourists run into isn't violence – it's pickpocketing, particularly on metros, in major public squares, and around packed attractions. Some cities, including Barcelona, Venice, and Lisbon, have seen protests related to overtourism; these are aimed at local policy rather than visitors, though they can occasionally disrupt travel plans for a day. On the whole, the crimes tourists encounter in Europe are overwhelmingly non-violent property crimes, and most European countries rank well above the US on global peace indices.

Safety Snapshot (July 2026)

Common Questions

Do I need special authorization to visit EU countries this summer? No – the EU-wide travel authorization system isn't operational yet, so no advance approval is needed for Schengen-area travel this year. The UK's separate system, however, is already required.

Is train travel between European countries safe? Yes. Rail networks are running as normal, and because of the Schengen Area's open borders, there's little to no border checking once you're already inside.

Should I be worried about safety as an American tourist? Not particularly – the countries most Americans visit sit comfortably in the two lowest advisory tiers, and daily life across the continent continues largely unaffected by geopolitical headlines.

Bottom Line

Europe remains a safe place to travel in 2026. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas within the more cautious tier-two countries, expect a smoother experience in tier-one destinations, and plan for an extra hour or so at major airport hubs due to new entry procedures. Before you go, it's worth checking your destination's current status on the State Department's travel site and registering with STEP.