United Kingdom - England

Recommended Vaccinations For United Kingdom - England

For Some Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

This vaccine is often recommended for travellers to this country.

Polio Vaccine

NathNAC recommends that all travellers complete a polio vaccination course according to the UK schedule or their national programme.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine

Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis is recommended if travelling where contact with ticks might occur (camping, hiking, outdoor activities) during early spring to late autumn.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with wild animals or bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a low risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, however, the vaccination is recommended.

Recommended Medications For United Kingdom - England

There are no recommendations for United Kingdom - England at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for United Kingdom - England

For Some Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a low risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a low risk in this country. However, vaccination is often recommended.

Measles

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with an infected person.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hanta Virus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis

There is a risk of Tick-borne Encephalitis in some areas of this country. The transmission season varies, however, ticks are most active during early spring to late autumn.

Polio

The United Kingdom reported circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) detected in environmental (sewage) samples in London in May 2022. All travellers should take care with personal and food hygeine.

Rabies

Rabies has not been reported in the United Kingdom and is considered a low risk for travellers, However, it may occur in bats.

Safety & Security in United Kingdom - England

Personal Safety

England maintains a relatively safe environment for travellers and business visitors, though you should remain alert to your surroundings. Recent data shows crime rates remain fairly stable, with around 89.7 crimes per 1,000 people in England and Wales during 2023/24. Petty theft is the most common concern you will face, particularly in major cities and tourist areas. Pickpocketing, phone snatching, and bag theft happen regularly on public transport and at crowded landmarks. London experienced a crime rate of 105.8 per 1,000 people in 2023/24, slightly higher than the national average. Keep your belongings secure in busy areas, especially around Oxford Street, Trafalgar Square, and major train stations. Violent crime remains less common for visitors, though rates of violence against the person have remained relatively consistent over the past decade. Around 1.1 million violence incidents were recorded by surveys in the year ending March 2024, with most occurring between acquaintances rather than strangers. Fraud and computer misuse have seen significant increases, with fraud incidents rising to 4.2 million in the year ending March 2025, the highest level since records began. Be cautious of scams, particularly those involving fake police officers demanding immediate cash payments. Legitimate UK police never request cash payments on the spot. Harassment affects roughly 10% of the population annually, with younger people aged 16-24 experiencing higher rates. Women experience harassment more frequently than men. Most harassment occurs in person rather than online, with workplaces being common locations.

Extreme Violence

England has experienced concerning levels of knife crime, though gun violence remains relatively low due to strict firearms laws. In the year ending March 2024, around 50,500 offences involving sharp instruments were recorded, representing a 4.4% increase from the previous year. Knife crime has decreased 8.23% over five years but remains concentrated in specific areas. London recorded approximately 15,016 knife offences in 2023/24, the highest since 2019/20. Knife-related homicides totalled 262 in 2023/24 in England and Wales, with 41% of all homicides involving knives or sharp instruments. Young people are particularly affected, with knife crime impacting communities across urban areas. Hospital admissions due to assault by sharp objects increased to 3,900 episodes in English hospitals during 2023/24. Gun violence remains relatively rare, with just 29 firearm homicides recorded in 2022/23. The total homicide rate for England and Wales was 590 in the year ending March 2023, marking a 14-year low and representing 9.9 victims per million population. This is significantly lower than many other countries. Terrorism remains a concern, with the UK maintaining a substantial threat level. Attacks have historically used simple methods including knives and vehicles targeting crowded areas. High-profile public events, hotels, restaurants, and transport hubs are considered potential targets. Most extreme violence is concentrated in specific neighbourhoods rather than tourist areas, and random attacks on visitors remain uncommon.

Political Unrest

England has experienced significant political unrest and demonstrations in recent years, particularly around immigration and social issues. During late July through early August 2024, far-right anti-immigration riots occurred across 27 towns and cities, representing the most significant disorder since 2011. These riots resulted in over 1,840 arrests and 1,103 charges, with participants attacking mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers. By August 2024, at least 177 people had been imprisoned in relation to the unrest. Protests continued into 2025, with demonstrations focusing on hotels accommodating asylum seekers. These protests have occasionally turned violent, resulting in over 40 injured police officers and 140 arrests between April and October 2025. In September 2025, a far-right rally in London drew an estimated 110,000 to 150,000 people, far exceeding expectations, with clashes resulting in 26 injured officers. Farmer protests also occurred from November 2024 into early 2025, with thousands protesting inheritance tax changes on agricultural assets. These protests involved tractors blocking ports and major roads, causing disruption to ferry services and traffic. Demonstrations occur regularly near tourist areas in London, including Hyde Park, Oxford Street, and Trafalgar Square. Most protests are peaceful and well-managed by police, though counter-protests can lead to confrontations. Between June 2022 and March 2024, conditions were applied to 434 processions, primarily due to concerns about serious disruption. During certain periods, particularly related to the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023, protest-related incidents spike significantly. Northern Ireland experiences periodic street violence and rioting, with over 100 police officers injured during 2025 riots. Tensions can rise particularly from April to August, worsening around 12 July.

Areas To Avoid

London has several neighbourhoods with higher crime rates than others, though most tourist areas remain relatively safe during daytime hours. Westminster, home to Buckingham Palace and countless attractions, has a crime rate 260% higher than the UK average, with 227,609 residents. Property crime including theft, robbery, burglary, and pickpocketing is particularly common here due to heavy tourist traffic. Camden has a crime rate 39% higher than the London average, with bicycle theft being particularly prevalent. The area around Camden Market attracts both visitors and opportunistic thieves. Kensington and Chelsea, despite being affluent areas, have crime rates 40% higher than the London average, with burglary and car theft being major concerns in this 156,197-population borough. Hackney in East London has a crime rate 30% higher than the national average among its 279,665 residents, with both vehicle and bicycle theft being common alongside violent crimes. Tower Hamlets, home to Tower Bridge, has a crime rate 6% higher than the London average, with drug trafficking and weapons possession being notable issues. Other areas with elevated crime include Haringey, Tottenham, Lambeth (including Brixton), Newham, Lewisham, and Greenwich. Outside London, Bradford has been identified as having the highest crime rate in the UK at 158 crimes per 1,000 residents in 2023, with violent crimes almost double the national average. Cleveland in Northeast England also ranks among the most dangerous areas, with assault rates of 8.61 incidents per 10,000 people. These higher-crime areas should not necessarily be avoided entirely, but require increased awareness, particularly after dark. Most criminal activity is opportunistic rather than targeted at tourists.