United Kingdom - Wales

Recommended Vaccinations For United Kingdom - Wales

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

Hepatitis B vaccine is often recommended for travellers to this country.

For Some Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

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

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.).

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.

Polio Vaccine

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

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

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

Recommended Medications For United Kingdom - Wales

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

Diseases To Be Aware of for United Kingdom - Wales

For Some Travellers

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 Hantavirus 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.

Hepatitis A

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

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B occurs in this country.

Safety & Security in United Kingdom - Wales

Personal Safety

Wales maintains relatively low crime rates compared to other UK regions. In 2023, crime levels remained 25% lower than pre-pandemic figures. Petty theft and shoplifting saw a notable 39% rise between 2022 and 2023, potentially linked to cost-of-living pressures. Violent crime decreased by 3% in 2024 compared to the previous year. Snatch theft more than doubled during this period. The terrorism threat remains consistent with the broader UK context, primarily involving individuals or small groups acting outside traditional networks. Hate crime incidents increased by 35% across Wales between 2021 and 2022, with sexual orientation hate crimes rising 50% and transgender-related incidents up 43%. In August 2024, several Welsh cities experienced heightened tensions related to far-right activity and counter-protests linked to national unrest. Protests related to the Middle East conflict occur regularly in Cardiff and Swansea. The chances of becoming a crime victim in North Wales are among the lowest in England and Wales.

Extreme Violence

Wales experiences low levels of extreme violence relative to international standards. Knife-enabled crime decreased by 1% in the year ending March 2025. Dyfed-Powys Police recorded the lowest rate of knife offences in Wales at 29 per 100,000 population. Sharp instruments were used in 40% of homicides in the year ending March 2025, down from 46% the previous year. Firearms were involved in approximately 0.2% of all police recorded offences. The terrorism threat level aligns with the broader UK assessment. Threat from organized terrorist groups continues, but recent trends show individuals or small groups acting outside traditional networks pose a greater challenge. This makes potential threats less predictable and harder to identify. No major terrorist incidents have occurred in Wales in recent years, though vigilance remains necessary. Counter Terrorism Policing Wales works collaboratively across all four Welsh police forces to respond to national and international terrorism threats.

Political Unrest

Political protest activity occurs regularly in Wales, particularly in Cardiff and Swansea. Weekly protests related to the Middle East conflict have been ongoing since late 2023. Most protests proceed peacefully with police facilitation. South Wales Police deployed special Police Liaison Officers to engage with protesters and ensure lawful, peaceful demonstrations. Between June 2022 and March 2024, South Wales Police used protest management powers once under enhanced legislation. In August 2024, some Welsh cities experienced disruption related to far-right activity following national events, though most planned protests either did not materialize or remained contained. Counter-protests by groups including Stand Up to Racism occurred simultaneously. Farmer protests occurred in late 2024 and early 2025 regarding inheritance tax changes, including tractor convoys in Holyhead and other locations causing temporary disruption. Environmental protests have occurred but at lower frequency than in England. The enhanced Public Order Act powers introduced in 2022 and 2023 allow police greater intervention in disruptive protests, though their use in Wales has been minimal. Most demonstrations in Wales remain peaceful with minimal impact on daily activities.

Areas To Avoid

Rhyl in North Wales records the highest crime rate in Wales at 192.4 crimes per 1,000 residents, with violence and antisocial behavior being primary concerns. Cardiff, as the capital, has elevated crime levels with a rate of 118 crimes per 1,000 people, 41% higher than the Welsh average. Within Cardiff, specific neighborhoods require additional awareness. Adamsdown has high levels of violent crime and antisocial behavior. Riverside shows elevated crime rates with violence, public order offenses, and criminal damage being common. Butetown experiences higher than average crime including violence and burglary. Splott sees elevated robbery and violent crime incidents. The Cardiff city center, while safe during daytime, becomes riskier at night particularly around St Mary Street. Cathays, home to many students, experiences theft, burglary, and antisocial behavior especially during term time. In Swansea, the city center shows elevated crime rates. Newport’s Stow Hill area records high crime levels. Most rural and coastal areas of Wales maintain low crime rates. North Wales generally experiences among the lowest crime chances in England and Wales. Visitor attractions, national parks, and smaller towns typically present minimal safety concerns.