Safety and Security

Sweden has been subject to terrorist incidents in the past, and the potential for a terrorist incident remains. Like other countries in the Schengen area, Sweden's open borders with its Western European neighbors could permit terrorist groups to enter and exit the country with anonymity. You should remain vigilant and exercise caution.

Crime: Sweden has a low crime rate, though violent crime does occur.

• Most crimes involve the theft of personal property from vehicles,  residences,  and public areas. Pickpocketing and purse-snatching continue to be problematic as well. Many U.S. citizens fall victim to these highly skilled thieves, especially at the main train stations in Stockholm and Gothenburg, and while riding the bus or train to and from airports.
• Pickpockets and purse-snatchers often work in pairs or groups so one can distract the victim while the other grabs the items; often, they operate in or near major tourist attractions such as Stockholm's Old Town, and places frequented by tourists.
• Hotel breakfast rooms and lobbies attract thieves who blend in with guests..
• Do not leave your valuables in parked vehicles. Do not buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal to bring back into the United States, if you purchase them, you may also be breaking local law. 

See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime:
Report crimes to the local police at 112 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(46) (8) 785-5300.

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• provide information on Sweden’s Crime Victim Compensation and Support Authority
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical
• support in cases of destitution
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

For further information:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
• Call us in Washington at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). 
• See the State Department's travel website for Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts. 
• Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. 
• See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.