Essential Safety Tips for Women Traveling to Europe in 2025
Read This Before You Fly: Essential Safety Tips for Women traveling to Europe (2025 Edition)
Traveling in Europe can be an exciting adventure, but it pays to plan ahead, especially for women travelers today. Beyond packing your favorite outfits, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your entry date. U.S. citizens can stay 90 days per 180-day period visa-free in the Schengen Area, which are the following countries:
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Long trips or work/study require a visa.
Tip: carry two copies of all important travel documents and leave one set with someone you trust.
Greeter and Kim, solo female traveler, in Paris, France
Unlike the UK (which soon requires an ETA for U.S. visitors), current EU rules don’t need pre-travel authorization. However, a new European ETIAS visa waiver program starts in late 2026, so stay alert for that update.
Be ready for health and safety too. Always buy comprehensive travel insurance (medical, evacuation, trip cancellation) before you go. Pack any personal medications or hygiene items you might need, since some products (like specific feminine-care supplies) can be hard to find abroad. Check that your routine vaccines are up to date (for example, polio booster recommendations now include several European countries). Europe has no longer strict COVID rules, but it’s wise to carry masks and hand sanitizer just in case. Finally, familiarize yourself with emergency numbers, mainly 112 that is the single, free emergency number that connects you to all emergency services (police, ambulance, and fire brigade), and locate the nearest U.S. or Canadian embassy or consulate before traveling.
Group of female travelers and their Greeter in London, UK
Pack Smart & Understand Local Customs
Do a bit of homework on your destination. Europe is generally safe, but customs vary by country. For instance, some places may expect more conservative dress or behavior. The U.S. State Department reminds women to “understand local customs and norms”, what’s normal at home might be frowned on elsewhere. A good rule is to dress modestly around churches or rural areas (even on the Mediterranean or in Istanbul outside tourist zones). In big cities like Paris, you can dress casually but still avoid flashing expensive jewelry or large sums of cash. Know the basic language for “no” and “help,” and always be aware of your surroundings.
Greeter and Jessica, female traveler in Porto, Portugal
Tips: Always share your itinerary with someone at home. Consider booking hotels with female-friendly reputations, or even request a ground-floor room if you prefer quick exits. Your Greeter can help you with recommendations of the safest neighborhoods to stay.
In your luggage, include a small personal alarm or whistle, they’re legal in most of Europe and can deter an attacker. Keep friends in the loop about your day’s plans, and don’t be shy to turn down unwanted attention. If you feel unsafe, trust your gut: move to a well-lit, busy area or approach a shopkeeper or police officer.
Getting Around Safely
Oribel, solo female traveler and her Greeter in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Airport & Transport: Pre-book your airport transfer whenever possible. Use only licensed taxis (they usually have company logos and meters) or ride-hailing apps. Apps like Uber have the added safety of trip tracking. Avoid hitchhiking or accepting rides from strangers. Once at your accommodation, only tell trusted people the address, don’t broadcast it on social media.
Public Transit: On trains, subways, and buses, keep your bag zipped and in front of you. Thieves target crowded metros in cities like Paris and Rome. For extra safety, always double-check your belongings before leaving a train or bus.
Accommodations: When checking into a hotel or B&B, use only your first initial (no “Miss”/“Mrs.”) to avoid revealing marital status. Ask hotels about their female-guest security (some offer added locks or “safe in room” features). Always lock the door (even if there’s a deadbolt) and keep your valuables in the in-room safe or on your person.
Watch Your Belongings: Scams & Pickpockets
The Trevi Fountain in Rome is one of Europe’s busiest tourist spots, and top for pickpockets. Always keep valuables secure.
Pickpockets and scams plague even “safe” European cities. In 2024 Rome’s Trevi Fountain was named the worst pickpocketing hotspot in Europe. In Paris, Barcelona, London and beyond, tourists are commonly targeted on public transport and at famous sights. To stay safe:
Secure your gear. Use a money belt or an anti-theft backpack with hidden zippers. Never leave your bag unattended, even momentarily. Keep passports, credit cards, and cash in different places (don’t carry all your money on you).
Handle cash carefully. When paying in shops or cabs, be alert: count your change, and watch the cashier’s hands. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for banking. Use ATMs inside banks or hotels, and cover your PIN keypad.
Beware of distractions. Common European scams include “found” rings or pushy souvenir sellers whose sidekick pickpocket your pocket. If someone distracts you, maybe with spilled coffee or a staged commotion, guard your bag as you help. Beggars and “friendly locals” can be accomplices.
Fake police or officials. Never show your passport or valuables to anyone claiming to be police unless you are in a station. Real officers will identify themselves and not ask for money. If a stranger asks to check your bag “for illegal items,” politely refuse and call an English-speaking police officer.
Alcohol and nightlife: If you drink, only buy bottles from reputable places and never leave your glass unattended (spiked-drink incidents have occurred, for example in Istanbul). Beware of “bill bamboozle” scams: always review restaurant or bar bills carefully to avoid hidden extra charges.
Solo female traveler in France
In general, trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Keep your valuables on you, not hanging on the back of chairs or under tables. And before you set out each day, jot down the local emergency number and the address of where you’re staying.
Stay Alert: News & Advisories
Europe is not without risks: recent travel advisories urge vigilance. For example, U.S. sources warn about terrorism and civil unrest in several places. France and Spain are at “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” due to threats. In France, pickpockets and phone thieves are common in crowds, and protests can sometimes turn unpredictable. The UK similarly cautions about possible attacks and recommends avoiding tourist crowds when needed. It’s wise to check your government’s travel advisory for each destination before and during your trip (for example, many governments currently “advise against all travel” to Ukraine due to war).
Local news: Keep an eye on local media or apps (like X, Google News, or local radio) for any breaking events or strikes. In big cities like Paris or London, sudden metro shutdowns or street demonstrations can happen with little warning. Avoid areas with heavy police or crowds forming.
Enrollment programs: Sign up for services like the U.S. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) or equivalent. These alerts can notify you of emergencies (and help embassies reach you if needed).
Have a plan: Always know at least two escape routes from your hotel or attractions. If things turn sour (e.g. a protest blocks the street), find the nearest café or police station to wait out the situation.
Travel with Greether: Your Local Best Friend
While many tips can help, one of the safest and most enriching ways to explore is with a trusted local companion. That’s exactly what Greether offers, a vetted female “Greeters” who meets you at the airport or your hotel and accompanies you on your journey, available in over 100 countries and more than 1000 cities. With a Greeter, you have a local best friend waiting to show you around: someone who speaks the language, knows the neighborhoods, and can steer you away from risky areas or hidden fees.
Greeter and Meta, solo female traveler in Paris, France
I’ve had two terrific experiences with Greether, and I can’t recommend them highly enough for the woman traveler who wants to really learn about a new destination in the company of a woman who actually lives there. Elizabeth in London and Nellie in Paris unlocked neighborhoods of the city that I would have never discovered on my own. From gorgeous murals to savory foods, from bustling local markets to quiet green spaces, my memories are so much richer than what’s on a postcard. I’m planning my next trip, and Greether will be a part of it, too.
- Meta, Traveler in Paris & London
Booking a Greeter means someone has already “scouted” the city for you. She can advise on safe transport routes, introduce you to female-friendly shops and restaurants, and help you blend in with local customs. This not only boosts your safety (one more pair of eyes is better than none!) but also supports the local women’s economy. At Greether, all guides are women who meet global ethical and development goals: by traveling with them, you empower women in the community while enjoying a secure, personalized experience.
Europe holds incredible experiences for women travelers, and you shouldn’t let fear hold you back. By preparing well, like checking passports and visas, getting insurance, staying healthy; and by staying alert on the ground (securing belongings, using reputable transport, following news), you can significantly reduce risks. Remember, most European trips are trouble-free if you use common sense. And if you ever want extra peace of mind, Greether is there to pair you with a friendly local guide who keeps you safe and shows you the real culture.
Greeter and Heidi, solo female traveler in Copenhagen, Denmark
What an amazing experience with Mariana! She really took to heart my comment about wanting to see hidden gems, unique points of interest and tidbits locals know (yay, harbor buses!). She also helped me learn more about Danish culture from how kids are raised to what the locals eat. I felt like I was spending a day with a good friend and learning along the way.
- Heidi, Traveler in Copenhagen
With the right mindset and precautions, you’ll return home with fond memories, new friendships, and stories to tell, not scares. Happy travels, and may your European adventure be as enriching and safe as possible!
Stay informed before and during your trip, and travel smart. Bon voyage!
These sources were obtained in July 2025: Official travel advice and recent reports on Europe travel safety.
