Is it safe for solo female travellers? Country-by-country advice

Is it safe to travel alone as a woman? How to judge any destination

No country is completely safe, and most countries popular with travellers are visited by many women alone without serious problems. Safety depends less on the country's name than on the specific area, the time of day, your transport, your accommodation and your own habits.

Five questions to ask about any destination

• What does my government say? Read official travel advice, for example from the UK Foreign Office, the US State Department or Smartraveller in Australia. Look at the sections on safety, women travellers and regional warnings, not just the headline.
• What are the real everyday risks? In most places they are pickpockets, scams, road traffic, alcohol, heat and the sea rather than violent crime.
• What is street attention like for women? In some countries comments and stares are common; in others they are rare. Knowing in advance helps you prepare and not take it personally.
• How easy is it to get around? Reliable public transport and ride-hailing apps make evenings and arrivals much simpler.
• What do recent women travellers say? Recent, detailed reviews of accommodation and tours from other solo women are often the most useful local information.

Balanced, not fearful

Headlines can make a country seem more or less dangerous than it is. Look for patterns rather than single stories, check the date of what you read and remember that everyday precautions prevent most problems: arrive in daylight, use registered transport, watch your drink, keep valuables split and trust your instincts. Where a destination feels challenging, a small group or a local guide for part of the trip is a practical middle ground.

Is Morocco safe for solo female travellers?

Many women travel alone in Morocco every year and have a good experience. Serious crime against visitors is not common, but petty theft, scams and street hassle do happen. The main challenge for women is attention: comments, stares or persistent conversation, particularly in busy medinas. It is usually verbal and tends to fade if ignored.

What helps

• Loose clothing covering shoulders and knees, sunglasses and a confident walk often reduce attention.
• A polite but firm no thank you to unofficial guides who offer to show you the way or claim a street is closed.
• Keeping your phone and wallet secure in the souks and on Jemaa el-Fnaa square at night.
• Agreeing taxi fares and the price of any service before you start.
• Arriving in daylight, asking your riad to arrange airport transfers and choosing places with good reviews from other solo women.
• Sticking to well-lit main streets in the evening, or going out with others.

Sitting with other women or families on trains and in cafés is normal and comfortable. Driving standards vary and mountain roads can be demanding, so many women travel independently in the cities and join a small group for the Sahara and long drives. Drink sealed bottled or filtered water, take insurance that covers medical care and check your government's latest advice for Morocco.

Countries we recommend

Expect attentionMoroccoSerious crime is not common, but street hassle is; many women join a group for the desert.Very low crimeJapanWidely regarded as one of the safest countries for women alone; use women-only carriages on crowded rush-hour lines.Safe, watch pickpocketsPortugalGenerally considered one of Europe's safer countries; pickpockets on Lisbon trams and strong Atlantic currents are the main risks.Safe, watch bagsSpainViolent crime is uncommon and streets are busy late; Barcelona's pickpockets are the main issue.Safe, watch scamsItalySerious crime is uncommon; watch for pickpockets and bracelet or rose scams in crowded sights.Safe, careful on roadsGreeceWelcoming and generally safe; scooter and quad accidents on islands are a common cause of injury.Comfortable, mind trafficVietnamWomen usually feel safe in tourist areas in the evening; traffic and phone snatching are the main risks.Comfortable, mind nightlifeThailandMost trips are trouble-free; scooters, scams and party nights cause most problems.Relaxed, check adviceJordanGenerally seen as one of the more relaxed countries in the region; advice can change quickly near borders.Mostly trouble-freeTurkeyKnow the Istanbul bar and shoe-shine scams; modest dress outside resorts means less attention.Fine on main routePeruPetty theft and altitude are the main issues; use app or booked taxis, not unmarked cars.Most demandingEgyptHarassment and touting are common and some regions carry warnings; many women prefer a group or guide.

Is Egypt safe for solo female travellers?

Egypt can be a rewarding trip for women, but it is one of the more demanding countries on this list. The main tourist areas – Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Aswan and the Red Sea resorts – have a strong security presence, while government travel advice warns against travel to some areas, especially North Sinai and parts of the border regions. Read your government's current advice before planning your route.

Street harassment, mostly comments and staring, is common for women in Egypt, both local and foreign. Persistent selling and touting is the other daily challenge, especially around the pyramids. Many women still enjoy Egypt, particularly with a group or a guide.

What helps

• Dressing conservatively, wearing sunglasses and not engaging with persistent men.
• Using the women's carriages on the Cairo Metro.
• Being cautious about friendly offers from men you have just met, including drinks or a felucca ride alone.
• Buying tickets only at official counters or through official online channels, and agreeing the price, currency and number of people before any ride.
• Using ride-hailing apps or arranged transfers rather than unmarked taxis, especially at night.
• Choosing well-reviewed hotels and arranging airport pickups in advance.

Heat exhaustion is a real risk from April to October, so sightsee early and late in the day and carry water.

Is Jordan safe for solo female travellers?

Jordan is generally seen as one of the more relaxed and stable countries in the region for visitors, and many women travel here alone. Crime against tourists is relatively uncommon in the main areas. Because Jordan borders countries affected by conflict, government advice can change quickly and may advise against travel near certain borders, so check it before and during your trip.

Many women find Jordan comfortable, but staring, comments or overly friendly behaviour do happen, occasionally from men working in tourism.

What helps

• Dressing modestly, especially outside Amman and the hotels of Aqaba.
• Sitting in the back seat of taxis and using the meter or an agreed fare; ride-hailing apps work in Amman.
• Being clear and firm if someone oversteps, and cautious about invitations to go somewhere alone with a man you have just met, even at a desert camp or a Petra viewpoint.
• Choosing well-reviewed hotels and camps, and joining a group for the Wadi Rum desert.
• Agreeing prices for animal rides at Petra before you start.

Heat and dehydration are the main health risks, especially at Petra and the Dead Sea. In canyons, check the weather for flash flood risk and hike with a local guide where recommended. Healthcare in Amman is good, but remote areas have fewer facilities, so take insurance covering medical care and evacuation.

Is Portugal safe for solo female travellers?

Portugal is generally considered one of the safer countries in Europe for women travelling alone, and violent crime against visitors is uncommon. Many women travel solo here without problems. Catcalling can happen but is not usually aggressive.

What to watch for

• Pickpocketing on busy trams, especially tram 28 in Lisbon, on the metro, at viewpoints and in crowded areas such as the Baixa and Porto's Ribeira. Keep your bag closed and in front of you.
• Street sellers in central Lisbon who quietly offer drugs: say no and keep walking.
• Cars broken into at beach car parks and viewpoints: never leave bags visible.
• Slippery polished stone pavements, an underrated cause of falls.

Nights out and nature

In nightlife areas such as Bairro Alto in Lisbon, watch your drink, agree a meeting point if you go out with people from your hostel and take a licensed taxi or ride-hailing app home late at night. Choose accommodation with good reviews from other solo women and a 24-hour reception if you arrive late. The Atlantic is the bigger natural risk: strong currents and big waves are common on the west coast, so swim at lifeguarded beaches and stay back from wave-washed rocks. On Madeira and Azores trails, weather can change quickly. The emergency number is 112.

Is Spain safe for solo female travellers?

Spain is generally considered a safe country for solo travellers, including women. Violent crime against tourists is uncommon, and streets stay busy late into the night, which many women find reassuring. The main risk is petty theft.

Pickpockets and scams

Barcelona has a well-known pickpocketing problem, particularly on La Rambla, in the Gothic Quarter, on the metro and at the beach. In Madrid, Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía and the metro are busy spots. Thieves often work in teams and use distractions such as asking for directions, offering a petition to sign or pointing to a stain on your clothes. Keep your phone off café tables, use a zipped bag worn in front in crowds and never leave belongings unattended on the beach.

Tips for women

• Late nights are normal, but plan your route home and use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps after dark.
• Agree meeting points if you go out with people from your hostel.
• In party resorts, stay with people you trust and watch your drink.

Summer heat is a real health risk in Andalusia and the interior: avoid walking in the hottest hours and follow official heat warnings. In the mountains, check forecasts and tell someone your route. Call 112 for emergencies, and report any theft at a police station for your insurance claim.

Is Italy safe for solo female travellers?

Italy is generally considered safe for women travelling alone, and serious crime against tourists is uncommon. Petty theft and tourist scams are the main things to watch for. Some women experience unwanted attention, such as comments or persistent conversation; a firm, clear no and walking away is usually enough.

What to watch for

• Pickpockets in crowded places such as Rome's metro and buses, around Termini station, the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum, central Florence, Venice's busy bridges and the Naples station area.
• People offering friendship bracelets, roses or help with ticket machines and luggage.
• Unchecked prices in very touristy restaurants: look at the menu and prices first.
• Unofficial taxis: use ranks or an app and ask for the meter or an agreed fare.

Evenings and trains

At night, stick to busy, well-lit streets, plan your route back and watch your drink in bars. Night trains and late regional trains are usually fine, but keep luggage close. Validate paper regional train tickets before boarding, as inspectors are strict. Summer heatwaves can be dangerous, especially in cities and the south, and some coastal paths, such as parts of the Cinque Terre, have closures or entry fees. Call 112 for emergencies.

Is Greece safe for solo female travellers?

Greece is generally considered a safe and welcoming country for women travelling alone, and violent crime against visitors is uncommon. The main risks are petty theft, accidents and a few situations where a little care helps. Unwanted attention is usually limited to comments or persistent flirting, and a firm, clear no is normally enough.

What to watch for

• Pickpockets on the Athens metro, especially between the centre and Piraeus, at Monastiraki market and on crowded buses.
• Some areas around Omonia, which can feel uncomfortable late at night: stay on busy streets or take a taxi.
• Inflated bar bills, and strangers keen to take you to a particular bar.
• Scooter and quad bike accidents on island roads, one of the most common causes of injury for visitors. Only ride if you are experienced and properly licensed, always with a helmet.

Islands and nights out

On party islands, keep an eye on your drink and arrange how you will get back before you go out. Choose accommodation with reviews from other solo women and check how far it is from the port and main village. Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps instead of accepting lifts. In summer, heatwaves and wildfires can occur, so follow any emergency alert on your phone. The emergency number is 112, and many tourist areas have a tourist police service.

Is Turkey safe for solo female travellers?

Most visits to Turkey are trouble-free, and many women travel there alone every year. The main issues for visitors are scams, petty theft and, for women, unwanted attention in some places. Turkey ranges from very liberal city districts to conservative rural towns, and dressing more modestly outside resorts and central Istanbul usually means less attention.

Scams to know in Istanbul

• The bar scam: a friendly stranger suggests a bar they know, and the bill is huge. Choose your own bars and check prices.
• The shoe-shine trick: a dropped brush, a free shine and then a demand for money.
• New friends who want to show you a cousin's carpet shop: a polite, firm no is fine.
• Taxis without a running meter: insist on it or use a reputable taxi app.

Tips for women

Persistent compliments or approaches happen, particularly in tourist areas; ignoring them or a firm no usually works. On long-distance buses, staff often try not to seat women next to men they do not know, so ask the attendant if you are uncomfortable with your seat. Choose accommodation with reviews from other solo women, especially in smaller towns. Avoid political demonstrations, know what to do in an earthquake and use reputable operators for balloon flights, boat trips and adventure activities. The emergency number is 112.

Is Japan safe for solo female travellers?

Japan is widely regarded as one of the safest countries for women travelling alone. Lost wallets are often handed in, and walking in cities at night generally feels comfortable. Still, no country is free of risk, and a few points are worth knowing.

Tips for women

• Groping (chikan) on crowded trains is a known problem. Many big-city lines have women-only carriages at rush hour, marked on the platform and the train. If something happens, say it clearly and loudly and report it to station staff.
• In nightlife districts such as Kabukicho in Tokyo, ignore touts who try to lead you into bars, as some overcharge heavily, and watch your drink.
• Many hostels and capsule hotels have women-only floors or dorms.

Other things to know

Japan is in an active earthquake zone, and typhoons and heavy rain happen mainly between June and October. Warning systems are excellent: learn the basics of earthquake safety, follow staff and official instructions, and consider the official Safety tips app from the Japan Tourism Agency. Drug laws are very strict and include some medicines, so check before you pack. Foreign visitors must carry their passport. Summer heat can cause heatstroke, and mountain weather, including on Mount Fuji, changes quickly. Call 110 for police and 119 for fire and ambulance; local koban police boxes can also help.

Is Vietnam safe for solo female travellers?

Vietnam is generally considered a comfortable destination for women travelling alone, and violent crime against visitors is uncommon. Women usually report feeling safe walking around in the evening in tourist areas. The main risks are road traffic, petty crime and scams.

What to watch for

• Traffic: cross roads slowly and steadily so motorbike riders can avoid you. Many travellers rent motorbikes without a licence or experience, which leads to many injuries and can invalidate insurance. For the Ha Giang loop, riding as a passenger with an experienced local driver is the safer choice.
• Bag and phone snatching: especially in Ho Chi Minh City, thieves on motorbikes sometimes grab phones and bags from people near the road. Keep your phone away from the kerb side.
• Scams: unmetered or rigged taxis, cyclo rides where the price changes at the end, and fake agencies selling cheap bay cruises or bus tickets.

Tips for women

Dress is relaxed in cities and beach towns, but cover up for temples and rural villages. On sleeper buses, choose a lower berth near the front if possible and keep valuables with you. Watch your drink in backpacker bars, as you would at home. See a travel health clinic before you go, and note that air pollution in Hanoi can be high, particularly in winter.

Is Thailand safe for solo female travellers?

Thailand welcomes very large numbers of visitors, most trips are trouble-free and many women travel here alone. Most women find it comfortable, including at night in busy areas. The main risks are road accidents, scams, alcohol-related incidents and water safety rather than serious crime.

What to watch for

• Scooters: road accidents are one of the most common causes of serious injury to visitors. Ride only with the right licence and a helmet, and check your insurance covers it.
• Scams: a stranger saying the Grand Palace is closed and suggesting a tuk-tuk tour that ends at a gem shop; taxis refusing the meter; jet-ski or scooter rentals claiming damage later. Photograph rentals and avoid leaving your passport as a deposit.
• Nightlife: Full Moon parties on Koh Phangan and bar streets in Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Tao are where many problems happen. Watch your drink, avoid shared buckets of unknown strength, stay with people you trust and plan how you will get back.

Tips for women

Choose well-reviewed accommodation with secure rooms, use registered transport late at night and be cautious with very friendly offers of drinks or lifts. Dress modestly away from the beach and at temples. Respect red flags for rip currents, choose boat operators with life jackets, and remember that drug laws and laws protecting the monarchy are strict. Check advice about areas near the southern border provinces.

Is Peru safe for solo female travellers?

Many women travel alone in Peru every year without problems, especially on the main Lima – Cusco – Arequipa – Puno route. Petty theft is the most common issue, and altitude is a health risk that is often underestimated.

What to watch for

• Theft: pickpocketing and bag snatching happen in busy parts of Lima and Cusco, at bus stations and in markets. Keep your phone out of sight on the street and your daypack on your lap on buses.
• Taxis: use ride-hailing apps, taxis booked by your accommodation or official airport taxis rather than hailing unmarked cars, especially at night. Government advice has warned about robberies in unofficial taxis.
• Buses: choose well-known companies with good reviews and assigned seats; many travellers prefer daytime travel on mountain roads.
• Altitude: take the first days slowly, drink water, avoid heavy alcohol and descend if symptoms get worse. Talk to a doctor before you go.

Tips for women

Catcalling can happen, particularly in cities; ignoring it and walking on is usually best. Dress tends to be more conservative in the Andes than on the coast. Watch your drinks in nightlife areas and be wary of anyone offering spiritual ceremonies such as ayahuasca, which carry real health and safety risks. Road blockades and protests can disrupt travel, so allow flexibility and follow local news.

Costa Rica, Bali, Mexico City, Paris, London, Amsterdam and Chile

Women also often ask whether Costa Rica, Bali, Mexico City, Paris, London, Amsterdam and Chile are safe for solo female travellers. These are popular questions, but this site has not written full guides for these destinations yet, so it does not give destination-specific safety advice for them here.

For any of them, start with your government's official travel advice, for example from the UK Foreign Office, the US State Department or Smartraveller in Australia, and read recent reviews from other women travelling alone for the accommodation and tours you are considering. The five questions at the top of this page work for any destination, and the everyday habits – arriving in daylight, using registered transport, watching your drink and keeping valuables split – apply everywhere.

Full guides for more destinations will be added over time, written with the same balanced approach as the 12 countries above. Until then, treat any single article or social media post about these places as one view, and check its date.