Travel question of the day: Simon Calder on terrorist threats in Stockholm

Have a travel question that needs answering? Ask our expert Simon Calder

The Ericsson Globe will host Eurovision 2016 (Soren Andersson/mediabank.visitstockholm.com)

Q We are going to the Eurovision song contest in Sweden this weeked, but are worried as the media have said ISIS is threatening an attack in Stockholm. Any advice?

John Foley-Doherty

A The Foreign Office, which takes responsibility for warning British travellers about the prevailing risks abroad, is not especially concerned. It rates Sweden as grade two (out of four) for the seriousness of the threat of terrorism, calling it “general”; the rating “high” is given to key holiday destinations, including France and Spain.

The FCO says “Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners,” and refers to an attack in 2010 in a shopping area of Stockholm which injured two passers-by but killed only the suicide bomber.

The US Embassy in Stockholm, though, has told American citizens in the country: “Swedish Police are actively investigating a potential terror threat against Sweden.” It goes on to warn: “Terrorist groups continue to plan near-term attacks throughout Europe, targeting sporting events, tourist sites, restaurants, and transportation,” and urges people to avoid crowded places - particularly during “large festivals or events”.

The Eurovision Song Contest is the biggest event of the year in Sweden, and naturally there will be a very high security presence. You need to decide whether you will tolerate a very small risk in return for the rewards of attending the annual celebration. I would certainly go, and I urge you to do the same. To help you get the most out of your trip, see our most recent 48 Hours in Stockholm.

Every day, our travel correspondent Simon Calder tackles a reader’s question. Just email yours to s@hols.tv or tweet @simoncalder