United Kingdom

In England and Wales, selling and buying sex between consenting adults is legal. However, related activities are criminalized: soliciting in public, running a brothel (defined as two or more people working from the same premises), kerb-crawling, and controlling prostitution for gain (pimping). Scotland has similar laws. Northern Ireland adopted the Nordic Model in 2015, criminalizing the purchase of sex.

Independent escorting from private premises is effectively legal and widely practiced. The "brothel" definition (two friends sharing a flat = illegal) is a major safety concern — it prevents sex workers from working together for safety. Online advertising is the norm. Police approach varies — London Met is generally hands-off for independent escorts. Escort agencies operate in a gray area.

Moderate. UK has extensive surveillance (Investigatory Powers Act / "Snooper's Charter"). Border Force can examine devices under Schedule 7 Terrorism Act, though rarely used against escorts. Advertising platforms operate openly. UK hosting is subject to UK law.

Good for touring. Post-Brexit, EU citizens need to check visa requirements. London is the largest market. Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Bristol also significant. AdultWork.com is the dominant platform. Be aware of the two-person "brothel" law if sharing accommodation.

AdultWork.com (dominant), Vivastreet, PunterNet, Tryst.link.

• English Collective of Prostitutes (ECP)
• SWARM — Sex Worker Advocacy and Resistance Movement
• National Ugly Mugs (NUM) — safety reporting
• SCOT-PEP — Scottish sex worker rights