Is the USA safe for travellers?
Tens of millions of international visitors travel the United States every year without trouble. The risks that actually affect travellers are rarely the ones in the headlines: they are the heat in the desert, driving long distances, wildlife, and a few city neighborhoods at night. Knowing them is most of the answer.
In cities
- Tourist areas are busy and generally safe; crime is concentrated in specific neighborhoods visitors rarely visit.
- Ask your hotel which areas to avoid at night, and use ride-hail late at night.
- Leave nothing visible in a car — not even a jacket — especially in San Francisco and Los Angeles.
- Keep your phone in a front pocket in crowds and on transit.
In the parks and on the road
| Risk | Where and when | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Heat | Desert Southwest, May–September | Hike at dawn, 1 gallon (4 L) of water per person per day |
| Flash floods | Slot canyons, July–September | Check the forecast; never enter a slot if rain threatens |
| Wildlife | Yellowstone, Glacier, the Smokies | Stay 25 yd from bison/elk, 100 yd from bears; carry bear spray |
| Long drives | Everywhere in the West | Stop every 2 hours, don’t drive tired, watch for animals at dusk |
| Hurricanes | Gulf and Atlantic coasts, June–November | Follow the National Hurricane Center; flexible bookings |
| Wildfire smoke | The West, late summer | Check air quality (AirNow) and road closures |
Emergencies
Call 911 for police, fire or ambulance, from any phone. For non-urgent medical problems, go to an urgent care clinic. Keep your insurer’s assistance number handy. Your country’s embassy can help with lost passports.
Questions travellers ask
Is the USA safe for solo female travellers?
Generally yes, with the same precautions as in any large country: busy areas at night, trusted transport, sharing your plans for remote hikes.
Which US cities are safest for tourists?
The tourist areas of most big cities are busy and safe. Crime statistics are driven by specific neighborhoods outside visitor areas.
What is the biggest danger in US national parks?
Falls, drowning, heat and traffic accidents cause far more harm than animals. Stay on trails, carry water, drive carefully.
Written by Kylian Dev · Last reviewed October 21, 2026.