United States Safety Guide 2025
Stay safe during your United States trip with essential safety information.
Safety Overview
The United States is generally safe for tourists in most areas, though safety varies significantly by neighborhood within cities. Major tourist areas are well-patrolled and secure, but travelers should exercise normal urban precautions — staying aware of surroundings, securing valuables, and avoiding poorly lit areas at night.
The United States offers incredible diversity from coast to coast, featuring world-class cities, stunning national parks, vibrant cultural scenes, and iconic landmarks. Experience everything from New York's skyline to California's beaches, from the Grand Canyon to tropical Hawaii.
Current Advisory
Exercise normal precautions. Use common sense in major cities — be aware in tourist-heavy areas prone to pickpocketing. Some urban neighborhoods have higher crime rates; research specific neighborhoods before visiting.
Last updated: 2025-01
Travel Advisories
Official warnings and recommendations from government sources.
US State Department (for domestic US travel)
Major tourist destinations including national parks, historic cities, and resort areas are safe. Research specific neighborhoods in large cities; some areas have elevated crime rates.
Official Advisory Sources
- 🇺🇸 US: travel.state.gov
- 🇬🇧 UK: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
- 🇨🇦 Canada: travel.gc.ca
- 🇦🇺 Australia: smartraveller.gov.au
Safety Checklist & Emergency Card
Download our printable safety checklist and emergency contact card.
Common Scams to Avoid
Be aware of these common tourist scams.
Three-card Monte and Street Games
Shell games and three-card Monte are rigged gambling games run by organized crews on busy streets in NYC, Chicago, and other major cities. Staged 'winners' in the crowd are paid actors.
Fake CD/Merchandise Push
Street vendors aggressively offer CDs, merchandise, or 'free' items in tourist areas (NYC Times Square, Hollywood Walk of Fame) then demand payment when you accept.
Taxi Overcharging
Unlicensed 'gypsy' taxis at airports and tourist areas quote inflated flat rates or take longer routes. Official taxis in major cities have meters.
Timeshare Presentations
Orlando, Las Vegas, and beach resort areas offer 'free' attraction tickets or meals in exchange for attending a 90-minute timeshare presentation that often runs 3+ hours using high-pressure sales tactics.
Online Rental Scams
Fraudulent Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace rental listings in popular cities use photos of real properties with fake addresses to collect deposits. Very common in NYC and SF rental markets.
Essential Safety Tips
Practical advice for staying safe during your trip.
Be aware of your surroundings in major cities, especially at night
Keep valuables secured and be cautious in tourist-heavy areas
Traffic laws are strictly enforced; always wear seatbelts
Weather emergencies vary by region (hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires)
Healthcare is expensive; purchase comprehensive travel insurance before your trip
Tipping is customary and expected: 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars
Register with your home country embassy or at travel.state.gov before arrival
Emergency number is 911 for police, fire, and medical emergencies nationwide
Carry photo ID at all times as bars and liquor stores strictly verify age (drinking age is 21)
Prescription medications and some over-the-counter drugs have different regulations; carry a doctor letter
Jaywalking laws are enforced in many cities; use designated crosswalks
Gun laws vary dramatically by state; familiarize yourself with local regulations
Tap water is safe to drink in virtually all US cities unless otherwise posted
Safety by Traveler Type
Solo Travelers
Generally safe for solo travelers throughout the country. Stick to well-lit populated areas at night, especially in large cities. Use Uber or Lyft rather than walking alone late at night. Share your location with someone at home. National parks are safe but carry sufficient water, tell someone your hiking plan, and stay on marked trails.
Female Travelers
Generally safe with reasonable precautions. Well-lit tourist areas and most neighborhoods are safe at night. Use ride apps rather than walking alone after midnight. Be aware of drinks at bars — use the buddy system and never leave drinks unattended. The #MeToo movement has raised awareness of harassment; report incidents to 911.
Families
Excellent family destination with world-class infrastructure for families. Child car seat laws strictly enforced in rental cars. Theme parks, national parks, and most tourist attractions are extremely family-friendly with safety infrastructure. Keep children close in crowded areas like Times Square. US tap water is safe for children everywhere.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Legal protections for LGBTQ+ travelers vary significantly by state — same-sex marriage is federally recognized. Major cities (NYC, LA, SF, Chicago, Miami, Seattle, Portland) are extremely LGBTQ+ friendly with vibrant Pride events. More conservative rural areas and some Southern states have a less welcoming social climate, though violence is rare. Check current state laws regarding trans rights before traveling with trans family members.
Health & Medical
Stay healthy during your trip.
Vaccinations
No vaccinations required for entry. Routine vaccinations recommended (MMR, DTP, flu). COVID-19 vaccine requirements ended in 2023 but recommended.
Water Safety
Safe to drink in all major cities and most of the country. Some small rural areas may have warnings; check locally.
Food Safety
Medical Facilities
Medication Tips
- Bring enough prescription medication for your entire trip plus extra
- Keep medications in original containers with pharmacy labels
- Carry a letter from your doctor explaining your medications
- Some medications may be restricted - research before traveling
- Pack basic medications: pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, antihistamines
Emergency Contacts
Important numbers to have on hand.
Emergency Services
Police, Fire, Ambulance
Medical Emergency
Hospitals and clinics
Your Embassy
Consular assistance
Tourist Police
Tourist assistance
Before You Go
- Register with your embassy's travel notification program
- Save emergency numbers in your phone
- Note your hotel's address in local language
- Share your itinerary with family/friends
- Know your travel insurance emergency hotline
Travel Confidently in United States
Get our complete safety guide with emergency card, insurance recommendations, and area-by-area safety ratings.
Download Safety Guide