United States Travel Safety

Precautions

While violent crime rarely affects tourists, be mindful of your surroundings, particularly at night. Verify official neighbourhood crime statistics before planning an outing. If you are threatened by robbers, stay calm and do not resist. Do not leave bags or valuables unattended in parked cars (especially rental vehicles and even in trunks) or in plain view. Ensure that your personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times. Carry a photocopy of your passport for identification purposes and leave the originals in your hotel safe.

Road safety

Road conditions are good.

Cruises

You must have a valid passport to take a cruise from the United States. Some of the countries you visit will not permit entry without a passport and appropriate visas, please check in advance with your cruise operator. A passport is also important to re-enter the United States at the end of the cruise. Ship authorities might retain your passport during the cruise, in accordance with their own administrative regulations and to facilitate clearance with U.S. Immigration. If your passport is kept, obtain a receipt. Ensure you recuperate your passport at the end of the cruise. Always keep a photocopy of your passport with you.

Hiking

If you intend on hiking, backpacking or skiing. Never practice these activities alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable companybuy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation. Obtain detailed information on hiking routes or ski slopes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails or slopes. Ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity. Ensure that you are properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazardinform a family member or friend of your itinerary. Know and prepare for the symptoms of acute altitude sickness.

Women's safety

Womens's safety vary depending on the state/city you are traveling to. Women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Women may be subject to unpleasant male attention, sexual harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a high degree of precaution during travel.

Scams

On highways criminals signal tourists driving on the highway to stop due to an issue with their vehicle. They then wait for the driver to pull over or exit the car before grabbing exposed valuables. Criminals may also throw items at the windshield, obscuring the view of the road and forcing the driver to pull over. Avoid pulling over on the side of the road. Put on your hazard lights and slowly drive to a gas station, police station or other safe and populated area.

Crime

Crimes of opportunity such as petty theft and pickpocketing occur, particularly in urban centres and tourist locations. The possession of firearms and the frequency of violent crime are generally more prevalent some states. Within large metropolitan areas, violent crime more commonly occurs in economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods, particularly from dusk to dawn, and often involves intoxication. Incidents of violent crime are mainly perpetrated by gangs or members of organized crime groups. Incidents of mass shooting occur, but account for a small percentage of homicide deaths in the country. The likelihood of a tourist being a victim of such an incident is low. Drivers have reported being targeted by criminals on highways while leaving airports or other tourist destinations.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time and targets could include:government buildings, including schools places of worship airports and other transportation hubs and public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places, particularly in large crowds. Monitor the media to keep informed of potential risks to safety and security. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) maintains a public alert system on terrorism to communicate information about terrorist threats.

LGBT

The US is an extremely diverse society and attitudes towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people differ hugely across the country. Although acceptance of LGBTQ rights and LGBTQ people has risen in recent decades - particularly dramatically among younger Americans. However, there has been an increase in reports of homophobia and transphobia in certain states. LGBT travellers should be aware of local sensitivities, particularly when visiting certain states or rural areas.

Illegal drugs

The United States has a zero-tolerance policy and imposes severe penalties for the possession of even a small amount of an illegal drug. Do not attempt to cross the Canada-U.S. border with any amount of cannabis in any form. Possession or trafficking of a controlled substance in the USA can carry a severe prison sentence and/or fine.

Driving

If you want to rent a car, you may need both your license and an International driving permit. Find out the rental company's policies and other requirements in advance. Americans drive on the right side of the road. Traffic laws can vary from state to state. Most states ban text messaging when driving. The highest speed limits are generally 70 mph on highways. Driving while intoxicated with alcohol is a crime. Beware of individuals or companies not authorized to issue IDPs sell fakes on websites, through unsolicited email, and in person for prices ranging from $60 to $400.