← Back to map

Is United States of America Safe to Travel to in 2026?

Risk level: Moderate risk

Last updated June 29, 2026

Overview

Large and extremely diverse country with massive variation in safety, culture, and quality of life depending on location. Many suburban and rural areas are very safe and pleasant, while numerous cities suffer from high rates of violent crime, gun violence, and visible social disorder.

Best time to visit

Varies strongly by region: much of the country is popular May to September; the South and Southwest are often better in winter and spring; ski season is roughly December to March in mountain states; hurricane season affects the Southeast roughly June to November.

Safety

Violent crime and gun violence are serious issues in many urban areas. Petty crime (theft, car break-ins, scams) is common in tourist zones of major cities. Road safety varies widely - some states have very dangerous drivers. Rural and suburban areas in many states are extremely safe. Mass shootings remain a persistent risk in public spaces.

Recommendations

Research specific cities and even neighborhoods before visiting - safety can vary dramatically within the same state. Avoid walking alone at night in high-crime urban areas. Be aware that gun ownership is widespread and openly visible in many states. Use rideshares or official taxis in cities rather than walking long distances. Domestic flights are often the most practical way to cover long distances.

Health and tap water

Tap water: Excellent — generally safe to drink from the tap.

World-class healthcare if you can afford it (very expensive without good insurance). Tap water is safe in most places. The opioid crisis and mental health problems are visible in many communities. Pharmacies are widespread and well-stocked.

Entry and exit

Visa required for most nationalities. Many countries qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). Entry processes can be strict and lengthy.

Laws

Gun laws vary dramatically by state - some are extremely permissive, others restrictive. Drug laws also differ significantly between states. Police behavior and enforcement quality can vary widely depending on the city or state.

Other notes

The United States can be a significant culture shock for many visitors. Guns are far more visible and normalized than in most countries. Food portions are large and meals tend to be hearty and high in calories. The country is extremely car-dependent with public transport being limited outside major cities. Distances between places are often vast, making domestic flights (which are cheap) the most practical option for longer trips. Customer service is generally very friendly but can feel performative. Tipping is expected in most service situations (15-20%). The country offers incredible natural beauty, world-class cities, and cultural diversity, but also has visible inequality, homelessness, and urban decay in many places. Regional differences (culture, politics, food, accent) are much stronger than in most countries.

Emergency numbers: Police 911, Ambulance 911, Fire 911.

Regional risk notes for United States of America

• New Hampshire — Low risk: One of the safest and most orderly states in America. Very low violent crime, high social trust, and strong rule of law. Rural and suburban areas feel exceptionally safe and well-managed.
• Vermont — Low risk: Extremely safe with very low crime rates. Strong community cohesion and low corruption. Rural character and high quality of life make it one of the best states for safety and livability.
• Maine — Low risk: Very low violent crime and a strong sense of order. Rural and coastal areas are peaceful. One of the safest states in the country with minimal urban dysfunction.
• Idaho — Low-Moderate risk: Low crime and strong community values. Rural and suburban areas are very safe. Growing quickly but has so far maintained a high level of safety and order.
• Wyoming — Low-Moderate risk: Extremely low population density and very low crime. Rural character and strong social cohesion. One of the safest states in America.
• Montana — Low-Moderate risk: Very safe rural state with low violent crime. Strong sense of community and personal responsibility. Excellent quality of life outside of a few tourist hotspots.
• North Dakota — Low-Moderate risk: Very low crime rates and strong social order. Rural and small-town America at its safest. Minimal urban dysfunction.
• South Dakota — Low-Moderate risk: Extremely safe with very low violent crime. Strong community values and low corruption. Rural character makes it feel very secure.
• Iowa — Low-Moderate risk: Very safe state with low crime. Strong Midwestern values and community cohesion. Rural and suburban areas are particularly safe and orderly.
• Nebraska — Low-Moderate risk: Low violent crime and a strong sense of order. Rural and small-town life dominates. Very safe compared to most of the country.
• Kansas — Low-Moderate risk: Generally safe with low violent crime outside of a few urban pockets. Strong community values in most areas.
• Utah — Low-Moderate risk: Very safe overall with strong social cohesion. Low violent crime in most areas. Some issues in Salt Lake City but still better than most states. The Mormons are a very interesting and hospitable people.
• Minnesota — Low-Moderate risk: Generally safe with good quality of life. Some urban crime in Minneapolis, but the state overall remains well above average in safety.
• Wisconsin — Low-Moderate risk: Safe in most rural and suburban areas. Some issues in Milwaukee, but overall a solid and orderly state.
• Indiana — Low-Moderate risk: Generally safe outside of a few urban areas. Strong rural character and relatively low violent crime in most of the state.
• Ohio — Moderate risk: Mixed. Many suburban and rural areas are safe, but cities like Cleveland, Cincinnati, and parts of Columbus have serious crime problems.
• Michigan — Moderate risk: Detroit and some other cities have very high violent crime. Many suburban and rural areas are much safer. Significant variation within the state.
• Pennsylvania — Moderate risk: Philadelphia has serious crime and visible disorder. Many other areas (especially central and western PA) are much safer and calmer.
• New York — Moderate risk: New York City has improved but still has visible disorder, homelessness, and petty crime. Upstate New York is generally much safer.
• New Jersey — Moderate risk: High population density with varying safety. Some areas are very safe while others have serious crime and urban decay issues.
• Massachusetts — Low-Moderate risk: Boston is relatively safe, but the state has visible urban problems in some areas. High cost of living and inequality are noticeable.
• Connecticut — Low-Moderate risk: Wealthy but with noticeable urban problems in some cities. Suburban and rural areas are generally safe and orderly.
• Rhode Island — Low-Moderate risk: Small state with generally low violent crime. Some urban issues in Providence but overall quite safe.
• California — Moderate risk: Extremely varied. Many suburban and rural areas are safe, but major cities (especially Los Angeles and San Francisco) have serious visible disorder, homelessness, and crime. Seems to have noticeably declined over the last decade.
• Washington — Moderate risk: Seattle has visible homelessness and crime issues. Many suburban and rural areas are much safer and more orderly.
• Oregon — Moderate risk: Portland has significant visible disorder and crime problems. Rural areas are generally much safer.
• Arizona — Moderate risk: Phoenix has urban crime issues. Some border areas have additional risks. Very loose gun laws increase certain dangers.
• Nevada — Moderate risk: Las Vegas has high petty crime and tourist-targeted issues. Some areas outside the Strip have serious violent crime problems.
• Colorado — Moderate risk: Denver has rising crime and visible disorder in some areas. Many mountain and rural areas remain very safe.
• New Mexico — Moderate risk: High violent crime rates in many areas. Albuquerque in particular has serious problems with crime and disorder.
• Texas — Moderate risk: Very large and varied. Many suburban and rural areas are safe, but major cities have significant crime issues. Very loose gun laws.
• Oklahoma — Moderate risk: Higher than average violent crime. Some areas feel rough. Very loose gun laws.
• Arkansas — Moderate risk: Higher violent crime than most states. Some areas are quite rough. Very loose gun laws.
• Missouri — Moderate risk: St. Louis and Kansas City have very high violent crime. Many rural areas are much safer.
• Illinois — Moderate risk: Chicago has serious gun violence in certain neighborhoods. Many suburban and downstate areas are significantly safer.
• Kentucky — Moderate risk: Higher violent crime in some urban areas. Very loose gun laws. Rural areas are generally safer.
• Tennessee — Moderate risk: Memphis and parts of Nashville have serious crime problems. Very loose gun laws. Generally safe-ish.
• Mississippi — Moderate risk: High violent crime rates. One of the more dangerous states overall. Very loose gun laws.
• Alabama — Moderate risk: Higher than average violent crime. Some cities have serious problems. Very loose gun laws.
• Georgia — Moderate risk: Atlanta has significant crime issues. Very loose gun laws. Some suburban and rural areas are much safer.
• South Carolina — Moderate risk: Higher violent crime than most states. Very loose gun laws. Some coastal tourist areas are relatively safer.
• North Carolina — Moderate risk: Charlotte and some other cities have crime issues. Very loose gun laws. Many suburban and rural areas are safer.
• Virginia — Low-Moderate risk: Northern Virginia is relatively safe and affluent. Some other areas have higher crime. Very loose gun laws in much of the state.
• West Virginia — Moderate risk: High rates of drug abuse and some violent crime. Very loose gun laws. Feels economically depressed in many areas.
• Florida — Moderate risk: Major tourist destination but has serious crime in some cities. Very loose gun laws. Hurricane risk is significant. Seems to have noticeably improved over the last decade.
• Louisiana — Moderate risk: Very high violent crime rates, especially in New Orleans. Very loose gun laws. One of the more dangerous states overall.
• Hawaii — Low-Moderate risk: Generally safe with low violent crime. Some petty theft in tourist areas. Natural disaster risks exist (volcanoes, hurricanes).
• Alaska — Moderate risk: Very low population density but high rates of violent crime in some areas. Remote nature creates unique risks.
• Delaware — Low-Moderate risk: Small state with some urban crime issues. Generally safer than many larger states but not exceptional.
• Maryland — Moderate risk: Baltimore has very high violent crime. Many suburban areas are much safer. Significant variation within the state.
• Washington D.C. — Moderate risk: High petty crime in tourist areas. Violent crime exists but is concentrated in certain neighborhoods. Heavy police presence.

Independent assessment — not a government advisory. Feedback: [email protected]