What warnings do other nations give their citizens about the violence in the US?

Travelers from the US – particularly those who are cautious – may be aware of the travel advisories issued by the US State Department.

The department tracks global risks, issuing warnings from “Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions” to “Level 4: Do Not Travel,” covering threats like terrorism, wars, unpredictable legal enforcement, high crime rates, and other personal safety concerns.

But have you ever considered how other countries warn their citizens about visiting the United States? What does the world think of America's safety record?

Especially given the rising rate of gun-related deaths in the US over the past few years.

Mass shootings have become alarmingly frequent: 690 incidents in 2021, 647 in 2022, and 476 by August 29, 2023, according to the Gun Violence Archive.

The most tragic mass shootings make headlines not just in the US, but around the globe. However, despite the heavy media coverage, these incidents represent just a small fraction of the overall gun-related fatalities in the country.

Dinogo Travel regularly checks in on the safety advice given by the US's neighboring countries and closest allies regarding travel to the United States. The picture painted is far from reassuring.

While these advisories don’t discourage travel entirely, the general message is clear: The US is more violent than what you're likely accustomed to. Visitors are urged to take extra precautions that they might not need at home.

One reassuring point: Violent crimes rarely involve tourists.

Here’s what nine countries – which represent a significant portion of international visitors to the United States – have to say about safety concerns:

Australia

In 1996, 35 people lost their lives in a mass shooting in Port Arthur, Tasmania. In response, Australia implemented stringent gun control measures, including a near-total ban on automatic and semiautomatic firearms, according to the Britannica online encyclopedia.

For over 25 years, Australians have experienced a very different gun culture compared to the one in the United States.

The Australian government advises its citizens traveling to the US that violent crime is more prevalent there than in Australia, and that gun violence can occur anywhere. They recommend following local safety protocols and encourage learning active shooter response drills for those residing in the US.

On its SmartTraveller website, the Australian government reminds potential travelers that “while tourists are rarely the target, there is always a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.” It refrains from listing specific incidents unless there is a serious risk to Australians.

However, it’s not discouraging citizens from visiting the US. As of August 29, the recommendation is to “exercise normal safety precautions when traveling in the United States.”

Canada

Canada advises its citizens to “exercise normal security precautions” when traveling to the United States.

The Canadian government specifically warns about the risks associated with crossing the US-Mexico border by car, pointing to “criminal incidents tied to drug trafficking.” Travelers are advised to avoid traveling at night near the border.

It also highlights concerns about gang and organized crime violence in major cities, stressing that while violent crime “rarely impacts tourists,” visitors should remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings.

The government also reminds Canadians of the ongoing issue of mass shootings in the US, noting that while these incidents “rarely involve tourists,” there remains a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom advises potential visitors to the US that while “mass shooting incidents can occur, they make up a very small proportion of homicide deaths.” UK citizens are encouraged to review an active shooter guide (PDF) provided by the US Department of Homeland Security.

The UK also informs its citizens that “violent crime, including gun violence, rarely affects tourists, but caution is advised when visiting unfamiliar areas. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or less frequented places, particularly at night.”

Similar to Canada, the United Kingdom warns its citizens about risks near the US-Mexico border.

Lauren Redfern, a Londoner in her early 30s who was working on a PhD in medical anthropology, traveled extensively across the United States in 2018 (from Chicago to New Orleans) and 2022 (in Los Angeles).

In the summer of 2022, she shared with Dinogo Travel that she was aware of gun violence in the US when she began her 2018 trip, but felt distanced from it. “At that time, I certainly didn’t feel the need to change anything about how I would behave compared to back home in the UK.”

While staying at an Airbnb in New Orleans, she was doing laundry in a shared space when someone opened a door and pointed a shotgun at her.

No shots were fired, but “it was a strange, surreal moment that really made me stop and realize ‘wow, this is real,’ in a way I’ve never experienced and never will in the UK,” she recalled.

“That incident definitely shifted my sense of personal safety when traveling in the US,” Redfern explained.

It didn’t stop her from planning another trip to the US, but “it altered how I view American culture.” She’s now far more hesitant to go out alone in the US compared to London, where she feels completely safe doing so.

Israel

Being a nation highly focused on security, Israel maintains strong ties with the United States.

It issues travel warnings on a scale from 01 to 04, with 04 representing the highest level of danger. These advisories primarily address terrorism targeting Israeli citizens abroad, rather than general criminal concerns.

For instance, Israel has issued a warning against travel to Algeria, which has a 04 rating due to active terrorist groups and “hostility towards Israel among the local population.”

Despite an increase in anti-Semitic incidents, the United States is still rated at 01 (“ordinary precautions”) by Israel.

France

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers a different perspective on US safety.

It states that “the United States is generally one of the safest countries,” but does caution French citizens about certain urban areas, highlighting an uptick in carjackings.

Interestingly, the ministry provides detailed warnings about specific neighborhoods in cities. A few examples include:

• In Boston, it’s advised to avoid walking alone at night in certain parts of Dorchester, Mattapan, and Roxbury.

• In Atlanta, French visitors are cautioned to “remain alert in isolated areas of the downtown district after hours and prefer taxis over walking at night.”

Germany

Germany, a close US ally with strong tourism ties, has strict gun laws and a much lower rate of firearm-related homicides compared to the United States, even lower than some of its European neighbors and allies.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informs German citizens that “guns are easily obtainable in the United States, contributing to widespread gun use and occasional mass shootings. The surge in firearm and ammunition purchases has been particularly notable during the Covid-19 pandemic.”

It also cautions potential US visitors about the risks of domestic unrest due to racism and police violence, advising to “steer clear of areas where protests or violence could potentially break out.”

Interestingly, the German government also offers warnings to its citizens – who are generally more accustomed to going without clothing – about the cultural differences regarding skinny dipping and topless sunbathing.

Mexico

The Mexican government has recently revamped its travel website to provide updated information for citizens planning to visit the United States.

Prior to the overhaul, the Mexican government had issued warnings about “long-standing racial and ethnic tensions, including opposition to immigration, which have resulted in attacks by extremist groups,” advising its citizens to avoid large crowds while in the United States.

As of August 28, the site no longer includes warnings about mass shootings or general crime in the US. However, travelers to Florida were cautioned about the state’s new immigration law, specifically regarding the transport of people who are not legally in the country.

The site also raised concerns that “recent Florida legislation could negatively affect the LGBTQ+ community” and highlighted issues such as “the prohibition of transgender individuals from using restrooms and changing rooms that correspond with their gender identity in publicly owned or leased spaces, including airports, government buildings, convention centers, parks, schools, and stadiums.”

Japan

Despite the tragic assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in July 2022, Japan’s homicide rate remains significantly lower than that of the United States.

So, it’s no surprise that the Japanese government advises citizens that “the security situation in the United States is vastly different from Japan, and it’s important to understand which types of crimes pose a greater risk in different areas.”

The government highlights “gun crime” as one of the primary safety concerns in the United States and offers comprehensive advice on how to either escape or shelter in place during an active shooter event, including:

• Identify security exits in unfamiliar places and prepare an evacuation plan. • Find a secure room to hide and barricade the door with heavy furniture. • Stay silent and turn off your cell phone to avoid detection.

If a Japanese tourist is unable to escape or find shelter, they are advised to “use nearby objects to throw at the attacker or defend themselves with them.”

New Zealand

As of August 28, New Zealand’s neighboring island nation, Australia, had issued an “exercise increased caution (level 2 of 4)” warning for travel to the United States, citing the ongoing threat of terrorism.

New Zealand’s SAFETRAVEL website further cautions its citizens that “violent crime and gun ownership are more prevalent in the United States than in New Zealand. In many states, it’s legal for US citizens to openly carry firearms in public.”

“Violent crime has disproportionately affected individuals and groups from the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as those from diverse ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. Although crime rates vary widely between cities and suburbs, tourists are generally not targeted. However, there is always a chance of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

It advises travelers to the United States to thoroughly research their destinations and consult local guidance before embarking on their trip.

SAFETRAVEL directs New Zealanders to an active shooter response guide published by the US Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency.