Foreign travel advice

USA

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.听聽聽

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on聽聽and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out聽how to reduce your risk from聽terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in the USA

Terrorists are very likely to try and carry out attacks in the US.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. You should remain aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities. Targets could include:

  • crowded areas
  • transportation networks
  • public events

罢丑别听聽provides current alerts within the US and its territories.

Crime

Protecting your belongings

Do not leave passports in rental cars, especially not in the boot. Gangs may target vehicles driven by people who look like tourists.

Violent crime

Violent crime and gun crime rarely affect tourists, but take care in unfamiliar areas. Try not to walk through quieter areas alone, especially at night. You can find public advisories and information about recent incidents on local law enforcement websites.

Mass shooting incidents can happen but are a very small percentage of murders. 罢丑别听US Department of Homeland Security has advice on .

Research your destination before you travel and follow the advice of local authorities. Crime linked to illegal drugs is a major issue in Mexican states bordering Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas. Some foreign nationals have been victims of crime in the border regions, but there is no evidence they were targeted because of their nationality.

Protests

Protests are common and can become violent. Follow the instructions of local authorities who may introduce curfews or emergency orders. If you attend peaceful protests:

  • be mindful of your surroundings
  • move away if there are signs of trouble
  • follow the instructions of local authorities

Laws and cultural differences

US states may have different laws. While you are in a state, you are subject to both that state鈥檚 laws as well as national (federal) law.

Personal ID

Always carry a passport showing you have permission to enter or remain in the US.

Alcohol laws

The national legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 21. Some states have different laws. If you are aged 20 or under, check state laws before drinking or buying alcohol.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Possession or trafficking of illegal drugs in the US can carry a long prison sentence and a fine. Check state laws to make sure you follow laws on possession and use of controlled substances. 罢丑别听US Department of Justice provides a .

LGBT+ travellers

The US is a very diverse society and attitudes towards LGBT+ people differ hugely across the country. You can find more detail on LGBT+ issues in the US on the聽 website.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.听

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in the US, see information on driving abroad听补苍诲听.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in the US. You may need to get the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well. IDP requirements vary in each state.听For more information, consult individual states鈥 as well as the聽.

You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

If you still have a paper driving licence, you must take another form of photo ID, such as your passport. You can also exchange your paper driving licence for a photocard licence.

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.

Vehicle safety

When travelling by car, you should:

  • check weather conditions before a long car journey, particularly in mountainous, isolated or desert areas where services may be limited
  • not sleep in your car by the road or in rest areas
  • avoid leaving any items on display in your car
  • stay on main roads
  • use well-lit car parks

If you鈥檙e in an accident, ask any other drivers involved to follow you to a public place and call the police.

Petrol stations

Petrol stations that do not display the price of fuel usually charge considerably more than the national average. They鈥檙e often close to tourist destinations and airports. Make sure you know the price of fuel before using these services.

Air travel

Before you travel, check the security measures you鈥檙e likely to face at the airport on the聽 website. If you have a medical condition or disability and need assistance, .

To monitor airport conditions in the US, check the website.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.听

Snowstorms

Snowstorms can disrupt critical infrastructure, and cause power cuts, or delays and cancellations in major transport hubs. Contact your travel company or airline before you travel.

Hurricanes

The Atlantic hurricane season normally runs from June to November. The Pacific hurricane season normally runs from May to November. Hurricanes can affect coastal regions, Hawaii and Guam. The South Pacific tropical cyclone season normally runs from November to May and can affect American Samoa.

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts that there is a very high likelihood of an 鈥溾 in 2024. Travellers to the USA during the hurricane season should check the websites of local, State and Federal agencies (such as the ) for the latest conditions. You should also be aware of the possibility of disruption to flights.

You should:

  • monitor approaching storms on the聽
  • follow instructions from local authorities, including evacuation orders from the .
  • visit the聽聽for information on preparing for extreme weather and evacuating
  • check with your airline or travel agent about possible disruption to flights or airport services and follow their advice

Earthquakes

While earthquakes can happen anywhere without warning in the US, Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington and the entire Mississippi River Valley are at higher risk for earthquakes.

The FEMA website has advice about .

Tornadoes

Tornadoes can happen anytime depending on weather conditions. The FEMA website has advice about .

Volcanic eruptions 聽

There is volcanic activity across parts of the US with Alaska, Hawaii, California, Washington and Oregon having the largest number of active volcanoes. You should follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders.

The FEMA website has advice about .

Wildfires

Forest and brush fires (wildfires) are a danger in many dry areas, particularly in canyons, hills and forests. High winds can mean fires spread rapidly.

You should:

  • monitor local media and聽
  • follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders
  • be careful in areas recently affected by wildfires, as there may be mudslides during heavy rainfall

For more information visit the聽听补苍诲听听飞别产蝉颈迟别蝉.

For information about wildfires in California, see the聽 website.

Arctic travel

Parts of the US are in the Arctic Circle, including some very remote areas of land and sea. Emergency medical assistance and search and rescue are limited in these areas. See聽Arctic travel safety advice.