Due to a rise in crime and fatalities, travel advisories are not uncommon. Travel advisories are the most efficient way for officials to provide safety information to their citizens about potential risks when visiting other countries.

Despite the media portrayal and opinions of others, the U.S. is not immune to travelers questioning their safety. Several countries have advised citizens to take standard safety precautions when entering the U.S., but some have increased the level of alarm. Increased hate crimes, violence, sexual assault and other forms of criminality, have countries warning their citizens about travel to the United States.

Travel Noire revealed why New Zealand, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, France, Venezuela and Uruguay encourage their citizens to stay diligent when visiting America.

New Zealand

New Zealand’s current travel advisory level for the U.S. is a 2 out of 4, meaning travelers are advised to exercise increased caution. Travel Noire states that, “New Zealand’s government attributes the rating to the threat of terrorism. The U.S. remains a target of terrorist interest from both international terror groups and domestic-based extremists.” New Zealand warns that individuals or groups may target the U.S. through terroristic acts in areas where tourists frequent.

Canada

The Canadian government mentions the high rate of firearm possession in the U.S. and that it is “legal in many states for citizens to openly carry firearms in public.” Due to increased mass shootings, Canada advises tourists to “familiarize themselves with how to respond to an active shooter situation.” Canada’s travel advisories also detail and warn residents about possible criminal incidents at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Australia

Australia’s travel warning has the U.S. classified at a level 1, instructing travelers to exercise standard safety precautions. However, like Canada, Australia does warn citizens that violent and gun-related crimes are more common in the U.S. The country also lists the possibility of an impending terrorist attack.

United Kingdom

The U.K. government advises its residents to stay vigilant when traveling to the States. They list possible occurrences of mass shootings and terrorist attacks, but claim those are rare occurrences with tourists. They suggest individuals read the guidance on responding to an active shooter.

France

The United States is considered one of the safest countries in the world, according to France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They do point out certain urban cities that pose potential threats, such as carjacking, theft and walking alone at night. “The ministry provides a breakdown of potential threats in neighborhoods in major U.S. cities, such as Boston, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.”

Venezuela & Uruguay

South American countries, Venezuela and Uruguay, have had travel warnings issued against the U.S. since 2019. The “proliferation of acts of violence and indiscriminate hate crimes,” was the reason that Venezuela recommended citizens postpone travel to the U.S. Uruguay’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged travelers to take extreme precautions against the same hate crimes and increased firearm violence.

Martie Bowser is a journalist and public relations professional in Charlotte, NC. She enjoys amplifying the voices of POC and women that fill a void within their community. Her bylines include “person of interest” interviews, small business highlights, pop culture commentary, entertainment features, and everything Beyonce.

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This story was originally published April 28, 2023 2:42 PM.