Crime

When you travel outside the United States, being prepared helps you avoid crime and be ready to respond if it happens.

Personal safety

Always remain alert and prepared to reduce your risk for becoming a victim of crime while traveling. Following these crime prevention tips can make a difference: 

• Don’t wear expensive jewelry or carry valuable items.  
• Trust your instincts. Plan ahead and have a safety strategy. 
• Carry a personal alarm or whistle to scare off attackers.  
• Consider taking a self-defense class before you travel. 
• Know where local police stations and hospitals are located. 
• Don’t share detailed travel plans online until you return home. 
• Use a “find my phone” GPS tracker on your devices. Share your location with someone trusted at home. 
• Download offline map apps so you can navigate without internet connection.  
• Keep your phone charged and carry a portable battery. 
• Tell someone at home your travel itinerary. Share hotel names, locations you will visit, U.S. embassy or consulate information, and your emergency contacts while abroad.  

Staying safe while traveling abroad starts with being informed. These crime prevention tips will help you avoid danger and know what to do if you find yourself in a risky situation. 

Navigate transportation risks

Safety can vary greatly on public transport. Informal taxis or minibuses can be risky, especially if you travel alone. Find out safe transport options from reliable sources like local tourism offices.   

Follow these best practices: 

• Book airport transportation in advance with a trusted company. 
• Never hitchhike. 
• Research taxis or rideshare companies to make sure they are safe and licensed. 
• Use app-based rideshare companies that track your rides. Share your ride details with someone you trust.  
• Avoid crowded buses or trains. 

Book safe travel accommodations

Choosing safe places to stay and following these tips is important to include in your travel plans:

• Research hotels and read reviews for safety concerns. Have backup options. 
• Book your accommodations before you travel. Arriving without a plan makes you vulnerable. 
• Don’t tell strangers where you’re staying. 
• Secure your keys, IDs, and personal items. 
• Lock doors and windows when you are in your hotel room.  

Criminals sometimes drug drinks to assault or rob travelers. Drugs like Rohypnol, ketamine, and scopolamine can make you pass out or become defenseless. Always keep an eye on your drink and cover it with your hand if you can. 

• Only meet strangers in public areas. 
• Never accept drinks from strangers. 
• Watch how much alcohol you drink. Notice any strange symptoms beyond feeling drunk.
• If you feel sick or unusual, tell a trusted friend and call local emergency services or the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate right away.
• If you are attacked, get immediate medical help and contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance.

Respect local customs and rules

Other countries may have customs and rules that are different from those in the United States. For example, wearing tight clothing, sleeveless shirts, and shorts may not be appropriate in some places. Pack clothing that helps you blend in and show respect for local traditions.

Review the Local laws and customs section of our destination pages.  

Understand freedom of speech rules

Some countries have strict rules about speech and protests, unlike the United States. Talking or posting about sensitive topics online could get you fined or arrested in some places. 

The State Department provides Human Rights Reports for many countries that you can review before your trip. 

Know local laws

Some countries don’t allow certain medications, drugs, alcohol, birth control, religious items, or books. Check the local laws for customs and import restrictions to learn what items that are legal in the United States might be illegal elsewhere. Always review the Local laws and customs section of the Travel Guidance for your destination.

Stay informed by checking trusted sources for safety updates and alerts.

We issue Travel Advisories to help keep you safe. These advisories tell you about risks and safety concerns in every destination. Advisories have 4 levels that clearly explain the safety situation: 

• Level 1: Exercise normal precautions 
• Level 2: Exercise increased caution 
• Level 3: Reconsider travel 
• Level 4: Do not travel 

Learn more about these levels and the 9 risk indicators. You can also use the interactive Travel Advisory map to explore the details for your trip abroad.

The Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC.gov) is a public-private partnership between the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) and security professionals from U.S. organizations working abroad.   

OSAC shares Country Security Reports sorted by region and security topics. You can also subscribe to OSAC’s daily newsletter to get security updates. You can also subscribe to OSAC’s daily newsletter to get security updates.

U.S. embassies and consulates send out messages and alerts to notify U.S. citizens about specific safety issues. These might include protests, crime, or weather-related security risks.

Learn how you can join the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get these alerts emailed to you while you are traveling abroad. Enrollment also helps us contact you or your emergency contact in case of an emergency. 

• Social media: Follow all of our @Travelgov social media accounts to receive the latest information from the U.S. Department of State on international travel and U.S. passports.
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• Press updates: The State Department issues press releases for any Travel Advisory changing or reissuing to Level 3 or Level 4 status. The media can subscribe for email updates from the main press release page.