What do other countries’ governments caution their citizens about coming to the United States?
What kind of reputation does America have abroad? Not so good.
The rate of gun-related deaths in American is sky-rocketing in recent years. Mass shootings, according to Gun Violence Archive? 476 as of 6AM August 29, 2023.
CNN Travel provided this info about what governments of our neighbors and allies tell their citizens about coming to America:
Canada
- The Canadian government cautions its citizens about crossing the US-Mexico border by car, citing “criminal incidents associated with drug trafficking.”
- It also warns about gang- and organized crime-related violence in large urban areas, noting that violent crime “rarely affects tourists,” but cautioning travelers to be mindful of their surroundings.
- The government also reminds Canadians of the frequent mass shootings in the United States. “Incidences of mass shootings occur, resulting most often in casualties. Although tourists are rarely involved, there is a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
United Kingdom
- The UK reminds would-be visitors to America that “incidents of mass shooting can occur, but account for a very small percentage of homicide deaths.”
- It advises UK citizens to read over an active shooter guide (PDF) from the US Department of Homeland Security.
- It also tells its citizens that “violent crime, including gun crime, rarely involves tourists, but you should take care when traveling in unfamiliar areas. Avoid walking through less traveled areas alone, especially at night.”
France
- The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs says “the United States of America is among the safest countries,” but it does warn French citizens about some urban areas and notes an increase in carjackings.
- In Boston, “it is recommended to avoid traveling alone, on foot and at night, in certain parts of Dorchester, Mattapan and Roxbury.”
- In Atlanta, French visitors are told to “be vigilant in isolated areas of the city center (downtown) after the close of business and favor taxi travel at night.”
Germany
- Its Ministry of Foreign Affairs tells German citizens that “it is easy to obtain guns in the United States, leading to increased use of guns and occasional killing sprees. The number of arms and ammunition purchases has increased significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic.”
- It also warns would-be visitors to the US about the possibilities of domestic clashes over racism and police violence, advising them to “avoid gatherings of people in the vicinity of which violence could possibly occur.”
Mexico
- As of August 28, the site no longer carried any warnings about mass shootings or general crime in the United States.
- However, visitors planning a trip to Florida were cautioned about the state’s new immigration law, specifically about transporting people to the state who aren’t in the United States legally.
- The site also cautioned that “the Florida authorities authorized several bills that could have an unfavorable impact on the LGBTQ+ community” and warned about “the prohibition of transgender people to use bathrooms and changing rooms that align with the way they live their lives in publicly owned or leased buildings, and even in airports, government buildings, convention centers, parks, school campuses and stadiums.”
