Understanding the travel advisory level for a destination is crucial for planning a safe and informed trip. For those wondering, “What Travel Advisory Level Is The United States?”, the current assessment is that travelers should take normal security precautions. This guide will delve into the details of this advisory, providing a comprehensive overview of safety and security considerations within the U.S.
Safety and Security in the United States
While the U.S. is generally a safe country, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and take necessary precautions. This section will cover various aspects of safety and security, from border concerns to crime, terrorism, and natural disasters.
Border with Mexico
Criminal activity linked to drug trafficking is more prevalent along the U.S. border with Mexico, especially in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. If crossing the border by car:
- Exercise extreme vigilance.
- Use only officially recognized border crossings.
- Avoid traveling at night.
Crime
Petty Crime
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, can occur, particularly in urban centers and tourist hotspots.
- Avoid leaving bags or valuables unattended in parked vehicles, especially rental cars, even in the trunk.
- Ensure your belongings, including passports and travel documents, are secure.
Violent Crime
Violent crime is more common in impoverished neighborhoods of large urban areas, especially from dusk till dawn. Alcohol intoxication often plays a role. While primarily involving gangs or organized crime, it can also be perpetrated by individuals. Although tourists are rarely affected:
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Check neighborhood crime statistics before outings.
- If threatened by robbers, remain calm and don’t resist.
Gun Violence
The U.S. has a high rate of firearm possession. Many states legally allow citizens to openly carry firearms in public.
Mass shootings occur, often resulting in casualties. While tourists are rarely involved, there is a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
- Familiarize yourself with how to respond to an active shooter situation.
Home Break-ins
Vacation homes owned by Canadians have been targets of break-ins and burglaries.
- Secure windows and doors at night and when away.
Common Criminal Strategies
Be wary of robbery ploys targeting visitors. Some criminals target travelers leaving airports or tourist destinations, signaling them to stop due to a supposed vehicle issue. They then grab valuables when the driver pulls over. They might also throw items at the windshield to force the driver to stop.
If targeted:
- Don’t pull over on the side of the road.
- Turn on hazard lights and slowly drive to a safe, populated area like a gas station or police station.
Demonstrations
Demonstrations can occur and may turn violent at any time. They can also disrupt traffic and public transportation.
- Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place.
- Follow the instructions of local authorities.
- Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations.
Fraud
Credit card and ATM fraud, including debit card cloning, is a risk.
- Pay attention when your cards are being handled.
- Use ATMs in well-lit public areas or inside banks/businesses.
- Avoid card readers with irregular features.
- Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
- Check for unauthorized transactions on your account statements.
Terrorism
There is a threat of terrorism, and attacks could occur at any time, targeting:
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Government buildings, including schools
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Places of worship
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Airports and other transportation hubs
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Public areas like tourist attractions, restaurants, shopping centers, and hotels
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Be aware of your surroundings in public places.
Hiking and Mountaineering
If hiking, backpacking, or skiing:
- Never go alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company.
- Purchase travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation.
- Get detailed information on routes or slopes and don’t venture off marked trails.
- Ensure your physical condition is adequate for the activity.
- Be properly equipped and informed about weather and other hazards.
- Inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including your expected return.
- Know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness.
Air Travel
Assessments on foreign domestic airlines’ compliance with international safety standards are not made.
Entry and Exit Requirements
Each country decides who can enter or exit its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
The information on this page has been obtained from US authorities. It can change at any time.
Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.
Passport
You must provide proof of your citizenship upon entry to the U.S. There are several documents that can satisfy this requirement.
Travel by air
Canadian citizens travelling by air to the United States must present one of the following documents:
- a passport, which must be valid for the duration of their stay
- a valid NEXUS card, used at self-serve kiosks at designated airports
This requirement applies to all Canadian citizens, including children, travelling by air to or even just transiting through the United States.
Travel by land or water
As per the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), Canadian citizens aged 16 years and older must present one of the following documents when entering the United States by land or water:
- a valid passport
- a Trusted Traveler Program card
- an enhanced driver’s licence (EDL) or enhanced identification card (EIC) from a province or territory where a U.S. approved EDL/EIC program has been implemented
- a Secure Certificate of Indian Status
The WHTI-compliant document you choose to use must be valid for the duration of your stay.
Canadian citizens aged 15 years and under entering the United States by land or water require one of the following documents:
- a passport
- an original or a copy of a birth certificate
- an original Canadian citizenship certificate
Registration
Canadians and other foreign nationals visiting the United States for periods longer than 30 days must be registered with the United States Government. Failure to comply with the registration requirement could result in penalties, fines, and misdemeanor prosecution. You should consult the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website to determine if you need to register with USCIS and how to do so. You can verify if you have been automatically registered on entry to the US by looking up your I-94 admission form on the U.S. Customs Border Protection (CBP) website.
Additional information at borders
Customs officials may ask you to provide your address while in the United States (including Puerto Rico). Customs Border Protection (CBP) officers may also ask for:
- evidence of residential, employment or educational ties to Canada
- proof that the trip is for a legitimate purpose and is of a reasonable length
- proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay
Dual citizens
Although U.S. authorities don’t formally require dual nationals to carry both a U.S. and a Canadian passport, carrying both documents as proof of citizenship may facilitate your entry into the United States and your return to Canada.
Visas
Canadian visitors can usually stay in the United States for 6 months without a visa. You must declare your intended duration of stay upon entry into the United States.
In most circumstances, Canadian citizens don’t require visitor, business, transit or other visas to enter the United States from Canada but there are some exceptions.
Length of stay
If you wish to stay longer than 6 months, you must apply for an extension at the nearest U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office once you are in the United States and before the expiry of your initial authorized stay. Immigration officers may ask you to demonstrate that you are a temporary visitor in the United States.
The U.S. government strictly enforces immigration regulations. Remaining in the United States beyond your authorized period of stay can result in serious consequences such as detention or deportation.
There is no set period that you must wait to re-enter the United States after the end of your authorized stay. However, if a CBP officer suspects you are spending more time in the United States than in Canada, it will be up to you to prove to the officer that you are a temporary visitor, not a U.S. resident.
Biometrics
Upon entry into the United States, non-U.S. citizens must provide biometrics, such as digital fingerprints and a photograph.
Most Canadian citizens are exempt from this requirement. However, it will apply to Canadian citizens who:
- need a visa or a waiver of ineligibility
- must obtain an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record form to document dates of entry and exit from the country
Random screenings of exempt Canadians have occurred at border crossings and airports. If you feel that your information has been wrongfully collected, you can address the issue directly with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Electronic devices
U.S. border agents are entitled to search your electronic devices, such as your phones, computers or tablets, when you are entering the United States. They don’t need to provide a reason when requesting a password to open your device.
If you refuse, they may seize your device. The border agent could also delay your travel or deny entry if you are not a U.S. citizen.
Before crossing the border, put your device in airplane mode to ensure remote files don’t get downloaded accidentally.
Preclearance
The preclearance service provides clearance for entry into the United States for persons and their luggage at a Canadian preclearance airport before departure instead of on arrival in the United States.
When using U.S. preclearance facilities at a Canadian airport, you must meet U.S. entry requirements. You will be interviewed by a U.S. preclearance officer. They are authorized to inspect your luggage and can refuse you entry into the United States.
It’s an offence under Canada’s Preclearance Act to knowingly make a false or deceptive statement to a preclearance officer. While you are in a preclearance area, you are subject to Canadian law, including:
- the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
- the Canadian Bill of Rights
- the Canadian Human Rights Act
- Canada’s Preclearance Act
- Canadian criminal law
You may withdraw your request to enter the United States and leave the preclearance area at any time unless a U.S. preclearance officer suspects on reasonable grounds that you have made a false or deceptive statement or obstructed an officer. The officer may then detain you for violations of Canadian law.
Criminal Record
If you have a criminal record, no matter the severity or the date of the offence, you may be refused entry to the United States. You may also experience problems when travelling through U.S. airport facilities. A pardon for an offence issued by Canadian authorities is not recognized under U.S. law to enter the United States.
If you are ineligible to enter the United States, you may apply directly to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for a temporary waiver of inadmissibility via the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Canadian citizens may also apply at land borders.
U.S. ports of entry are computerized and connected to a centralized database. Information is readily available on criminal convictions in both Canada and the United States. Even though you may have entered the United States without hindrance in the past, you could run into difficulty if your record shows a criminal conviction or a previous denial of entry. Attempting to gain entry without a waiver could result in several weeks of detention and a permanent ban from entering the United States.
Cannabis
Previous use of cannabis, or any substance prohibited by U.S. federal laws, could mean that you are denied entry to the U.S. If you attempt to enter the U.S. for reasons related to the cannabis industry, you may be deemed inadmissible.
Boating in U.S. waters
Operators of small pleasure vessels arriving in the United States from a foreign port must report their arrival to U.S. Customs and Border Protection immediately for face-to-face inspection at a designated reporting location.
Some exceptions apply, including under Nexus Marine.
Cruises
You must have a valid Canadian passport to take a cruise from the United States. Some of the countries you visit will not permit entry without a passport. A passport is also important to re-enter the United States at the end of the cruise.
Ship authorities might retain your passport during the cruise, in accordance with their own administrative regulations and to facilitate clearance with U.S. Immigration.
If your passport is kept:
- obtain a receipt
- ensure you recuperate your passport at the end of the cruise
- always keep a photocopy of your passport with you
Pets
Pets must appear healthy when examined at a port of entry. If there is evidence of poor animal health, your pet may be subject to examination and/or testing at your expense or may be denied entry.
Pets may also need to meet additional requirements, such as having:
- an import permit
- an export certificate or health certificate
- proof of vaccination (for example, rabies vaccination)
Animals may be subject to quarantine requirements.
Children and travel
Canadian citizens under 19 travelling with a school or other organized group under adult supervision must travel with written consent from their own parent/guardian.
Health Considerations for Travel to the U.S.
When traveling to the United States, it is important to consider various health aspects to ensure a safe and healthy trip. This includes being aware of potential health risks, ensuring your vaccinations are up-to-date, and taking necessary precautions regarding food, water, and insect bites.
Routine Vaccines
Ensure that your routine vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel, no matter where you’re going. These may include vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, varicella (chickenpox), meningococcal disease, seasonal flu, and others.
Pre-Travel Vaccines and Medications
When travelling in this destination, you might be at risk for diseases that can be prevented with vaccines or medications. Talk to a travel health care provider about which ones are right for you based on your travel plans.
Safe Food and Water Precautions
Eating or drinking unsafe food or water, or swimming in contaminated water can make you sick while travelling. Take precautions by following these tips:
- Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it (only eat food that is prepared safely)
- Avoid, if possible, getting water in your eyes, mouth, or nose when swimming in freshwater (like streams, lakes, or canals), especially after heavy rain or flooding – the water might look clean but can still be contaminated
- Don’t swallow water when bathing, showering, swimming in pools, or using hot tubs
Tick and Insect Bite Prevention
Many diseases are spread by bites from infected ticks and insects like mosquitoes, fleas, or flies. Before you travel, find out what types of ticks or insects are in the area, when they’re most active, and what diseases they can spread.
Animal Precautions
Some infections, like rabies and bird flu (avian influenza), can be spread from animals to humans. Certain activities can increase your chances of coming into contact with animals, like:
- travelling in rural or forested areas
- camping, hiking, or visiting caves
- visiting places where live animals are sold or killed for food, like wet markets
Medical Services and Facilities
Health care is excellent. Service is available throughout the country. However, treatment costs are expensive.
All hospitals must accept and treat emergencies, regardless of the person’s ability to pay. Clients will, however, be charged for all services rendered. Foreign visitors without travel health insurance will have to pay out of pocket for their medical treatment.
Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Laws and Culture in the United States
Penalties and Transfer of Offenders
A serious violation of the law may lead to a jail sentence or, in some states, a death sentence. Canadian citizenship confers no immunity, special protection or rights to preferential treatment.
If a jail sentence is imposed, it will be served in a U.S. prison, unless a request for a transfer to a Canadian prison is approved by the United States and Canada. Both countries have signed a treaty that permits a Canadian imprisoned in the United States to request a transfer to complete the sentence in a Canadian prison.
Drugs
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines.
2SLGBTQI+ persons
Some states have enacted laws and policies that may affect 2SLGBTQI+ persons. Check relevant state and local laws.
Driving
You can drive in the United States if you have a valid Canadian driver’s license.
Traffic laws can vary from state to state.
Money
The currency in the United States is the U.S. dollar (USD).
Canadian currency and personal cheques from Canadian banks are not widely accepted. Most banking transactions require a U.S. bank account.
Natural Disasters and Climate
Climate Change
Climate change is affecting the United States. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans. Monitor local media for the latest information.
Hurricane Season
Hurricanes usually occur from:
- May to November in the eastern Pacific Ocean, including Hawaii and Guam
- June to November in the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico
Flooding and Landslides
Heavy rains can cause flooding and landslides. Roads may become impassable and infrastructure damaged.
Earthquakes
Earthquakes pose a risk in the following states:
- Alaska
- California
- Hawaii
- Nevada
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Washington State
Heat and Humidity
Humidity and heat may be most severe during the hot season, from June to September, particularly in the South and South-West of the country.
Bush and Forest Fires
Bush and forest fires are common and a risk across much of the United States, particularly during the summer months.
Tornadoes
Tornadoes pose a risk across much of the United States, particularly in central, mid-west and southern states. Tornadoes may occur with little warning.
Volcanoes
There are several active volcanoes in the United States.
Tsunamis
The state of Hawaii is prone to tsunamis. A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. However, the risk of tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the current travel advisory level for the United States is to “take normal security precautions,” it is crucial to stay informed about the various safety and health considerations outlined in this guide. By understanding potential risks and taking appropriate measures, travelers can have a safer and more enjoyable experience in the United States. Always stay updated with the latest advisories and local news to ensure a smooth and secure journey.
