Canadians thinking of traveling to the US..............

 

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, particularly in urban centres and tourist locations.

• Don’t leave bags or valuables unattended in parked cars, especially rental vehicles, even in trunks
• Ensure that your belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times

Violent crime

Within large urban areas, violent crime more commonly occurs in poor neighbourhoods, particularly from dusk to dawn. It often involves intoxication.  Incidents of violent crime are mainly carried out by gangs or members of organized crime groups but may also be perpetrated by lone individuals.

Gun violence

The rate of firearm possession in the U.S. is high. It’s legal in many states for U.S. citizens to openly carry firearms in public.

Incidences of mass shootings occur, resulting most often in casualties.

Home break-ins

Canadians living in holiday homes have been the victims of break-ins and burglary.

Common criminal strategies

Be on alert for robbery ploys targeting visitors.

Some criminals on highways target travellers leaving airports or other tourist destinations. They signal tourists to stop due to an issue with their vehicle. They then wait for the driver to pull over or exit the car before grabbing exposed valuables. Criminals may also throw items at the windshield, obscuring the view of the road and forcing the driver to pull over. 

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, and hotels 

Hiking and mountaineering

If you intend on hiking, backpacking or skiing:

• never practise these activities alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company

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.

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.

2SLGBTQI+ persons

Federal systems in the U.S. are changing to no longer accept markers of gender identity. Sex assigned at birth may now be requested by federal forms and processes

Climate change

Climate change is affecting the United States. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans.

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.

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.

https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/united-states

None of the above, unfortunately, deals with how you may be received if you look Hispanic, are black, or are a Muslim.  

Advice to Canadians: Stay home!