United States in Canada

Recent changes

• 23 Oct 2026: New head of mission at the Embassy of the United States in Ottawa, Canada: Peter Hoekstra (Ambassador), succeeding Davil L. Cohen.

Frequently asked questions

How attractive is United States as a destination for visitors from Canada?

The United States is a prominent tourist destination, appealing to many visitors with its diverse cultural landmarks, natural attractions, and vibrant cities. It ranks highly in international tourist receipts, underscoring its importance in the global tourism economy. Each year, 5 million Canadians travel abroad, and a portion of them are likely to choose the U.S. as their destination.

Please answer the following question: How safe is United States for tourists coming from Canada?

The safety of the United States for tourists from Canada can be assessed through various crime statistics. According to the Global Peace Index, the U.S. ranks 130th out of 160 countries, significantly lower than Canada, which ranks 11th. In terms of murder rates, Canada has a rate of 2.1 per 100,000 people, while the U.S. has a higher rate of 6.8. Specifically, the murder rate for females is 1.0 in Canada compared to 2.9 in the U.S. The Global Organized Crime Index also highlights differences in crime safety. Both countries have a mafia group index of 5.0, but the U.S. scores higher in several other categories, indicating more significant challenges with crime networks (6.5), state crime (5.0), and various trafficking issues, including arms (6.5) and synthetic drugs (7.5). Overall, while many areas in the U.S. are safe for tourists, the crime statistics suggest that Canada is generally safer. Tourists should remain vigilant and informed about their travel destinations within the U.S.