Traveling is meant to be joyful, relaxing, and filled with discovery. Yet for many international visitors, the idea of exploring the United States now comes with heavy worries. The fear of gun violence keeps tourists away from the United States, leaving families to reconsider destinations they once dreamed of. This growing concern is changing the way the world views America, not just as a travel destination but also as a place to live and raise children.
The Fear That Pushes Families Away
For people like Christina Kooi, a Dutch-born woman who grew up in America, the decision to leave was heartbreaking but necessary. She loved the country she had called home since childhood, but she could not picture raising children where school shootings felt like a constant shadow. In 2017, she left the U.S., eventually settling back in the Netherlands.
Now a mother of two, Kooi says the fear of gun violence keeps tourists away from the United States, including her own family. Each visit back to Ohio to see her parents comes with unease. The idea of her children accidentally finding a gun at a neighbor’s house or being near a stranger carrying a firearm in public is terrifying. “I don’t like knowing that somebody I entered Target with might have a gun in their pocket,” she explained.
Couples Choosing Safety Abroad
Kooi is not alone in her concerns. Canadians Cheryl Jessamine and her partner canceled an RV trip down the Oregon coast after the 2024 election, fearing both the political climate and the risks of traveling as a same-sex couple. Gun violence was another reason behind their decision. “It’s scary for us,” Jessamine admitted, noting that even though shootings happen elsewhere, they seem to dominate headlines in the United States.
Instead of celebrating their daughter’s birthday in New York City as planned, the family chose Mexico, a destination they felt safer visiting. For them, the fear of gun violence keeps tourists away from the United States and pushes them toward places where the risks feel more manageable.
Tourism Numbers Show the Impact
The travel industry is already feeling the effects. Tourism Economics reported that instead of the expected growth for 2025, the U.S. is facing an 8.2% decline in international visits. Cities near the Canadian border, like Seattle, are experiencing the sharpest drops, with nearly all losses tied to declining Canadian travel.
International arrivals overall fell 3% year over year as of June, and overseas arrivals dropped 1.2%. Much of this decline is tied not only to politics but also to fear. A 2024 survey of 6,000 travelers in Southeast Asia revealed that more than 90% considered the widespread presence of guns in the U.S. when deciding whether to visit.
How the World Sees U.S. Gun Violence
Gun violence has become a defining factor in how outsiders perceive America. According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have already been more than 300 mass shootings in 2025 alone. While the numbers are lower than the record highs of previous years, they are still alarmingly greater than in other high-income countries.
The U.S. firearm homicide rate stands at 4.5 per 100,000 people, compared to 0.6 in Canada and 0.2 in the Netherlands. This staggering difference reinforces the notion that traveling in America carries risks not as present elsewhere.
Countries like Canada, Australia, and the U.K. now include warnings about gun violence in their official travel advisories for citizens heading to the United States. Canada’s advisory bluntly states: “There is a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Shifting Dreams and Travel Plans
Families who once dreamed of traveling through America’s vast landscapes are rethinking those plans. Kooi, for example, longed to take a camper van through Arizona and Nevada, but her husband is uncomfortable with the idea. Instead, they are planning a road trip through Portugal and Spain, where they feel safer.
Jessamine’s family has also put potential trips to Alaska on hold. “We don’t want to spend our travel dollars in the United States right now,” she explained, reflecting a sentiment shared by many travelers who feel their values and safety concerns are not aligned with America’s current reality.
Why This Matters for America
The fear of gun violence keeps tourists away from the United States, but it also chips away at the nation’s reputation. Tourism is not just about dollars, it is about cultural exchange, trust, and the image a country presents to the world. If travelers consistently feel unsafe, they will choose other destinations, impacting both the economy and America’s global standing.
Experts warn that to rebuild trust, the U.S. must show stability, safety, and sensitivity to global concerns. As Tourism Economics’ Aran Ryan put it, “Travelers have choices.” The challenge now is whether America can reassure visitors that those choices should still include the United States.
FAQs
- Why does gun violence affect tourism in the U.S.?
Many international travelers perceive America as unsafe due to frequent reports of mass shootings. This fear influences decisions to visit or avoid the country. - Which countries warn travelers about U.S. gun violence?
Canada, Australia, and the U.K. all mention gun crime in their official travel advisories for citizens visiting the United States. - Are mass shootings common in the U.S.?
Yes. In 2025 alone, over 300 mass shootings have already occurred. While slightly lower than previous years, the numbers remain alarmingly high compared to other countries. - How much has tourism dropped because of safety concerns?
Tourism Economics reported an 8.2% decline in expected growth for 2025, with sharp declines especially from Canadian visitors. - Do all travelers avoid the U.S. because of gun violence?
Not all, but surveys show the majority consider gun violence when deciding whether to visit. Some travelers still come but limit their stays or avoid certain areas.
Conclusion: The reality is clear: the fear of gun violence keeps tourists away from the United States, shaping decisions for families, couples, and travelers across the globe. Until America addresses these concerns in a meaningful way, its reputation as a welcoming and safe destination will remain at risk.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available reports and interviews. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not provide travel or safety advice.
