Is San Francisco safe to visit right now? (September 2026)

Travel advisories for United States

What the advice says

• There is no US State Department travel advisory for this country.
• Advisories such as the UK FCDO guidance are issued at the country level, not for specific neighborhoods or districts within San Francisco.
• Official UK guidance notes a high global threat of terrorism affecting British nationals and describes crowded places, transport networks, and events as possible targets, so staying alert in busy areas is sensible.
• Violent crime and gun crime are noted as rarely affecting tourists directly, but travelers are advised to avoid walking alone through unfamiliar or quiet areas, particularly at night.
• Guidance also warns against leaving passports in rental cars, since vehicles that look tourist-driven can be targeted.
• Protests are described as common and sometimes violent, so it is advisable to stay aware of surroundings, follow local authority instructions, and be ready to move away if trouble develops.
• Solo travelers should keep the same general precautions in mind: share your itinerary with someone, stay aware of your surroundings, and follow instructions from local authorities in an emergency.