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Please exercise increased caution due to terrorism. Terrorist and hate groups, as well as lone wolves inspired by these organizations, continue plotting attacks against civilian targets, often using firearms. The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution grants individuals the right to bear arms, and firearms regulation in the US is done at the state level and not federal level. Assailants can attack with little to no warning, targeting tourist attractions, transportation hubs, markets and shopping malls, government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major cultural and sporting events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Please read the U.S. country information on the foreign affairs website of your country for additional information, including safety. When you travel:

• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.
• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist attractions and crowded public venues.
• Follow all instructions from local authorities.
• Check local news for breaking events and adjust your plans based on that information.
• If your country has a smart travel program similar to the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program from the U.S. Department of State, we recommend you enroll so that way, the embassy or nearest consulate of your country can make it easier to locate you in the event of an emergency.
• You can follow the foreign affairs organization of your country on social media.
• Review the country security report for the U.S. on the website of your regional foreign affairs organization.
• Visit the website of your government’s health agency related to your travel to and from the United States.

Please be wary of demonstrations and protests, which occur frequently in response to political or economic issues. They can also occur during politically significant holidays and international events.

• Check the social media channels of local authorities for updates.
• Demonstrations can be unpredictable, so you should avoid areas where protests are taking place. Check local media for updates on traffic advisories so you can plan accordingly.
• Never participate in them either, as doing so can subject you to criminal penalties. This is because demonstrations can turn violent with little to no warning; this has often resulted in property damage and individuals including foreign tourists have been seriously injured or even killed.
• Protests frequently occur in tourist attractions and downtown areas, and to a lesser extent, near foreign embassies and consulates.

For visitors coming from Canada and Mexico, driving in the United States is similar to driving in many parts of those two countries. Please note, however, that distances and speeds are posted in Imperial measurements and do not typically offer signage for Francophone and Hispanophone visitors. Canadian and Mexican driver’s licenses are valid in the United States, and proof of auto insurance is required.

Traveling during the winter, which generally lasts from November to March, can be dangerous due to heavy snowfall and hazardous icy conditions caused by lake-effect snow. AAA has tips for winter driving that you can review before heading to the United States. Snow tires, while not mandatory by law, are highly recommended. Winter conditions and wildfires may prompt closures of highways with little or no warning. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) typically posts closures and other alerts about road conditions on its website. You can view the map here.

Here is some more information about winters in the Erie, PA metro area:

• The area on average receives over 250cm (100in) of snow a year. Some storms can drop over a meter (three feet) over the span of a few days.
• Temperatures often drop below freezing during the winter, with January and February typically being the coldest months of the year. During intense cold waves, temperatures can fall to -10°C (14°F) or lower. Cold spells can also occur outside the general period as early as October and as late as May. Wind chills can drop the temperature even more.
• The coastal area of Erie County has milder winters compared to inland areas, but they can still be as intense as those regions.

Medical care in the United States is of high quality, including high standards for public health and sanitation, in addition to healthcare facilities across the country. Please note, however, that visitors who do not have a U.S. healthcare plan may find it difficult to get ongoing care. Seeing a specialist may require a referral, which may take months. Emergency room waits for certain issues can be very long. Patients without U.S. health insurance usually have to travel back to their home country for medical care.

If you need to dial an emergency, 911 is the number. Ambulance services are widely available in the United States.

Please note that your home country, including embassies and consulates, does not assume responsibility for medical bills. The U.S. public health care system does not offer free treatment for foreign nationals, and certain government health programs can only be accepted in very limited circumstances. Many hospitals and doctors do not accept foreign health insurance and only accept payments in cash. Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad for reimbursement of payments.

We highly recommend you review your country’s information on travel insurance and providers with coverage abroad on their foreign affairs website, including on the types of insurance you should consider before you travel, in addition to supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.

Medication regulations differ by jurisdiction, including the United States. Make sure that all of the medications you are taking are legal and approved by the FDA in the United States. Always take your prescription medications in the original pharmacy-labeled packaging, and be sure to bring a copy of your doctor’s prescription. For safety:

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas, and only with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.
• The U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration have rules on what medications you can bring into the United States. Any medications that are brought into the country must meet the requirements to be brought back into your home country.
• The medications must be for personal use and approved for use in the United States. We recommend visiting the websites for both the mentioned organizations for more information.

Make sure you stay up to date on all of your vaccinations, as if you enter crowded areas, you are more prone to being exposed to infectious diseases. Respiratory illnesses can reach their peak during the winter as the cold weather keeps people inside.

Air pollution, particularly hay fever, can also be a significant problem, as it often peaks during the spring and autumn when pollen levels reach their full potential. We highly recommend checking local air quality and allergen forecasts prior to traveling. For more information on common air pollutants in the country, check the CDC’s Air Quality page, in addition to local air quality indexes and health guidance.

As of 2025, there is a risk of wrongful detention of foreign nationals from immigration crackdowns conducted by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), even if your activities are lawful. Please exercise increased caution when visiting the United States, including for tourism. Throughout 2025, over 328,000 people have been captured and/or deported for immigration-related offenses, including overstaying visas, being undocumented migrants, and other related crimes.

ICE has even arrested individuals including U.S. citizens on false charges. Convictions routinely occur in non-public trials without adequate defense or credible evidence. U.S. authorities arbitrarily enforce laws relating to immigration and have conducted questionable criminal proceedings against these individuals. Those arrested by ICE may be detained for long periods of time without charges. Judicial processes often lack transparency, affecting the willingness of a local attorney to assist and impacting the outcomes of legal processes. Prison conditions can be harsh and life-threatening.

To reduce the likelihood of charges:

• Obtain all proper and required visas prior to entering the United States.
• Always have your passport with you at all times, and be prepared to show it upon request, especially during entry.
• Check the social media channels of local authorities, including ICE, for enforcement actions and adjust your plans based on that information.