Are Americans Still Welcome Overseas?

Lately, we’ve been hearing the same question from many of our travelers:

“Given the recent political and economic changes in the U.S., will we still be warmly welcomed overseas?”

These are fair concerns and in uncertain times, it’s natural to wonder how international communities perceive Americans and what kind of reception you might receive when traveling abroad. In order to answer this, we turned to our friends, colleagues, and guides from around the world.

Their responses were overwhelmingly reassuring and heartening. Every single person we spoke with said the same thing: Yes. You are absolutely welcome here!

Rwanda and Uganda:

“We know the difference between politics and people. Americans are always welcomed with open arms and big smiles. We cherish those who take the time and effort to travel here.”

Namibia:

“We don’t judge a nation by its leader. We know Americans who travel to Namibia are conscious travellers, whose desire is to ensure their travels have a positive impact on the destinations they travel to. Namibia has strong linkages to the US, and we continue to welcome Americans to Namibia with open arms. Because travel supports crucial conservation, which in turn supports crucial community support and upliftment, traveling now is the responsible thing to do, and we look forward to welcoming all of your guests to Namibia.”

Zambia:

“People here understand that recent political/economic actions do not represent an entire country’s views. I honestly think that most people here feel a bit sorry for decent Americans for having to deal with things that seem distinctly un-American. So no, no animosity towards Americans that I have seen or felt at all. If anything, they appreciate Americans traveling and spending tourist dollars here, in an attempt to offset the horrible things happening in the aid world, like cutting support for contracts that had funded conservation and anti-poaching work in our parks. Certainly, the negative effects of shutting down USAID are being felt heavily, but if anything, this should give them more of a reason to support those countries by visiting and by bringing their tourist dollars. Anyone who has travelled from the US to Africa on safari will attest to the fact that they are always welcomed with open arms; there is little room for global politics whilst on safari.”

Madagascar:

“I appreciate that many of your guests may be concerned that the USA’s image has been sullied by the rapid defunding of vital health and development work across Africa. If the French and British are welcome here despite their colonial history, Americans certainly are. Most locals aren’t following U.S. politics closely. Our priority is making guests feel at home. Americans will always be greeted with open arms in Madagascar.”

South Africa:

“I think South Africans have so much to worry about regarding our own politics that everyone is just happy that we have tourists coming in, and there isn’t that animosity towards a certain accent or nationality or even religious stance. Political disputes between governments do not generally affect the day-to-day
experience of travelers in South Africa. Millions of international tourists, including Americans, visit our country each year. South Africans are known for their warmth towards guests from all over the world, regardless of politics back home.”

Tanzania:

“In East Africa, all Americans are very much welcome. All of our guests are welcomed with warmth, respect, and our genuine spirit of hospitality, regardless of where they are from. Our culture is rooted in ‘genuine’, which includes care, going the extra mile, and creating meaningful connections. In reality, we are far removed from the media and the detail of the political situation in many countries across the world. Our focus is on shared experiences, storytelling around the fire, and the magic of the wilderness areas in which we work. Karibu Sana!”

Kenya:

“It’s unfortunate that some Americans feel uneasy about how they might be received internationally due to political matters in the USA. Here in Kenya, visitors are always received with warmth, kindness, and the renowned spirit of Kenyan hospitality, regardless of nationality or political context. American guests play a vital role in sustaining our tourism industry, supporting conservation efforts, and creating employment opportunities for many Kenyans. These contributions are deeply valued. Rest assured, there is no change in sentiment or hospitality towards Americans. The warmth and friendliness that Kenya is known for remains unchanged, and we continue to welcome American visitors wholeheartedly.”

Peru:

“Americans are most welcome in Peru. The people of Peru are very friendly and welcoming, and guests who are in Peru now have no complaints at all. I hope you can convince people that travel is still the best way to open your mind and create friendships.”

Argentina:

“That will definitely not be the case here. Remember our president is pretty much in line with yours in many ways. Furthermore, dollars are more important than any personal opinion regarding policies because they directly fund jobs, livelihoods, and support things like conservation. I would not be worried about visiting. Americans might be asked curiously about changes in the US, but nothing more than that.”

Costa Rica:

“Absolutely, Costa Rica will warmly welcome American visitors! Tourism is a vital industry here, supporting countless communities and families across the country. We understand that travel fosters cultural exchange and mutual understanding, which is incredibly important. We strive to distribute the benefits of tourism widely, ensuring that many communities, not just a select few, gain from visitor spending. We believe that travelers should not be held accountable for the political decisions of their governments. Americans can rest assured that they will be received with the same warm hospitality that Costa Rica is known for. We look forward to sharing the natural beauty and cultural richness of our country with them.”

Ecuador and the Galapagos:

“Americans visiting Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands can expect a warm and friendly welcome, as locals are known for their hospitality and eagerness to share their rich culture and stunning natural landscapes. I know travelers will find that Ecuadorians are excited to engage with visitors, offering genuine kindness and a deep appreciation for those who come to explore their country. We just want our guests, regardless of their nationality, to connect with Ecuador. We’ll welcome Americans with open arms always!”

Chile:

“Politics today are complicated, but in Latin America we’re very used to moments of polarization and uncertainty. Here in Chile, people are fun-loving, warm, and welcoming. They embrace visitors regardless of what’s going on in international politics. Honestly, we have so many of our own economic, social, and environmental challenges that we tend to look up to places like the U.S. There’s often confusion about global politics, but I can confidently say there’s no animosity just curiosity, and even admiration. So, I would say: rest easy. Your guests are welcome here. Come with an open heart. You’ll be met with arms wide open, no judgment, no assumptions. Just people connections, which is what travel should always be about.”

Egypt:

“Here in Egypt, I can categorically assure you that there is absolutely no cause for concern for Americans. The warm welcome Americans will receive here is deep-rooted in our centuries-old tradition of hospitality. Egypt has a long-standing history of embracing people from all walks of life and from all across the globe. Egyptians are genuinely warm, welcoming, and harbor a special fondness for foreigners. It’s safe to say your guests have absolutely nothing to worry about with their reception in Egypt, regardless of the changing political landscapes.”

Morocco:

“In Morocco, there really is no worry to be had. We know the difference between someone from a place and that place’s politics or political leadership. For a lot of places Americans love to travel to and spend hard-earned dollars, those dollars go a long way in the local economy. If the policies of the current world leadership make people feel uneasy about traveling, the lack of funds in the local, generally poorer, economies will be felt; they rely on travelers to visit and enjoy their countries. So visit. Be respectful. As always, to paraphrase Chief Seattle, take your memories and leave only your footprints!”

India and Bhutan:

“There is no animosity toward visitors here, Americans are still very much welcome.”

Nepal:

“I know for sure that there is no animosity towards American travelers and have not heard of any instances from any of our guests. People recognize that individuals are not responsible for the actions of their government.”

SE Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia):

“Tourism is such a vital lifeline in here that guests are always warmly welcomed no matter the politics of the day. Locals realize politics are temporary and ever changing so they focus on the many warm and friendly relationships they’ve created over the years with visiting Americans versus what’s in the news on a day-to-day basis. Since they often deal with issues within their own governments, they can easily make the distinction between the people and who the political leaders of the day are.”

From the CEO of African Geographic (an excellent site to follow on Instagram for their top-notch photography from Africa):

“Some United States safari guests have expressed these concerns to our travel experts. American society seems divided at the moment, with anxiety and aggressive rhetoric being the order of the day. And so I totally get why American tourists wonder if African society has also flipped into this state of uncertainty and fear in reaction to their President’s actions. Let me deal with that question clearly: NO, we have not. Here in Africa, we continue to respect and welcome Americans as adventurous, generous, educated guests – regardless of their political affiliations. We have bigger things to concern ourselves with, and we trust that the American people will solve their own issues. More than ever, the African tourism industry needs our American (and other) friends to sustain our biodiversity and rural people in the current political climate – by visiting as tourists.”

At Moraway Adventures, we believe in travel as a force for good. And so do our friends and colleagues around the world.

So go. Travel. Explore. And enjoy!

If you ever have any questions or concerns about traveling, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are always happy to chat and share perspectives from our friends and trusted colleagues around the world, as well as recent guests.

Your travel experts,

Chris Moriarty and Alexis Alloway