Safety & Health Guide

Staying Safe & Healthy

North America is generally very safe for tourists, but there are important differences from the UK that you should be aware of.

Health — USA

The Big One: Healthcare Costs

This is the single most important safety consideration for UK fans. The USA has no public healthcare system. A trip to an emergency room can cost $3,000-10,000+ without insurance. An ambulance ride alone can be $1,000+.

You MUST have travel insurance with medical cover of at least £1 million for the USA. This is not optional.

Practical Health Tips

• Carry your insurance details at all times (save on your phone and on paper)
• Pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens) are everywhere for minor issues — paracetamol, sun cream, plasters
• Prescription medications — bring enough for your entire trip with a copy of your prescription
• Heat-related illness is the biggest health risk at summer matches. June-July temperatures in many US cities exceed 35°C. Drink water constantly, wear sun cream, and take breaks from direct sun
• Tap water is safe to drink throughout the USA and Canada

Emergency Numbers

• USA & Canada: 911 (police, fire, ambulance)
• Mexico: 911 (national emergency number)

Health — Mexico

• Don't drink tap water in Mexico — stick to bottled water, and avoid ice in drinks outside major hotels/restaurants
• "Traveler's stomach" is common. Bring anti-diarrheal medication. Avoid street food stalls with poor hygiene (but most are fine)
• Altitude sickness — Mexico City is at 2,200m. You may feel breathless, dizzy, or headachy for the first day. Take it easy, hydrate well
• Healthcare — Mexico has good private hospitals in major cities. Costs are much lower than the USA, but insurance is still essential

General Safety

USA

• Stadium areas are heavily policed and generally very safe on match days
• Major cities — use the same awareness you'd use in any big city. Stay in well-lit, populated areas. Don't flash expensive items
• Driving — if renting a car, drive on the RIGHT. Speed limits are enforced. Many states have strict drink-driving laws (BAC limit 0.08%)
• Guns — firearm ownership is common in the USA. This is a cultural difference from the UK. Avoid confrontations

Canada

• Very safe overall. Toronto and Vancouver are among the safest major cities in North America
• Similar feel to the UK — polite, orderly, multicultural. You'll feel at home

Mexico

• Tourist areas are safe — Mexico City (Roma, Condesa, Polanco), Guadalajara, and Monterrey's tourist zones are well-policed
• Exercise caution outside tourist zones, especially at night
• Use registered taxis or ride-share apps (Uber, DiDi) rather than hailing cabs on the street
• Don't carry large amounts of cash

Football Fan Safety

• Don't engage in confrontations with other fans — tournament security is strict and you risk deportation
• Alcohol rules vary by venue and city. Some stadiums cut off alcohol sales at halftime. Public drinking is illegal in most US cities (unlike the UK)
• Pyrotechnics — flares, smoke bombs, and fireworks are strictly prohibited and will result in arrest
• Keep your match ticket — you'll need it for re-entry and it may be checked by police post-match

Communication

• Phone coverage — all UK mobile networks offer international roaming in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Check your provider's rates — it may be cheaper to buy a local SIM card
• Wi-Fi — widely available in hotels, cafes, and public spaces
• Emergency contacts — save the British Embassy/Consulate numbers for each country:
• USA: British Embassy Washington +1 202 588 6500
• Canada: British High Commission Ottawa +1 613 237 1530
• Mexico: British Embassy Mexico City +52 55 1670 3200

UK Government Travel Advice

Before travelling, check the latest FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) travel advice for:

• United States
• Canada
• Mexico

Register with the FCDO's travel notification service so they can contact you in an emergency.