Is Seattle Safe for Travel in 2024?

Seattle, United States
Safety Score
62

Seattle is a seaport city on the West Coast of the United States. It is the seat of King County, Washington. The Seattle metropolitan area’s population is 4.02 million, making it the 15th-largest in the United States. Between 2013 and 2016, Seattle has rated the fastest-growing major city and remained in the top five in May 2015 with an annual growth rate of 2.1%. 

Warnings & Dangers in Seattle

Overall Risk

OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM

Seattle is considered one of the safest cities in the region. The crime rate is low here. You should beware of the outskirts of the city and watch your belongings, especially during the holidays.

Transport & Taxis Risk

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM

Public transport is well-developed and safe. Taxis are convenient for getting around, but sometimes drivers can rip off tourists at exorbitant prices. Make sure the taxi has a taximeter.

Pickpockets Risk

PICKPOCKETS RISK : MEDIUM

Pickpocketing is not common, but since Seattle is a popular tourist destination, this kind of thing happens here. Keep track of your belongings, do not leave your phone unattended, keep important documents in the hotel's safe.

Natural Disasters Risk

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : LOW

The city is not subject to any serious risks of natural disasters.

Mugging Risk

MUGGING RISK : MEDIUM

In the suburbs of Seattle, local gangs' showdowns take place; during these showdowns, there are shootings and kidnappings. Avoid these areas and don't get involved with drugs.

Terrorism Risk

TERRORISM RISK : LOW

The risk of terrorism is low in Seattle. Of course, the risk of attacks still exists due to the international position of the city. The global risk of terrorist attacks in public areas exists worldwide, so tourists should be vigilant.

Scams Risk

SCAMS RISK : LOW

The most common scam in Seattle involves fundraising or signing petitions. Under the guise of good intentions, scammers are actually deceiving tourists and collecting donations in their pockets.

Women Travelers Risk

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : LOW

Women traveling alone can feel quite safe in this city. The main thing is to adhere to the usual precautions and monitor your surroundings.

How Safe Is Seattle for Tourists?

Seattle is a relatively safe city to travel to.

The crime index ranges from medium to high.

The main problems are related to vandalism, drug trafficking, and car theft.

As elsewhere in this city, you should beware of potential danger and use common sense.

There is little concern in the residential areas of North Seattle, except areas around Aurora Avenue, the University District, and Lake City Way at night.

Car burglaries are a common problem, for example, in the University District.

There is a problem with the homeless in Seattle, but they are usually not dangerous.

As you walk Pike Street or Pine Street from Westlake Center to Pike Place Market, be alert as you drive through 2nd and 3rd Avenues, as this has been a hotbed of crime and drug trafficking.

However, all these places are also closely monitored by the city police, and city officials and residents continue to intensify efforts to combat urban homelessness.

The right to assembly and protest is taken very seriously in Seattle (as it is in the rest of Washington) and often goes to extremes.

Violence associated with protests has occurred in the past, so take extra precautions and use discretion.

Keep in mind that the Seattle police are not lenient in these situations.

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Seattle?

The visa policy of the United States consists of the requirements for foreign nationals to travel to, enter, and remain in the United States. Visitors to the United States must obtain a visa from one of the U.S. diplomatic missions unless they come from one visa-exempt or Visa Waiver Program country. A valid passport is a must.

Which Currency Is Used in Seattle?

The United States dollar is the official currency of the United States and its territories. It is divided into 100 cents.

How's the Weather like in Seattle?

In Seattle, the summers are short, warm, dry, and partly cloudy, and the winters are very cold, wet, and mostly cloudy. The best time of year to visit Seattle for warm-weather activities is from early July to late August.

What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Seattle?

Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, also referred to as Sea-Tac, is the primary commercial airport serving the Seattle metropolitan area in the U.S. state of Washington. It is in the city of SeaTac, approximately 23 km south of Downtown Seattle and 29 km north-northeast of Downtown Tacoma.

Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?

A travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country or city. Make sure you got it before starting your journey; the customs officer may ask for it.

What Are Some Things to Do in Seattle?

Seattle is a city on the coast of Puget Bay in the Pacific Northwest region, the largest in the state of Washington. It is surrounded by numerous reservoirs, mountains, evergreen forests and thousands of hectares of parkland. Seattle is home to major technology companies such as Microsoft and Amazon. The main attraction and symbol of the city is the futuristic Space Needle, built for the World’s Fair in 1962.

Is the Water in Seattle Safe to Drink?

Tap water is drinkable.

Is Uber Safe in Seattle?

There is an Uber taxi in the city; you can call a taxi from your smartphone application. The fare will depend on the time of day and the distance traveled.

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