How Safe Is Kansas City for Travel? (2020 Updated) ⋆ Travel Safe

Safety Index:

United States : Safety by City

Kansas City midwestern city – actually, the largest city in Missouri – located on the border of Missouri and Kansas.

Kansas City is a beautiful, albeit dangerous city, with more boulevards than Paris and more fountains than any other city in the world except for Rome.

The people of Kansas City are probably among the most sincere, friendly and neighborly people on the planet; there is a lot to be said for solid, midwestern values.

The arts district is rich and diverse and the roots are very deep – their art institutions and museums are world-renowned.

The only problem is that Kansas City is rather dangerous.

Warnings & Dangers in Kansas City

OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM

Kansas City is safe around its city center and tourist areas, but outside of it, you should be cautious. This isn't to say that you should be scared on the streets of Kansas City, but be aware of your surroundings.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM

If you want to roam in and around Kansas City, traveling by car is your best bet. You can use public transport, but it isn't too safe when it comes to petty crimes. Just be careful at night and during weekends.

PICKPOCKETS RISK : MEDIUM

The most common types of petty crime are purse-snatching, car break-ins, and car thefts. Apply common sense like holding your purses tightly and being wise when carrying them, keeping wallets in front pockets, and being alert to one's surroundings. This should be enough to prevent these incidents.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM

As for natural disasters, the most prominent one is tornadoes. Follow the advice of local authorities and act accordingly.

MUGGING RISK : MEDIUM

Most violent crime happens during the late-night time hours so avoid going out late at night. Stick to the main streets and avoid suspicious areas and neighborhoods, or getting in altercations with individuals that appear to be gang members.

TERRORISM RISK : LOW

Excluding isolated mass shootings, Kansas City hasn't been the target of any terrorist attacks recently, but the attacks shouldn't be ruled out. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

SCAMS RISK : LOW

Just like in other tourist destinations, there will be people trying to scam you in Kansas City, too. Be wary of anyone trying to distract you or ATMs that look like they've been tampered with.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : MEDIUM

Kansas City is very safe for female solo travelers. Following basic precaution measures should completely minimize the chances of anything going wrong.

So... How Safe Is Kansas City Really?

Kansas City is rather dangerous, even when compared to other cities in America.

Much like most major cities, the tourist and business areas are considered generally safe during the day, but it is always best to be aware of your surroundings, especially during the night.

Late-night hours are pretty dangerous regardless of the part of the city you’re in but it’s advised to avoid areas around the P and L District, where there has been an increase in crimes.

Kansas City is known for the abundance of people carrying guns, including concealed ones by people who don’t necessarily know how or when to use them.

There are shootouts at the bars, high-way shooters and white supremacists planning terrorist attacks on synagogues, mosques or just shooting up people that don’t look white.

As for the dangerous areas, neighborhoods east and southeast of the downtown/midtown/Plaza areas are experiencing an increase in violent crime.

Luckily, these areas are usually avoided by tourists not just because of the crime levels, but also because – they don’t offer much.

Racism is also widespread throughout the city.

Kansas City is also in the so-called Tornado Alley, so make sure you follow the advice of authorities in cases of emergencies, check the local weather forecasts and make sure you understand what to do in case a tornado hits.

Useful Information

Visas - The US is famous for its harsh policy for acquiring a tourist, let alone a resident visa. The US embassies usually ask for interviews before granting tourist visas, and tourists usually have to pay up to 160 USD to get a visa. If you are not sure about your visa status, contact your local US embassy for further information.
Currency - The United States dollar is the official currency in Kansas City. Credit and debit cards are accepted nearly everywhere, and ATMs are widely available.
Weather - Kansas City has a humid subtropical climate characterized by hot and humid summer months with moist air riding up from the Gulf of Mexico, and high temperatures surpass 38 °C.
Airports - Kansas City International Airport is a public airport near Kansas City. It is located some 24 km northwest of downtown Kansas City in Platte County, Missouri.
Travel Insurance - Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Kansas City, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

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