Louisiana is a state unlike any other in the United States — a vibrant gumbo of French, Spanish, African, and Native American cultures simmering along the Gulf Coast. Home to New Orleans' legendary French Quarter, Cajun country's cypress swamps, and world-class cuisine ranging from crawfish étouffée to beignets, Louisiana captivates visitors with jazz-drenched streets, extravagant Mardi Gras celebrations, and antebellum plantation grandeur set against a backdrop of moss-draped live oaks.
New Orleans has historically high crime rates compared to the US average, but tourist areas including the French Quarter, Garden District, Warehouse District, and Uptown are well-policed and generally safe during daylight and early evening hours. North of Canal Street toward Mid-City and the Seventh and Ninth Wards have higher crime rates and should be avoided after dark by unfamiliar visitors. Hurricane season (June 1–November 30) requires monitoring forecasts. Outside New Orleans, Louisiana is mostly rural and peaceful.
Current safety advisory
Moderate — Tourist Areas In New Orleans Are Generally Safe; Exercise Caution In Certain Neighborhoods And During Hurricane Season
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance) in separate locations.
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
Use registered taxis or rideshare apps. Avoid unmarked vehicles offering rides.
Trust your instincts — if a situation feels wrong, remove yourself from it.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
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- Heat Illness
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- Heat index in New Orleans reaches 110°F (43°C) or higher in July–August. Drink 1 liter of water per hour when outdoors. Symptoms of heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, weakness, rapid pulse. Move to air conditioning immediately.
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- Mosquitoes and West Nile Virus
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- Mosquitoes are significant in Louisiana's wetlands and bayous, particularly April–October. Apply DEET-based repellent (25–30% concentration). West Nile Virus cases occur annually; no vaccine available. Avoid dawn and dusk outdoor exposure.
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- Hurricane Preparedness
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- June 1–November 30 is Atlantic hurricane season. Monitor the National Hurricane Center at nhc.noaa.gov. If a Category 2+ hurricane is forecast for New Orleans, evacuate along designated contra-flow routes. Do not wait for mandatory evacuation orders — leave early.
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- Water Safety
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- Tap water is safe in cities. Do not swim in bayous or slow-moving water — bacteria (vibrio) and alligators pose risks. Lake Pontchartrain swimming is not recommended.
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- COVID-19 / Infectious Disease
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- No active COVID restrictions as of June 2026. Standard US vaccination recommendations apply. Hospital access is good in urban areas; rural areas may require transport to larger centers.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
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