Tennessee is the Volunteer State, a land where Appalachian mountain mist meets Mississippi Delta soul. From the neon honky-tonks of Nashville and the legendary blues clubs of Beale Street to the ancient hollows of the Great Smoky Mountains and the white-water rivers of the Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee delivers an extraordinary range of experiences. Home to more live music per capita than almost any state, birthplace of country, blues, and rock-and-roll, and blessed with stunning natural landscapes, Tennessee is a destination that rewards every type of traveler.
Tennessee is generally a safe destination for tourists. Nashville's Broadway and downtown tourist corridor are heavily policed and lively around the clock. Memphis requires more urban awareness, particularly outside the Beale Street entertainment district at night. The Smoky Mountains have specific wilderness hazards including black bears, sudden storms, and limited cell coverage. Standard travel precautions apply statewide.
Current safety advisory
Low–moderate Risk
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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- Medical Facilities
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- Nashville: Vanderbilt University Medical Center (Level I Trauma; 1211 Medical Center Dr, +1-615-322-5000); Saint Thomas West Hospital (+1-615-222-2111). Memphis: Regional One Health (Level I Trauma; 877 Jefferson Ave, +1-901-545-7100); Methodist Healthcare (+1-901-516-8274). Chattanooga: Erlanger Health System (+1-423-778-7000). Knoxville: University of Tennessee Medical Center (+1-865-305-9000).
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- Health Insurance
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- US healthcare is very expensive without insurance. International visitors must carry comprehensive travel health insurance covering minimum $250,000 USD in medical expenses. An emergency room visit can cost $3,000–50,000+ USD. Urgent care clinics (CareNow, FastMed) offer cheaper alternatives for non-emergency issues ($100–200 USD without insurance).
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- Wilderness Health Risks
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- Tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, ehrlichiosis) are present throughout Tennessee woodland areas. Check for ticks after outdoor activities. Use EPA-registered repellents (DEET 20–30%). Hypothermia is possible on Smoky Mountain trails year-round above 5,000 ft. Water from streams must be treated — Giardia is present.
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- Heat Safety
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- Tennessee summers (June–August) are hot and humid; Nashville and Memphis regularly reach 95–100°F (35–38°C) with heat indices exceeding 105°F (41°C). Stay hydrated (minimum 2L water per person per day), seek shade during 11 AM–4 PM, and never leave children or pets in parked cars. Heat stroke is a medical emergency — call 911.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
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