Virginia is where American history begins—from the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown in 1607 to the birth of the Constitution and eight US presidents born within its borders. The Commonwealth stretches from Atlantic barrier islands and the Chesapeake Bay in the east to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachian Plateau in the west, offering visitors an extraordinary mix of Colonial history, Civil War battlefields, mountain wilderness, wine country, and vibrant coastal cities.
Virginia is a safe destination for all travelers. The major tourist areas—Colonial Williamsburg, Shenandoah National Park, Old Town Alexandria, Charlottesville—experience minimal crime. Richmond and Norfolk have higher urban crime rates in specific neighborhoods, but tourist districts and hotel corridors are well-policed. The state has no travel advisories from the US State Department. Natural hazards are the primary concern: hurricanes (coast), winter ice storms (mountains), and occasional flash flooding.
Current safety advisory
Very Safe — Virginia Ranks Among The Safest Us States Overall. Standard Urban Precautions Apply In Richmond, Norfolk, And Parts Of Northern Virginia.
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 Care
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- Virginia has excellent hospital coverage: Inova Fairfax (Northern VA), VCU Medical Center (Richmond), Sentara Norfolk General (Hampton Roads), UVA Health (Charlottesville). All are within 30-60 min of major tourist areas. Urgent care clinics are widely available in cities and towns.
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- Prescription Drugs
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- CVS Pharmacy (cvs.com), Walgreens (walgreens.com), and Walmart Pharmacy locations statewide. Medications requiring prescriptions in other countries may be covered under US brand names — confirm with the pharmacist.
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- Tick-Borne Disease
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- Lyme disease-carrying black-legged (deer) ticks are present statewide, especially in wooded and grassy areas. Wear long pants and DEET repellent when hiking. Check for ticks after outdoor activities. Report tick bites and flu-like symptoms to a physician within 2 weeks.
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- Heat and Humidity
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- Virginia summers (June–August) are hot and humid, with temperatures regularly 90°F (32°C) and high humidity. Drink water frequently, use sunscreen SPF 30+, and seek shade between noon and 3 PM. Virginia Beach UV index peaks at 10+ in July.
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- Water Safety (ocean)
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- Rip currents are the primary drowning risk at Virginia Beach. Swim only at lifeguard-supervised beaches between the colored flags. If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore until out of the current, then swim to shore diagonally.
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- Wildlife
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- Black bears are present in Shenandoah and Blue Ridge areas. Store food in provided bear boxes at campsites. Copperhead and timber rattlesnake are found statewide — watch feet on rocky trails. Eastern cottonmouth (water moccasin) lives near coastal and piedmont waterways.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
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