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Los Angeles Travel Advice
Security travel advice for Los Angeles
How Safe is Los Angeles?
Threat level: Medium-High
Los Angeles is the most populous city in the state of California and the second biggest city in the United States of America. The city is very popular among tourists, and has a very diverse culture, being home to such Ethnic enclaves like Chinatown and little Tokyo. Los Angeles includes Hollywood which brings much economic growth to the city.
COVID-19 Updates
There are reported cases of the coronavirus in the USA, with the states of California, Texas and Florida being the most affected.
To contain the spread of the virus, the US has declared national emergency. Travel from European countries of the Schengen border-free travel area including the UK and Ireland is banned and some states have imposed a 14-day quarantine for travels from other states or to present a negative COVID-19 test result.
Starting on the 26th of January, all airline passengers travelling to the United States, aged two years or older, must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 viral test, taken within three calendar days of travel or when testing positive, documentation providing evidence of recovery from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel, issued by a healthcare provider or public health official. Travellers must also attest to having received a negative test result or having recovered from COVID-19 with medical clearance by completing the CDC disclosure and attestation to the United States of America.
However, additional measures may vary from one state to another including on the mandatory use of face masks in public places. Some states started reopening certain industries between May and June but new outbreaks in the summer have caused certain states to reinstate some of the restrictions on public venues or pause plans to reopen further. The state of California has issued a Regional State Home Order last December with tier assignments for the different regions of California with more severe restrictions for regions with less than 15% intensive care unit (ICU) availability. A statewide order has made compulsory the use of face masks in public, both indoors and outdoors and face covering with a valve isn't permitted.
See our healthcare section for details about the precautions to take to avoid contracting the disease.
Summary
Being one of the largest cities in the USA, Los Angeles does have high crime rates in certain areas. Tourists are not specifically subjected to petty crime, however criminals tend to be opportunists when it comes to things such as theft and assaults.
Being such a populated city, the risk and concern for terrorism does not go un-noticed in Los Angeles. The LA Police Department are a renowned police force, however this does not neutralise the recent peak of the threat of terror that is especially a high risk to western nations. The current terror threat level in the United States of America is at an Elevated level.
Intelligent Protection International Limited provides Executive Protection services on the West coast. If you are interested in these services, please visit: Executive Protection in LA.
Recent Security Risk Events
On May day 2007, police officers were attacked during what was meant to be peaceful protests for awareness of prejudice against, and demands for amnesty for undocumented workers. Although tourists were not targeted during this particular incident, it is advised to avoid large gatherings/political events, and monitor the local media when possible.
Security Risks
Crime rates peek in certain areas of Los Angeles during night time hours. Places such as Compton and Lynwood are advised against visiting after dark, as gang activity is apparent in these parts of Los Angeles. There were 3 accounts of homicide in August of 2016 alone, inside the Compton area.
Places such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Universal Studios do have some pick pocketing issues during heavy tourist periods. This is not a serious issue and should not put people off visiting popular places in Los Angeles. Issues such as pick pocketing are dealt with efficiently by the police and security services.
Travelling around Los Angeles?
The Los Angeles Metro Rail network is a very tourist friendly option for travel within the city. The Red, Gold and Expo Lines are most useful for visitors who wish to travel to the top tourist attractions.
Uber drivers are often used throughout the United States, especially in Los Angeles. Using an Uber driver comes with a high risk and it advised individuals travelling alone stick with normal, licensed taxi companies. There are also other reliable and inexpensive ways to get around the city such as shuttle buses.
Public transport is for the most part very safe in Los Angeles. Like any other public transport, the risk of assaults and other petty crimes increase at night. Travellers should take basic precautions such as avoiding travelling on their own during night time hours.
Commercial Travel Risk Services
Intelligent Protection International Limited provides companies and organisations with Commercial Travel Risk Services designed to mitigate risks of staff when they travel for business. If you are interested in these services, please see: Commercial Travel Risk Services.
Emergency Services in Los Angeles
Emergency services: 911
Note: Emergency services in Los Angeles include Police, Medical and Fire services.
Los Angeles Overview
Religion: Christianity
Currency: US Dollar
Time now in Los Angeles:
Consular information for Los Angeles
2029 Century Park East, Suite 1350
Los Angeles CA 90067
USA
Telephone: +1 310 789 0031
E-mail: bcg.losangeles@fco.gov.uk
1999 Avenue of the Stars, Ste. 1250
Los Angeles, CA, 90067
USA
Telephone: +1 310 551 6534
E-mail: consular.LA@mofa.gov.ae
5055 Wilshire Blvd #860
Los Angeles, CA 90036
USA
Telephone: +1 323 938 0158
E-mail: cog.losangeles@maec.es
Consulate General of France
10390 Santa Monica Blvd #410
Los Angeles, CA 90025
USA
Telephone: +1 310 235 3200
E-mail: christophe.lemoine@diplomatie.gouv.fr
For further embassy information and locations please see our live travel map below.
Healthcare in Los Angeles
The overall standard of healthcare in Los Angeles is high, as is the ambulance service and its highly trained EMT’s, however these services can be expensive. It is advised that when travelling to any part of the United States of America that you have adequate healthcare insurance for the duration of your stay.
The main hospitals in Los Angles are the Keck Hospital and the Good Samaritan Hospital which are both located in the central Los Angeles area.
Useful websites
Medical care: Walk in medical care centres in Manhattan
General information: New York City tourist information
NYPD: Police service
