15 Countries That Aren’t Big Fans of American Tourists
The American people display limitless enthusiasm and a desire for movement while actively seeking international travel experiences. The National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) reported that in 2023, 98.5 million U.S. citizens traveled abroad, representing a 22% increase from the prior year. American tourists armed with their passports and driven by their global exploration dreams established their presence around the world.
But not all marks are received warmly.
American travelers receive mixed reactions globally, as specific destinations tend to view them less positively. These negative perceptions of Americans can be attributed to cultural misunderstandings, loud tourist behavior, and the assumption that English should be universally spoken.
In these 15 countries, Americans often face negative perceptions, which could be improved by understanding local cultural etiquette norms.
France
American tourists and France have maintained a complex relationship of love and hate throughout history. Frequent misunderstandings of this interaction as animosity stem from cultural differences. The French people highly prize their language, but they also show appreciation when visitors try to communicate in it. The Pew Research Center reported in 2020 that just 31% of French survey respondents expressed positive opinions about the United States.
David Lebovitz, an American chef living in Paris, has published numerous works on French cultural etiquette rules, offering guidance for Americans to adapt to Parisian social norms. Opening with “Bonjour” before asking “Parlez-vous anglais?” helps bridge the cultural divide.
Japan
Japan’s traditions of politeness and etiquette frequently conflict with the loud or disrespectful actions of certain tourists. Kyoto features signs telling visitors not to photograph geishas, and Americans receive online criticism for inappropriate behavior at holy places and when using public transportation.
The World Economic Forum reports that overtourism has caused local discontent in places such as Shibuya, Asakusa, and Akihabara, where residents worry about the increasing presence of tourists who lack cultural awareness. Visitors who learn basic Japanese phrases and perform respectful bows receive warm and grateful responses from locals.
Italy
The Italian government has introduced strict regulations in Venice to combat disrespectful tourist activities and safeguard its cultural heritage. Tourists received fines for sitting on historic steps and engaging in activities such as swimming in canals and wearing improper attire. Visitors behaving as if the country were merely an amusement park have caused increasing frustration among residents.
Through surveys and interviews, Italian residents express growing resentment toward tourists as cities implement more stringent tourism regulations. The mayor of Rome introduced fines for tourist misbehaviour in 2023. The situation is more complex than it appears, as it also involves an element of frustration.
Thailand
Global travelers enjoy Thailand’s beaches and street food, yet Americans often encounter the negative “backpacker bro” stereotype. Local communities frequently mention instances of sacred sites being disrespected. As people become increasingly concerned about protecting their cultural heritage, locals are voicing their concerns more loudly in popular tourist destinations such as Phuket and Bangkok.
Pro tip: Dressing respectfully and offering a humble way (palms together) helps build positive connections.
Spain
The Spanish enjoy lively celebrations while respecting their traditional siestas and unspoken cultural rules, such as treating waiters with respect and arriving at dinner after 9 PM. Locals report dissatisfaction with American tourists who disregard local customs while using Barcelona as their perfect vacation destination.
Anti-tourism demonstrations have appeared in major Spanish cities, where signs display messages such as “Tourists go home.” Their behaviors stand out more frequently because they tend to travel in large, loud groups, even though they are not exclusively targeting Americans.
North Korea
American travelers face significant challenges when visiting North Korea because geopolitical tensions have transformed it into one of the most complex destinations.
The longstanding political enmity between the U.S. and North Korea, along with American sanctions, has fostered profound distrust towards visitors from the West. The state-controlled tours to North Korea treat Americans with suspicion, even though their activities are monitored. Since 2017, the U.S. State Department has prohibited travel to North Korea because of safety issues.
China
Even though U.S.-China political relations are strained, they do not explain tourism tensions, which mostly arise from breaches of etiquette rather than ideological differences.
More than 2.5 million American tourists travel to China each year, and they face criticism for their impatience with language barriers, as well as their disregard for photo rules and Chinese hospitality customs. Tourists who show respect for local customs and values while enjoying Chinese cuisine leave a better impression.
Germany
The robust German economy has had inconsistent diplomatic relations with the United States. A 2019 Pew Research Center survey showed that only 39% of Germans held a favorable view of the United States. At that time, Germany had one of the lowest favorability ratings among European nations. Main conflicts arise from different positions on international security measures and trade regulations.
Interestingly, tourism trends follow public opinion. The Forbes report documented a 29% decline in German tourism to the United States by early 2025. When visiting Berlin, it is better to avoid engaging in intense political conversations at beer halls.
Australia
American tourists were once among the top international visitors traveling to Australia. Yet recent trends suggest a subtle dissatisfaction. The sharpest drop in numbers since March 2021 occurred between March 2024 and March 2025, where the figure fell by 14%.
American tourists represented 9% of all visitors during 2018-2019, earning them the position of the third-largest inbound group. Australians often make jokes about American tourists who speak loudly and offer excessive tips, while showing little understanding of local customs.
Cuba
Despite being only 90 miles away from Florida, Cuba maintains a distinct sense of separation. Relations between the two countries improved during Obama’s presidency; however, subsequent policy changes reinstated various travel restrictions. Visits to Cuba from American tourists are possible through specific programs, such as the “people-to-people exchange,” although these visits do not constitute standard vacations.
Several locals connect Americans to imperialist behaviors and political meddling. The Latinobarómetro 2023 report highlighted a combination of both admiration for U.S. culture and resentment towards American policies. The taste of that mojito may change when you receive an unfriendly look while drinking it.
Iran
The long history of strained ties between Iran and the U.S. affects how American tourists are perceived in this Middle Eastern country. The Iranian government’s sustained use of the “Death to America” slogan since the 1979 revolution adds nothing positive to its relationship with the United States.
The 2009 detention of U.S. hikers accused of espionage illustrates significant cultural and diplomatic challenges through notable incidents that add to existing tensions. The Iranian people demonstrate great hospitality towards travelers from around the world, including Americans, when both parties engage in respectful interactions.
Pro Tip: Foreign visitors can experience the warm hospitality of Iranians by observing local cultural norms and avoiding political discussions.
Greece
Tourism stands as Greece’s leading economic sector because the country values this industry above all. Keep Talking Greece reports that Greece received 32.7 million visitors in 2023, showing a 17.6% increase in tourism from 2022. However, the local population in popular areas like Santorini and Mykonos has grown tired of American tourists due to over-tourism.
During peak tourist season, locals feel overwhelmed because they desire tourists to “engage more deeply” instead of treating the country like a cruise stop. The good news? Greece’s hospitality earns legendary status because thoughtful guests experience its true warmth.
Russia
The disagreement between Russia and the U.S., escalated by the Ukraine conflict and current sanctions, has had a significant adverse effect on tourism to Russia. The number of organized tourists visiting Russia decreased by over 90% in 2022 due to international isolation and travel restrictions.
The U.S. State Department maintains its Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning for Russia in 2025 because it points to threats, including wrongful detention and harassment, along with terrorism and the conflict in Ukraine.
Netherlands
While Amsterdam appears to be the ultimate playground, it frustrates Dutch citizens due to “party tourists” who behave as if the Netherlands were a city of entertainment, like Las Vegas. Through its “Tourism in Balance” policy, Amsterdam established visitor management practices that cap overnight stays at 20 million annually to control disruptive tourism and protect residents’ quality of life.
Switzerland
American travelers often view Switzerland as an idealized, postcard-like destination due to its untouched beauty. The Swiss local population finds American tourists somewhat over-the-top in their behavior. The clash between cultures becomes apparent when tourists expect complimentary water at restaurants or talk loudly during quiet mountain train rides.
Swiss people live by rules and value punctuality alongside their reserved nature. Switzerland received a record number of American tourists in 2023, according to a Swissinfo report. To fit in smoothly, maintain a calm and respectful demeanor while softly expressing your admiration for the beautiful Alps.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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