(Lebanon, NH – October 26, 2026) Nearly half of the world’s most experienced international travelers say they sometimes or always downplay or avoid revealing their nationality while abroad because of how they might be perceived or treated, according to the Global Rescue Fall 2026 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey.

Overall, 44% of respondents say they conceal or deemphasize their nationality at least sometimes when traveling internationally. That figure combines the 10% who say they do so all or most of the time with the 34% who say they do so sometimes. Another 38% say they do not usually conceal their nationality and 16% say they never do.

“Personal security abroad is influenced by more than the destination itself,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies. “Travelers are also considering how their nationality may affect the way they are perceived once they arrive. Political tensions, military conflicts and public sentiment can change that calculation quickly.”

US Travelers Far More Likely to Downplay Nationality

The sharpest distinction is between US and non-US respondents. Half of US respondents say they downplay or avoid revealing their nationality at least sometimes while traveling internationally. Twelve percent say they do so all or most of the time and 38% say they do so sometimes.

Among non-US respondents, only 21% report doing the same, including 3% who conceal their nationality all or most of the time and 18% who do so sometimes. That makes US respondents roughly 2.5 times more likely than non-US respondents to say they downplay their nationality at least sometimes because of how they might be perceived or treated.

“The difference between US and non-US travelers is significant,” Richards said. “It suggests Americans are much more conscious of how their nationality may be received abroad. That does not mean travelers should expect hostility. It means understanding the political and social environment is increasingly part of responsible trip preparation.”

Women More Likely Than Men to Conceal Nationality

Gender differences also emerged. Half of women say they downplay or avoid revealing their nationality at least sometimes, compared with 42% of men. Among women, 13% say they do so all or most of the time and 37% say sometimes. Among men, 9% say all or most of the time and 33% say sometimes.

Men are more likely to say they do not usually conceal their nationality, 40% compared with 34% of women. Seventeen percent of men say they never do so compared with 14% of women.

Nationality Is Becoming Part of the Personal Safety Calculation

International travelers routinely consider crime, political instability, health risks and local laws when evaluating a destination. The survey suggests many are also considering how their country of origin could affect their personal safety or interactions abroad.

“Situational awareness includes understanding how you may be perceived in the environment around you,” Richards said. “Travelers should know what is happening locally, understand whether international tensions could affect them and avoid unnecessarily drawing attention to themselves when conditions warrant greater discretion.”

Travelers should review government advisories, monitor destination intelligence and understand local political and social sensitivities before departure. Conditions can change rapidly during demonstrations, elections, military conflicts or diplomatic disputes, even in destinations where tourism continues normally.

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About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed the world’s most experienced international travelers between October 6 – 10, 2026. Respondents shared their attitudes, behaviors and preferences related to travel safety, technology and global mobility.

About Global Rescue

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue maintains exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. The company has provided medical and security support during every major global crisis over the past two decades.