1. Poland
Poland has become something of a phenomenon in global surveys about American favorability. Poland stands out as having the most favorable view of the United States among all surveyed countries, with more than 85 percent of residents holding positive opinions, and as of 2025, about 84% of respondents gave the United States a favorable response, making this the highest rating in Europe and the world. That sentiment isn’t just abstract polling. It shows up on the ground too.
American travelers consistently report feeling genuinely welcomed in Polish cities like Krakow, Warsaw, and Gdansk. Beyond the warmth, the country’s tourism sector is thriving. In 2025, nearly 59 million tourists stayed in Polish accommodation facilities, with foreign arrivals reaching 15.2 million, making Poland one of the fastest-growing destinations in Europe.
2. Ireland
Ireland’s connection to American visitors runs deeper than typical tourist hospitality. North America has become increasingly important to Ireland’s tourism economy, with North American tourists up 11% compared to May 2024, and the Irish have always maintained a special connection with Americans, largely rooted in shared history and the millions of Irish-Americans who call the United States home. That sense of kinship isn’t just sentimental talk.
It translates into something tangible on the ground, not just politeness, but real conversation. Whether you’re wandering the coastline of Connemara or settling into a pub in Dublin, the reception tends to feel personal rather than transactional, which is part of why Ireland keeps showing up near the top of these lists year after year.
3. Italy
Italy’s affection for American visitors is backed by both polling and history. According to Pew Research, roughly three in five Italians hold a positive view of Americans, with Italians generally respecting Americans and welcoming them as friends. A lot of that goodwill traces back to World War II, when American involvement helped stabilize the country after years of chaos.
Modern tourism numbers reflect just how central American visitors have become to Italy’s travel economy. Italy remains a top destination for American travelers, and the country reached a record 65 million foreign visitors from around the world in 2024. Locals in cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice are accustomed to tourists, yet the warmth rarely feels rehearsed, often extending to spontaneous invitations to local festivals or family gatherings.
4. Japan
Japan might seem like an unexpected entry given the language barrier, but the numbers tell a different story. Japanese hospitality, known as “omotenashi,” extends exceptional service to all visitors, but Americans often find themselves the subject of genuine curiosity and warmth from locals eager to practice English and learn about American life, and the United States remained the only non-Asian country in the top five source markets for Japan. That fascination runs both directions.
Tourism data backs up the enthusiasm. In March 2025, Japan saw a record-breaking surge in tourism, with over three million foreign visitors, driven by strong arrivals from the U.S., marking the fastest pace of growth in Japan’s tourism history. American visitors often describe the experience as feeling less like being tolerated and more like being genuinely looked after.
5. Portugal
Portugal has quietly become one of the most consistent favorites among American travelers, and not just for a visit. Portugal is a top choice for American travelers, with over a million U.S. visitors in the first half of 2024 alone, and it was ranked number one in the 2025 Global Retirement Report by the Global Intelligence Unit. The warmth here tends to be understated rather than showy.
Locals in cities like Lisbon and Porto are known for genuine helpfulness rather than performative friendliness. Positioned right next to Spain at Europe’s western tip, Portugal blends ample greenery and beaches with excellent healthcare and a cost of living roughly 30% less than that of the U.S., and the Portuguese people are known for their friendliness and warmth, with many speaking at least rudimentary English. That combination of affordability and openness explains why so many Americans end up staying far longer than planned.
6. The Philippines
Filipino hospitality has a reputation that goes beyond simple politeness. Locals invite strangers to family gatherings, offer rides, and provide endless recommendations for hidden beaches and restaurants, with Filipino hospitality coming from the heart, creating travel experiences that feel more like visiting friends than being a tourist. It’s a style of welcome that catches a lot of first-time visitors off guard, in the best way.
The greeting itself has become something of a national calling card. Filipinos greet visitors by saying “Feel at home!” to ensure they enjoy their stay, and from the bustling streets of Manila to the pristine beaches of Palawan, American travelers consistently report feeling genuinely welcomed and appreciated by local communities. This holds true across the islands, whether you’re in a major city or a small coastal town.
7. South Korea
South Korea’s favorability toward the United States has stayed remarkably strong. South Korea has a favorability rating of 79%, and South Korea and the United States have been allies for over 70 years. That alliance shows up in daily interactions, not just diplomatic statements.
Tourist-friendly cities make the experience especially smooth for English-speaking visitors. Seoul and Busan offer American travelers an incredibly welcoming atmosphere, with English widely spoken in tourist areas and locals eager to share their culture. Combine that with the country’s global cultural influence, and it’s easy to see why American visitors often describe South Korea as one of the more effortless places to feel at ease.
8. Israel
Israel consistently ranks among the countries with the highest favorability toward the United States. The U.S. receives its most favorable rating from Israel, where 82% see it positively. That number has held steady across multiple recent surveys, reflecting a relationship built over decades rather than a passing trend.
On a personal level, that goodwill translates into tangible hospitality. Israeli hospitality toward Americans runs deep, built on decades of strategic partnership and shared democratic values, and Americans traveling in Israel often experience exceptional customer service and genuine curiosity about American life and culture from locals. Visitors often note that conversations with strangers turn personal quickly, a trait that stands out compared to more reserved travel destinations.
9. Kenya
Kenya’s warmth toward American visitors is less discussed than some of the more obvious entries on this list, but the numbers are strong. Kenya continues to be one of the most U.S.-friendly countries in Africa, with 71% of people viewing the United States positively in 2023, according to Pew Research, and many Kenyans see the U.S. as a valuable partner, thanks to strong ties in areas like education, health, and economic development. That partnership feels less like abstract diplomacy and more like a lived reality for many locals.
Practically speaking, Kenya has also made itself easier to visit. Kenya’s affordable cost of living, combined with its welcoming environment, has made it a popular choice for expatriates and tourists, and U.S. citizens traveling to Kenya for tourism, business, or short visits do not need a traditional visa, instead obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorization before departure. That mix of affordability and genuine curiosity toward Americans keeps drawing repeat visitors.
10. Vietnam
Vietnam’s warmth toward American tourists surprises a lot of first-time visitors, given the complicated history between the two countries. There is strong support for American tourists in Vietnam, with 84% of those interviewed by Pew Research Center positively inclined toward Americans, and the Vietnamese give visiting Americans such a warm welcome that many feel very comfortable, almost “at home” when visiting this country. That reception cuts across the country’s different regions.
The perspective on America’s past involvement varies by region but rarely translates into resentment toward individual tourists. There is a great appreciation in South Vietnam for America since they tried to help establish a democracy, and in the North, there is no resentment, since the U.S. was just one brief invasion the country has experienced over thousands of years; in a nutshell, the Vietnamese are incredibly forgiving and welcoming. Cities like Saigon and Hanoi have grown into genuinely tourist-friendly hubs without losing that personal warmth.
Favorability toward Americans shifts with politics, economics, and generational change, so no list like this stays fixed forever. Still, the pattern across these ten countries points to something more durable than a single survey year: a mix of historical ties, cultural curiosity, and everyday hospitality that keeps showing up in the data again and again. For American travelers wondering where a warm welcome is more than just a marketing line, these destinations offer a reasonably reliable answer.
Leave a Reply