6 Countries Where Americans Are Actually Welcomed with Open Arms

Go where you’re wanted. It’s a simple idea, isn’t it? Find a place where people light up when they hear your accent, where you’re not just tolerated but genuinely appreciated. As an American, that’s not always easy. The moment you step off the plane, you’re carrying the weight of stereotypes—some think you’re loud, others assume you can’t point to their country on a map. Pop culture, politics, and decades of history have already painted a picture of “the American” before you even say hi.

I get it. Traveling or moving abroad can feel like stepping into a room where everyone’s already made up their mind about you. Sometimes, a quick joke about your own country’s quirks—like our obsession with iced coffee or mispronouncing “croissant”—can break the ice. But other times, no amount of charm can soften the preconceived notions. You might face side-eyes, get blamed for global woes, or feel like an outsider at a local café. It’s not always tied to who’s in the White House; it’s often rooted in years of geopolitical baggage.

Wouldn’t it be nice to land somewhere the locals are actually excited to meet you? A place where your American-ness is a conversation starter, not a strike against you? I’m not saying you should avoid countries with less rosy views of the U.S.—half the world might be off-limits if you did! But if you’re dreaming of a fresh start or a vacation where you’re greeted with smiles, here are six countries where Americans are loved, based on data like Gallup and Pew Research. These spots have the highest favorable opinions of the U.S., and trust me, it shows.

Poland: The Ultimate American Fan Club

Picture this: You’re strolling through Warsaw, and someone strikes up a chat just because they heard your accent. In Poland, that’s not a pipe dream. A whopping 93% of Poles have a favorable view of Americans—up from 79% in 2019. That’s the highest approval rating anywhere in the world. Maybe it’s the shared history of resilience or Poland’s admiration for American grit, but you’re more likely to get a warm handshake here than a cold shoulder. Sure, there’s always one grumpy guy at the pierogi stand, but overall, Poland’s got your back.

Albania: The Underdog That Loves Uncle Sam

Albania might not be on your radar, and honestly, that’s part of its charm. Tucked away in Eastern Europe, this country is often overlooked by big-name surveys like Pew or Gallup, which tend to focus on Western Europe or Asia. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find that 90% of Albanians hold the U.S. in high regard. Having emerged from a communist past and a devastating pyramid scheme in the ‘90s, Albania’s on the rise. Visit Tirana, and you’ll see cranes dotting the skyline and locals eager to welcome American visitors (and their dollars). Fun fact: Jared Kushner’s company got the green light for a $1.4 billion luxury resort here—say what you will, but that’s a big bet on Albania’s future. Locals seem more excited about the global spotlight than annoyed.

Australia: Our Quirky, Surf-Loving Sibling

Australia feels like the U.S.’s cooler, laid-back cousin—the one who calls flip-flops “thongs” and has a pet kangaroo (okay, maybe not that last part). With 88% of Aussies viewing Americans favorably, you’ll fit right in, whether you’re sipping flat whites in Melbourne or catching waves in Sydney. Sure, there was some playful Olympic rivalry recently, but the U.S. and Australia are like siblings who bicker over who makes better burgers yet always have each other’s backs. From their founding as a British penal colony to their love of ruining Bali (sorry, it’s their Cancun), Aussies get us. And that approval rating? It’s stayed strong through multiple U.S. administrations, peaking at 93% in 2012.

Norway: Where Happiness Meets Hospitality

Norway’s not just famous for fjords and Viking vibes—it’s also one of the happiest countries on Earth, and apparently, they’re happy to see Americans, too. 85% of Norwegians have a positive view of the U.S., which might just be because they’re nice to everyone (Gallup didn’t compare other countries, so we’ll take it). Moving here long-term isn’t cheap—think San Francisco-level rent with extra snow—but even a short visit can feel like a warm hug. There’s something about friendly locals and jaw-dropping scenery that makes you want to trade your Starbucks for a thermos of Norwegian coffee.

Canada: The Neighbor Who Always Has Your Back

Oh, Canada—our polite, hockey-loving neighbors who’ve seen us at our best and worst. Whether it’s Americans fleeing a draft in the ‘60s or just escaping for a long weekend in Montreal, Canada’s always there with open arms. 83% of Canadians like us, despite our occasional loudness at their Tim Hortons. From shared history to cross-border road trips, the U.S.-Canada bond is rock-solid. Plus, if you’ve ever dreamed of a quick move, Canada’s just a drive away—no transatlantic flight required.

Great Britain: The Parent We Rebelled Against, But Still Love

The U.S. might’ve kicked off with a tea-dumping rebellion, but today, 82% of Brits have a soft spot for Americans. Think of the UK as the parent we moved out from, but now we’re on great terms, swapping Netflix recs and fighting on the same side of wars. The shared language makes moving or visiting a breeze—imagine trading your Taco Bell runs for fish and chips in London. Securing a job might be the trickiest part, but once you’re in, you’re golden.

Why This Matters (And Where Else to Look)

These six countries—Poland, Albania, Australia, Norway, Canada, and Great Britain—boast approval ratings above 80%, but they’re not the only ones. Places like the Philippines, Germany, Taiwan, Kosovo, Romania, and South Korea hover in the high 70s. Japan’s at 73%, though that number’s been slipping. On the flip side, China’s approval of Americans tanked to 15% during the pandemic, per Gallup, though it’s crept back to 20% in 2024.

Here’s the thing: These numbers don’t shift overnight. A new president or a viral TikTok trend might nudge them a bit, but long-term perceptions are shaped by decades of U.S. actions—think foreign policy, not just who’s trending on X. Global events, like pandemics, can shake things up, but mostly, it’s a slow burn.

So, if you’re itching to pack your bags—whether for a vacation or a full-on move—start with a place where your American passport is a golden ticket. These countries aren’t just friendly; they’re ready to welcome you like an old friend. Go where you’re appreciated, and you might just find a home away from home.