Many places in Mexico are visited safely, but safety varies by state. Check the current US State Department advisories.
Overview
Millions of Americans visit Mexico every year. Safety varies by state. The US State Department rates states from Level 1 to Level 4, Do Not Travel.
Level 4 states
Several states, including Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. Check the latest list.
Tourist areas
Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Los Cabos and Mexico City are widely visited, with petty crime the main risk.
Tips
- Use official taxis or ride apps.
- Avoid driving at night.
- Stay in tourist zones.
- Drink bottled water.
Advisory structure
The US State Department rates each Mexican state separately. In recent advisories, some states such as Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas were Level 4: Do Not Travel because of crime and kidnapping, while others like Yucatan, Quintana Roo (with caution) and Mexico City were at lower levels. Advisories change, so check travel.state.gov.
- Mexico welcomed about 42 million international visitors in 2023, according to Mexican tourism data, many to Cancun, Los Cabos, Mexico City and Puerto Vallarta.
- Most violent crime relates to cartels and does not target tourists, though tourists have been affected in some incidents.
- Drink bottled water in many areas and use licensed taxis or apps.
Practical tips
Avoid driving at night on intercity roads, use toll highways, and keep copies of documents. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. Travel insurance with medical coverage is advised. Be careful with spiked drinks and counterfeit alcohol, including methanol poisoning cases reported in resort areas. Stay aware of hurricane season (June to November).
Advisory structure
The US State Department assigns each Mexican state a level from 1 to 4. As of recent updates, several states such as Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas have been at Level 4 Do Not Travel, while popular tourist states such as Quintana Roo and Yucatan have been at lower levels. Check the current advisory.
Practical tips
Use authorized taxis, avoid traveling at night on highways, and keep valuables hidden. Drink bottled water. Mexico received about 42 million international visitors in 2023.
Resorts and regions
Mexico’s Tourism Secretariat reported 42.2 million international visitors in 2023, and US citizens make up the largest share. Quintana Roo (Cancun, Playa del Carmen), Baja California Sur (Los Cabos) and Yucatan are visited by most. State Department advisories vary state by state, from Level 1 to Level 4. Cartel violence is concentrated in specific states.
Health and rules
Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines are recommended, and travelers’ diarrhea occurs in 30 to 70 percent in some areas without precautions. Carry passport, tourist permit (FMM), and avoid carrying large cash. Beware of ATM skimming and drink spiking. Use official ride services and keep emergency number 911 in mind.
Based on data from the US Department of State, the CDC and Mexico’s Tourism Secretariat
