Many parts of Mexico, especially popular tourist areas, are visited safely, but safety varies by state. Check the current US State Department advisories.
Overview
Millions of tourists visit Mexico each 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.
Tourist areas
Cancún, Los Cabos, Mexico City and Playa del Carmen are widely visited. Petty crime is the main risk.
Tips
- Use ride apps or official taxis.
- Don’t drive at night.
- Stay in tourist areas.
- Drink bottled water.
Tourist regions and data
Mexico draws tens of millions of international visitors each year. Resort areas such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and Mexico City’s tourist districts have large visitor numbers and tourist police. Safety conditions vary by state and neighborhood, so national averages do not describe individual destinations.
- Official State Department advisories list the states to avoid, so check before you travel.
- Common tourist risks include petty theft, taxi overcharges, ATM fraud and drink spiking.
- Health risks include traveler’s diarrhea and, in some regions, dengue.
Practical steps
Book hotels with good security reviews, use ATMs inside banks and avoid unmarked taxis in favor of apps or hotel taxis. Carry a photocopy of the passport and keep valuables in a safe. Drink bottled water and avoid street food from unreliable stalls. Hurricane season runs June through November on the coasts. Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for embassy alerts.
Tourist regions and data
Mexico welcomed about 42 million international visitors in 2023. Popular destinations like Cancun, Mexico City and Oaxaca see the most tourists. Crime varies, and the US State Department lists some states at Level 4. Petty theft is common in busy areas.
Practical steps
Use official taxis, avoid isolated places at night, keep valuables hidden, drink bottled water and carry travel insurance. Check advisories before booking.
Regions and statistics
Mexico’s Tourism Secretariat reported about 42 million international arrivals in 2023 and 26 billion USD in tourism revenue from cruise passengers and land visitors. Tourist zones in Quintana Roo have had occasional violence, including shootings in 2021 and 2023. Mexico City is large with petty crime and quakes. Highway travel at night carries risk.
Preparing for your trip
Register with STEP, buy travel insurance, check State Department advisories, avoid isolated areas and use authorized transportation. Do not buy drugs, carry cash conservatively and drink bottled water or purified water. Pharmacies sell medications, but counterfeit pills are a danger, especially fentanyl laced pills.
Based on data from the US Department of State and the CDC
