Is Traveling to Mexico Safe?

Recent news from Mexico has been alarming: A commercial flight was struck by gunfire amid violent protests related to the arrest of 'El Chapo'’s son. Tourists were forced from their Ubers during taxi driver demonstrations in Cancun. Additionally, four Americans were kidnapped—two of whom were tragically killed—after crossing the Texas border to Matamoros for medical treatment.

Although crime and drug-related violence in Mexico have been a concern for years, the recent surge has led to multiple security warnings from the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico and advisories from the Texas Department of Public Safety against spring break trips across the border. Naturally, this raises the question for many travelers: Is it safe to visit?

“Keep an eye on your own news,” a concierge at a Puerto Morales resort remarked with a touch of disdain when I asked during my February trip to Quintana Roo, coinciding with another mass shooting in the U.S. “It’s much safer here. I wouldn’t even step foot in a shopping mall in the States.”

The overwhelming number of tourists who visit Mexico’s beaches and attractions without incident certainly supports her claim. Last year alone, over 13 million international visitors traveled to the country.

However, security experts suggest that the true answer is, “it depends.”

It varies based on your destination, mode of transport, accommodations, and, perhaps most crucially, the choices you make.

“In many respects, the advice remains the same—steer clear of the clearly dangerous areas,” says Nick Phillips Jones, director of investigations and intelligence at the Mexico-based firm Sargasso Group.

“For the majority of travelers coming to Mexico from the U.S. and other places, the personal risk is comparable to what they would face in their own countries, provided they stick to well-trodden paths and major tourist spots,” he explains. “Visitors are more likely to encounter minor scams like being overcharged than serious danger. If they stay vigilant, most tourists will have a trouble-free experience.”

In general, beach resorts and popular tourist destinations are viewed as some of the safest places, as violence from drug cartels typically doesn’t target tourists. This is because the cartels prefer not to draw the attention of the U.S. authorities, according to Jones.

The Gulf cartel’s public apology and their surrender of those they claimed were involved in the Matamoros kidnappings “demonstrates their desire to avert the ire of U.S. law enforcement,” explains Jones.

Experts unanimously agree that the greatest risk comes from simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time, which is believed to have been the situation for the four Americans who were kidnapped in Matamoros earlier this month.

How can travelers safeguard themselves? Here are some recommendations from travel security experts.

Conduct Your Research

Staying informed is crucial to avoid being taken by surprise by any recent changes that might impact your trip and personal safety.

For example, the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, known for popular beach destinations like Cancun, Riviera Maya, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, was once regarded as the safest tourist region in Mexico. However, in recent years, cartel activity has increased there due to tourism, as tourists often engage in drug use,” states Harding Bush, senior manager of security operations at Global Rescue, a security and intelligence firm.

Since 2021, security measures have been intensified in the area following two separate shootouts between rival drug gangs that spilled onto hotel beaches, including one incident in Tulum that resulted in the deaths of two tourists.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Embassy and consulates in Mexico issued a security alert regarding conflicts between local taxi unions and Uber drivers in Quintana Roo, which “occasionally escalated into violence, leading to injuries among U.S. citizens in some cases.”

Due to concerns over crime and kidnapping, the U.S. State Department recommends that Americans avoid traveling to six of Mexico’s 32 states: Guerrero, Colima, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas.

The northern state of Tamaulipas includes Matamoros, located just across the Rio Grande from Brownsville, Texas.

Sinaloa is where the arrest of Ovidio Guzmán-López, son of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, ignited a wave of violence that resulted in 29 deaths and forced the closure of airports in Culiacán and Mazatlán, as gunfire erupted in the streets, with some bullets striking an Aeroméxico flight about to leave for Mexico City.

Furthermore, the State Department advises travelers to “reconsider travel” to seven other states, also due to crime: Baja California (the northern section of the peninsula, excluding Baja California Sur, where most resorts are located), Chihuahua, Durango, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Morelos, and Sonora.

The majority of Mexican states are rated Level 2 by the State Department, indicating that travelers should “exercise increased caution.” This includes Quintana Roo, Baja California Sur, Oaxaca, and Mexico City.

Look Beyond Travel Advisories

According to Bush, don’t rely solely on State Department warnings and advisories. Mexico is one of the largest countries in the Americas and the 13th largest globally, with expansive states, making it vital to understand the local situation in your destination area.

“Check both U.S. news and local news in Mexico,” he advises. “Speak with people who have recently visited,” especially those who have been there very recently.

Another valuable resource, according to Bush, is the U.K. government site, which provides more comprehensive insights into the factors influencing its travel recommendations.

Assess Your Accommodations and Transport

Bush recommends staying at reputable hotels and resorts with solid security measures. Many renowned brands, such as Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and Four Seasons, have extensive experience operating in Mexico. Additionally, it’s common for beach resorts throughout the country to have security checkpoints at their entrances and personnel who actively monitor the premises and nearby beaches.

Opt for hotels situated away from crowded beaches that may be lined with vendors and individuals who could pose a risk. For example, in Quintana Roo, while all beaches are public, there are several hotels and resorts located in more secluded areas away from heavy foot traffic.

For transportation to and from the airport, or for excursions away from your hotel, use a service arranged by your hotel or resort, especially if you're heading out at night.

If you choose to drive instead of flying, steer clear of driving at night

Most tourists arrive by air in popular tourist regions. However, many residents from border states such as California, Arizona, and New Mexico, who largely abandoned drive-to destinations like the Baja Peninsula and Puerto Peñasco and San Carlos along the eastern shores of the Sea of Cortez after the government intensified its crackdown on drug cartels in 2006, have started returning with few issues in recent years.

Nonetheless, experts advise that travelers who are driving should take significant precautions to avoid accidentally entering cartel territories. Both Jones and Bush emphasized the importance of never driving at night.

“The northern border area has consistently been a high-risk zone,” notes Jones. “If you must travel there, it's essential to take precautions, maintain a low profile, and seek current local advice before proceeding.”

As with any travel, take standard safety precautions

In any country or region where crime exists, certain activities necessitate heightened vigilance or should be completely avoided to stay safe.

Exercise caution when withdrawing cash from ATMs—use them only during daylight hours and ensure there are people nearby. You might want to think twice about strolling the streets at night, especially if you're alone or in unfamiliar areas. Additionally, engaging in illegal activities, like buying drugs, significantly increases your risk.

“Crime is prevalent in Mexico,” states Bush. “It doesn’t specifically target tourists, but it exists, and [if you’re not cautious] you could easily end up in a dangerous situation.”