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 Americans visit Mexico every year. Safety varies by state. The US State Department rates states from Level 1, Exercise Normal Precautions, to Level 4, Do Not Travel.
Level 4 states
Several states are listed Do Not Travel because of crime and kidnapping, including Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. Check the current list.
Tourist areas
Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Mexico City and Los Cabos are widely visited, with petty crime the main risk.
Tips
- Use official taxis or ride apps.
- Don’t drive at night on highways.
- Stay in tourist zones.
- Drink bottled water.
Current advisories
The US State Department assigns advisory levels by state. Several states have been listed at Level 4 “Do not travel”, including Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas, because of crime and kidnapping. Many other states are at Level 2 or 3. Check the current advisory before booking, as it is updated often.
Visitor numbers
Mexico welcomed about 42 million international tourists in 2023, according to the Secretariat of Tourism, ranking among the top countries in the world.
Popular destinations
- Mexico City, Oaxaca, Yucatan and Quintana Roo (Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum), Jalisco (Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta), Baja California Sur (Los Cabos).
Many of these areas have tourist police and heavy security presence, with risks mostly petty crime and scams.
Risks
- Petty theft and pickpocketing.
- Taxi scams, with unlicensed taxis a risk. Use apps or official taxis.
- Drink spiking.
- Violence connected with cartel activity in specific regions, rarely affecting tourists.
- Natural hazards such as hurricanes (June to November), earthquakes and volcano activity.
Health
Do not drink tap water; use bottled or purified water. Routine vaccines, hepatitis A and typhoid are often advised. Dengue is present in some regions.
Road travel
Avoid driving at night on highways outside cities and use toll roads, which are safer.
Practical tips
- Buy travel insurance with medical coverage.
- Keep a copy of your passport.
- Use ATMs inside banks.
- Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
Official guidance and road safety
The US State Department assigns Mexico advisories state by state, ranging from Level 2 “Exercise Increased Caution” for places such as Yucatan and Quintana Roo to Level 4 “Do Not Travel” for states including Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas, and the levels change, so check travel.state.gov before booking. Mexico welcomed about 42 million international visitors in 2023, mostly to beach resorts, Mexico City and colonial cities. Travelers are advised to avoid driving at night on rural roads, use toll highways (cuotas), and avoid isolated areas.
Health and common problems
Traveler’s diarrhea affects roughly 30 to 70 percent of visitors to high risk regions, according to CDC estimates, so drink bottled or purified water and choose food that is freshly cooked and hot. The CDC recommends hepatitis A and typhoid vaccination for many visitors. Petty theft, ATM fraud and overcharging are the common complaints in tourist areas. Use bank ATMs inside buildings, carry limited cash, and watch your drinks. Health insurance from the US often does not cover care abroad, so consider travel medical insurance with evacuation coverage.
Based on data from the US Department of State and the CDC
