Is Cancun Safe? That is the million-dollar question since Mexico is just about the only country that is allowing U.S. Citizens into their country.
If you are wondering if Mexico is safe to visit for fall break 2021 I will help you figure out facts from fiction when it comes to the Mexico travel restrictions.
Cancun is filled with top-rated boutique hotels, trendy restaurants, and crystal-clear waters – but as fall break approaches visitors are asking is Cancun safe.
While the United States has issued a Cancun travel advisory for the entire country of Mexico I want you to rest easy in knowing that Cancun is safe and there are not any current travel restrictions placed on Cancun and the Riviera Maya.
Most destinations around the world are back into lockdown except for Mexico.
If you are asking the question that is on everyone’s mind “Where can I travel?” The only answer you may receive is Mexico!
Black folks are booking trips to Mexico left and right and Tulum is now the number one destination for travelers in 2021.
The world has changed since the outbreak of the coronavirus, and deciding where to travel is not as easy as it was Pre-COVID.
Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Mexico City, Mexico (July 12, 2021)
Location: Mexico Effective July 12, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Mexico due to COVID-19, indicating a very high level of COVID-19 in the country.
Visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Mexico.
Please see CDC’s FAQ for answers to questions about the new requirement for proof of negative COVID-19 test or recovery from COVID-19 for all air passengers arriving in the United States.
Key Information for Mexico Travelers
- Travel increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. CDC recommends that you do not travel at this time.
- Travelers should avoid all travel to Mexico.
- If you must travel:
- Before you travel, get tested with a viral test 1–3 days before your trip.
- Do NOT travel if you were exposed to COVID-19, you are sick, or you test positive for COVID-19. Learn when it is safe for you to travel. Don’t travel with someone who is sick.
- Follow all entry requirements for your destination and provide any required or requested health information.
- If you do not follow your destination’s requirements, you may be denied entry and required to return to the United States.
- During travel, wear a mask, avoid crowds, stay at least 6 feet from people who are not traveling with you, wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer, and watch for symptoms.
- Before traveling back to the United States by air, get tested with a viral test no more than 3 days before your flight departs. The test result must be negative. Keep a copy of your test results with you during travel in case you are asked for them.
- Frequently Asked Questions for more information about this requirement. Follow all destination and airline recommendations or requirements.
- After you travel, get tested 3–5 days after travel AND stay home to self-quarantine for 7 days after travel. If you don’t get tested, it’s safest to stay home to self-quarantine for 10 days.
- Before you travel, get tested with a viral test 1–3 days before your trip.
Cancun Travel Restrictions
The State Department has issued a new, strict “do not travel” advisory for U.S. citizens regarding five Mexican states because of violent crime and gang activity.
While the State Department has long recommended travelers exercise “increased caution” in Mexico in general because of widespread homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery, the new warning elevates the five states to level 4, the highest level of potential danger.
The advisory, issued in January 2021, puts the states of Tamaulipas on the U.S. border and Sinaloa, Colima, Michoacan, and Guerrero on the Pacific coast as a level 4 travel warning.
The main of the Bureau of Consular Affairs is to advise and help U.S. citizens make informed decisions when it comes to deciding if Cancun is safe including travel advisories, warnings, and how to stay in Cancun.
So, is it safe to travel to Mexico right now? Below we will take a look at the Mexico travel advisory boards from both the United States and Canada, as well as the Quintana Roo Tourism Board.
U.S. Department of State Travel Warnings
The U.S. State Department frequently issues advisories for Mexico and specifically Cancun. When an alert or warning is issued for Mexico you likely have questions and concerns.
But before you go off the deep end and start imagining things that will likely not occur cancel a trip to Mexico please find out what is real vs fake about the Mexico travel warnings. , here’s what you need to know.
Click here to read the current Mexico Travel Advisory from the U.S. Department of State website.
While Cancun isn’t located in any of these states the State Department still wants travelers to be on high alert. While in the area the State Department says it may be best to only use toll roads and avoid driving alone or at night.
It also warns people to “exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.”
Furthermore, tourists should steer clear of displaying signs of wealth, “such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry” and exercise extreme caution at banks and ATMs.
In addition, the State Department asks tourists to enroll in its Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Cancun Travel Advisory Fact vs. Fiction
If you get up and go to the grocery store every day, go running at your local park, or even go to a concert you should always take precautions no matter the destination.
Are you worried about traveling to Chattanooga, Houston, Chicago, New Orleans, or Memphis? All of these cities have a higher crime rate than Cancun.
The Mexican Tourism authority and the government want you safe because tourism is Mexico’s number 1 revenue generator and they have pointed to the low numbers of victims of crime compared to the 28 million American tourists who travel to Mexico each year.
Know that Cancun is safe and keep these numbers in mind when planning your vacation for fall 2021.
Cancun is safer than most of America’s biggest cities and if you are not worried about traveling within the U.S. especially with the current racial tensions you should be asking if Cancun is safe.
You take road trips with the family to cities like St. Louis, New Orleans, and Kansas City without giving it a second thought so do not allow the media to make you believe Mexico is unsafe.
Is Cancun Safe?
U.S. Department Mexico Travel Warnings
According Barcelo Travel Magazine Cancun “when the United States government talks, people listen.”
What does the U.S. Government say about traveling to Cancun and can you really believe the Mexico Travel Warnings based on how the current President feels about brown and black
Below is the most current Cancun travel advisory and Mexico travel warning taken directly from the U.S. Government website:
Quintana Roo state – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution in Mexico due to crime and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery – is widespread.
The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or significantly restricted.
Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.
While there are some parts of Mexico and Cancun that are not safe to travel to you do not have to worry about the following areas:
- Cancun
- Cozumel
- Playa del Carmen, Tulum
- Riviera Maya
As you see Cancun is just a Level 3 Advisory – If you need more evidence that Cancun is safe take a look at this interactive map and you will see what other popular countries have the same travel advisory level as Mexico.
As I stated in my previous article Is Mexico safe the countries below have the same Cancun travel advisory and most people don’t think twice about visiting these destinations:
Quintana Roo Tourism
According to PR Newswire, The State of Quintana Roo maintained its current ranking as “Level 3,” the same level that has been in place since the implementation of the new travel advisory system in January 2020.
This level 3 ranking, which comes with the message to “exercise increased caution,” is the travel advisory level given to many countries and tourism destinations in the world, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and China, among others.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Cancun
No matter the destination it is a good idea to always follow these basic travel safety tips. Follow these tips while traveling to Cancun:
- Steer clear of spots with a bad reputation, known gang activity, or places that give you bad vibes. Stick to well-traveled places.
- Check-in with friends and family back home as often as you can. Make sure someone knows where you’re at and when you expect to check in next.
- Be aware of your surroundings. This is a good rule of thumb in general, but it’s especially important when traveling alone.
- Don’t drink too much. Make sure you know your limits. Don’t put yourself in a vulnerable position.
- Only use ATM machines that are found at reputable local banks or those at your resort.
- Do not wear expensive jewelry or watches that might attract unwanted attention.
- Avoid taking excessive amounts of cash out and about with you.
Stick together with your travel companions rather than splitting up, especially when out late at night. If you plan to drive, make it a point to travel during daylight hours.
Choosing to take a taxi at night is always a great idea, just to be on the safe side and know which areas to avoid in Cancun.
Safest Areas for Tourists in Cancun
If you do not go to crime-ridden areas in your own city do not go into crime-ridden areas when you travel. While the crime rate is increasing in Mexico so is the crime in the United States!
The Mexican government wants to keep tourists safe by providing extra security in touristy areas to ensure travelers are safe and you will not have to ask is if the Cancun Travel Advisory is necessary.
Below are the safe areas of Cancun:
The safest area to stay in Cancun is still the Hotel Zone which is a 13-mile stretch of beautiful white-sand beaches with boutique hotels and resorts for both families and couples alike.
Tourism authorities in Mexico and Cancun have pointed out there is rarely violence in Cancun and the numbers are so low that it barely makes a dent in the 28 million American tourists who travel to Mexico and Cancun annually.
Be aware while there has not been any violence within the Hotel Zone – Violence has occurred outside the Hotel Zone and along with other popular vacation spots which have caused many hotels and resorts to tighten their security.
I don’t think you have anything to worry about when traveling to Cancun because Mexico is safe.
Areas to Avoid in Cancun
Now that we have discussed the safest areas in Cancun for tourists here is a list of areas you should avoid when traveling to Cancun or at a minimum be mindful of your surroundings:
- Downtown Cancun – Cancun is extremely safe and downtown Cancun is no different so there is no reason to be afraid but be extra diligent and precautious if you are traveling outside of Cancun at night and always notify someone of your location if you are traveling alone.
- Shopping in Cancun – If you are like me you love shopping and exploring the local markets but please take proper precautions do not flash money, wear expensive jewelry and keep your purse closed because pickpocketers will be watching and waiting to make their move.
- Surrounding Towns– There are plenty of surrounding neighborhoods and towns that are extremely safe and perfect for day trips including Guanajuato, San Cristóbal de las Casas and Oaxaca City.
- Driving or renting a car in Cancun – While you should always take precautions while driving in a foreign country, there’s no need to be fearful of driving in Cancun or renting a car.
- I rented a car on my last trip and felt extremely safe so no need to worry at all but the U.S. State Department advises to use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night.
Cancun Travel Restrictions
Assistance for U.S. Citizens
Colonia Cuauhtemoc
Mexico, D.F., Mexico C.P.
06500
Click Below To Watch My Video On Is Cancun Safe
If you decide to travel to any part of Mexico please follow the rules below:
- Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night. In many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital or major cities.
- Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
- Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
- Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
- Review the Crime and Safety Reports for Mexico.
U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
Safest Hotels in Cancun
The safest area to stay in Cancun is still the Hotel Zone, a 13-mile arc of beautiful white-sand beaches lined with resorts and hotels for every budget.
Many hotels are all-inclusive and discourage non-guests on the property, and the high-end resorts tend to have robust security.
Avoid staying or partying in downtown Cancun, where most of the recent violence has taken place.
Best and Safest Resorts in Cancun
Cancun is known for both mega resorts and luxury boutique hotels with multiple restaurants, bars, and nightlife activity. So if you're looking for a getaway I have visited Cancun's best hotels so you will know where to stay for your ultimate vacation to Cancun!
Le Blanc
The luxurious, 260-room Le Blanc Spa is the best (and priciest) adult-only all-inclusive in town. It stands out for its gorgeous white-sand beach in the heart of the Hotel Zone, decadent spa (guests get free access to the hydrotherapy area), stunning pools (two with swim-up bars), and especially its pampering service, from the butlers who will unpack your clothes to the pool attendants who will provide cool towels for your eyes. It has a hip, gorgeous aesthetic throughout the entire pristine white property, and the modern, bright rooms have two-person whirlpool tubs; most have either ocean or lagoon views.
Excellence Playa Mujeres
This adult-only luxury resort offers a nice all-inclusive experience with tons of variety -- multiple dining options, several beautiful pools, a gorgeous spa, and dozens of wonderful activities. The rooms here are large and contemporary, with large modern bathrooms, Jacuzzis, and high-end amenities such as big flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and iPod docks. Some have a large rooftop terrace with a private plunge pool with ocean views.
Be tulum Lifestyle Luxury Hotel, Private Villas & Spa.
Be Tulum – a luxury lifestyle Hotel Spa & Private Villas inspired by the rustic charm and raw natural beauty of the Mayan Riviera.
Uniquely built by the sea-cliffs, Tulum is located in the Yucatán Península in the state of Quintana Roo, southeastern México, on the northern border of the biosphere reserve of Sian Ka’an.
Kin Sol Soleil
Kin Sol Soleil is a charming home in the tradition of the Mexican haciendas where handmade hospitality, personal service and privacy are unsurpassed. The elegant simplicity of the beautiful natural setting is enhanced with native thatched roofs, glowing mahogany, bamboo-filtered light, colorful fabrics, original art, voluptuous gardens, gourmet cuisine and warm smiles.
Renaissance Cancun Resort & Marina
Situated in an exclusive area in Zona Hotelera, the all-new Renaissance Cancun Resort & Marina is a scenic haven in a lively travel destination. Find respite in your waterfront accommodations with refined design elements, contemporary essentials, luxury amenities and inspiring views of the city and shimmering bay. Stay within steps of the beach in the Cancun entertainment zone near Marina Town Center Mall, Isla Mujeres and popular shops, restaurants and pubs in downtown.
Best Time to Travel to Mexico
Because Mexico is a big country deciding when and where to travel totally depends on the weather and which area you are visiting and if you are going on a Girls’ Trip in Los Cabos or a family vacation in Cancun.
The southern part of Mexico has a rainy season which generally starts in May until October. Not to worry it only rains for a short period of time and the sun will come right back out.
If you want to travel in the cooler season book your trip from December to February when it is cooler.
I suggest traveling to Mexico is between December and April when the temperatures are more comfortable and the humidity is not at all an all-time high.
Mexico Travel Insurance
I can’t say this enough but please get insurance when traveling to Mexico! Even if you are only going on a short trip, you should always travel with insurance.
Have fun while visiting Mexico, but take it from someone who has racked up thousands of bucks on an insurance claim before, you need it.
Make sure to get your insurance before you head off on an adventure! I highly recommend Travelex Insurance.
The Conclusion: Is Cancun Safe and Cancun Travel Advisory 2021
Yes, Cancun is safe!
There is no doubt that there has been horrible violence in Mexico due to drug wars between warring factions but that violence has, for the most part, are in isolated areas.
Of course, there are certain areas to avoid in Cancun but it is no different than you being in your own hometown where crime is restricted to certain areas.
DO NOT allow the U.S. media to shape your thoughts and views of Cancun because they are not only misleading but wrong!
One of Mexico’s most popular tourist regions plans to begin charging foreign visitors a new $10 tax starting in April 2021.
The tax is meant to help offset a decline in overall tourism spending in the state, the Riviera Maya Times reported.
Quintana Roo is located on Mexico’s eastern Yucatan Peninsula and is home to popular destinations including Cancun, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, and the ancient Maya ruins in Tulum.
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Victoria says
These are some great tips for traveling to Cancun. I’ve never been there, but it’s on my bucket list. I have been to Cozumel and didn’t have any problems.
Stacie says
I haven’t been to Cancun but I’d still visit. I don’t drink so I would stay away from that since I’ve heard about people get sick and dying after drinking.
Carissa says
I haven’t been to Cancun and I can’t say its high on my list right now but this is great information. I think with everything going on in the world, everyone is a little skeptical on traveling outside of the country
Mimi Robinson says
Mexico is still on my list of places to experience. I have seen beautiful pictures and I want to go see it for myself.
Tomiko says
Los Cabos and Cancun are my favorite and its expensive to get there.
Kiwi says
Ironcially I am in Mexico right now in Playa Del Carmen so not too far from Cancun. Great info because there was a travel advisory by Trump but glad it isnt on high alert.
Larry says
We have been to Cancun 14 times …Never an Issue ,we will be back there in march… can’t wait… Just like Anywhere else,if you are looking for trouble,you can find it.
Kim says
Although I haven’t been to Cancun;however, I do want to visit Tulum, – I’ve learned to take heed with the travel advisories. You have a lot of helpful pointers too.
Julia says
I am from Norway and LOVED our stay in Cancun summer 2019. We met only lovely people and beautiful destinations! I would recommend everyone seeing cancun, it is really breathtaking!
Rolando Balance says
My Wife and I have traveled to Cancun with our teenage son and have never had any issues. We have been to Hotel Row, Playa del Carmen, Playcar, Tulum and Puerto Morelos. We always rent a car and have even driven 2 1/2 hours from Cancun to Valladolid Yucatan Mexico. “Great Cenotes in this area” We are going back this April 2021, but we are going to Island hop! Isla Holbox, Isla Mujeres, Isla Cozumel and we will be taking a4 hour day trip to Bacalar, Quintana Roo! We Were in Puerto Morelos for 4th of July week 2020 and were in Huatulco, Oaxaca September 2020 for our 20th Anniversary! We rented a car as always. One thing I can tell you is that in Cancun they are taking this pandemic seriously! The hotels, the tours, the restaurants, the stores and the malls are temperature checking, mandating the use of the mask, making you disinfect your shoes and handing out sanitizer before they allow you in. They are also taking the safe distancing seriously, unlike here in the US where we have these conspiracy theorists that claim the virus is a hoax. We not only feel safe in the Riviera Maya, but we also appreciate that the people there are keeping us visitors and themselves safe!!! Thanks for this page to help fellow travelers to discover the truth about Mexican travel. By the way, if in your Naivety, you like to get drunk, search for illegal substances and women? If the bad guys don’t get you first, the undercover Mexican drug enforcement officers will take you down…
Leather Halters says
Great Information You Shared.
Lisa DeLille Bolton says
My just-graduated-college son and several of his friends are literally flying to Cancun this morning on a trip planned months back by one of the kids’ uncle who is a professional travel agent. I panicked at the State Dept update but felt much better after reading beautifully researched and well written and informative website : THANK YOU!!! I am worried post trump that people in Mexico who are rightly upset with America (since we elected — did we? really? — a racist reality tv show guy to run our country and at least he got us all talking about how things need to change) might look at my son who is a large white male and make inaccurate assumptions about him and his views based on his large white maleness. I am aware that my Black-mom friends/colleagues/patients have been dealing with people making inaccurate assumptions based on appearance for lifetimes longer than I have, and I have a whole new appreciation of that experience and how unsettling it is. We raised our son to be antiracist, not really knowing that word yet, 22 years ago, but aware because we could see what has needed to change in this country since America began with a massive blind spot as the the difference between our words “liberty and justice all” and our actions, and my hope and expectation is that my large white male son bears the responsibility to help create that Love-Thy-Neighbor world we all want for ourselves and one another, or so I choose to believe and so I believe God wants us all to have. I don’t know why I’m oversharing like this except I’ve been up since 4 and maybe had too much coffee? My son texted to say they’re off to Mexico, I looked on the State Dept website again, saw the update, freaked out, googled feverishly, found this page, and feel much better, and appreciate this information so much, and now want to quit worrying and jump on a plane and have fun and Be The Change. thank you and sorry for oversharing and God Bless!
Tomiko says
No worries whatsoever! Mexico is extremely safe and I just purchased my ticket for Cabo yesterday. I have never encountered any issues while traveling to Mexico. I’m sure your son will be safe and please keep me posted
Michael Malone says
Umm no. Let’s not bring politics into this, My wife is Mexican. From Cancun I’m a gringo. I’m from Missouri. . We live back and forth. Is this Cancun safe? Don’t ever say politics ever…. It has nothing to do with politics.
Tomiko says
I just returned from Cabo and Cancun within the last 3 months. I have been traveling Mexico for years with both my friends, husband, daughter and solo. I have never once encountered criminal activity. Not once have I felt threatened, not once have I been robbed, Not once have my credit cards been stolen but guess where all of the things have happened? Right here in Tennessee!
Terrie says
I took my daughter to Cancun when she graduated college. The hotel was rated 5 star. I was aware of my surroundings at all times. Having lived in Tijuana for over 6 months in the late 70’s. What can I say, it was my rebellious years. Anyway, my daughter had the best time of her life. When she heard me speak Spanish, she hugged me and said “Mom, you amaze me.” I have been to Cancun and Playa del Carmen several times since then. With someone and mostly by myself. I even had a medical procedure done in Cancun. My advice is be able to understand Spanish. At least the basics. Be respectful of the people waiting on you. Remember to tip those waiting on you. A dollar tip will get you better service.