I have been receiving a lot of questions on is it Safe To Travel To Mexico because of the recent Mexico travel warning. Although Mexico is filled with breathtaking coastal scenery, awe-inspiring ancient ruins, and charming colonial towns it has a bad reputation of being filled with crime and unsafe for travelers but the question remains “Is Mexico Safe” and specifically “Is Cancun safe for travel in 2019?”
A Level 2 security alert was issued for Mexico on November 15, 2018, and has many travelers extremely nervous about traveling south of the border. Mexico is an easily accessible vacation destination for many Americans so I do understand why tourist are asking is Mexico Safe?
A Level 2 security alert simply means travel with caution due to increased crime.
What Does The Mexico Travel Warning Mean For You?
The main area tourist is worried about is Mexico’s Quintana Roo state, which includes Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Riviera Maya. The State Department recognizes that most of the crime in this region seems to be tied to criminal organizations “turf battles” between criminal groups which have resulted in an uptake of violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens.”
Not only are some areas of Mexico indeed seeing the worst homicide figures in decades, but the country recorded its most violent year on record last year, ultimately pointing to an alarming rise in cartel activity. This prompted the U.S. State Department to up the ante on its travel advisories to the country late last year, placing five Mexican states on its highest Level 4 “Do No Travel” advisory under its newly revamped system.
Mexico is one of the Top Ten countries for travel so many are wondering is it safe to travel to Mexico in 2019.
Related Post: 7 Important Reasons Why People Travel
Yes, It’s Safe To Travel To Mexico
But don’t let the overexaggerated news stories deter you from traveling to this vibrant Latin American destination. Aside from dangerous areas along the U.S. border and other regions where cartels operate, Mexico is mostly a safe country. In general, if you’re not taking part in illegal activities you don’t have anything to worry about.
Have you stopped going to the grocery store because of the crime in your city? Of course not!
To put things in perspective, Level 2 is the same tier given to many other tourist hotspots that have an uptake in crime including the following countries.
I have been to the Dominican Republic, Belize, and Italy and I have never wondered is it safe to travel to those countries. Are you concerned about traveling to Italy? Italy has the same level 2 warning so why is Mexico considered more violent and why are you asking is it safe to travel to Mexico?
Which Cities Have Travel Warnings
Level 4: Do Not Travel
- Guerrero, which includes Acapulco, Ixtapa, Taxco, and Zihuatanejo
Level 3: Reconsider Travel
- Jalisco, which includes Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta
Level 3: Reconsider Travel
- Nayarit, which includes Sayulita, is also listed as Level 3 with the same advice as for Jalisco
“Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
- Baja California Sur which includes Los Cabos
“Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
- Quintana Roo, which includes Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, and Tulum, is also listed as Level 2, with the same advice listed as in Baja
“Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
- Mexico City and the state of Oaxaca are also both listed as Level 2, with the advice to “exercise increased caution due to crime.”
Is It Safe To Travel To Mexico?
Most people visit and travel around Mexico without incident and I am one of those people who just returned and I had the time of my life.
Mexico is a very friendly country and the people are extremely warm and will go out of their way to help you. Many Mexicans speak English, especially in areas frequented by tourists. Although you will have a richer experience if you learn some Spanish you don’t have to because most folk will speak English.
Remember, these warnings go into effect because of a spike in criminal activity but these are in very small areas of Mexico.
Have you heard of the old saying “If you don’t go looking for trouble you probably will not find any trouble”
I visited Cabo San Lucas in late September and I felt completely safe not only at the resort but also as I ventured out into town. There is crime everywhere so we must use our common sense when traveling.
There are a ton of beautiful resorts and boutique hotels in Los Cabo so please do not be afraid to travel to Mexico.
Do Your Research
If you’re worried about visiting a specific location, it pays to research that area before you book your travel. Join Facebook groups such as Cancun Mexico Travel, Tours, Tips, and Ideas that are dedicated to traveling to Mexico.
How To Keep Yourself Safe in Mexico
Although a travel advisory is in effect, it’s important to remember that tourist flock to Mexico every year without incident.
The Mexican government is highly motivated to keep tourist safe in order to preserve the tourist trade but you must also do your part when asking is it safe to travel to Mexico.
Here are some precautions that you can take in order to make sure your trip goes as planned:
- Keep Your Nose Clean: As mentioned above, much of the criminal activity in Mexico revolves around the drug trade and sex trade. Although many Americans go south of the border to have a little fun remember the last thing you want is to end up in a Mexican Jail.
- When Driving, Stick to Main Roads and Daytime Travel: One of the most popular methods to extort money and protect cartel turf is through carjacks or roadblock ambushes. Avoid backroads and nighttime driving and hire taxis and driving services through the hotel where you’re staying.
- Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date about safety news through a few methods. First of all, talk with your travel agent and/or hotel concierge about safety updates, and where to go. They’ll have the most current read on the situation. As an American Citizen, you should also consider signing up for STEP, the Department of State’s Safe Traveler Enrollment Program. This will sign you up for travel alerts, put you on the consulate and embassy’s radar, and make it easier to work things out if there’s an incident.
Use Your Common Sense
Traveling anywhere requires a little bit of a safety precaution. So, remember to enlist these general rules during your vacation and you will not have to ask is it safe to travel to Mexico:
- Leave a copy of your passport and itinerary with someone at home.
- Keep your valuables locked up when you leave the hotel.
- Learn the language as much as possible (This is not just for safety, but also for courtesy, which can actually keep you safer too!)
- Trust people who are invested long-term in making your stay a good one, like booking agents and hotel staff, and be on your guard with one-off opportunities.
What To Do Now That You Know Mexico Is Safe
Mexico gets a bad rap; as I have discussed it’s not as dangerous as you think. However, like in any big city, you should use your common sense to prevent theft. Check my top attractions while visiting Mexico!
1. Enjoy The Beach
With nearly 6000 miles of coastline and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Mexico is great for families, couples and solo travelers who love great beaches.
2. What To See In Mexico
Visit the Mayan archaeological sites of the Yucatan Peninsula which is one of the 7 World Wonders.
3. What To Do In Mexico
There are lots of opportunities for adventures in Los Cabos from snorkeling, kayaking, tequila tasting, to camel rides and so much more in Mexico. Get your adrenaline rushing as you zip-line through the jungle or explore an underground river. You can learn to surf or enjoy a bird’s eye view of the beach and ocean as you parasail.
4. What To Eat In Mexico
You cant visit Mexico and not indulge in the local cuisine. If you think the only thing Mexico has to offer are tacos you are in for a treat. Try traditional Mexican cuisines like mole, chiles rellenos, quesillo, tlayudas, and tamales and wash it down with your choice of tequila or mezcal!
5. Where To Stay In Mexico
While there is nothing wrong with staying at a huge resort, I personally prefer staying at a luxury boutique hotel. I am a boutique hotel connoisseur so I have taken the guesswork out of finding not only the best resorts in Cabo San Lucas.
Ready to plan your trip, grab my FREE Vacation Planner to help you plan your trip in the time it takes to watch your favorite TV show!
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70 comments
Thank you for the great information. After a long time I am going to visit North America and my first plan to visit Mexico.For this awesome place, I already discussed and contact with Oscar Cancun Shuttle for transportation from Airport to travel places.
[…] visited Los Cabos this past fall after not visiting Los Cabos because I listened to people who said Mexico was too dangerous I came to the conclusion… there are simply too many great beaches to choose just one as […]
[…] Related Post: How Safe Is It To Travel To Mexico […]
I just read into “is It Safe To Travel To Mexico”….This is exhausting and stressful but I’ve already made plans to this country I’ve been wanting to return to and I don’t want to cancel them (I’ll loose money). With that said I leave for Mexico in early June. My plans are Mexico City for 2 days than a bus to Taxco, MX, as Taxco was the main reason to return to purchase and photograph this small quaint town filled with churches. I may have to cancel this part of my trip.
No! Dont cancel! Mexico is completely safe and I went last year and everything was fine. Italy, Europe and a lot of other countries have the same warning level.
Mexico is not completely safe!! You have to be careful and try your best not to look like a tourist. Btw,, I’m Mexican…
Maru- I think there is crime everywhere and to single an entire country out is crazy to me. I am in Tennessee and if you go looking for trouble you will find trouble. I felt more unsafe in Rome than I did Mexico and Rome has the same level 2 warning that Mexico has but Rome doesn’t have the same stigma associated with crime.
I’m so glad I found “is it safe to travel to Mexico”. My daughter (20) and 8 of her sorority sisters are going on a cruise in March and the two stops are Cozumel and Puerta Costa Maya. I feel somewhat better about their safety after reading your article. Do you have anything to add for cruise ship safety or safety at these ports? I’m excited for her, but still a nervous momma.
Mexico is completely safe so need to worry. I am going back in April myself. I am sure they know all of the rules about not taking drinks from strangers and make sure they have safe words. It might sound silly to them to create a safe word because nobody ever thinks something is going to happen until it does.
Plans for Puerto Vallarta early spring? Very concerned.
No need to be concerned. If you are not concerned about Italy or other parts of Europe no need to be concerned about Mexico. I was felt more unsafe in Rome than I did in Mexico
I will be traveling with my husband and two little kids to Puerto Vallarta in August. I would love to hear your feedback when you return.
My family just booked a cruise for late April that stops in the Yuccatan and Cozumel. What about safety when you are on a cruise ship? Any ideas?
We did that cruise last year and felt safe. We even rented our own car for Cozumel and felt safe driving around. (We are a family of 5 with blonde haired blue eyed kids.)
Melissa- Exactly! If you are not in the hood looking for drugs and trying to buy hookers you will probably be ok. I thought I was going to get robbed in Rome but never once did I feel unsafe in Mexico
Do you have a recommended taxi company we can use in cancun for transport from airport to our hotel?
WOW! I just stumbled on your site, and like you, I plan to travel this world before my “final exit”. Thank you again for providing travelers with information. I look forward to your future blogs.
Yours in Travel,
Thanks so much Lorenzo! Happy to have you and please feel free to reach out and follow me on facebook and instagram
We leave for Mexico in 2 weeks, and with the latest on Venezula, should we cancel?
I saw on the news today Venezuela was experiencing some issues. Let me do some research tonight and I will get back with you first thing in the morning.
PLAN ON TRAVELING TO CANCUN WITH A GROUP OF MY GIRLFIRENDS AND WOULD LIKE TO DO AN AIR BNB. IS THIS SAFE? OR SHOULD WE REMAIN AT A RESORT??
I stayed two nights at an air bnb and we were perfectly fine. I suggest finding one that has a chef and they will prepare authentic Mexican cuisine and you won’t have to worry about going out every morning to find breakfast.
Hi, we’re leaving in 3 weeks, we will be staying 3 nights in Tulum, 1 in chichen itza, 2 in Mérida and 2 in Cancun. We’re quite nervous about this. How safe will we be?
Hi Nancy. There is no reason to be nervous whatsoever. as I stated Italy, Czech Republic, Spain, and other countries have the same level warning which just means be safe. I felt more unsafe in Rome than I did Mexico so no need to worry.
Regulated prescriptions were a concern of my wife and I crossing the border. I’ll be bringing Adderall and she has sleep medication. I was told that the original bottle is sufficient with clear labeling. And how do you secure them in your motel room?
Hey Bruce- I suggest getting a written note from your doctor and do not pull the label off. Make sure you have a written prescription in case you lose your medication.
[…] Cabos is one of Mexico’s most popular tourist spots. The southernmost municipality on Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula contains plenty of chain […]
My 19 year old son and 2 friends are planning to go to Cozumel and stay at an air bnb by the cruise ship pier. They want to go fishing. Should I be worried and encourage them to go elsewhere? Your site implies they will be fine if they keep their noses clean. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks.
Kristi- you are exactly right. I have traveled all over Mexico and I nothing has happened to me. Mexico is no different than any other city or country. If you stay out of bad areas and dont go looking for trouble you wont find any. as I stated in the article I felt more unsafe in Rome than I did in Mexico.
If you had a choice of Belize or Puerta Vallarta which would you do? Which do you fell is safer, we have kids ages 12, 12, 15.
I went to Belize last year to the Belize lobster festival ( https://passportsandgrub.com/placencia-lobster-festival/ ) we had a ball and there were tons of kids everywhere. if your family loves seafood you can have lobster prepared every way imaginable! I suggest Belize and if you are adventurous ditch the beach and stay in the jungle at Ka’ana Luxury Resort. I have a review on the resort and also their the little blue hole that the kids can actually jump in. Its amazing
I am trying to plan a trip to Cancun in September 2019. I went many years ago and drove to Chichen Itcha, Tulum and Xcaret. Would like to do the same this trip. Rental cars are very cheap. We will be a group of at least 5 adults and can drive during the day instead of at night. Do you think this is safe?
I think you will be ok. Don’t go trying to buy drugs and keep your noses clean but you should do that when you are traveling anywhere. I’ve visited Mexico plenty of times and my husband and I have never experienced anything but sweet and kind people.
Hello, I am going to Cancun in March and I’m a little nervous as I am taking 2 small children. Is there any activities you recommend, any transportation from the airline to hotel ? Any tips anything else that would be helpful ? Thank you !
my first question is are you staying at an all-inclusive resort? If you are staying at all-inclusive resort all if not most of the activities should be included.
My husband and I plan to travel next month – we would like to see the ruins in Tulum. Do you recommend staying in a larger city like Cancun or Cozumel or is Tulum ok?
Cancun and Cozumel are just like staying in any American city and you will be completely safe. I recommend staying in Cancun or Cozumel since you are older.
Hi-Webare traveling to Cancun to stay at GR SOLARIS for and all inclusive visit . I feel like just staying at the resort and Evan so , question our safety . we are a group of seniors and nervous to begin with . We want to know your option on this hotel and security measures all around . Thanks, Marcia
Hi-Webare traveling to Cancun to stay at GR SOLARIS for and all inclusive visit . I feel like just staying at the resort and Evan so , question our safety . we are a group of seniors. Thanks, Marcia
Thinking of a trip in July to Rocky Point. We really want to go but have been warned that it may not be completely safe. The part of the trip I have been warned the most about is driving there. We would be driving from the Tuscon area using a rental car. Any advice? We would be staying at an AirBnb owned by an American couple.
Carol-
I just wrote an article about the best beaches in Mexico and most of them you will need to rent a car and venture out on your own. I think you will be just fine. As i stated if you are not going into crime-ridden areas looking for drugs and stay on the main roads you will be fine. Use your common sense and stay out of trouble. Mexico has a level 2 warning and for the most part the people of mexico are very safe and friendly. They need tourism dollars and I have never had an issue in my travels to Mexico
is Mazatlan OK to travel to??
I am traveling to Puerto Vallarta with my two little kids ( 5 & 10) and husband in August and am becoming paranoid about the “reconsider travel” alert that is on this area. I worry that a young family would be a target, am I crazy? We are staying at a 4 star resort and have shuttles arranged to and from the airport. I also hope to do an excursion or two but want to make sure I am keeping us safe. Thoughts?
We have been travelling to Mexico for 12 years now and we love it so much we invested and spend our winters here! After considering Chapala, Ajijic and Puerto Vallarta, we opted to purchase a home about an hour north of Manzanillo. Many friends and neighbors go to Manzanillo regularly for fun, dining, shopping and other stuff like excellent dental work at a fraction of the cost that one pays at home in Canada. We love the small town ambiance to be found in Barra de Navidad, Melaque, La Manzanilla and Cuestocomate. We feel completely safe. I don’t do anything here that I would not do in Toronto. We lock the doors we leave the house, we do not leave valuables in plain sight in our car, etc. So come on down and enjoy!
exactly! I cant understand why people think it is so unsafe. Use common sense and you will be fine. Do you leave your valuables out in plain sight in the states? are you buying drugs? are you riding around in not so nice neighborhoods in the states? Use the same common sense you do anywhere else you will be fine. Thanks so much for the comment
I’m traveling next month and I’m worried and have high anxiety because of my two kids. But I’m glad I ran into your site. I am also going to Nayarit, is that safe?? please advise
Malika- I have never been to Nayarit but I did a little digging before I responded and this is what I found. It is a level 3 where most parts of Mexico is a level 2. I would be careful and make sure you are aware of your surrounding. I checked with another travel blogger and she stated she just left this area and didnt have any issues. I will see what else I can find for you.
Nayarit state – Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Reconsider travel due to crime.
Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Nayarit state. U.S. government employees may not travel to:
Tepic
San Blas
There are no restrictions on travel for U.S government employees to: Riviera Nayarit (including Nuevo Vallarta and Bahia de Banderas) and Santa Maria del Oro.
Hi
We are planning to go to Mexico in March. We will book a resort all inclusive, We have plan to got to beach, chichun itza ,xcaret and There is one road in Cancun where we can go. I am worried because i have 2 kids and one is 7 months old baby with me. i am thinking if it is safe to travel there with baby??Please advice
Hi Sonia- are you renting a car to go to the beach?
Tomiko, Mexico in these areas are now up to a Level 4. I’m looking to visit Manzanillo. How do you feel about this area? The US government is saying Don’t go at all??
I did a little research and everything I found said Manzanillo was safe and crime was virtually nonexistent because the Mexican army and Navy is based there. I checked my friend’s Goats on the road and they sent me this article.
https://www.goatsontheroad.com/manzanillo-colima-travel-guide/
Good article, aside from this preachy, accusatory bit: “Are you concerned about traveling to Italy? Italy has the same level 2 warning so why is Mexico considered more violent and why are you asking is it safe to travel to Mexico?”. You never answer your, I assume, rhetorical question. You very well know why, because chopped up tourists stuffed in car trunks are splashed across the evening news. That’s why, so why the superior tone? The answer to Q1 would be yes, I would be concerned about traveling to certain parts of Italy.
Steve- of course, the article was accusatory because I felt more threatened in Rome than I did in Mexico. Rome is notorious for criminal activity but it does not receive the same “fear” as other destinations. I ask why is that? Why is Mexico considered so dangerous but other destinations with the same warning level is not? I have traveled all over Mexico and I have never felt unsafe.
Tomiko, obviously you are a paid promoter of mexican tourism. Mexico is not safe, sure maybe a small percentage run in to issues but do you want that small percentage to be your family killed? Ask Tyler Meyers family what they think of Mexico. I have been there recently and did not feel safe. All Americans are targets. Travel advisories are in place for a reason and even they are not as strong as they should be. Avoid Mexico.
I am not a paid promoter of the Mexican Tourism board and they actually are not even aware of my article. I wrote the article I felt very unsafe in Rome and was frightened for my life but while I was in Mexico I felt completely safe and at ease. Everyone was asking me was I afraid to go to Mexico. When was the last time you visited Mexico or are you just saying avoid Mexico because the media tells to you avoid Mexico?
I am going to Cancun in April with two of my old college friends. I am not the least bit concerned but they are. They feel like once we transfer to hotel we should stay at resort. I have been to Cabo but never Cancun and want to visit Tulum. I also want to do an excursion to Isla Mujeres. I plan to book all excursions through resort. Should my friends be concerned and how can I convince them it is safe?
all three destinations are safe but I havent been to Tulum in years and I recently heard that while it’s still safe the beaches are not what they once were because of tourist. I use viator to book all of my excursions but if you are staying at an all inclusive they may provide excursions as part of your trip. Tell your girlfriends not to worry and have a good time. I felt more unsafe in Rome than I did Mexico. I was actually scared to death in Rome but thats another story.
Sorry dude to hear your were scared in Rome. Rome is one of the safest cities in Europe.
Been to Rome 3 times and walked the city both day and late night, without any issues.
Only thing I found was people were not that friendly, other than that we had a great time.
No matter where you go, always due your research before you go.
you are absolutely right. you could live in the safest neighborhood and you should still lock your doors at night and it’s no different when traveling. Don’t go looking for trouble, don’t go buying drugs, don’t sit your drink down and that’s across the board whether it’s in the states or internationally.
Well I get trouble from customs bringing Regulated drugs prescriptions after landing at customs. I’ll be bringing Adderall and she has sleep medication. I was told that the original bottle is sufficient with clear labeling. And how do you secure them in your motel room?
Make sure you put all of your medication in the safe along with any other valuables. Also, have copies of your prescription and keep the original label on the bottle.
No place in Mexico, Latin America or the Caribbean is SAFE for gringos who are regarded fair game like deer hunting season ! Everything else you here is pure BS ! I have traveled and lived worldwide and visited Mexico several times since the 60’s and felt extremely nervous every time I ventured south of de border ! I have lived 11 years in Asia and NEVER a problem there ! Latin countries are corrupt from the top down that is the main problem, cops are on the take everywhere their morale is LOW ! Mexican politicians and officials are like the Sopranos!
Bottom line Mexico is absolutely NOT safe for anyone !
If you are as well traveled as you say you are then you should know Mexico is not as dangerous as the news the portrays. I wonder why only black and brown countries are considered dangerous. As I stated in the article I felt more afraid in Rome than Mexico. It seems like you are listening to the news vs actually experiencing the country and getting to know the locals. Your I am better than tone tells me exactly why you feel the way you do.
Why bring up “black and brown?” They do not like Americans and we are the great melting pot, so no color, just being American is enough. Afterall, are ‘we’ not trying to keep them from coming to our country, illegally? You are being naive but sincerely wish you great and safe travels.
I bring up black and brown because there is clearly a difference in the way the news portrays countries of black and brown people vs other countries. Rome was a nightmare for me and it has the same level 2 warning as Mexico but you dont see the media reporting how dangerous Rome or other countries that has the same level 2 warning
I wonder if you are just as passionate about the killing of unarmed black men in the states?
I went on an excursion through a cruise line in the Dominican Republic, which the cruise line strongly suggests using their excursions for safety. The lady who ran the tour insisted we go thru the town on the way back, the bus driver didn’t say much, but it was obvious he did not want to. It was wrong. Well, that would be a perfect example of how things could go wrong. I made a comment on the review online.
In that situation there isnt much you can do because the excursion is set up by a third party. I dont blame you for leaving a bad review because what if things had turned out differently. Glad you are safe
My boyfriend and I traveled to Cancun in February of 2018 and had something put in our drinks MY boyfriend ended up in the hospital with a large bill to pay and thought I was never going to get out Now afraid to travel there How do you get the feeling back to travel I have been going to Cancun since 1997 and just loved it
You have to look at it the same you would if you were at a bar in the states. Say you went to Nashville for the weekend and someone put something in your drink you wouldnt say I am never traveling anywhere else again. Things happen and we as travelers have to cautious no matter where we are traveling too. I dont care if I am in Texas or the Amalfi Coast I try to make sure I am very aware of my surroundings.