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U.S. Issues Travel Warning for Mexico Ahead of Spring Break

The warning is asking travelers to “travel smart” and “be informed."

marako85/Getty Images

The United States is warning travelers heading to Mexico to be aware of their surroundings ahead of the spring break holiday season.

The warning , which was issued this week by the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico, reminds travelers to “travel smart” and “be informed” as “thousands of U.S. citizens visit Mexico during spring break” each year. The embassy continued that “while the vast majority travel safely,” visitors should be aware of issues with crime, drugs, unregulated alcohol, drownings, and more. 

“Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations. Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations,” the embassy warned. “U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in the downtown areas of popular spring break locations including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum, especially after dark.”

The warning also reminded American travelers that drug possession and use is illegal in Mexico, including medical marijuana. It also advised that unregulated alcohol may be contaminated, that counterfeit medication is common, and that guns are illegal in Mexico.

When it comes to the country’s popular beaches, the embassy reminded travelers some beaches may have strong rip tides and “may lack lifeguards, warnings, or signs of unsafe conditions.”

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico issued a similar spring break warning last year .

The U.S. Department of State classifies different states in Mexico under different warning levels. While travelers can “exercise normal precautions” when traveling to the Campeche and Yucatan states, the State Department warns them to “exercise increased caution” when heading to places like Baja California Sur (where Los Cabos is), Mexico City, and Quintana Roo (where Cancun is) due to crime.

The State Department also asks American travelers to “reconsider” going to the state of Jalisco, which is home to popular destination Puerto Vallarta , due to the danger of crime and kidnapping.

The State Department recommends Americans who do travel to Mexico keep people at home informed of their travel plans and enroll in the department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to both receive alerts and make it easier to locate them if an emergency occurs.

Travelers heading to international destinations can view all current travel advisories on the State Department's website at  travel.state.gov .

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Mexico Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Mexico. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Global Dengue June 25, 2024 Dengue is a year-round risk in many parts of the world, with outbreaks commonly occurring every 2–5 years. Travelers to risk areas should prevent mosquito bites. Destination List: Afghanistan, Argentina, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curaçao, Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands, Ethiopia, Fiji, French Guiana (France), Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Indonesia, Laos, Mali, Martinique (France), Mauritius, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Samoa, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Uruguay
• Salmonella Newport in Mexico May 30, 2024 Some travelers who have spent time in Mexico have been infected with multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella Newport.
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in Mexico March 12, 2024 There have been reports of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) in people traveling to the United States from Tecate, in the state of Baja California, Mexico.

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Chikungunya

There has been evidence of chikungunya virus transmission in Mexico within the last 5 years. Chikungunya vaccination may be considered for the following travelers:

• People aged 65 years or older, especially those with underlying medical conditions, who may spend at least 2 weeks (cumulative time) in indoor or outdoor areas where mosquitoes are present in Mexico, OR
• People planning to stay in Mexico for a cumulative period of 6 months or more

Chikungunya - CDC Yellow Book

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Mexico.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Mexico. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Mexico.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Mexico take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Mexico.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Dogs infected with rabies are sometimes found in Mexico.

Rabies is also commonly found in some terrestrial wildlife species.

If rabies exposures occur while in Mexico, rabies vaccines are typically available throughout most of the country.

Rabies pre-exposure vaccination considerations include whether travelers 1) will be performing occupational or recreational activities that increase risk for exposure to potentially rabid animals and 2) might have difficulty getting prompt access to safe post-exposure prophylaxis.

Please consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive pre-exposure vaccination before travel.

For more information, see country rabies status assessments .

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil
• Avoid floodwater

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites, chagas disease (american trypanosomiasis).

• Accidentally rub feces (poop) of the triatomine bug into the bug bite, other breaks in the skin, your eyes, or mouth
• From pregnant woman to her baby, contaminated blood products (transfusions), or contaminated food or drink.
• Avoid Bug Bites

Chagas disease

• Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite
• An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

Avian/bird flu.

• Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
• Avoid domestic and wild poultry
• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Mexico, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Mexico. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Some diseases in Mexico—such as dengue, Zika, leishmaniasis, and Chagas disease—are spread by bugs and cannot be prevented with a vaccine. Follow the insect avoidance measures described above to prevent these and other illnesses.

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Mexico include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Mexico. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Mexico’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Mexico. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Mexico may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Mexico, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

For information traffic safety and road conditions in Mexico, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for Mexico .

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

To call for emergency services while in Mexico, dial 066, 060, or 080. Write these numbers down to carry with you during your trip.

Learn as much as you can about Mexico before you travel there. A good place to start is the country-specific information on Mexico from the US Department of State.

Americans in Mexico have been arrested for purchasing souvenirs that were, or looked like, antiques and that local customs authorities believed were national treasures. Familiarize yourself with any local regulations for antiques and follow these tips:

• When you are considering purchasing an authentic antique or a reproduction, ask if you are allowed to export these items before you purchase them.
• If you buy a reproduction, document on the customs form that it is a reproduction.
• If you buy an authentic antique, obtain the necessary export permit (often from the national museum).

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Mexico for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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Home » North America » Travel Safety

Is Mexico Safe for Travel? (Insider Tips – 2024)

Mexico is one of those countries that really divides opinions. With a bad reputation for violent crime and criminal groups, it often scares people away.

Though Mexico has a good reputation for many, many other things. Colourful art, soulful music, elaborate food, rich history… So before people consider travelling to Mexico, they end up asking themselves (or the internet) “is Mexico safe to travel to?”

I’ve spent years now travelling Mexico safely. And let me tell you, this is a special country. I want to share some love for my Mexican brothers and sisters who don’t deserve the bad reputation that the country generally holds. 

Though, granted, it’s not just a place you can drop into unannounced and expect everything to be hunky dory. You should know the score when it comes to staying safe in Mexico. I’ll cover a range of topics about using public transport, personal safety, criminal activity, the popular tourist destinations, and where exactly you need to exercise increased caution. 

If you’re thinking to visit Mexico with your family or even as a solo female traveller, you have every potential for an incredible trip. Though I’m not going to encourage anything without good, solid research.

So let’s start here.

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

There is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, as things change quickly. The question of “Is Mexico Safe?” will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on who you ask.

The information in this safety guide was accurate at the time of writing. If you use our guide, do your own research, and practice common sense, you will probably have a wonderful and safe trip to Mexico.

If you see any outdated information, we would really appreciate it if you could reach out in the comments below. Otherwise, stay safe friends!

Updated March 2024

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Is it Safe to Visit Mexico Right Now?

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The quick answer to that question is yes . Travelling to Mexico right now is safe. Based on the reports of Gobierno de Mexico tourism , Mexico recorded an estimated 30,700,000 tourists from January to November 2022. Amongst these are pretty much safe travels.

Before people start kicking off in the comments about that statement, let me turn that question on its head. Is Mexico dangerous to travel? Well, yes, it can be too.

But no matter what horror stories people want to share about Mexico, it’s absolutely possible to visit Mexico and have a safe – nay – FANTASTIC trip. In fact, it’s one of the top-visited countries in the world – and the vast majority of tourists don’t encounter any problems.

The problem really is what people consider as “dangerous”. That really is a big umbrella term when it comes to the question “ is Mexico safe? “.

Like anywhere, there are things you need to be aware of and safety precautions to take. In this guide to safety in Mexico, I’ll also give you my best safety advice on how to avoid trouble.

Mexico’s bad reputation mainly comes from being situated between coca-producing nations and the USA (the world’s largest drug market). But that doesn’t necessarily reflect how tourists are treated in this country. Gang warfare is basically just that: violence between gangs.

Tourist destinations don’t see the same level of crime that other parts of the country experience; the local authorities are working to keep, at the very least, these popular areas and neighborhoods of Mexico open for business.

Be cautious but also be reassured that since you’re not a part of the violence in Mexico, you’re less likely to be targeted. Unless you’re looking for trouble in Mexico, it shouldn’t come looking for you. At the end of the day, Mexican people are friendly, family-oriented, religious, fun-loving, helpful, and open.

Check out our detailed where to stay guide for Mexico so you can start your trip right!

Mexico is an extremely diverse and dynamic country. Undoubtedly, some of these places to stay in Mexico are safer than others…

As a loose note, the tourist destinations are generally the safest. It’s important for the Mexican government to maintain this huge income from tourism, so ensuring the safety of these visitors is paramount.

Riviera Maya and the state of Quintana Roo receive the most tourists. It is a stretch of Caribbean coastline on Mexico’s northeastern Yucatán Peninsula.

That doesn’t mean to say that you can’t have a completely safe trip if you’re visiting Mexico City or even some of the areas considered dangerous to travel in Mexico too. Sometimes travelling comes down to pure luck.

Do your research on the area you want to stay in and what trip you want to have. But generally, these areas have very few safety issues.

• Playa Del Carmen – Cancun’s little brother is a great place for a safe Mexican vacation. Lots of entertainment for kids, big and small. Staying in Playa Del Carmen is a great alternative for families staying in Mexico.
• Oaxaca State – One of the most culturally diverse states in Mexico attracts visitors from across the globe. Visiting Oaxaca City for El Dia De Los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) festival is one of the country’s top attractions.
• Isla Mujeres – This breathtaking island is something drawn up in a fairytale. Everyone deserves a vacation in Isla Mujeres at some point in their life.

Dangerous Places in Mexico

As in almost every country, there are areas that are better avoided if you want to have a safe trip. The same goes for Mexico.

Some areas are not recommended for travel for various reasons. However, these are generally not places that tourists should have much interest in any way.

Actually, at the time of writing this, the travel advisory from the UK and the USA differed. So before travelling, always do your own research into the area you want to visit before you book anything and before you travel to Mexico.

Drug-related crimes mainly involve (but not limited to) the northern states. Before booking your trip to Mexico and before travelling, check your countries travel advice. They will detail the exact places not recommended and where you should reconsider travel.

To help you out a bit, I’ve listed some areas in Mexico that the U.S government do not recommend travel (at the time of writing). For the sake of caution, I suggest not putting them on your Mexico itinerary .

Note that even in those areas, there are safe places. But, please do your research and exercise extreme caution.

• State of Colima
• State of Guerrero
• State of Michoacan
• State of Sinaloa
• State of Tamaulipas  
• State of Zacatecas

Keeping Your Money Safe in Mexico

One of the most common things to happen to you whilst travelling is losing your money. And let’s face it: the most annoying way for this to actually occur is when it’s stolen from you.

Petty crime is pretty much a problem all over the world.cThe best solution? Get a money belt .

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

It’s generally safe to travel around Mexico, but there’s no such thing as being too careful. To be as secure as possible, here’s a list of top tips for staying safe in Mexico.

• Research – understand what kind of place you are getting into. There are some places in Mexico that you should reconsider travel.
• Blend in – Don’t make yourself look rich.
• Use sun protection – the sun is relentless in Mexico! 
• Take a good medical kit with you – you never know when you might need it!
• Read reviews – for trustworthy bus companies, accommodation, and tours.
• ONLY use official taxis – anything else is illegal and unregulated.
• Don’t walk around after dark – Use those official taxis. 
• Use ATMs with caution – in daylight hours, inside shops/malls, and be discreet.
• Ask about dangerous neighbourhoods – or places to avoid in the local area.
• Hide your money well – money belts work good.
• Always keep an emergency stash of cash – Never keep all your cards/ currency in one place. And hide it all from thieves with a hidden money belt .
• Be wary of scams – if strangers seem to close they are likely to be scamming.
• Learn some Spanish – this will help with eeeeeeverything.
• Ask for recommendations – your hostel/hotel staff are full of safety tips.
• Avoid drinking TOO much – keep your wits about you.
• Don’t drink tap water – stick to bottled water.
• Watch out for weather warnings – especially if you’re travelling in hurricane season.
• Comply with kidnappers – I hate to include this but just to clear all bases: in the extremely unlikely event that this occurs…
• Stay away from drugs – look, I know. But this is the souce of many of Mexico’s problems. 
• Get good travel insurance ! – Essential.

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Yes, travelling alone in Mexico is safe. Though it is a very different experience.

Solo travel in Mexico can make one feel very vulnerable at times – though that goes for anywhere, especially in Latin America. If you want to travel solo in Mexico, you absolutely can , but you must take some extra precautions…

• Make friends . There is safety in numbers. 
• Check out reviews for hostels . The best hostels in Mexico aren’t always the cheapest option.
• Keep an open mind. Absolutely, Mexico can be overwhelming. But dismissing it or getting panicked is a good way to lose rational action.
• Ask for advice . Mexicans are very friendly and helpful. If you get lost or need help, approach somebody in a personable, polite manner and they’ll be more than happy to help.
• Don’t walk around at night . Regardless of gender or group size, it’s never a good idea. 
• Never leave your drink or food unattended . Again, regardless of gender, you’re not immune to being spiked . 
• Carry hidden cash . Losing all your cash at once while travelling in Mexico is far from ideal. 
• Pay attention to government warnings . Check weather and heightened crime warnings in the area.

Regardless of popular belief, Mexico is a safe destination to travel alone. Probably not the first country I’d recommend to dive into your first solo tour – but it’s not exactly a no-go zone. With the proper safety habits and some extra attention, Mexico is safe for solo travellers.

Yes! Mexico is a great destination for solo female travellers .

Again, before people start losing it in the comments, I’ve done it. I’ve met many other women who have done it. 

Let me make it clear that there are always safety protocols to follow to ensure that statement can be upheld. Unfortunately, yes, there are some things that women should be aware of before they start their travel to Mexico.

Much of Mexico is safe for solo female travellers. Though, how safe Mexico is for female travellers varies on perspective. Here is some advice and top tips:

• Trust your spidey senses! – if your gut says something is wrong then it probably is.
• Find good hostels for women . Plenty of women travel alone. Meet other female travellers and see how they’ve done it.
• Assaults happen . Avoid drinking too much, buy your own drinks (and watch them), and only travel with reputable bus companies.
• Again, DO NOT WALK HOME AT NIGHT . 
• Look confident – Even if you’re lost, walk confidently until you feel like you can ask someone friendly-looking.
• Observe what local women are wearing and dress accordingly . I love empowerment but Mexico is still conservative in many ways. This is not the time to break boundaries.
• Get to know people but don’t tell them exactly where you’re staying . You never know who you’re talking to.
• Be aware of threats and dangers – but don’t let them overwhelm you .

Lastly, and most importantly, remember that ‘no’ is a full sentence. 

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen offers something for everyone – while being generally very safe. Whether you just want to chill at the beach, explore caves and cenotes or learn more about the Mexican culture, you can find everything here.

Yes , again, Mexico is safe for families. But like everywhere you take your precious brood – go heavy on the research.

I’ve covered the main safety concerns already, but there is plenty more information on how to have a safe trip to Mexico.

Mexico is a family-oriented place. Children are a big part of society and you’ll be well looked after if you travel there with your own in tow. Having your kids with you will help break down barriers between you and locals, making for a more authentic, memorable experience.

On the whole, Mexico is safe to travel for families. For a start, you’re less likely to be travelling through the rougher and less trodden paths that backpackers would be taking.

Stick to the tourist destinations, but you don’t have to stick to the confines of an all-inclusive resort. Venturing out to local markets and seeing the life and colour of the country is easily done with children. People will be warm and welcoming.

I hate feeling like I’m preaching to the choir but the most important note here is to make sure your children are protected from the sun . The beaches get seriously hot and there are lots of places at high altitudes with very strong UV rays.

Yes, I’m talking to you parents and guardians here too. Take care of yourself too and set a good example! The sun really is not something to mess around with here.

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Whether you’re driving in Mexico or using public transport, you can do it safely. There are just a few things to be aware of.

Driving is a good way to see the country at your own pace. In fact, many travellers visit Mexico by crossing the US border in their own vehicles or rent a car. That being said, things aren’t always straightforward.

Generally, it’s safe to drive in Mexico, but  I advise against driving at night . Crucially, you’re more likely to get people who are involved in unlawful activities driving around. There’s also animals on the road, vehicles driving with no lights, etc.

You’ll need an international drivers license. Pay attention to local laws and use reputable car rental companies.

Illegal roadblocks happen at random places along highways – they’ll ask to see your driver’s license. Especially in remote areas, these are not always official and will demand cash in exchange for being able to pass.

Toll roads are run by private companies and can be pricey. However, these are safer to use than roads not on the main highway.

Taxis are safe in Mexico ! Just so long as you play by the (very simple) rules – e.g. get licensed cabs, use an app, or ask your hotel for help. Do this and you’ll be getting around with no trouble at all.

Don’t hail a cab off the street after dark – that’s probably an illegal taxi.  Go to a Sitio  (taxi ranks) to find a licensed cab.

Generally, public transport is safe in Mexico. It’s the road conditions with crazy drivers that’s the most dangerous part. Of course, it’s much safer to use in the daytime than at night.

Then there’s traveling around the country itself. Highway buses ( camiones ) are safe in Mexico, easy to get, and are run by reputable bus companies. First class bus companies , like ADO, do checks for alcohol and drugs on the driver, and check security for passengers too.

Crime and kidnapping are the words thrown around a lot when referring to safety in Mexico. Unfortunately, crime does loom over the nation.

Warring drug cartels have resulted in a high (and increasing) murder rate and violence. But as long as you stay in your lane, mind your business, and practice caution, you should have no problem. There’s very little reason for these crimes to affect tourists, especially while traveling in the safest cities in Mexico .

Petty theft is common – like anywhere with a tourist industry.

It should also be noted that the police do pose some safety issues in Mexico too. Yes, in many cases they do keep streets safer – but they are also famously corrupt too.

It’s best just to not get on the wrong side of them. “Yes, sir. No, sir. 3 bags full, sir.” (That works much better in Spanish too.) A hidden bribe has been known to come in handy too.

Everyone’s packing list is going to look a little different, but here are a few things I would never want to travel to Mexico without…

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

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Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

Without a doubt, you should have good Mexico travel insurance . With all the best wishes in the world, you can’t plan for everything.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

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Planning a safe trip to Mexico can seem quite overwhelming. But no worries, you’ve got this. Here are some more of the most frequently asked questions on safety in Mexico.

Is Mexico too dangerous to visit?

No, Mexico is not too dangerous to visit if you use your common travel sense. There are plenty of regions and cities that are more than safe to visit. Stay away from the areas that are known for trouble and you’ll have a great trip.

What should you avoid in Mexico?

Avoid these things in Mexico to add another level of safety to your trip: – Stay away from drugs. – Leave your belongings out of sight. – Don’t resist if you get robbed. – Don’t walk around alone at night.

What is the biggest safety issue in Mexico?

Gang activity and drug-related crimes are the biggest safety threat in Mexico. However, popular tourist destinations are unlikely targets. Stick to the safe areas of Mexico and exercise increased caution if you decide to travel outside of these zones.

What are the safest areas in Mexico?

Quintana Roo and Oaxaca are two of the safest states in Mexico to visit. Isla Mujeres, Isla Holbox, Playa del Carmen, and Oaxaca City are some of the safest areas to stay in Mexico. They have generally low crime rates. Although, I’m going to suggest that you still maintain the same level of caution as you would anywhere else.

Is Mexico safe to live?

Yes, Mexico is a safe country to live in. Again, some places are much safer than others and it is a different experience than simply visiting Mexico. Do your research, respect local laws, and stay up to date on the areas that interest you to move your life to.

Safety-wise… well, I won’t sugar coat it: Mexico does pose some safety risks. Though, so does almost anywhere in the world. The advice I offer you in this guide to staying safe in Mexico is very similar to what I would offer you for many other places. 

Of course, criminal groups and violent crime are active in Mexico. But more tourists are affected by sunstroke than express kidnappings – yet no one will try and scare you with that one. Believe me, many more Mexicans are affected by the high crime rate than tourists – with the Mexican government actively protecting these popular tourist areas.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be aware of the risk of violent crime. I’m just saying don’t get consumed by it. Exercise normal precautions, even go a little overboard if it makes you feel better. 

Remember, you are a guest when you are travelling in Mexico. Remain vigilant at all times, respect local authorities, stick to tourist destinations, and don’t get involved with Mexican drug cartels. (I would hope that last one really is common sense but hey, covering all bases.)

If something seems sketchy – get the hell out of there! Be smart and stay aware of your surroundings and you should have a safe experience.

It’s also a good idea to check weather warnings. Hurricane season and earthquakes really are up to Mother Earth. 

With that, is Mexico safe to visit right now? YES! 

This stunning Latin American highlight makes this wide world a much brighter place to live. I urge you to see it for yourself.

Looking for more info on travelling to Mexico?

• Let me help you choose where to stay in Mexico
• Swing by one of these fabulous festivals
• Don’t forget to add an epic national park to your itinerary
• Check out my favourite Airbnbs in the centre of all the action
• Plan the rest of your trip with our fantastic backpacking Mexico travel guide!

Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. Do your own research. Enjoy your travels!

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13 Comments

Travelled to Mexico last January. Though it can be pretty overwhelming, you can be safe if you take the normal precautions you would take in any big European city. The only thing a tourist has to fear is just petty street crime in crowded spots in the big cities, but not much more. Even in places that are kind of rough around the edges, like Chiapas, being respectful to locals and mindful, will make things easy for you.

Hmm, no mention of kidnapping and murders, highest ever, in the run up to June 2nd elections? We are in PV BUT there has been a significant increase in crime as cities like Acapulco have residents fleeing Constantly thinking about safety is not a way to enjoy a holiday

Thanks for your post. I’m not sure if you have access to media news. It is not safe to travel to many places at the moment this includes Mexico. UK have advised no travel insurance will be given if travelling to Mexico. So not sure what you’re talking about tbh. I hope this ends real soon. This is happening to disrupt the tourist industry. Your story is completely unhelpful at this time and deeply misleading. Apologies if this sounds disrespectful that’s not my intention. But as I came across your blog which you have updated recently after what’s has been happening. Very surprising. Hope this helps. Fellow traveler.

Hello Zane, thanks for your comment. I understand your concerns: it’s unfortunate what has happened in the state of Baja California recently. However, this doesn’t affect the safety of the vast majority of travellers in Mexico currently and you should have no issue getting travel insurance. We also recommend companies like World Nomads and Safety Wing that have great insurance for Mexico. We do always advise to check your country’s advisories before travelling anywhere. There are (like always) travel warnings for certain areas of Mexico like Tijuana in Baja California but this doesn’t apply to most of the country. Though I would advise people who are uncertain about managing their own safety in a place to avoid it. Maybe Mexico isn’t for you right now, my friend.

When people speak of crime I propose the majority of it is incidental. I feel what needs to be considered and frequently missed is the number of successful trips, vacations and business affairs people have experienced without problems. These do not become newsworthy because they’re not, right? Those that indulge in reckless behaviors WILLINGLY become magnets for trouble and the more often they do, the odds go up. I speak from experience. I used to be a FUP and kept repeating the same patterns getting the same results. I got sober. Now the troublesome arenas have disappeared (amazingly). Like I tell my wife. Your vulnerability has a lot to do with your behavior. You want to walk with your head down rarely if ever looking around ? You’re a target. Criminals look for the soft hit. This is not anything new….it’s been an ongoing process since the dawn of mankind. STAY AWARE &ALERT in public. If you’re over 50, male or female, your reflexes are diminished and cannot put up the same fight against the bad guy. So what do you do? Even the playing field by learning how to defend yourself and develop awareness. I cannot emphasize this enough. The bad guys are everywhere.

No. You cant compare usa to mexico. Mexico is far more dangerous Id rather travel the us than travel mexico I was born and raised in mexico

I am from Chicago, that city today is the most dangerous on earth! 750 to 800 homicides are committed each year with 7000 to 8000 wounded! Car jacking is a daly occurrence and so are drive by shootings! Mexico by comparison is far safer!

Just got back from Puerto Vallarta Mexico and was drugged and for some reason I was given some little injections in my neck during a spa treatment and I ran up off the table with my heart beating and it’s just super dangerous I was at the Hyatt ziva which is considered a very swanky resort and I felt very vulnerable it felt like everybody knew each other it feel like it was run by one big gang I don’t recommend Mexico ever.. unfortunately after these crimes were perpetrated on me I finally decided to read all about the crimes in Mexico I wish I would have done that before I made my vacation plans there I feel very fortunate to be back home very unsafe place.

I am from Mexico and I live in the States. I visit my hometown Saltillo in Coahuila every once a year. Sometimes I tend to cross the border by car.

What I’d recommend is to inform yourself very well. Border towns can be very dangerous, even if they are literally feet away from the United States. Nuevo Laredo, for example, is terrible right now. I had to get a police escort to drive 30 miles south away from the town. It all depends on the state. Avoid Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon.

Also remember that when you go to Mexico, or any different country, be on your best behaviour and keep your wits about you. Also be open to whatever that may happen. Try to blend in and don’t look like a tourist. Don’t wear expensive clothing as well as typical Mexican clothing. Learn some Spanish, as well as the slang. Always carry cash, and keep your credit card hidden only for important and safe transactions such as hotels or plane flights.

If you go out drinking, do have fun, but always observe your surroundings. Always figure out a way of letting people know where you are. Mexico can be very hospitable, but just as it can be nice, it could take the wrong turn very fast. Don’t go there looking for trouble. It is a very gray area and it can be whatever you want it to be. But remember that with every action there is a consequence.

As of September 2020 I’d stay away from Mexico. I LIVE in Baja California normally but have been staying in the states because of COVID and crime. The Mexican government has not tracked the numbers, testing is almost non-existent and the locals are not masking or distancing. In addition, the disease has hit the economy so hard that crime is spiking. A San Diego couple who were very familiar with Baja and been coming for 30 years was just murdered for their car and their bodies turned up in Ensenada. I was attacked at the border crossing when a police officer directed me into a trap and I was lucky to get away fro 700 pesos (about $35 US). I love MX, the food, the people, the natural beauty, the wine country, my beach home (which cost me only $80k). But right now I am staying away and I advise others to do the same.

So I think the short answer is basically “no”, its not safe. That tip about always complying with your kidnappers is great advice. lol.

It is possible to travel through the rural areas of the United States without fear. You are more likely to be robbed in a city, near one of these “touristy” destinations, than some road between nowhere. Its very strange to me that its the opposite in Mexico, but maybe not surprising. It sounds like complete lawlessness.

Very disappointing. I’d like to see the “real Mexico”, but that doesn’t sound like its possible without huge risk.

Honestly… if you want to enjoy travelling around and not worry about getting caught in a crossfire, Mexico will not be the best place to visit right now. Went there in March this year and got involved in a shooting in the bar street in the (tourist) center of Tulum. This shooting did not reach the news while a lot of tourists and other people were there when it happened. One man was killed. It was terrifying.

Many things mentioned can also be applied when traveling to the USA. ;-D

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Mexico travel advice

Latest updates: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)

Last updated: July 15, 2024 12:32 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, mexico - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico due to high levels of criminal activity and kidnapping.

Regional Advisory - Avoid non-essential travel

• Chiapas, excluding the cities of Palenque via highway 186 from Villahermosa, San Cristobal de las Casas and Tuxtla Gutiérrez
• Chihuahua, excluding Chihuahua City
• Colima, excluding the city of Manzanillo if accessed by air
• Guerrero, excluding the cities of Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo if accessed by air
• Jalisco, within 50 km of the border with Michoacán state
• the Lagunas de Zempoala National Park in Morelos
• Michoacán, excluding the cities of Morelia and Patzcuaro
• in Nayarit, within 20 km of the border with the states of Sinaloa and Durango
• Nuevo León, excluding the city of Monterrey
• Sinaloa, excluding the cities of Los Mochis and Mazatlán
• Sonora, excluding the cities of Hermosillo, Guaymas/San Carlos and Puerto Peñasco
• Tamaulipas, excluding the cities of Tampico and Recce
• all Zacatecas, excluding Zacatecas City

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Levels of crime, particularly violent crime, are high throughout Mexico. Arrest and detention rates are low and don’t deter criminal activity.

Criminal groups, including drug cartels, are very active. ‎Clashes between cartels or gangs over territory, drugs and smuggling routes are common.

In some parts of the country, military, navy and federal police forces have been deployed to combat organized crime and improve security conditions. They maintain a visible presence by:

• patrolling the streets
• setting up roadblocks
• conducting random vehicle checks  

If you plan on travelling to Mexico:

• remain vigilant at all times
• stay in tourist areas
• be very cautious on major highways
• avoid travelling at night
• monitor local media closely

If you’re the victim of a crime, you must report it immediately to local authorities. No criminal investigation is possible without a formal complaint. Complaints must be made in person before leaving Mexico. You should hire a local lawyer to represent your interests and follow up on your case after you return to Canada. Failure to do may result in incomplete investigations or long delays in bringing cases to trial.

Violent crime

There are high rates of violent crime, such as homicides, kidnappings, carjacking and assaults, including in popular tourist destinations such as the Mayan Riviera (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos and Tulum), and Acapulco.

Criminal groups and drug cartels are present in tourist areas. Inter-gang and cartel fighting has taken place in restaurants, hotels and nightclubs frequented by tourists.

Innocent bystanders have been injured or killed. You may be in the wrong place at the wrong time and become a victim of violent crime.

Border areas often see higher criminal activity and violence, including in rural areas. Confrontations between organized criminal groups and Mexican authorities continue to pose a risk. Shootouts, attacks and illegal roadblocks may occur without warning.

You should travel to Mexico by air to avoid international land border crossings, particularly along the border with the United States, in the following cities:

• Ciudad Juárez
• Nuevo Laredo

If crossing an international land border:

• remain extremely vigilant
• use only official border crossings

Armed robbery

Armed robbery occurs. Foreigners have been targets of robberies that sometimes involve assault.

Robbers will follow a victim after they exchange or withdraw money at airports, currency exchange bureaus ( casas de cambio ) or ATMs.

• Stay in hotels and resorts with good security
• If you are threatened by robbers, stay calm and don’t resist
• Avoid withdrawing or exchanging money in public areas of the airport

Canadian travellers have been physically and sexually assaulted. In some cases, hotel employees, taxi drivers and security personnel at popular tourist destinations were involved. In some cases, hotel staff are not helpful and try to dissuade victims from pursuing the incident with police.

• Avoid walking after dark, especially alone
• Avoid isolated or deserted areas
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption

Are you a victim of sexual violence? – Government of Canada and British Embassy Mexico City

Credit card and ATM fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs in Mexico. When using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when others are handling your cards
• use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overcharging

Some bars and nightclubs may try to charge exorbitant prices. Discussions about overcharging may lead to threats of violence and security guards may force you to pay. Avoid running a tab or leaving your credit card with bar or restaurant staff.

Overseas fraud

Police officers

Legitimate police officers have extorted money from tourists or arrested tourists for minor offences such as :

• drinking alcohol on the street
• urinating on public roads
• traffic violations

They have requested immediate cash payment in exchange for their release. Travellers driving rental cars have been targeted.

If this occurs:

• don’t hand over your money or your passport
• ask for the officer’s name, badge and patrol car number
• ask for a copy of the written fine, which is payable at a later date, or insist on going to the nearest police station

Virtual kidnappings

Extortion, including virtual kidnappings, is the third most common crime in Mexico. Criminals use a variety of tactics to gather information about potential victims for extortion purposes, including using social media sites or eavesdropping on conversations

In a virtual kidnapping, criminals contact the victim’s hotel room landline and threaten the victim to stay in their room. The criminals then instruct the victim to provide information needed for the caller to use to contact family and friends, to demand the immediate payment of ransom for their release.

• Don't discuss travel plans, your room number or any other personal information around strangers
• Never leave your cellphone unattended
• Ensure your cellphone is password protected
• Don't divulge personal business details to strangers in person or over the phone or on social media, especially when using hotel phones
• If you're threatened on the phone or hear screams, hang up immediately
• When you answer the phone, wait for the caller to speak. If the caller asks who is speaking, hang up immediately.
• Don’t answer unrecognized or blocked phone numbers
• Don’t answer hotel landlines

Kidnappings

Mexico has one of the highest kidnapping rates in the world. Kidnapping, including virtual and express kidnapping, is a serious security risk throughout Mexico.

Kidnappers target all classes. Canadian citizens and contractors working for Canadian businesses have been kidnapped, mostly in areas that are not under the control of police and security forces.

If you're kidnapped:

• comply with the kidnappers’ requests
• don’t attempt to resist

Express kidnappings

Express kidnappings occur in large urban areas. This is a method of kidnapping where criminals ask for a small and immediate ransom.

Thieves most commonly work in cooperation with, or pose as, taxi drivers. They force victims to use their debit or credit card to withdraw money from ATMs in exchange for their release.

• Use only a reputable taxi company or a trusted ride-sharing app
• Book taxis through your hotel or an authorized taxi stand ( sitio )

Petty theft

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common in Mexico.

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times, even in areas normally considered safe
• Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Avoid showing signs of affluence, such as flashy jewellery, cell phones, headphones and designer bags
• Carry only small amounts of money
• Be cautious when withdrawing cash from ATMs

Home break-ins

Tourists staying in rental homes have been the victims of break-ins and burglaries. Whether you're staying in private or commercial accommodations, make sure you lock windows and doors securely.

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Some incidents of assault, rape and sexual assault against Canadian women have occurred, including at beach resorts and on public buses. 

• Exercise caution when dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances
• Be wary of rides or other invitations

Advice for women travellers

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Unregulated alcohol

Some bars, restaurants and resorts have served counterfeit alcohol. Some travellers have reported getting sick or blacking out after drinking alcohol.

• Be cautious if you choose to drink alcohol
• Seek medical assistance if you begin to feel sick

Alcohol, drugs and travel

Height standards for balcony railings in Mexico can be considerably lower than those in Canada. Falls have resulted in deaths and injuries.

• Exercise caution when standing close to balcony railings

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place regularly throughout the country. Protests and roadblocks are common in:

• Mexico City, including to and from the airport
• the states of Chiapas, Guerrero, Michoacán and Oaxaca

Such incidents may last a long time, leading to shortages of fresh food, medicine and gasoline.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Water activities

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Riptides are common. Several drownings occur each year.

Many beaches don’t offer warnings of dangerous conditions and they don’t always have lifeguards on duty.

Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards.

• Consult local residents and tour operators for information on possible hazards and safe swimming areas
• Always obey warning flags at beaches
• Follow the instructions and warnings of local authorities

Water sports

Tour operators may not adhere to international standards. Many operators don’t conduct regular safety checks on their sporting and aquatic equipment.

Also, Canadians have been involved in accidents where operators of recreational vehicles, such as watercraft, have demanded compensation exceeding the value of the damage caused to the vehicle or equipment.

If you undertake water sports, such as diving:

• choose a well-established and reputable company that has insurance
• ensure that your travel insurance covers the recreational activities you choose
• wear the appropriate safety equipment, such as helmets and life jackets
• ensure that equipment is available and in good condition
• don’t consume alcohol before the activity

If in doubt concerning the safety of the facilities or equipment, don’t use them.

Water safety abroad

Adventure tourism  

Outdoor activities, such as white water rafting, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling, bungee, zip lining, paragliding, hiking, mountain biking, etc and other adventure activities can be dangerous if unprepared. Trails are not always marked, and weather conditions can change rapidly, even during summer.  

Tour operators may not always adhere to international safety standards. 

If you intend to practice adventure tourism: 

• consider hiring an experienced guide from a reputable company 
• obtain detailed information on your activity and on the environment in which you will be setting out  
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation   
• know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal  
• pay attention to the symptoms of dehydration and heatstroke, both of which can be fatal  
• avoid venturing off marked trails  
• ensure that you’re adequately equipped and bring sufficient water   
• stay informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard  
• refrain from using facilities or equipment if you have doubts on their safety  
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary  

Road travel

Road conditions and road safety.

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country.

Road conditions can be dangerous due to:

• sharp curves
• poorly marked or hidden road signs
• construction sites
• roaming livestock
• slow-moving or abandoned vehicles

Toll highways are typically safer and better maintained than secondary highways.

Mexican driving styles are very different from those in Canada. Many drivers don’t respect traffic laws, and police don’t strictly enforce these laws. Drivers often drive at excessive speeds and may be aggressive or reckless. Drinking and driving laws are not strictly enforced. Accidents causing fatalities are common. Police don’t regularly patrol the highways.

Roadblocks and checkpoints

Illegal roadblocks and demonstrations are common. Heavily armed gangs have attacked travellers on intercity highways. Criminals especially target sport utility vehicles and full-size pickup trucks for theft and carjacking.

The military searches for drugs and firearms at military checkpoints throughout the country.

• Avoid road travel at night between cities throughout the country
• Ensure that you only stop in major centres, at reputable hotels or at secure campsites
• Keep your car doors locked and the windows closed, especially at traffic lights
• Avoid hitchhiking which is not a common practice in Mexico
• Don’t leave valuables in the vehicle
• Rent cars that don’t have stickers or other advertisements for the rental company on them, as rental cars have been targets for robbery, sometimes using force
• Ensure operators provide insurance and helmets if renting scooters
• Travel on toll roads to lower the risk of targeted roadblocks and robberies
• Never attempt to cross roadblocks, even if they appear unattended

Public transportation

Remain vigilant in airports, at bus stations, on buses and on the metro.

The Mexico City metro is often very crowded and a popular place for pickpocketing. There are metro cars dedicated to women and children during rush hours. They are located at the front of the trains.

The Metrobus in Mexico City, which has dedicated lanes and stops, is relatively safe. There are sections dedicated to women and children at the front of the buses.

The “colectivos” and “pesero” mini-buses that stop when hailed are frequently targeted for robbery.

When travelling to other cities, use bus companies that offer VIP or executive class transportation. These buses only travel on toll roads, which lower the risks of targeted roadblocks and robberies, and follow a speed limit.

Taxis and ridesharing services

Disputes between taxi and ridesharing application drivers may occur, especially in Quintana Roo. They may result in:

• altercations

Although tourists have not been targeted, you may be caught up in these incidents and harassed or injured. 

In Mexico City, all government-authorized taxis have licence plates starting with “A” or “B.” Taxis from designated stands have both the logo of their company and the plate number stamped on the side of the car. Official taxis in Mexico City are pink and white. Users can validate the pink and white taxis on the CDMX app.

• Avoid hailing taxis on the street
• Don't share taxis with strangers

When arriving at an airport in Mexico, pre-pay the taxi fare at the airport (inside or outside the terminal) and ask to see the driver’s official identification. You can also use a ridesharing app to arrange for a pickup at certain airports. Not all airports in Mexico allow ridesharing service pickups.

If you use a trusted ridesharing app, confirm the driver’s identity and the licence plate before getting in the car.

Mi Taxi  – CDMX app (in Spanish)

Cruise ship travel

Plan carefully if you plan to take a cruise departing from or stopping in Mexico.

Advice for cruise travellers

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters of the Bay of Campeche. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report  - International Maritime Bureau

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Mexican authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for the expected duration of your stay in Mexico.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required Business visa: required Work visa: required Student visa: required

Required documents

To enter Mexico, you must present a valid passport and a duly completed tourist card (Multiple Immigration Form). Carry documents to prove the purpose of trip, such as hotel or tour booking confirmations, as immigration officers may request them.

Tourist card

You must obtain a tourist card to enter the country unless you stay in Mexico for less than 72 hours within the northern border zone. 

If you don’t obtain a tourist card upon arrival, you may face:

It is highly recommended to keep your digital tourist card, or tourist card if entered by land, with you at all times as proof of your legal stay in Mexico. You may be asked to show it to Mexican officials when exiting the country or if you are stopped on an immigration check point.

If you are stopped at an immigration check point and you are unable to prove your legal stay, you may be fined, detained or expelled from the country.

Entering by land

If entering Mexico by land, you must stop at the immigration office located at the border to obtain a tourist card, even if not explicitly directed by Mexican officials. Immigration officials will write down on your tourist card the number of days you are allowed to stay in Mexico.  

You may complete the tourist card form online before your arrival. However, you must print the form and present it to the migration official at the port of entry.

Multiple Immigration Form  - Government of Mexico

Entering by air

If entering Mexico by air, you are advised to download your tourist card issued by Mexican officials upon entry.

Depending on your airport of entry:

• the immigration official will stamp your passport and note the number of days you are allowed to spend in Mexico or
• you will go through an E-gate kiosk where you will scan your passport and self-register your entry in the country. Only use this option if you are entering Mexico as a tourist.

Once in the country, whether you entered via a E-gate or not, you will be able to access the digital tourist card online. You have 60 days to download it.

If you are unable to show your tourist card or digital tourist card upon departure, you will have to pay for a replacement at the immigration office of any international airport before boarding.

Make sure to plan sufficient time at the airport to obtain a new card in time for your flight.

Portal access for digital tourist card  - Government of Mexico

Length of stay

An immigration official will determine the number of days you can remain in Mexico and note it on your tourist card. The maximum length granted for a tourism-related trip is 180 days; the maximum number of days is not granted by default.

If you're seeking the maximum number of days, you may be required to:

• explain the purpose of your trip to the immigration official
• provide details about your trip (accommodations, funds, return flight, etc.)

You won’t be able to request an extension or change the condition of your stay from inside the country.

Canadians travelling to the northern border zone (within 21 kilometres of the U.S. border) for work don’t require a visa for stays of 72 hours or less.

If you require a business or work visa, you should take care of the process yourself. If a prospective employer is processing your visa for you:

• obtain copies of all correspondence between the employer and Mexican immigration authorities
• verify that these copies are stamped by the immigration authorities as proof that your papers are being processed
• request a receipt from your employer for any document that you provide for purposes of obtaining the visa
• avoid surrendering your passport to your employer

Volunteer, religious, research and eco-tourism activities

You may not be able to undertake volunteer, religious/missionary, research or certain forms of eco-tourism activities while visiting as a tourist. Contact the Mexican Embassy or closest Mexican consulate for information the type of visa required for these activities.

Tourism tax

Most visitors to Mexico must pay a tourism tax.

This fee is normally included in airline ticket prices. Visitors arriving by road or sea will have to pay this fee at any bank in Mexico. There is a bank representative at every port of entry. The bank receipt must be attached to the tourist card for submission at departure.

You don't have to pay this tax if:

• you're entering by land for tourism purposes, and your stay will not exceed 7 days
• you're travelling to the northern border zone for less than 72 hours
• you're travelling to Mexico on a cruise ship

Dual citizenship

If entering and leaving Mexico as a dual citizen, you must identify yourself as a Mexican citizen. You must carry valid passports for both countries.

Laws about dual citizenship

Criminal records

Canadians with a criminal record or a warrant for arrest may be refused entry and returned to Canada or to a third country on the next available flight.

• Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
• Dengue: Advice for travellers - 2 July, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Malaria  is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination. 

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times:  • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.  • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.  • Wear permethrin-treated clothing.    If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. Rabies treatment is often available in this destination. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Salmonellosis is a common illness among travellers to this country. It can be spread through contaminated food or beverages, such as raw or undercooked poultry and eggs, as well as fruits or vegetables.

Practice safe food and water precautions . This includes only eating food that is properly cooked and still hot when served.

Pregnant women, children under 5 years of age, those over 60 years of age, and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill.

Cases of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella have been reported among Canadian travellers returning from Mexico. These strains of Salmonella do not respond to some of the recommended antibiotics if treatment is needed.

Most people recover on their own without medical treatment and from proper rehydration (drinking lots of fluids).

• Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Travellers with severe symptoms should consult a health care professional as soon as possible.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

• Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
• Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease)   is a risk in this country. It is caused by a parasite spread by infected triatomine bugs. The infection can be inactive for decades, but humans can eventually develop complications causing disability and even death.

Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from triatomine bugs, which are active at night, by using mosquito nets if staying in poorly-constructed housing. There is no vaccine available for Chagas disease.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Human cases of avian influenza have been reported in this destination. Avian influenza   is a viral infection that can spread quickly and easily among birds and in rare cases it can infect mammals, including people. The risk is low for most travellers.

Avoid contact with birds, including wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead) and surfaces that may have bird droppings on them. Ensure all poultry dishes, including eggs and wild game, are properly cooked.

Travellers with a higher risk of exposure include those: 

• visiting live bird/animal markets or poultry farms
• working with poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks)
• hunting, de-feathering, field dressing and butchering wild birds and wild mammals
• working with wild birds for activities such as research, conservation, or rehabilitation
• working with wild mammals, especially those that eat wild birds (e.g., foxes)

All eligible people are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza shot, which will protect them against human influenza viruses. While the seasonal influenza shot does not prevent infection with avian influenza, it can reduce the chance of getting sick with human and avian influenza viruses at the same time.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

The quality of care varies greatly throughout the country.

Good health care is available in private hospitals and clinics, but it’s generally expensive. Most private facilities won’t agree to deal directly with medical insurance companies and will require payment with a credit card in advance or a bank transfer/direct deposit.

Mental health services are extremely limited in Mexico, particularly outside of Mexico City. Services and treatment standards may differ substantially from those in Canada.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Medical tourism

Medical tourism is common in Mexico. Canadian travellers have had serious health complications following cosmetic or other elective surgeries abroad.

Before leaving for medical travel, you should do your research, especially on:

• the health and financial risks
• the medical facility where the procedure will be performed
• language barriers, which can lead to misunderstandings about your medical care and conditions
• travel insurance that includes coverage for the type of medical procedure you will be undergoing

You should discuss your medical plans with your primary healthcare provider in Canada before travelling. Most provincial and territorial health care programs are extremely limited in their coverage offered abroad.

• Make sure that the healthcare providers you choose are authorized by the Mexican health authorities
• Ask to see the credentials of the healthcare providers
• Obtain a written agreement detailing the proposed treatment or procedure
• Receiving medical care outside Canada
• If you become sick or injured while travelling outside Canada or after your return
• Medical tourism – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)

If you take prescription medication, you’re responsible for determining their legality in Mexico. 

• Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you
• Always keep your medication in the original container
• Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage
• Carry a copy of your prescriptions

Medication cannot be sent to Mexico from Canada via courier services.

Many types of medication—both over-the-counter and prescription—are readily available with little oversight. Counterfeit medication is common in certain parts of Mexico. If you need to purchase medication while in Mexico, make sure to get it from a reputable location.

Federal Commission for protection against sanitary risk  (in Spanish)

Air quality in Mexico City

In Mexico City, you may experience health problems caused by high altitude or by air pollution, which is at its peak during the winter months.

Consult your doctor before booking your trip if you have lung, heart or respiratory problems.

Death in Mexico

If you plan to retire or spend long periods of time in Mexico, or travel there for medical procedures, you should:

• share your plans or wishes with relatives
• make sure important documents can easily be located
• make arrangements in case of your death while in the country
• What if I Die in Mexico? – Fact sheet
• Death Abroad Factsheet

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Penalties for breaking the law in Mexico can be more severe than in Canada, even for similar offences.

Foreign nationals are often held in pre-trial detention and there can be lengthy delays before a trial.

Many petty crimes (such as public urination, failure to pay a bill or disorderly behaviour) can result in a 72-hour detention by police. Paying a fine can secure an early release from detention.

Detention conditions are below the standards of Canadian prisons.

• Overview of the criminal law system in Mexico
• Arrest and detention

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy prison sentences.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Smoking is prohibited in all public places except for clearly marked designated smoking areas. This includes but is not limited to:

• restaurants

You may be fined if you’re caught smoking in public.

Electronic cigarettes

It’s illegal to bring electronic cigarettes/vaping devices and solutions into Mexico.

You could have these items confiscated by customs officials if you have them in your possession. You could also be fined or detained.

It is strictly prohibited to sell or distribute these devices and solutions in Mexico.

Imports and exports

The Mexican government strictly enforces its laws concerning possession, importation and trafficking of firearms.

Anyone entering Mexico with a firearm or ammunition without prior written authorization from Mexican authorities is subject to imprisonment.

It is also illegal to enter the country with certain types of knives.

Importing vehicles and boats

Mexico has very strict rules regarding the importation of foreign vehicles and boats.

You must enter Mexico with the proper import permit and insurance, since it cannot be obtained once you are in Mexico. You may face a fine and have your vehicle seized if you enter Mexico without the proper permit.

You must present a paper document of your vehicle registration to obtain a vehicle importation permit from the Mexican authorities. If you present a digital document of your vehicle registration, your vehicle may be refused entry into Mexico.   

• Vehicle importation  – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)
• Temporary vehicle import application system  – Banjército
• Travelling to Mexico by land  – Mexican Embassy in Canada

Cigarettes and alcohol

If you are older than 18, you are allowed to bring into Mexico up to:

• 10 cigarette packs
• 25 cigars or
• 200 grams of tobacco
• 3 litres of alcohol and
• 6 litres of wine

If you bring more alcohol and cigarettes into Mexico than allowed, even if you declare your imported items, you will be subject to a high import fee. You will still be subject to a significant fee if you decide to relinquish your imported items

It’s illegal to possess archaeological artefacts or to export such items from Mexico.

• Goods you can bring to Mexico as part of your personal luggage  – Government of Mexico
• Goods you cannot bring into Mexico  – Government of Mexico
• Agricultural product restrictions  – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)

Political activity

It’s illegal for foreigners to conduct political activity in Mexico, including participating in demonstrations.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Mexican law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality is not widely accepted in Mexican society, particularly in rural areas.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics. Transgender and gender non-conforming individuals are disproportionately targeted for violence and can face discrimination.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Mexico.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Mexico, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Mexico.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Mexico, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Mexican court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Mexico to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• The Hague Convention – Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

There are no clear procedures or regulations about surrogacy in Mexico.

If you're considering surrogacy, seek advice from legal professionals knowledgeable in Canadian and Mexican laws and citizenship procedures.

Identity documents

The names on your identity documents must be identical to those on your birth certificate to obtain official Mexican documents, such as marriage certificates, immigration documents or passports.

Middle names are often left off Canadian identity documents. This has caused significant difficulties for many Canadians. If you plan on residing in Mexico or dealing with the Mexican Civil Registry, obtain a Canadian passport that will meet Mexican requirements.

Identification

You should carry photo identification.

Authorities can ask you to show identification and a proof of your legal status in Mexico. They can demand to see your tourist card at any time. You must carry the original at all times. You must carry the original at all times, and should also carry a photocopy of the identification page of your passport.

Investments

If you plan on buying property, or making other investments in Mexico, seek legal advice in Canada and in Mexico. Do so before making commitments. Related disputes could take time and be costly to resolve.

Mexican real estate agents are not licensed or regulated.

• Choose your own lawyer
• Avoid hiring a lawyer recommended by a seller

Problems with timeshare arrangements occur.

Timeshare representatives may be very persistent. They use pressure tactics and offer free tours, meals, gifts or alcoholic beverages.

It's illegal for timeshare companies to ask you to sign a waiver that prevents you from cancelling a contract. You're legally entitled to cancel a timeshare contract without penalty within 5 working days. Contracts must be cancelled in writing directly with the timeshare company.

Before purchasing a timeshare:

• gather as much information as possible
• review carefully the contract; anything not included in the contract will not be honoured
• provide your credit card only if you are sure you want to make the purchase
• keep copies of all correspondence

If you suspect a fraud in the real estate procedures, contact the Federal Attorney’s Office of Consumer immediately.

• Federal Attorney’s Office of Consumer (PROFECO)  – Mexican Government (in Spanish)
• Should I buy a timeshare in Mexico? - Embassy of Mexico in Canada
• Should I sell my timeshare in Mexico? - Embassy of Mexico in Canada

Rental accommodations

Rental agreements between two individuals in Mexico are considered a private matter and are not regulated by the government.

If you encounter difficulties with a rental agreement, you must obtain the services of a Mexican lawyer.

You should carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

Auto insurance

Mexican liability insurance is mandatory. Canadian automobile insurance is not valid in Mexico.

You can obtain insurance at the Mexican border. You should obtain full coverage, including coverage for legal assistance.

Automobile insurance is much more expensive in Mexico than in Canada. Many local drivers don’t have any form of car insurance.

If you’re involved in an accident, and you don’t have Mexican liability insurance, you could be prevented from leaving the country until all parties agree that adequate financial satisfaction has been received. If you’re found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of an accident, or if you don’t have a valid driver’s licence, your insurance will be considered invalid.

If you’re involved in a traffic accident, you may face serious legal problems, including imprisonment. You could be taken into custody until responsibility for the accident is determined and all fines are paid. You must report any accident you’re involved in to the police.

Driving restrictions in Mexico City

The Hoy No Circula (No Driving Today) program restricts some cars from driving in Mexico City and in some municipalities of the State of Mexico, from Monday to Saturday, from 5 am to 10 pm.

You will face driving restrictions depending on:

• your car’s emission sticker
• the last digit of your license plate
• where your license plate was issued

Hoy No Circula program is strictly enforced. You may face heavy fines and temporary confiscation of your vehicle if you don’t comply. Consult the Hoy No Circula calendar before driving.

Electric and hybrid cars are exempted from these restrictions. Gas-fueled cars of a 2008 model or later may obtain a tourist pass valid for selected drive days.

• Hoy no circula – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)
• Tourist pass  – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)
• Ministry of Environment  – Government of (in Spanish)

Buying/selling a vehicle

You must be either a temporary or a permanent resident if you wish to buy a car in Mexico.

It’s illegal to sell your imported vehicle in Mexico. If you do, your vehicle may be seized and you may be subject to a fine and deportation.

The currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso.

In some parts of Mexico, particularly tourist destinations, hotels and other service providers may advertise prices in USD.

There is a limit to the amount of U.S. dollars that residents and foreigners can exchange in Mexico, depending on your immigration status. The rule doesn’t apply to Canadian dollars but some financial institutions, hotels and currency exchange bureaus don’t make the distinction.

When carrying more than US$10,000 or the equivalent in other currencies, cash, cheques, money orders or any other monetary instrument, you must declare the amount exceeding US$10,000. Failure to make this declaration is against Mexican law and often results in detention.

Climate change

Climate change is affecting Mexico. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans. Monitor local news to stay informed on the current situation.  

Mexico is subject to various natural disasters such as:

• earthquakes  
• extreme heat
• floods  
• forest fires 
• hurricanes  
• torrential rains  
• tsunamis 
• volcanic eruptions  
• Secretary of Integrated Risk Management and Civil Protection  – Government of Mexico City (in Spanish)
• National Center for Disaster Prevention  (CENAPRED) – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)
• Get prepared

Hurricane season

Hurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.

These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services. You could face serious safety risks during a hurricane.

If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season:

• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
• Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
• Large-scale emergencies abroad
• Active storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings – U.S. National Hurricane Center

Heat may be most severe during the hot season, from April and May in the south, and July to September along the Pacific Coast.

Know the symptoms of dehydration and heatstroke, which can both be fatal.

Sun and heat safety tips for travellers  

Flooding and landslides

Heavy rains can cause flooding and landslides. Roads may become impassable and infrastructure damaged.

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Mexico is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions can occur.

A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. However, the risk of tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor. If you’re staying on the coast, familiarize yourself with the region’s evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami warning.

Useful links:

• National Seismological Institute  – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)
• Latest earthquakes  - U.S. Geological Survey
• Tsunami alerts  - U.S. Tsunami Warning System
• Centre for Studies and Research of Volcanology  - University of Colima (in Spanish)

Forest fires

Forest fires may occur, particularly during the dry season from:

• January to June in the centre, north, northeast, south and southeast
• May to September in the northwest

The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

In case of a major fire:

• stay away from the affected area, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
• always follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel, including any evacuation order
• monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

Daily report on wildfires – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)

Local services

In case of an emergency, dial 911.

Roadside assistance

The Angeles Verdes is a highway patrol service that provides free assistance on all major toll highways from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

You can download the App on your mobile device.

In case of an emergency, you can also dial 078 or 800 006 8839 (toll-free in Mexico) to reach them.

Consular assistance

Aguascalientes, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Estado de Mexico, Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Michoacán, Morelos, Mexico City, Oaxaca, Puebla, Querétaro, San Luís Potosí, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Tlaxcala, Veracruz, Zacatecas.

Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo north of the municipality of Solidaridad, including Puerto Morelos, Isla Mujeres and Holbox

Baja California, Sonora

Temporary closure of the Consular Agency of Canada to Mexico, in Acapulco

The Consular Agency of Canada to Mexico, in Acapulco, will close temporarily to the public until September 2, 2024.

Consular services may be limited. Contact the Embassy of Canada to Mexico, in Mexico City, if you require consular assistance.

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Mexico, in Mexico City, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Is It Safe in Mexico?

John Moore / Getty Images

In light of the history of drug-related crimes in Mexico 's big border cities, safety is a valid concern when planning a trip. While foreign tourists are not typically targeted on purpose, they occasionally find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. Visitors may become accidentally involved in carjackings, robbery, or—in rarer cases—fall victim to more violent crimes like kidnapping. Complicating the issue is the lack of news reports coming from the affected areas. The information that does trickle back indicates that crime is on the rise in border areas like Tijuana, Nogales, and Ciudad Juarez.  

Despite the uptick in crime, though, Mexico remains a major tourist destination. Its proximity to the U.S. inspires about eight million Americans to flock to its beaches and cities every year. And most of them come back unscathed—likely, even, to book another trip. Your Mexican vacation is liable to be incident-free, too, but there are a few things to note before you go.

Travel Advisories

• An updated travel warning issued by the U.S. State Department in September 2020 cautioned of crime and kidnapping in certain parts of the country  . "Violent crime—such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery—is widespread," the advisory says, but it's more dangerous in some places than others. The State Department recommends exercising "increased caution" in Baja California, Baja California Sur, and Mexico City , and asks tourists to "reconsider travel" to places like Chihuahua, Durango, Jalisco, and Coahuila. A "do not travel" order has been issued for Michoacán, Guerrero, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Colima.
• Although Mexico has lifted stay-at-home orders due to COVID-19, the CDC continues to issue a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Mexico as of January 2021. Check the Department of State's COVID-19 page for more information.

On occasion, foreign tourists and workers have been deliberately targeted in armed robberies and exchanges of gunfire. The State Department has prohibited its own employees from entering casinos and adult entertainment establishments in some Mexican states due to heightened safety concerns. In addition, they must use apps like Lyft or Uber or order taxis at government-regulated taxi stands to obtain on-demand transportation services, and they are forbidden to travel from one city to another by road at night. The State Department strongly encourages U.S. citizens to "be alert to safety and security concerns when visiting the border region."

Is Mexico Dangerous?

Certain parts of Mexico are dangerous, yes, but the tourist-centric destinations—mostly the ones along the coast including Cancun , Tulum, and Cabo San Lucas—are generally safe to visit. The primary risk in these highly trafficked areas is petty crime like pickpocketing and tainted alcohol being served to tourists  . Follow the State Department's recommendations on not drinking alone.

According to the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, "express kidnapping" is also a concern  . This constitutes short-term abductions in which the victims are either forced to withdraw money from an ATM to give to kidnappers or the victims' families are ordered to pay a ransom for their release.

Lastly, although cases of Zika virus in Mexico have been on the decline over the past few years, it still may be a worry for anyone who is pregnant or considering pregnancy as it has been strongly linked to birth defects.

Is Mexico Safe for Solo Travelers?

The idea of solo traveling in Mexico might make some people uncomfortable, but in reality, countless unaccompanied tourists have explored the country without any run-ins to report. That being said, it's important to take special precautions if you plan to go on the journey alone. Firstly, stick to tourist-popular destinations where other tourists and hospitality workers will have your back ( Tulum , Puerto Escondido, Sayulita). Stay in hostels to meet fellow travelers and journey out in numbers whenever possible.

If you do visit some of the more dangerous areas (Mexico City, for instance), keep your possessions close—preferably in a money belt or a crossbody bag, not your back pocket—and stay in populated, well-lit areas.

Is Mexico Safe for Female Travelers?

In general, it's safe for women to travel to Mexico, but one can never be too cautious—travel in groups, if possible, and only during the day. Stick to populous, tourist-frequented areas and keep your possessions close. Travel blogger Adventurous Kate recommends dressing to "blend in" with the locals—"not to pass as Mexican," she points out, but to pass, rather, as a "longtime resident rather, not a tourist."

Safety Tips for LGBTQ+ Travelers

In May 2020, Reuters reported that Mexico had seen its deadliest year for LGBTQ+ people in half a decade  . In 2019, a reported 117 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans people were murdered throughout the country, but none of them were identified as tourists. While there is some hostility toward the LGBTQ+ community, travelers remain relatively safe among other travelers. In fact, Puerto Vallarta has become somewhat of a gay mecca. With Mexico being a primarily Catholic country, many of its citizens are conservative when it comes to public displays of affection regardless of sexual orientation. To avoid any potential scrutiny, limit your PDA to LGBTQ+-friendly zones like gay bars, gay beaches, and Mexico City's gay-popular Zona Rosa neighborhood.

Safety Tips for BIPOC Travelers

Racism is an issue in Mexico, but not any more of an issue than it is in the U.S. In 2020, Condé Nast Traveler reported that many Black Americans were actually interested in moving to Tulum based on their experiences with racism in their home country  . Attracting visitors from all over the world, Mexico's major resorts are something of a melting pot of ethnicities and cultures. BIPOC travelers need not worry too much about taking special safety precautions because of their race.

Safety Tips for Travelers

Mexico has much to offer as a vacation destination, including good value, a rich cultural heritage, and stunning scenery. If you're concerned about your safety, then exercise the normal caution required of any other vacation spot: Pay attention to your surroundings, wear a money belt, and avoid dark and deserted areas.

• One of the primary safety concerns in Mexico is actually a health concern: the water. Tap water in Mexico is not safe to drink (or brush your teeth in, or wash your produce in) because it can be contaminated by potentially deadly bacteria.
• Speaking of food and water contamination, the Centers for Disease Control recommends most travelers get a typhoid vaccination  . All travelers should be vaccinated for measles and most travelers may also require the hepatitis A vaccine.
• The State Department says to "use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night," stating that "in many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital or major cities   ."
• Avoid showing signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive clothes and jewelry.
• Consider enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which can help to locate you in an emergency.

OSAC. "Mexico 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Ciudad Juarez." Retrieved Jan 6, 2021.

U.S. State Department . "Mexico Travel Advisory." August 6, 2020.

The Washington Post . "State Dept. report on allegedly tainted alcohol in Mexico highlights red tape tourists face in emergencies." July 3, 2019.

UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office . "Mexico."

Reuters . "Mexico sees deadliest year for LGBT+ people in five years." May 15, 2020.

Condé Nast Traveler . "For Black Americans, Moving Abroad Has a Different Appeal." August 17, 2020.

Centers for Disease Control . "Mexico Traveler View."

Is It Safe in Guatemala?

Is It Safe in Peru?

Is It Safe in Egypt?

Is It Safe in Barbados?

Is It Safe in Colombia?

Is It Safe in Jamaica?

Is It Safe in Puerto Rico?

Is It Safe in Germany?

Is It Safe in Rio de Janeiro?

Is It Safe in Thailand?

Is It Safe in Sweden?

Is Mexico City Safe?

2020 Travel Warnings for Countries in Africa

Is It Safe in India?

Is It Safe in Iceland?

Is It Safe in Ireland?

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Safety and security

This guide also has safety advice for  regions of Mexico .

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.  

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on  staying safe abroad  and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out  how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .

Terrorism in Mexico

Terrorist attacks in Mexico cannot be ruled out.

Political situation

Political demonstrations are common in Mexico City and can happen across the country. Demonstrations can be tense, confrontational and potentially violent. Onlookers can be quickly drawn in.

It is illegal for foreign nationals to participate in political activities in Mexico. If you join demonstrations, the Mexican authorities may detain and deport you.

Monitor local media and avoid all demonstrations. If you come across protests, move away from the area.

Crime is a risk to foreign nationals in Mexico, particularly in major cities and tourist resort areas. Street crime is a serious issue in these places.

Many Mexican and foreign businesses choose to hire private security. You should:

• research your destination thoroughly
• only travel during daylight hours when possible
• monitor local media
• tell trusted contacts your travel plans

If you want to report a crime, do so immediately at the nearest branch of the state prosecutor’s office (‘Agencia del Ministerio Público’). A criminal investigation is not possible without a formal complaint to the Mexican authorities. You must make a complaint in person before you leave Mexico.

The  Mexico City Command and Control Centre (‘Centro de Atención a Emergencias y Protección Ciudadana de la Ciudad de México’) has information and advice on safety in Mexico City in Spanish.

Take care withdrawing money from ATMs or using exchange offices (bureau de change). Criminals have targeted people using these services. It’s generally safer to use ATMs during daylight hours inside shops or malls. Avoid withdrawing large amounts and watch who is around you while you are at an ATM.

Protecting your belongings

Pickpocketing and theft are common, including on public transport. You should:

• avoid wearing expensive-looking clothing, jewellery or watches
• limit the amount of cash or credit and debit cards you carry
• watch your luggage, even in apparently secure places like the lobby of your hotel

Be wary of criminals posing as police officers and trying to fine or arrest you for no reason. They have targeted travellers driving rental cars.

Some genuine police officers have extorted money from tourists for alleged minor offences or traffic violations. If this happens:

• do not hand over money or your passport
• ask for a copy of the fine, which is payable later
• try to note the officer’s name, badge number and patrol car number

Criminals may try to get your friends or relatives to transfer money to Mexico. This can happen if your phone is stolen or hacked. Before you travel, agree how you will contact friends or relatives and how you would arrange to transfer money.

A common phone scam involves criminals posing as a kidnapped family member or employee and demanding money for their release. They may also claim a relative is being detained. If you are threatened over the phone, hang up and check on your family member or employee’s safety.

Drink and food spiking

Do not leave food and drinks unattended in bars and restaurants. Criminals have robbed or assaulted travellers after drugging them.

Tainted alcohol

Tainted alcohol has caused illness or blackouts. If you have any concerns, get advice from your tour operator or the local authorities.

Sexual assault

Sexual offences have been reported in tourist areas. Take care even in areas close to hotels, and especially after dark.

Kidnapping is more common in some areas of Mexico than others. See Regional risks for areas of higher risk. While tourists are not usually targeted, you should always remain aware of your surroundings.

Short-term opportunistic kidnapping (called ‘express kidnapping’) can happen, particularly in urban areas. Kidnappers force victims to withdraw money at an ATM to secure their release.

Longer-term kidnapping for financial gain also happens, and there have been allegations of police involvement. You should always remain alert and avoid travelling in higher risk areas, especially at night. Be discreet about discussing your financial or business affairs in places where others may overhear you.

Drug-related violence in Mexico has increased over recent years. Do not become involved with drugs of any kind.      

Some areas of Mexico have a high crime rate due to fighting between rival organised crime gangs. In these areas, there is a risk of being caught in the crossfire or of being mistaken for a gang member. While risks are lower in tourist areas, you should:

• take advice from local authorities or your hotel
• be aware of your surroundings at all times
• use reputable tourism or transport companies
• travel during the daytime where possible

Vehicle crime

Stay away from isolated roads and use toll roads (‘cuotas’) whenever possible. Keep car doors locked and windows closed, especially at traffic lights.

Violent carjackings and robberies happen along the Pacific Highway. If you suspect someone is following or watching you, drive to a police station or another safe place. Criminals have targeted large camper vans and sports utility vehicles (SUVs).

Criminals can deliberately cause traffic accidents to make insurance claims or get cash from the other party. They sometimes threaten violence or intimidation. Contact the authorities for support if necessary.

If you are involved in a carjacking, stay calm and surrender your valuables and your vehicle if asked. Resisting demands for your belongings can put you at significant risk of harm.

In remote areas, you may come across unofficial roadblocks, including on main roads. Local groups seeking money for an unofficial toll control these roadblocks. They can become violent and deny entry.

Unlicensed taxis

Unlicensed taxi drivers have robbed and assaulted passengers, including in Mexico City. Use the better regulated ‘sitio’ taxis from authorised taxi ranks or ask your hotel to order you a taxi. At airports, only use authorised pre-paid airport taxi services.

Licensed taxi drivers protesting about Uber have blocked roads near Cancun’s hotels. The protesters have pulled tourists from Uber taxis. Tourists have also missed flights due to roadblocks. Protests can happen without notice. Look for local announcements and follow your hotel’s advice on how to avoid protests.

Public transport

Be alert on public transport, at airports and in bus stations. Theft on buses is common, so keep your belongings safe.

There is a risk of bus hijacking. Try to travel on first-class buses using toll roads, which have a lower rate of incidents than second and third-class buses travelling on the less secure free (‘libre’) roads. Most first-class bus companies perform security checks when passengers board the bus.

Women travelling alone on public transport have been harassed, robbed and sexually assaulted.

Cancun and other tourist destinations

The Mexican government makes efforts to protect major tourist destinations, including:

• Nuevo Vallarta
• Playa del Carmen
• Puerto Vallarta

Criminals have physically and sexually assaulted British travellers in these locations. In some cases, hotel employees, taxi drivers and security personnel were involved. Hotel staff have sometimes been unhelpful and tried to convince victims not to contact police.

Rival criminal gangs have clashed in popular Cancun tourist destinations and surrounding areas. Gangs have not targeted tourists, but violent incidents could affect anyone nearby. Since 2021, several shootings have affected tourists.

Be very cautious after dark in downtown areas of Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Stay in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones. Follow advice from the local authorities and your tour operator.

Laws and cultural differences

For information on procedures, local laws or social services, you can contact Mexico City’s public telephone service LOCATEL  on 5658 1111 (English-speaking staff available).

Personal ID

The Mexican authorities can ask to see your passport and entry stamp to prove your entrance and stay. They do not accept copies or photos. To prove your visa status, you can get a digital registry of your entry documents from the Portal de Servicios INM (in Spanish). If you cannot show the correct documents, immigration officers may question and detain you while they check your immigration status. Depending on the outcome, they can deport you.

If you are a resident, the police may ask to see your Mexican residency card. They have detained British people for not having the correct documents.

Smoking and e-cigarette bans

It is illegal to bring e-cigarettes, vaping devices and solutions into Mexico or to buy and sell them. Customs officials will confiscate these items; and they could fine or detain you.

If you smoke or vape in a public place, you can get a fine of up to 3,000 Mexican pesos (about £150).

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Do not become involved with drugs of any kind. Penalties for drug offences are severe and convictions carry sentences of up to 25 years.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relations in Mexico are generally tolerated, rather than accepted. Civil unions between same-sex partners are legal in Mexico. People may frown on same-sex couples showing affection in public. Read more  advice for LGBT+ travellers .

Surrogacy in Mexico

Only some Mexican states legally recognise assisted human reproduction, including surrogacy. Before you consider a surrogacy arrangement in Mexico, make sure you:

• learn and follow the relevant laws and regulations
• meet all legal requirements to take the child out of Mexico
• get independent legal advice

For more information, see surrogacy overseas .

Hotel balconies

In some hotels, balcony railings are low and there is a risk of falling.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Adventure sports.

If you take part in adventure sports, including paragliding, skydiving, scuba diving and jet-skiing, be aware equipment may not meet UK safety and insurance standards. British nationals participating in these activities have been injured and, in some cases, killed. Check your travel insurance covers you for all your planned activities.

Make sure the company you use:

• is reputable
• takes safety precautions
• uses up-to-date equipment
• is fully licensed and insured

Swimming safety

Sea conditions can be unpredictable, and some beaches are unpatrolled. Follow coastguard and local authority guidance on whether it is safe to swim.

See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society. 

Sharks and crocodiles

Shark attacks are rare in Mexico, but you should take care, particularly when surfing. Research the area and follow local advice.

Crocodiles normally live in lagoons and coastal areas in Mexico, including Cancun and Pacific coast resorts. Respect warning signs around lagoons in these areas and do not walk close to the water. Crocodiles have attacked and seriously injured tourists in the past.

Transport risks

Road travel.

If you are planning to drive in Mexico, see information on driving abroad .

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Mexico. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the 1926 version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.

Driving standards

Driving standards are very different from the UK. Roads can have potholes, and conditions can be unpredictable. Be prepared to stop unexpectedly and beware of vehicles moving slowly, changing lane without indicating and going through red lights. Many drivers do not have car insurance.

Driving restrictions

To reduce pollution, the authorities ban cars entering parts of Mexico City and other places on some days of the week, based on their number plates. For details, check the Hoy no Circula programme (in Spanish).

The authorities strictly enforce these regulations. Offenders face heavy fines and temporary confiscation of their vehicle. Check with your car hire company to see if these rules apply to you.

In Mexico City, vehicles without registration plates from the State of Mexico (‘Estado de Mexico’) or Mexico City are not allowed to enter Mexico City from:

• Monday to Friday, 5am to 11am
• Saturday, 5am to 10pm

There may be further driving restrictions if air pollution is high, generally from February to June.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards .

The hurricane season in Mexico normally runs from June to November and can affect the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Tropical storms and hurricanes cause floods, landslides and disruption to local services, including transport networks. After a hurricane there can still be continued flooding, high winds and rainfall.

Monitor local and international weather updates from the  US National Hurricane Center and follow the advice of local authorities and your tour operator, including evacuation orders.

In 2023, Hurricane Otis hit the south coast near Acapulco. This Category 5 hurricane seriously damaged infrastructure along the coast, in Acapulco and between Zihuatenejo and Punta Maldonado. Reconstruction efforts continue to disrupt tourism, and the security situation is unpredictable. FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the city of Acapulco.

Earthquakes

There is a risk of earthquakes in most parts of Mexico. Tremors happen regularly, particularly in the states of Oaxaca and Guerrero.

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake  or  tsunami . There is also advice from the Mexican Ministry of Civil Protection (PDF) (in Spanish).

If you’re in Mexico City, you can download the 911 CDMX app on iOS or Android (accessible only by local phone numbers), which can warn you 60 seconds before earthquake movement starts. Although useful, this app cannot warn you about all types of earthquake.

Volcanic eruptions

The volcanoes Popocatépetl and Colima are active and closed to the public. The danger zones around both volcanoes change depending on the current level of activity.

There is currently a 7-mile (12km) exclusion zone around Popocatépetl and the alert level is level 2 of the amber tier .

Ash fall from Popocatépetl has previously disrupted air travel and caused flight cancellations at Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City. Check your flight status with your airline or operator. You can also follow Benito Juárez airport on Twitter .

Falling volcanic ash and toxic fumes can affect your health, especially if you suffer from a respiratory condition.

The  Mexican Disaster Prevention Centre has updates on Popocatepetl, Colima and other volcanoes. There is also Mexican government information on Twitter .

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Should travelers worry about being kidnapped in Mexico? Travel experts discuss safety in Mexico.

The high-profile case of four U.S. citizens being kidnapped in Mexico sent shock waves through the nation. Two were killed last week after getting caught in the crossfire of cartel violence in the border city of Matamoros. 

Many are wondering what's next for the popular tourist destination, and whether Mexico is safe for travel. 

The four Americans – one woman and two men from South Carolina – crossed the southern border for cosmetic surgery last Friday when a cartel shootout erupted.

Social media videos show the gunmen pulling the Americans from their car and driving away, all during daylight. Mexican officials announced Tuesday that they had found two dead. the other The two survivors were escorted back to the U.S.

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Learn more: Best travel insurance

With 2 Americans dead in Matamoros: A cartel-scarred Mexican border town wonders what's next

Violence around border cities is not unusual and can involve Mexicans or migrants with little public attention, but it typically doesn't involve Americans. Officials said the abduction was probably a case of mistaken identity , but the FBI is investigating further.

Meanwhile, questions arose on how the Mexican and U.S. governments will respond, which could affect regular travel to Mexico. A heavy-handed response could likely mean "a wave of violence where it gets worse before it gets better," said Michael Ballard, director of intelligence at Global Guardian , a firm that specializes in travel security. 

Currently, the travel advisory for Mexico warns Americans of crime and kidnapping. On Tuesday, White House press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the State Department takes it "seriously" when it comes to providing "clear, timely, and reliable information about every country in the world ... so they can make informed travel decisions." 

Is Mexico safe to travel to?

In 2021, nearly 29 million American travelers  headed down to Mexico. That same year, about 75 American citizens died by homicide in Mexico, according to the most recent U.S. State Department statistics. 

Mexico is "a tricky place" when it comes to travel and safety because "the security landscape and the security dynamic is so different state to state and city to city," according to Ballard. 

Unlike some other countries, Mexico's travel advisory assesses each state individually. 

The agency issued a "do not travel to" warning for the Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas state because of violent crime.

"You probably don't want to go to one of these border cities" because cartels "contest these ports of entry pretty heavily and fight for their economic control," Ballard said.

When it comes to the "do not travel to warning," Jean-Pierre said, "We've been very clear about that. The State Department, again, has put that out. We urge Americans to read these alerts before traveling."

Popular tourist spots like Quintana Roo, Nayarit and Mexico City have warnings of "exercised increased caution when traveling to" and Jalisco, where Puerto Vallarta is, has a "reconsider travel to." Travelers can "exercise normal precautions" when traveling to Yucatan, which includes the popular attraction Chichén Itzá.

How likely is it to encounter cartel violence? 

"I don’t think anyone can ensure 100% clearance on (avoiding cartel violence), unfortunately. We know that Mexico has been plagued by drug violence, and cartels are in many parts of the country, just as in other nations," said Vanessa Karel, a Latinx entrepreneur who founded Greether , a travel startup that helps women travel with fewer risks. 

"However, it is well documented that some areas have a higher presence of violence. Please do your due diligence on which areas these are," she said. Steer clear of these areas and avoid taking part in anything drug-related, Karel advised. 

Ballard agreed and offered this analogy: "Getting struck by lightning is a really rare occurrence, but if you are standing on top of a tree in a thunderstorm, those odds go up. That's how I view being in and around some of these higher-risk cities in Mexico, the border cities."

Getting caught in cartel activity is less common somewhere like Cancun than it is in Colima.

Because Mexico's economy heavily depends on tourism dollars, cartels "tend to stay away from harming or hurting Americans because they know the response would be pretty severe," Ballard said.

The Mexican government has also implemented several initiatives to maintain safety in high-tourist areas, like deploying tourist police forces to high-traffic visitor areas. These officers are easy to spot and usually speak English.

"Travelers will have fewer risks by staying at highly rated hotels, areas and booking tour guides to show them around," Karel said. 

Should people be worried about being kidnapped in Mexico?

Being "in the wrong place at the wrong time" is the main risk for Americans and cartel activity, Ballard said. It's rare for Americans to be kidnapped by cartels for ransom.

He does warn of occasional "express kidnappings," which happen not just in Mexico but in other countries too. In this situation, a tourist who is likely drunk and wandering around downtown gets kidnapped, driven around to ATMs and forced to withdraw money. Usually, they end up being let go. 

As long as you stay in resort areas and use common sense, it should be relatively easy to keep safe. 

Check out USA TODAY's 17 travel safety tips from the CIA .

What should you do if you witness or encounter cartel crime? 

If you do witness or encounter cartel crime such as an express kidnapping or carjacking, Ballard said, you should report the case to the U.S. Embassy or to the local equivalent of 911. "You definitely want to have a record of something like that out there." Unfortunately, response times can be slow depending on where you are, he said. 

According to the State Department , if something happens, you'll probably be relying on local resources. 

Global Guardian clients, he pointed out, have a 24/7 panic button on the Global Guardian app, which will connect users to a safe haven, like a hospital. 

In some cases, he said, your response depends on the situation, and it may be best to cooperate. 

Top safety tips

Karel's top rule for traveling to Mexico is "to plan on going to places that are designed for you to go. If you are trying to visit an area that not even locals feel comfortable going to, don't attempt it, and please, simply avoid it," she said. 

She also advised people to have situational awareness. "We are concerned that travelers going to Mexico think they can go just about anywhere, especially when they don’t blend as a local," she said. Visitors "should be aware of how much they stand out and how little or how much they know about the area they are going to."

Here are some other safety tips when traveling in Mexico:

• Travel during daylight hours and avoid walking around unknown areas, especially at night.
• Don't walk around with jewelry or your head down looking at your phone because that makes you an easy target to get robbed, Ballard said. 
• "Please ask trustworthy travel businesses and, most importantly, check travel advisories and what the tourism boards say. T they are there for a reason, and a lot of us are fighting to make cities safer and more sustainable," Karel said.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program , a free service for U.S. travelers to receive safety alerts about their destination from the U.S. Embassy in real time.
• Before departing on your trip to a high-risk area, the State Department recommended you share important documents and points of contact with someone at home, and create a communication plan if something were to happen. 
• Share your location via your smartphone with someone at home while you are abroad. 
• Consider purchasing travel insurance for kidnapping or ransom. Depending on the plan, it can cover ransom payments, emergency evacuation costs, and payment for any negotiations needed. 

Contributing: Michael Collins, USA TODAY

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected]. 

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Exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico overall due to the threat of violent crime.

Higher levels apply in some areas.

Mexico (PDF 1007.79 KB)

Americas (PDF 3.29 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies.

Call 911 or go to the hospital.

Call 911 or go to the local police station.

Advice levels

Exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico overall.

Reconsider your need to travel to Michoacán (except Morelia and Lázaro Cardenas and the Monarch butterfly reserves), Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains in southern Chihuahua and the states of Guerrero (including Acapulco), North-eastern Sinaloa, North-western Durango, South-eastern Sonora (except for the Chihuahua-Pacific Railway), Tamaulipas and Zacatecas.

Reconsider your need to travel to:

• Michoacán (except Morelia and Lázaro Cardenas and the Monarch butterfly reserves)
• Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains in southern Chihuahua
• Guerrero State (including Acapulco)
• North-eastern Sinaloa State 
• North-western Durango State
• South-eastern Sonora State (except for the Chihuahua-Pacific Railway)
• Tamaulipas State and
• Zacatecas State

due to high levels of violent crime (including kidnapping and extortion) and their volatile security situation.

• Avoid protests and large public gatherings. These can become violent. It's against the law for foreigners to participate in political activity. 
• Mexico has a high risk of violent crime, including murder, armed robbery, sexual assault and kidnapping. Don't travel at night outside major cities. Drug-related violence is widespread.
• Kidnapping and extortion are serious risks. Don't draw attention to your money or business affairs. Only use ATMs in public spaces and during the daytime.
• Stop at all roadblocks, or you risk getting killed.
• Hurricanes and earthquakes are common in Mexico. Local authorities will direct you to your nearest shelter in the event of a hurricane. Know the earthquake safety measures where you're staying.

Full travel advice: Safety

• Malaria and Zika virus are risks in Mexico. If you're pregnant, ask your doctor about the risk of Zika virus before you travel.
• Mexico has insect-borne diseases, including dengue fever, chikungunya, Chagas disease and leishmaniasis. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. Use insect repellent.
• Parts of Mexico are at high altitudes. Air pollution can also cause health issues, particularly over winter (December to February). Talk to your doctor before you travel if you have heart, lung or breathing issues.

Full travel advice: Health

• Smoking, including vaping, is banned in all public places in Mexico, including beaches, parks, hotels and restaurants. Importing electronic cigarettes and vaping devices is also prohibited. You may be fined or arrested.
• Some activities are illegal for foreigners in Mexico. These include political activity, driving without insurance, and failing to report a road accident. Ensure you understand and follow local laws.
• Possessing or exporting ancient Mexican artefacts and carrying firearms or ammunition without a permit are also illegal. Apply for a firearm permit at a Mexican embassy or consulate before you arrive.
• Although same-sex marriage is legal in Mexico, some parts of the country are conservative. LGBTI travellers should consider limiting public displays of affection.

Full travel advice: Local laws

• If you're visiting for 180 days or less as a tourist, you'll receive a visa on arrival for the duration of your planned stay. You can't extend your visa if you plan to stay longer than advised to the immigration officer on arrival. Mexican authorities advise to avoid being detained or deported, you must complete an online Multiple Immigration Form (FMM) and obtain a QR code. 
• Make sure immigration officials stamp your passport on arrival, as this will state the number of days your visa will be valid. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Mexico for the latest details.
• To cross the land border between Mexico and the US, you must provide a verbal attestation for your reason for travel. Make sure you receive an entry stamp in your passport. 
• Periodic closures of Mexico's land borders with Guatemala and Belize may occur. Check with local authorities before crossing the border or taking a flight.
• If you're taking public transport or taxis, use only first-class buses and official registered taxis. Use ride-share services where possible instead of taxis. Crime levels on intercity buses are high, especially after dark.

Full travel advice:  Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  tells you what the Australian Government can and can't do to help when you're overseas.
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the Embassy's social media accounts: ( Facebook ), ( X ).
• The  Australian Embassy in Mexico City  can provide consular assistance by email, phone, or appointment.
• You can also  contact the Australian Consulate in Cancún  for limited consular assistance.

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Full advice

Violent crime, violent crime.

Mexico has a high risk of violent crime, especially after dark.

Murder, armed  robbery ,  sexual assault  and  kidnapping  are high risks. These crimes can occur at tourist spots and resorts.

Criminals posing as police officers have committed sexual assault, extortion and robbery. They may drive fake police cars.

Gangs have attacked travellers after they've changed money at airports.

To protect yourself from violent crime:

• avoid travelling at night outside major cities, including on major highways
• monitor the media for new safety risks
• don't change large amounts of money at the airport

Crime on intercity buses and highways is common in Mexico.

Thieves have robbed tourists on buses along the Pacific Highway, including from Acapulco to Ixtapa and Huatulco.

Violent carjackings have increased. The northern borders and along the Pacific coast are high-risk areas.

Criminals have attacked tourists on toll roads and highways. The Sonora, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and border regions are high-risk areas.

Organised crime groups have targeted large campervans and SUVs travelling in and out of the United States.

To reduce the risk of crime when travelling by road:

• use ride-share services where possible instead of taxis
• use official taxis from airports and pre-pay your fare at an official taxi company booth in the airport terminal
• use radio taxis or taxis at assigned stands (sitios), especially in Mexico City
• use first-class buses
• only travel during daylight hours and allow enough time to get to your destination before dark
• drive via toll roads (cuota)

Watch out for drink and food spiking, which can occur in bars, clubs and restaurants. You're at higher risk of sexual assault and theft if you get drugged.

Drug and gang violence

Violent crimes related to the drug trade are widespread in Mexico.

Shoot-outs, grenade attacks and car bombings have occurred in public places.

Targeted attacks have increased on the military, government officials and journalists.

You may become a victim of violence directed against someone else.

Federal police and the military use roadblocks and random vehicle checks to deal with drug-related violence.

Drug cartels set up unofficial roadblocks in the northern areas of Mexico to obstruct military and police movement.

Stop at all roadblocks, or you risk getting killed. Comply with the instructions given.

Risks are higher in those areas most affected by drug-related and gang violence, including:

• Northern border states – Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas
• Pacific coast states – Colima, Guerrero, Jalisco, Michoacán, Nayarit and Sinaloa
• Central region states – Guanajuato, Durango, San Luis Potosi and Zacatecas
• State of Mexico and the State of Veracruz on the Gulf coast
• Major cities along Mexico's border with the United States – Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, Nogales, Piedras Negras and Reynosa

State of Guanajuato

Violence and drug cartel activity are on the rise across the State. 

Gang members are known to erect roadblocks on major highways. Murders, including mass killings, occur regularly. 

Even as a tourist, you risk getting caught up in violence inadvertently. 

Avoid known hot spots such as Acámbaro, Celaya, Irapuato, León, Salamanca, Silao and Santiago. 

State of Guerrero

The violent crime rate remains high, and the security situation is volatile.

Violent criminal gangs are more active in rural areas than cities.

Acapulco has high levels of violent crime, such as murder and shootings. The resort city is unsafe, especially outside tourist areas. Due to the precarious security situation following damage by Hurricane Otis, there's a threat of armed violence, banditry, and looting in cities and on roads.

Crime risks are lower in the tourist areas of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo and Taxco and on the toll road to Taxco than in other parts of Guerrero.

Protesters can disrupt toll booths along the road to Taxco, causing delays.

State of Michoacán

Many 'self-defence' groups have formed in the State. They are unpredictable, and the security situation is volatile.

Security near the Monarch butterfly reserves, including on the border with the State of Mexico, has deteriorated due to cartel activity.  

Crime is lower in Morelia city.

State of Tamaulipas

Tamaulipas has widespread criminal activity linked to drug trafficking. Kidnapping and extortion are also common.

State of Quintana Roo

Violent crimes related to the drug trade have occurred in tourist areas of Quintana Roo, such as Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Shoot-outs have occurred in public places, injuring or killing tourists.

State of Zacatecas

Zacatecas has widespread criminal activity linked to drug trafficking. Violence is increasing due to clashes between competing drug cartels. Kidnapping and extortion are common.

Other violent areas

High levels of violent crime and lawlessness occur in:

• the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains in southern Chihuahua State
• north-eastern Sinaloa State
• north-western Durango State
• south-eastern Sonora State

Organised crime gangs operate in these regions. The Chihuahua-Pacific Railway is less affected.

The State of Mexico has a high level of violent crime. Murder,  assault , armed robbery, extortion and kidnapping are common.

According to Mexican Government statistics, Baja California Sur and Quintana Roo have reported significant increases in drug-related violence, particularly murder. The states with the highest homicide rates are Baja California Sur, Colima, Quintana Roo, Morelos, Zacatecas, Guanajuato, Baja California, Chihuahua, Michoacan and Sonora.

To reduce your risks if travelling to violent areas, stay in:

• tourist areas
• well-known and well-frequented public areas with good access to safe transport in the evenings

To protect yourself from crime in violent areas:

• avoid road travel, especially at night
• avoid isolated locations
• pay close attention to your personal security
• stay alert to possible threats around you
• follow the advice of local authorities
• monitor the media for safety or security risks

Other crime risks

Petty crime.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching, is common. Take care on public transport, at tourist spots, airports, hotels and bus stations.

Thieves often work with or pose as taxi drivers. Be aware travellers have been robbed when using taxis hailed from the street. 

More information:

• Preventing crime and petty theft

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk. 

Kidnapping is a serious risk in Mexico. Kidnapping occurs throughout the country, with the highest number of cases recorded in and around Mexico City, along the Gulf Coast from Tamaulipas to Tabasco states, and in other large cities. Kidnappers target a broad demographic, including foreigners and expatriates. Victims of traditional kidnappings are physically abducted and held captive until a ransom is paid. In some cases, the captors receive a ransom and kill the victim.

Some victims claim police officers are involved in their kidnapping.

Virtual kidnappings target people over the phone to extort money. Kidnappers pose as officials or cartel members and demand payments for the release of a family member they have allegedly detained. If you receive a call or message, contact local police.

Express kidnappings are also regularly reported in Mexico. Kidnappers force victims to withdraw funds from ATMs before they are released.

If, despite our advice, you travel to an area with a high risk of kidnapping, our ability to provide consular assistance in these destinations will be limited. 

To reduce the risk of kidnapping: 

• always be alert to your personal security and surroundings 
• get professional security advice for travel in locations with a heightened kidnap risk 
• check your accommodation has appropriate security measures 
• avoid isolated locations, particularly when travelling alone 
• notify family or friends of planned travel and share your location 
• avoid talking about your money or business affairs 
• use ATMs in public places and during daylight hours 
• avoid giving personal details to strangers online or over the phone 

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Paying a ransom to terrorist groups will likely break Australian counter-terrorism financing laws. 

More information: 

Civil unrest and political tension

Demonstrations and protests.

It's illegal for foreigners to take part in political activity in Mexico.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. They're common and often:

• disrupt public services
• cause traffic delays
• stop movement around affected areas

Protesters may blockade roads.

Public protests in Mexico City are common. Expect protests and potential roadblocks in the states of Oaxaca, Chiapas, Guerrero and Michoacán.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• check local sources for details of possible strikes or unrest
• follow advice from local authorities
• change your travel plans in case of disruptions

Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Swimming safety

Even strong swimmers can be at risk from undertows and currents on both coasts of Mexico. Obey the beach warning flags.

Climate and natural disasters

Mexico experiences  natural disasters  and  severe weather , such as:

• earthquakes
• volcanic activity

If you're involved in a natural disaster:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• keep in contact with your friends and family
• monitor local media and other sources
• contact your tour operator or airline

Register with the  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System  to receive alerts on major disasters.

Hurricanes and severe weather

Severe weather occurs in Mexico.

The hurricane season is from June to November. The direction and strength of hurricanes can change with little warning.

Landslides, mudslides and flash flooding can also occur, including in Mexico City.

If there's a hurricane or severe storm:

• you may get stuck in the area
• flights could be delayed or suspended
• flights out may fill quickly
• adequate shelter may not be available
• electricity supply, communication networks and transport options may be disrupted. 

To protect yourself if a hurricane is approaching:

• listen to the instructions of local authorities
• know the evacuation plan for your hotel or cruise ship
• identify your local shelter
• monitor alerts and advice from the  US National Hurricane Center  and local authorities

Earthquakes

Mexico experiences earthquakes and tremors each year. Aftershocks are common and can damage already weakened structures.

Earthquakes can disrupt power and communication systems.

Get to know the earthquake safety measures for each place you stay and visit.

Tsunamis may occur in Mexico.

Receive tsunami alerts by registering with the following:

• Global Disaster Alert and Co-ordination System
• Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre

If you're near the coast, move immediately to high ground if advised by local authorities or if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings, such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, check local media.

Active volcanoes include the Popocatepetl and Colima volcanoes.  

Volcanic ash from eruptions of these volcanoes can disrupt domestic and international flights and cause airport closures. Exposure to falling ash and toxic fumes from active volcanoes can also affect your health, especially if you suffer from respiratory ailments.

• Avoid the affected areas
• Monitor local media to remain informed
• Contact your travel agent or airline regarding airport and flight status
• Be prepared to change your travel arrangements or evacuate the area on short notice
• Follow the advice of local authorities, including evacuation orders

The  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System  can give you general volcano alerts.

Travel Insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave.

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won’t pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of someone you know, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Mexico. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

Health risks

Insect-borne diseases.

Malaria  is a risk in Mexico, particularly in:

• the State of Chiapas
• rural areas of Nayarit, Oaxaca and Sinaloa
• some parts of Chihuahua, Durango and Sonora.

Zika virus  is widespread in Mexico. There's no vaccination for Zika virus.

Read the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care page on  Zika virus  for advice on how to reduce your risk.

If you're pregnant, the department recommends that you:

• discuss travel plans with your doctor
• consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas.

In Mexico, there's also a risk of:

• chikungunya
• chagas disease
• leishmaniasis

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider medication to prevent malaria

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

Other health risks

High altitude and air pollution can cause health issues in some regions. Pollution peaks in winter from December to February.

If you have heart, lung or respiratory problems, ask your doctor for advice before you travel.

Foodborne, waterborne and other diseases are widespread. These include:

• tuberculosis
• cyclosporiasis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• get vaccinated before you travel
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

• Infectious diseases

Medical care

Medical facilities.

Private hospitals in Mexico City and other major cities provide a reasonable standard of care. Services are limited in rural areas.

Treatment at private clinics and hospitals is very expensive.

Doctors and hospitals are unlikely to work with your overseas travel insurer. You'll need to pay before they'll treat you, even for emergency care.

You can find hyperbaric chambers in major cities and resort towns where scuba diving is popular.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Smoking, including vaping, has been banned in all public places, including beaches, parks, hotels and restaurants. You may be fined or arrested.

Property laws

Property laws and time-share agreements can be complex.

Before you buy or invest in property, do your research and get legal advice.

In Mexico, it's illegal to:

• conduct political activity, including demonstrations
• possess ancient Mexican artefacts or export them from Mexico
• carry firearms or ammunition without a permit, including in Mexican waters
• drive a car without insurance
• fail to report a road accident.

If you need a firearm permit, apply at a Mexican Embassy or Consulate before you arrive.

You're responsible for any illegal items found in rented or borrowed vehicles. This applies even if you don't know they're there.

If you're the victim of a crime and want to report the incident, do so immediately to the nearest branch of the state prosecutor’s office (Agencia del Ministerio Público). A criminal investigation is not possible without a formal complaint to Mexican authorities. Complaints must be made in person before leaving Mexico.

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

Check if being an Australian-Mexican dual citizen may affect your travel.

Always travel on your Australian passport .

• Dual nationals

Local customs

Although same sex marriage is legal in Mexico, some parts of the country are conservative.

LGBTQIA+ travellers  should consider limiting public displays of affection.

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

If you visit for 180 days or less as a tourist, you can get a visa on arrival. Be aware of the date that's stamped in your passport on arrival, as you may not receive the full 180 days. Your visa will expire on the entry stamp date. This is usually for the amount of time you indicate to the immigration officer that you are staying in Mexico.

To avoid being detained or deported, you'll need to:

• fill in an online Multiple Immigration Form (FMM) and obtain a QR code
• make sure your passport is stamped by immigration officials on arrival

You can complete the FMM online before you arrive or on arrival.

If you're entering by road, make sure you get the stamp on your passport at the immigration office  (Instituto Nacional de Migración: Spanish) . These are usually located near, but not directly at, a border crossing.

Present your completed FMM for inspection at immigration if entering by air. You'll need to show it when you leave Mexico.

Border measures

To cross the land border between Mexico and the US, you'll need to verbally provide the reason for your travel.

Periodic closures of Mexico's land borders with Guatemala and Belize may occur. Check with local authorities before crossing the border or travelling by plane.

Confirm your travel and transit arrangements directly with your airline or travel agent. 

Travel via the United States or Canada

If you're  travelling through the US , ensure you meet all current US entry or transit requirements, including if you're transiting through Hawaii. 

If you travel  through Canada , ensure you meet all entry and transit requirements. 

Other formalities

Mexico charges all visitors an immigration fee.

If you arrive on a commercial flight, the cost of your ticket includes the fee.

If you enter by land, the immigration office will arrange for you to pay the fee at a nearby bank. There's no exit tax.

A child under 18 years who's also a citizen or resident of Mexico must carry a  Mexican Minor Travel Consent Form  (Spanish) or a  notarised consent  if travelling with anyone other than their parent or legal guardian. 

You may need a permit if you arrive in Mexico by motor vehicle. Check with the Embassy of Mexico before you travel.

• Advice for people travelling with children

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This may apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport isn't valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest  Australian Embassy or Consulate .

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

Mexico's official currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN).

Declare amounts over US$10,000 or foreign currency equivalent. Do this on arrival and departure. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

US dollars are widely accepted in holiday resort areas. You can't generally exchange Australian currency and traveller's cheques in Mexico.

ATMs are widely available in cities and towns. Take care as credit card fraud occurs.

Carry cash if you're travelling to rural areas.

Most international hotels and tourist facilities accept credit and debit cards.

Ask your bank whether your ATM card will work in Mexico.

Local travel

Driving permit.

You can use your valid Australian driver's licence to drive in Mexico.

Road travel

Vehicles generally don't stop for pedestrians or indicate when they're turning. Intersections can be confusing, with vehicles coming from unexpected directions.

Strict laws cover insurance and reporting of accidents.

If you drive in Mexico:

• learn local road use and driving rules
• keep doors locked and windows up, even when moving
• use toll roads (cuota) to reduce the risk of crime

If you're a victim of roadside robbery or stopped at a roadblock, do as you're asked.

Driving on rural roads in Mexico is dangerous due to:

• poor road conditions.
• pedestrians and livestock on roads
• inadequate street lighting and signage

Criminals target vehicles, including campervans and SUVs, especially in rural areas.

• Driving or riding

Use ride-share services, where possible, instead of taxis. If this isn't an option, it's best to use registered official taxis and limousines, preferably arranged through your hotel. To avoid issues:

• use official taxis from airports
• pre-pay your fare at an official taxi company booth at the airport
• use radio taxis or taxis waiting at assigned stands (sitios), especially in Mexico City

Public transport

Crime levels on intercity buses and highways are high, and the risks increase after dark. See  Safety

Use first-class buses.

Women travelling on public transport should be cautious.

• Transport and getting around safely
• Advice for women

Check  Mexico's air safety profile  with the Aviation Safety Network.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the Consular Services Charter . It details what the Australian Government can and can’t do to help you overseas.

Australian Embassy, Mexico City

Ruben Dario #55 Corner of Campos Eliseos, Polanco Colonia Bosque de Chapultepec 11580 CDMX Mexico Phone: +52 55 1101 2200 Email: [email protected] Website: mexico.embassy.gov.au Facebook: Australian Embassy, Mexico City X: Australian Embassy, Mexico City

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

Australian Consulate, Cancún

EDIFICIO GRUPO VIVO Calle Luciernaga esquina con Avenida Politécnico Región 501, Manzana 13, Lote 7 Cancún, Quintana Roo C.P. 77535, México Email:  [email protected]

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

Travelling to Mexico?

Sign up to get the latest travel advice updates..

Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.

• English (EN)
• Español (ES)
• Português (BR)

Is Mexico Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

• Mexico : Safety by City
• Aguascalientes
• Cabo San Lucas
• Chichen Itza
• Guadalajara
• Isla Holbox
• Isla Mujeres
• Mexico City
• Nuevo Laredo
• Piedras Negras
• Playa del Carmen
• Puerto Morelos
• Puerto Vallarta
• Queretaro City
• San Luis Potosi
• San Miguel de Allende
• Zihuatanejo

Mexico has a lot to offer, from beautiful beaches, mountains, canyons, and rich cultural life from a diverse group of influences.

There is something intriguing for everyone.

Ancient Mayan and Aztec ruins, as well as some amazing colonial architecture, is itself a major reason to visit Mexico.

In the south especially, there are gorgeous beaches with clear blue water complete with a thriving nightlife.

While Cancun is the major tourist attraction, there are beaches just as nice that are not as developed or crowded.

In some cases, you can find more than one attraction in the same area, such as beaches, ruins, and lots of variety in Mexican culture.

From major cities to out-of-the-way hamlets, Mexico is the neighbor you should want to get to know.

• Warnings & Dangers in Mexico

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

The U.S. Government advises people to "reconsider travel" to Mexico, which is the third-highest of four levels of danger.Covid-19, as well as a rise in crime and kidnappings, are the major reasons.Like many countries, some areas are safer than others.Major tourist areas are generally safe.The overall crime rate per thousand people is actually higher in the United States than in Mexico.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

You need to use some common sense.Don't accept rides from independent drivers.Ride only in approved or licensed taxis, which are labeled.Get your hotel to call a taxi for you, instead of hailing one on the street.Public transportation is safe but can be crowded and uncomfortable.Generally, it is much safer than renting a car and driving yourself.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

This is especially true in tourist areas, where people look for easy targets.Try not to look like a tourist.Don't flash your money or expensive electronics around in public. Keep your valuables locked up and carry as little cash as possible.Keep your papers and wallet safe.Tourist areas and large cities are the worst.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

There have been earthquakes in mountainous areas, as well as hurricanes along the coast, but it is rare to have a major disaster in Mexico.Keep an eye on weather forecasts as you would at home.The infrastructure in Mexico is not that great, so if there is one, it may be worse than if you were at home. Even so, they are rare here.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Robberies and muggings are on the rise in certain areas.Even so, tourist areas are generally safe during the daytime, as is most of the country.If you stay at a resort in a tourist area, your risk is very low.If you are out at night by yourself in a city, your risk increases dramatically, just as it would in the United States.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

According to U.S. Govt reports, there is no evidence of foreign terror groups having a base in Mexico or working with drug cartels.There have been very few incidents of terrorism in recent years and those were isolated cases.While terrorism could happen anywhere, there seems to be little risk of it happening in Mexico.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

Especially in tourist areas, scammers are on the prowl looking for a victim.Fake taxis, fake tour operators, souvenirs, and timeshares seem to be the most common scams.One very common scam is for restaurants to have a different menu and prices for tourists than what locals get.You won't get much help from the police if you are scammed, so you need to be careful.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

We say low because it really is not any different than in the United States.If you stay in tourist areas, use some common sense - don't go out at night alone - there is little danger.There have been some kidnappings, so that could be a danger.It is not good for a woman to be away from tourist areas alone for that reason.

TAP WATER RISK: HIGH

 "Montezuma's Revenge," causes most tourists who drink water to get sick for a day or two.Some are just different minerals that you could get used to. Water is contaminated in many areas, however. Ice at a restaurant may come from tap water.You will get sick from tap water, but it is not fatal or serious in most cases.

• Safest Places to Visit in Mexico

The safest place to visit in Mexico is Cancun, or anywhere along what is called the Mexican Riviera.

The area of Yucatan is built for tourists and it is safe for that reason.

You can also take guided day trips from there to see the Mayan Ruins of Chichen Itza or Tulum, which are also safe.

Cozumel is a tiny island near Cancun that is also a tourist haven, as well as a snorkeling paradise.

The historic center of Mexico City is also a fabulous place to visit and is safe as long as you don’t wander about at night alone.

Merida is a large Yucatan city that is often overlooked by American tourists.

It has a great colonial heritage, beautiful streets, and squares.

It is close to the ocean, with some beautiful underdeveloped beaches.

• Places to Avoid in Mexico

Cities that border the United States are considered unsafe because of drug cartels.

Ciudad Juarez, across from El Paso; Tijuana, south of California; Reynosa, which borders Texas, and Ciudad Obregon near Arizona, are all considered unsafe.

Do not travel there alone and exercise extreme caution.

The U.S. Government has issued a “do not travel” designation for Mazatlán, Acapulco, Matamoros, and Nuevo Laredo.

The “do not travel” designation is because of increased violence, drug cartel activity, and Covid-19.

Generally, the southern part of Mexico is much safer than the northern states.

The states of Sinaloa, Nuevo Leon, Guerrero, and Michoacan all have “do not travel” advisories from the state department.

Some resort cities on this list are unsafe outside the resort, but nearly all resorts themselves are safe for travelers.

• Safety Tips for Traveling to Mexico

1. Avoid looking like a tourist.

Try to blend in as far as clothing, wherever you are.

Don’t flash expensive electronics, jewelry, or cash around where a pickpocket might see it.

Criminals look for easy opportunities.

Don’t be an easy mark.

2. Obey your intuition.

If something feels off or scary, don’t hesitate to run away.

Your intuition is probably right, and even if not, better safe than sorry.

While most areas are safe, there are bad people everywhere, so if your radar is going off, it is doing so for a reason.

3. Safe mentality.

Stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Make safety your top priority, no matter what else you are doing.

4. Take the Uber.

Public transportation and taxis are safe, but nothing beats Uber as far as safety goes.

When it is available, it’s safer than public transportation.

5. Take group tours.

These are operated by well-trained guides and drivers, and they have a lot of tours to choose from.

Don’t take a tour with some guy on the street making an offer.

It might be great, or you might get killed.

6. Don’t drink the water.

It won’t kill you, but it will make you very sick for a day or two.

Some of it is just the minerals in the water that we are not used to, but there are also contaminated systems in Mexico.

7. Don’t go out at night alone.

Criminals wander around at night looking for an easy target, and a tourist alone is an easy target.

This is especially true for women, but it’s dangerous for men too.

8. Stay downtown.

Unlike the United States, the culture and tourist areas are downtown in Mexico.

Look for the “Centro Historico,” which is the major tourist area in town.

These areas cater to tourists and the government helps keep them safe.

9. Learn a little Spanish.

You don’t need to be fluent, but knowing some words will help.

If people see you are trying to speak their language, they are more likely to offer to help you.

10. Climate awareness.

Be aware of where you are.

Mexico City, for instance, is at a high elevation and that can give you altitude sickness.

The southern areas are hot, so drink plenty of water.

• So... How Safe Is Mexico Really?

There is no place on Earth that is safe all the time.

Bad things can happen, and that is what makes the news.

In reality, Mexico is as safe as the United States.

Forbes Magazine interviewed an FBI agent who worked in Mexico, and he said the country is safe if you use common sense.

A website compared crime statistics between Mexico and the United States and found Mexico to be less dangerous in many statistical categories.

• Crime in general per thousand people is three times higher in the United States.
• Rapes per thousand people are higher in the United States.
• Murders per thousand are higher in Mexico, but gun violence is less prevalent in Mexico.
• Assaults are four times as likely to happen per thousand people in the United States than in Mexico.
• Robberies, or muggings, are more prevalent in Mexico and this happens when people are caught out alone in most cases.
• Some areas are unsafe, and it is not safe to be out at night alone.

Driving a car in rural areas alone is also unsafe.

Tourist areas are safe.

The Mexican government makes a lot of effort to keep it that way.

Even in dangerous areas, you should be fine at a resort as long as you stay at the resort.

• How Does Mexico Compare?
• Useful Information

You do not need a visa to travel to Mexico.A regular passport is all you need.If you are on a cruise ship that leaves and returns to the USA, you won't even need a passport. It takes 8-10 weeks to get a passport once you have applied.The passport costs $110, but you can get a passport card for a short-term visit for $30.

The Peso is used in Mexico, and the exchange rate can change daily.The best place to make the exchange is at a bank, or at an ATM.You may also make the exchange at airports.Mexicans love to have U.S. Dollars, so take some and use them judiciously.Avoid changing money on the street as that can be a scam.

Mexico is a big country, so the weather is as diverse as it is in the United States.In the south, it is hot all the time in a Caribbean-type ecosystem.It can get cold at night in the high mountains around Mexico City any time of year. Light, loose-fitting clothing is best in summer, but bring some warm clothes if you head to the mountains.

Major cities have big airports, and some relatively small cities have them.If you are not on a cruise ship, flying is the best way to get to Mexico.The airport has taxis that will take you to town or where you need to go.Use official taxis, as there are fake ones at times.

Travel Insurance

Part of the fun of traveling is not knowing what will happen.Bad things do happen at times though, so it is a good idea to get some travel insurance.This can help you if you have a sudden change of plans, or if you get injured while in Mexico.It will give you some peace of mind as you explore and find new adventures.

Mexico Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

Mexico - Safety by City

Explore mexico.

• 12 Cheapest Places to Live in Mexico
• 10 Best Beaches in Mexico
• 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Mexico
• 10 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Mexico
• 11 Most Beautiful Castles in Mexico
• Are There Alligators in Mexico?
• 15 Best Flea Markets in Mexico
• 16 Pros and Cons of Living in Mexico
• 10 Safest Cities in Mexico
• Top 6 All-Inclusive Family Resorts in Mexico
• Reasons To Visit the City of Tampico in Mexico
• Mexican Slang You Should Know to Feel Like a Local
• Top 12 Activities for Your Trip to Rocky Point, Mexico
• Staying Safe in Mexico: 8 Simple Tips You Should Follow
• Where to Next?

19 Reviews on Mexico

Give mexico a chance.

Mexico and it’s people are beautiful, personally have never had any problems, but Mexico has lost it’s way over the years (Very Sad). Just use caution, and you should be ok

I HAVE TRAVELLED TO SEVERAL MEXICAN CITIES AND HAVE YET TO EXPERIENCE ANY PROBLEMS ALWAYS BEING CAREFUL ABOUT OUR SURROUNDINGS AND ALWAYS USING A CAB RECOMMENDED BY OUR HOTEL FOR ALL OUR LOCAL EXCURSIONS, ALWAYS TIPPING THEM FAIRLY AND ESTABLISHING A TRUSTING RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR DRIVERS AND REUSING THEM. WE AVOID LATE EXCURSIONS, NO JEWELRY, AND FEW CREDIT CARDS, ALONG WITH A SMALL CAMERA TO AVOID ATTRACTION. WE WILL EVEN HAVE LUNCH WITH OUR DRIVER TO MAKE US AND HIM FEEL AT EASE. I HAVE NOTICED THAT WHEN WE FLAG A CAB DOWN THE PRICE FOR THE TRIP IS EXCEGERRATED SIGNIFICANTLY USALLY TWO OR THREE TIMES WHAT IT SHOULD BE.

I have been to Mexico and I had no problem at all.People were friendly,food was great.There is no crime. Go to Mexico! It’s safe!

Truth is bitter

The only thing that’s missing from half of the country is effective government control. The drug cartels field military-grade weapons, and the government needs to respond with their own military helicopters and army formations e.g. to arrest some major druglords.

Brazil might be the only country besides Mexico that’s officially at peace, and yet has to regularly deploy the army to fight against organized crime (though there might be a few other countries as well in Latin America). The cartels will set roadblocks on major highways to enforce the borders of their extensive domains and will commit atrocities to make everyone remember who’s actually in control.

Only the Yucatan peninsula should be relatively safe for travel.

PICKPOCKETS? SCAMS? No way. I have been to Mexico and I have experienced NONE of that. There may be some in the northern part, but NOT in Mexico City! People are VERY friendly. Please go!

The fact that you dont experience a crime, doesnt mean crime doesnt exist. Dont be silly, mexico is alright, but as any latin american country, you cannot do things you can do in Europe like going out by night.

And im a mexican btw, i know my country way better than you

No you don’t You’re over exaggerating things because you’re believing all the things that the media exaggerated about safety in Mexico.

– I’m a Mexican living in the UK.

Need more information

Thank you for your reviews and information. I have noticed that Mazatlan is not covered within your list, is there a reason this city has been overlooked.

Mexico is not safe. Cartels target tourists you need to be careful. Police are corrupt and do not care.

Mexico is actually not what you think.

If you stick to the right areas in Mexico you will be completely safe. This whole Narco stuff is a problem but where I’ve been that being a small town in Jalisco called San Juan De Los Lagos, Its pretty safe, people in Mexico are nice too and will help you if needed. The media is just making Mexico look like a bad place, (which it is on some parts) but for the most part its a safe country if you stick to the good parts.

If you go to Mexico, you might get your head cut off

Mexico is my second home

In my opinion, Mexico is one of the most beautiful countries in the entire world. As a side note, for those that are gamers, you probably know that Forza Horizon 5 is based in Mexico and that game is so beautiful just as Mexico is. This place never fails to amaze me every time I get a chance to visit. I only had time for visiting a few of the many beauties it offers.

What I’ve managed to see so far:

1. Mexico’s Grand Canyon or Copper Canyon or Barranca del Cobre is a spectacular group of deep canyons. There are many ways to explore this place which believe it or not, is larger than the Grand Canyon.

2. Guanajuato is one of those places that needs to be explored by walking. It has many beautiful plazas, many, many splendid buildings architecturally wise. The San Diego Church or the Juarez Theater are just two of them. Another place to visit here is the Museum of Quixote. Don’t miss it.

3. Guadalajara is the second city in size after Mexico City and has a magnificent mix of colonial and Tapatios influences. Here you can truly experience Mexican culture with mariachi being present everywhere, dancing, singing and many, many amazing Mexican dishes that leave my mouth watering just thinking about them.

4. Cancun is a place where you go to relax on the beach and admire the smooth, clear sea. Snorkeling is awesome here as is scuba diving. Plenty of tropical fish to see and places to explore underwater if that’s your cup of tea.

All these places are generally safe during the day, less during the night. Pickpockets are present especially in the larger cities or where there are a lot of crowds so be careful in those instances. It’s generally safe to travel alone, as a man or woman, but traveling during night time is not ok I think. I wouldn’t do it.

Multiple listing "Los Cabos" is the capes, which is CSL and SJD.

Los Cabos consists of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo (which you suggest people avoid.)

I am confused why both are listed, and why Cabo San Lucas gets a score of 68, but when you combine the two (to Los Cabos) it gets a score of 80. Since you’re warning people away from San Jose del Cabo, the score should logically be lower, not higher. I guess San Jose del Cabo is MUCH safer than Cabo San Lucas as it would need a score of 92 to average the two into the 80 score of the two cities, assuming equal weighting on each city – 200k vs 150k people. Please sort this out, it’s confusing, from what you’re posting most of the dangers of swimming, riptides, sharks etc are in CSL.

Mérida is the best of Mexico

I crossed the Mexican border for the very first time in 1977.

I spent the day in Juárez which, at that time, was perfectly safe.

Three years later, I crossed the border at Laredo/Nuevo Laredo, launching a three-month-long journey across all of eastern Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. At no point did I feel in danger.

I had fallen in love with Mexico, and returned soon afterward (1981). Eventually, I made my way to Mérida, and really fell in love with that city. I have had a connection with Yucatán since that day. Yes, many parts of Mexico are dangerous today, especially for foreigners. So, rule #1 is to NOT stick out as a tourist. Blend in. It truly breaks my heart to see what has happened over the past 42 years.

I do not personally recommend Quintana Roo, except for the islands of Isla Mujeres and Cozumel.

Cancún and even Tulum have become dangerous. Anyway, I never did like Cancún. Too touristy for my taste. Mérida has always had a reputation for being a very safe city and, while not as safe as it was when I arrived 40 years ago, what city IS? It is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture, and it is very walkable. Winter is the best time to visit, since it is the dry season.

Winter nights are cool, but the days are warm to hot. Public transportation is excellent. Nearby places of interest include Progreso, Dzibilchaltún, Uxmal (and the Ruta Puuc), the Grutas de Loltún, Chichén Itzá (2½ hrs by bus), and various beautiful cenotes. Merida’s central mercado spreads over several city blocks. The “plaza grande” (central square) is historic and beautiful. The cathedral was completed in 1598.

Yucatán has a culture all its own, including dishes that you will find nowhere else (Poc Chuc, Relleno Negro, Cochinita Pibil, Papadzules, Huevos Motuleños, etcetera). I highly recommend Mérida.

Ok but could be better

It’s not that bad last time i went was when i was real little. If you feel lucky maybe you can buy some things there. You should never let your guard down when traveling to such places. I know there are worse places to visit in the world but this gets 4 stars because it is not that interesting. I’m not recommending you go there but if you want to no one is stopping you.

I spent three months in Mexico in 1982 and was married on Isla Mujeres. I have been back many times, sometimes alone, with my young children and with friends. I have never had any problems anywhere I have gone. I have rented cars, had accidents, used public transportation and have travelled by air. When I travel alone I don’t go out at night and I don’t drive at night on the highways but have no trouble driving in the cities or towns. I speak Spanish well enough and this helps so much. I love the geography, people, and culture. As long as you stay away from heavy boozing and drugs you’ll be fine. So much to explore.

Safe but extremely boring sometimes

Mexico wasn’t too bad when i payed a visit. However it can veg boring from time to time. The people were really friendly. I’ve been to this country as a kid but thats when i was a little kid. I wouldn’t let me guard down when it comes to crime but it is good to take a tour every once in a while.

EARTHQUAKES?TSUNAMIS genuine threat

Plenty of major earthquakes, including 2 just 4 years before you created this article that were over 7 on the scale! Tsunamis even possible on the coast. Do more research

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Article Contents

• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Tap Water Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

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12 Tips for Safe Travel in Mexico

Places to avoid, including acapulco, and other precautions to ensure a wonderful trip.

The image some may have of Mexico as a dangerous country with a drug cartel on every corner is far from the reality. Millions of U.S. citizens travel safely to Mexico each year, and the Mexican government puts a priority on making tourist areas secure.

Still, with the State Department urging travelers to “exercise increased caution” in the country due to crime, it’s a good idea to take some precautions to minimize your risk of encountering a problem.

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1. Choose your destination carefully

Though the State Department’s “increased caution,” or Level 2, travel advisory covers much of the country, it considers come areas, such as Guadalajara, more risky — Level 3 (“reconsider travel”).

And it suggests avoiding travel — Level 4 (“do not travel”) — in five Mexican states, including Guerrero, home to the Acapulco and Ixtapa tourist meccas.   

The relatively low Level 2 advisory suggested for the rest of the country covers San Miguel de Allende; the Riviera Maya, including Playa del Carmen; and Cabo San Lucas in Baja California, where “petty crime occurs frequently in tourist areas.” Check travel.state.gov for the latest updates for every part of the country.

2. Register your trip with the State Department’s STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program)

This allows you to receive updates on your destination and enables State Department personnel to locate you in case of an emergency. Also look up and keep handy the phone number for the nearest U.S. consulate before you go, in case you need help. Having travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, theft or other possible calamities is advisable.

3. If you’re an extremely cautious traveler, consider an all-inclusive resort or a cruise

In addition to having a single fee cover most of your vacation, all-inclusives typically allow only guests and employees inside a gated area. And cruise ships generally call at busy, well-guarded ports.

In 2017 and 2018, three dozen all-inclusive resorts in Mexico allegedly served tainted alcohol that sickened hundreds and killed at least several, according to a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel investigation. That issue appears to have been addressed, although it isn’t a bad idea to watch what you drink or stick to cans or bottled beverages opened in front of you.

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4. Think twice about renting a car

Driving can be risky in Mexico. It’s possible to be stopped by police demanding bribes, slangily called mordidas (“bites” in Spanish). And your auto insurance policy may not cover you there. Experts advise having a policy for your trip that includes uninsured motorists, as well as bail: If you’re involved in a crash, both drivers can be detained, and even jailed, until fault is determined. Also, it’s not smart to drive at night, because of the greater chance of robbery at a makeshift checkpoint, carjacking or collisions on dark roads.

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5. Monitor what you eat and drink

Whether it’s the discomfort of  “turista” diarrhea or more serious food poisoning, no one wants to spend vacation time in a bathroom or clinic. Rule 1 is not to drink water unless you’re sure it’s been filtered or purified (the same rule applies to ice). Water in a bottle with an unbroken seal is safest.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises eating food that is cooked and served hot; avoid salads or raw vegetables that could have been rinsed in contaminated water or handled by someone who didn’t wash hands properly. It’s not a bad idea to stick to fruit you peel, such as bananas. Wash hands often or use hand sanitizer.

6. Get vaccinated and consider bringing medication

The CDC also advises getting hepatitis A vaccine to protect against the effects of contaminated food or drink, and suggests a typhoid vaccine, especially for adventurous eaters and those going to small cities or rural areas. Pack over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medicine. Savvy travelers also carry an antibiotic such as Cipro for debilitating bacterial attacks. If you get sick, stay hydrated to avoid hospitalization for IV treatment.

7. Pack a copy of your passport and credit cards

Or you can photograph them and save the images on your cellphone. Keep tabs on credit and debit card transactions so you can catch any fraudulent charges or withdrawals.

8. Bring more cash than you think you’ll need

Should you require emergency medical attention, it’s not unusual for a doctor or hospital to demand payment in cash. Though the peso is the official currency, dollars are often welcomed.

9. Leave the bling at home

Flaunting costly jewelry and watches is an invitation to be relieved of them.

10. Secure your valuables

Don’t leave anything valuable in your hotel room, unless it’s in a safe. This is a good rule of thumb no matter where you travel, but with poverty rife in Mexico, iPads and pricey headphones make tempting targets. And, of course, always stash your passport in your hotel’s safe (room or front desk).

11. Be careful when cabbing

Try to use only taxis that are official. If in doubt, ask a hotel or restaurant staffer to call one. Cabs aren’t always metered, so before you get into one, ask how much the trip will cost (hotel and restaurant staffers should be able to help if there’s a language barrier). Try bargaining if you feel the quoted fare is too high. Uber ride hailing, where available, generally is considered safe.

12. Don’t let tequila drown your judgment

Keep your wits about you. Don’t accept drinks from strangers, and be suspicious of unsolicited attempts to befriend you.

One final note: Keep these warnings in perspective. Mexicans in general are friendly and hospitable to Americans — even in the wake of friction between the two governments. “Everyone we’ve encountered has been welcoming,” says Wisconsin native Laura Bly, who lives part of the year in San Miguel de Allende and travels around the country. So take precautions, then clap along to a mariachi band or two and enjoy your stay.

Editor's note: This article was originally published on February 13, 2017. It was updated to reflect the current State Department recommendations for travel in Mexico.

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Are You Planning a Trip to Mexico from the United States?

Warning: it's Illegal to Carry Firearms or Ammo into Mexico.

For border crossing information, tune into the port of entry's Loop Radio on 1620 AM. Report drug and alien smuggling. Call (956) 542-5811 in the U.S., 001800-0105237 from Mexico.

Prohibited/Permissible Items

• All articles acquired in Mexico must be declared.
• $800 exemption for gifts and personal articles, including one liter of alcoholic beverages per person over 21 every 30 days.
• Cuban cigars are prohibited.
• Check with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) about importing any medications prior to crossing into Mexico.
• CBP has a zero-tolerance policy on illegal drugs. Any type, in any amount may result in serious fines, seizure of vehicle, federal record and/or imprisonment.
• Switchblade knives, sea turtle boots or any other articles of endangered species (i.e. spotted cats, coral, crocodile, elephant, etc) are prohibited.

Prohibited/Permissible Agricultural Items

• Most fruits are prohibited (No oranges or apples)
• Do not take U.S. fruits and meats to Mexico-You cannot bring them back.
• Before you go to Mexico, ask a CBP Officer for a list of items you can bring back.
• Fines of $50 to $1,000 may result if you fail to declared agricultural items.

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission

• You must be 21 years of age to possess alcoholic beverages, if you are not 21, the alcohol will automatically be confiscated.
• One liter of alcohol and one case of beer may be imported per person every 30 days.
• No ID=no liquor. You must prove that you are 21 or older. If you show false or altered personal identification, the ID will be confiscated and you will be prosecuted.
• If you are 18 or over one carton of cigarettes may be imported.
• It is illegal in Texas to consume or possess with intent to consume alcoholic beverages in a public place on Sundays between 2:15 a.m. and noon or on any other day between 2:15 a.m. and 7 a.m.
• You are required to pay state tax on all alcoholic beverages and all cigarettes imported into Texas.

Is Mexico Safe to Travel to Right Now? [Updated 2024]

Is safe Mexico travel on your mind?

That’s great! Keeping your personal safety top of mind is one of the key ways to stay safe while traveling.

As Is it safe to travel to Mexico? and Is Mexico safe? are the two most asked questions in the Mexico travel-sphere — we’ll unpack the complex topic of safe travel in Mexico in this article.

The answers to the questions above are tricky, because no place on Earth is 100% safe.

Beyond that, safety is a feeling not a fact; meaning we may “feel” safe, but we’re never truly safe based on any quantifiable certainty.

However, from personal experience, I have felt safe during my Mexico travels, and I’ve been living and doing solo travel in Mexico since 2018!

For me, safe travel in Mexico comes down to two main things: making your personal safety your top priority and trusting your intuition.

If you follow the same travel safety measures and common sense just as you would anywhere on Earth, you’re well on your way to being safe in Mexico while traveling.

Is Mexico Safe: Statistics & Expert Opinions

When attempting to put your mind at ease regarding solo travel safety in Mexico, experts are great sources.

One of the most helpful articles on the subject of safe travels to Mexico comes from Forbes .

In it, they interview Carlos Barron, a 25-year FBI veteran, and this quote from him offers incredible perspective: 

Millions of Americans go to Mexico on vacation every year, so if we play the numbers game, the number of incidents is very small… When I’m asked if Mexico is a safe place to go travel on vacation, my response is yes . —Carlos Barren, 25-year FBI veteran (source: Forbes )

The key here is when he says “the numbers game.”

There’s no denying bad things occur in Mexico — and everywhere; however, they are isolated incidents.

Though bad things happen every single day in the U.S., many conveniently write them off isolated incidents, rather than labeling the entire country as unsafe.

In fact, check out this site that compares U.S. and Mexico crime statistics , and you might be shocked!

It’s hard to believe, given the media’s demonization of Mexico, but in most categories, the U.S. has higher crime rates than Mexico.

This is especially true of violent crime, and crimes committed with guns.

0.0002% of Crimes are Tourist-Related

One of the sad realities of living in Mexico is that there are two Mexicos.

There is a safe Mexico (ie. the most popular tourist destinations, and several other places), and a frankly, unsafe Mexico.

As this article is about safe travel to Mexico, let’s look at some numbers to help paint a clear picture about Mexico travel.

• According to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s  National Travel and Tourism Office , Mexico was the most popular 2019 travel destination for Americans — with nearly 40 million visits 😳
• Further, the  World Tourism Organization  declared Mexico the most visited country in Latin America in 2019, and the seventh most visited country in the world.

In this article from Statfor , the U.S. State Department reports that 35 million Americans visited Mexico from June 2017-June 2018, and 76 homicide deaths occurred — which amounts to 0.0002% .

Chicago has a population of 2.7 million — about the same as the number of Americans that live in Mexico. Last year, 561 people died in homicides in the Windy City, more than seven times the number of Americans who were murdered in Mexico. source: Statfor

While undeniably tragic, statistically speaking, there’s a very low probability for tourist violence in Mexico.

Mexico travel scams

As with most places you’ll travel, the vast majority of Mexicans are really nice people with good intentions.

However, as is common in any tourist town in any city on Earth, tourist scams are common. Some of these include:

🚗 Mexico car rental scam : This deceptive practice is not exclusive to Mexico, but something car rental companies all over the world do by trying to upsell you things you don’t need. Read about it here .

🏧 Fake ATMs : Use only ATMs inside reputable banks ; never a random ATM on the street, convenience store ATMs or gas station ATMs.

🚕 Fake Taxis: To combat this, use Uber in Mexico or only take authorized taxis from official stations, called sitios (taxi sites or taxi ransk), instead of hailing a cab on the street. Better yet, just use Uber .

🍽️ Restaurant Scams: Always double check your bill to make sure everything adds up correctly, you were charged only for what you ordered, etc.

Drug Cartel Violence in Mexico

Don’t get me wrong, bad things happen in Mexico — and every country on Earth, including the one you live in.

However, the fact remains that violence anywhere is sensationalized in the media.

In Mexico, the vast majority of crime is cartel-on-cartel violence. While this is tragic, it also means that if you’re not in a cartel, you’re likely far away from it.

On the rare occasion when there’s a tourist crime in Mexico, it is generally over-reported by the U.S. media, because, well, violence sells.

I actually have a degree in journalism, and while in college getting said degree, I was taught this saying: “ If it bleeds, it leads. “

This means people are more apt to pay attention — and pay money — to see and read news stories with elements of blood, violence and death.

KIDNAPPINGS IN MEXICO

Are there kidnappings in Mexico? Yes.

Is this happening every 12 seconds on every street corner in every city? Of course not.

Mexico in real life is much different than the yellow-colored Mexico you’ve seen in movies and shows.

As with most crime in Mexico, tourist kidnappings are few and far between.

Safe Places in Mexico to Vacation

Questions like Is travel in Mexico safe? and Is Mexico travel safe? are tricky because there are safe places to travel to in Mexico, less safe places, and frankly, dangerous places in Mexico .

Mexico is a large country, and although travelers want to analyze it as a monolith for convenience, it’s just not.

Below, we’ll take an in-depth look at some of the top Mexico travel destinations , and evaluate them for safety — ie. Cancun, Mexico City, Tulum , Cabo and Puerto Vallarta.

For those wanting to do some Mexico off the beaten path travel, here are 11 of the lesser-known safest places in Mexico to vacation:

• Merida , Yucatan state — Which is where I live, and widely considered the most safe city in Mexico
• San Miguel de Allende , Guanajuato state
• Oaxaca City , Oaxaca state
• Holbox Island , Quintana Roo state
• Playa del Carmen , Quintana Roo state
• La Paz , Baja California Sur state
• Valladolid , Yucatan state
• Isla Mujeres , Quintana Roo state
• San Cristóbal de las Casa , Chiapas state
• Todos Santos , Baja California Sur state
• Laguna Bacalar , Quintana Roo state

Is Cancun Safe?

If you ask someone who’s been, Is Cancun Mexico safe? , they will likely say that it was.

National and local government employees, politicians and police, as well as large corporate hotel chains that have places there, work hard to keep it safe for visitors.

Cancun is one of the top Mexico travel destinations, with millions visiting each year.

With numbers that high, yes, there are incidents of crime, though in general, Cancun is quite safe for families, solo travelers, groups and couples.

As there are plenty of gorgeous beaches on Earth, if Cancun wasn’t safe, people would stop coming! However, just the opposite is true.

According to the U.S. National Travel and Tourism Office , Mexico was the most popular 2019 travel destination for Americans, with nearly 40 million visits — many to Cancun!

🏝 General beach safety in mexico

They say the biggest dangers in Mexico beach towns are sunburns, drinking too much and hurricanes.

While this is true for many, you’ll also want to stay hydrated, stay aware of your surroundings, and don’t drink the water in Cancun (make sure to travel with this filtered water bottle ).

Is Mexico City Safe?

Wondering, Is it safe to travel to Mexico City? , or How safe is Mexico City?

For the vast majority of visitors, Mexico City is safe as long as you make your safety a priority.

For example, like all big cities, there are many safe neighborhoods in Mexico City, and unsafe ones, and you have to know which is which.

The safest neighborhoods in Mexico City include Roma, Condesa and Polanco, and neighborhoods to avoid in Mexico City include Tepito and Doctores.

If you stick to these safe places in Mexico City, you’ll enjoy this amazing city.

As tourism is Mexico’s largest industry, anywhere marketed to visitors is protected by Mexican federal and state police.

Some very popular tourism areas, like Centro Historico in Mexico City , even have a special unit of Mexico Tourist Police.

🎧 Check out this Mexico podcast from travel blogger Leigh. In it, she discusses how she felt safe in Mexico City on both of her two solo trips there.

Is Tulum Safe?

Also located in the Yucatan Peninsula, like Cancun, those wondering Is Tulum Mexico safe? can rest assured this bohemian beach town is a safe Mexico travel destination.

In fact, the entire Yucatan Peninsula is considered one of the safest parts of Mexico, and Tulum ranks as the safest place in Mexico by U.S. News and World Report .

Their rating system uses six metrics, including how cheap it is to buy Mexico travel insurance for that destination, because a lower premium means less risk of crime.

Is Puerto Vallarta Safe?

Puerto Vallarta , located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, is very visitor-friendly and home to large communities of expats.

As one of the best beach towns in Mexico, those wondering How safe is Puerto Vallarta, Mexico? can expect a peaceful vacation.

With a noticeable police presence in the main areas of Puerto Vallarta, petty criminals are kept at bay.

As with most big Mexico tourism destinations, the biggest risk is petty theft, so be aware of your belongings.

Is Mexico LGBTQ+ friendly? 

While the safe parts of Mexico tend to be safe for all types of travelers, some cities are known to be more LGBTQIA+ friendly than others.

These include Mexico City (specifically the Zona Rosa neighborhood), Mérida, Mexico , and Puerto Vallarta, which is the most gay friendly city in Mexico.

Is Sayulita Safe?

Located only about an hour west of Puerto Vallarta, many will make their way to the boho beach towns of Sayulita, Mexico .

This once-sleepy town is fast becoming a Mexico tourism hot spot — known for it’s great surf waves, colorful flags flying all over town, and of course, travel safety.

Check out this article from Sayulita blogger Trisha, who says the small town she calls home has virtually no crime at all.

Is Los Cabos Safe?

Baja California Mexico, consists of two states that make up the Baja Peninsula on the country’s west coast — Baja California Sur (South) State and Baja California State.

Baja Sur is widely considered the safer of the two, with top destinations like Los Cabos, La Paz, Todos Santos, Loreto and more.

The famous area called Los Cabos refers to two towns with the word cabo (meaning “cape”) in their name — Cabo San Lucas, the more famous of the two, and San Jose del Cabo.

While most stay in Cabo San Lucas, the airport is in San Jose del Cabo, and it is a destination in its own right, albeit a more relaxed one.

Cabo San Lucas is generally considered quite safe. However, it’s also one of the top party towns in Mexico, and safety starts going down the more you drink.

If you watch your alcohol consumption, and don’t forget your sunscreen, you’ll likely have a safe Cabo vacation.

Safest City in Mexico: Merida

For those wondering, Is Mexico safe to live? — Meet Merida, Mexico !

This is the 13th largest city in Mexico, and located in the Yucatan Peninsula, about 3.5 hours from Cancun and Tulum.

It is known as the safest city in Mexico, the second safest city in North America, and considered as safe as Europe .

It also happens to be where I’ve lived since 2019, so I know firsthand it feels safe.

In general, the Yucatan Peninsula is one of the most safe places to travel in Mexico — if not the safest place to travel in Mexico!

Of course, Merida isn’t a utopia. It does have some criminal activity, though incidents are rare.

Places to Avoid in Mexico

For those wondering where to travel in Mexico, it’s quite easy to avoid the most unsafe places in Mexico because more tourists aren’t headed to any of them.

This places include the states of Tamaulipas, Coahuila, Chihuahua and Durango, whcih aren’t generally on the main tourist trail.

For a guide, consult the U.S. State Department site , but know they evaluate state-by-state not city-by-city, which would make more sense for tourism.

Here are two examples of what I mean:

• Sinaloa is one of the least safe states in Mexico, though the city of Mazatlan in Sinaloa is one of the top beach destinations in Mexico.
• The famed Copper Canyon El Chepe Train goes through Chihuahua state, and while the train is safe and popular with tourists, other parts of the state are not.

Is Mexico Safe for Americans?

The U.S. State Department site is updated all the time to outline safety considerations in each of the 32 Mexico states .

They have a levels system, with Level 1 being “Exercise Normal Precautions,” and Level 4, which is “Do Not Travel.”

I advise you to take the list with a grain of salt for two reasons:

• It evaluates state-by-state not city-by-city, and most tourists will travel to a specific city, not the entire state. Oftentimes the more touristic cities are perfectly safe, though every part of the state may not be.
• It doesn’t specifically evaluate for crimes against tourists. Most crimes in Mexico aren’t committed against tourists (only about 0.0002% actually), and the statistics factor in all crimes.

…though this is still a great guide, especially for those who have never been to Mexico.

For about the last decade, the Level 4 “Do Not Travel” states have remained the same — and they are the states that border the U.S.

As these aren’t the main Mexico tourism hubs, most weren’t planning to visit them anyway.

✍️ Register for the STEP Program

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP Program, is a FREE service the U.S. government offers to citizens traveling abroad.

You can read all about it and register here , but in short, it lets the government know where you’ll be and when, should you need assistance while in the country.

🇺🇸 U.S. Embassy in Mexico City

The main U.S. Embassy in Mexico is located in Mexico City, though there are Consulates and Consular Agencies in big cities throughout the country.

If you need to contact to contact the Embassy, their info is below:

• U.S. Embassy Mexico City Address: Avenida Paseo de la Reforma 305
• from the U.S. 1-800-681-9374
• from Mexico +55-5080-2000
• after hours emergency number from the U.S. 1-844-528-6611
• after hours emergency number from the Mexico +55-8526-2561
• U.S. Embassy Mexico City Website: U.S. Embassy in Mexico City
• U.S. Embassy Mexico Email: [email protected]

Is Mexico safe to travel for families?

Mexico is actually a very family oriented country — and kids, grandparents and parents often all travel together.

For the most part kids are welcomed in most places, even places like casual cantinas and bars.

You will, however, want to check policies at upscale resorts, as some are adults only.

Is Mexico Safe to Travel Alone?

I personally traveled solo in Mexico for about a year, to half the states in the country, before deciding to move to Mexico permanently.

While this is just my anecdotal experience — I felt very safe everywhere I went in Mexico.

While some may say that I just got lucky with my safety, I personally believe I stayed safe because I made my own safety my top priority.

I list my Top 25 Mexico Safety Tips here on what I mean by this, and I hope they will help clear up a lot of the Is Mexico safe to visit? FAQs.

Is Mexico safe for solo female travelers?

If you’re asking me, I’ll say yes. However, someone else might say no.

The thing with safety is, it’s a feeling, not a fact — which is why one person can feel safe somewhere, and another will feel totally unsafe in that same place.

We’re only “safe” when nothing bad happens, but “bad” things can happen anywhere.

If you look around online, there are plenty of solo female travelers who rave about Mexico (check out Adventurous Kate, Be My Travel Muse, and The Blonde Abroad).

In fact, I’ve found most people who say solo travel isn’t safe, have never done it — go figure 🤷‍♀️

Do Americans Need A Visa for Mexico?

NO — U.S. Passport holders don’t need a visa to travel to anywhere in Mexico.

When you arrive in Mexico at the airport or cruise port and go through Immigration, you’ll receive a 180-day (6 month) FMM tourist card .

If you drive in, there the Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM) costs about $600 pesos ($35 USD) per person.

The FMM is a small piece of paper that you need to keep on you at all times, as it proves your legal status in Mexico.

It’s rare, but if an officer stops you, they can ask to see your FMM.

When leaving Mexico, you’ll have to give it back to an Immigration officer in the airport, cruise port or at the land border.

If you lose your FMM, there’s a fine of about $600 pesos ($35 USD) and some paperwork to fill out in order to replace it. In short: Don’t lose your FMM!

Is it Safe to Rent a Car in Mexico?

Renting a car in Mexico gives you freedom — both to the freedom to explore at your own pace and the ability to venture off the beaten path to all the  Mexico hidden gems .

With many tours, you only have a limited amount of time to explore, but with your own rental, you set the schedule.

Many will rent a car for a Mexico road trip in places like the Yucatan Peninsula or Baja California Peninsula (especially a Baja Sur road trip ).

However, some parts of the country are safer for this than others, but those are both safe areas Mexico has for those who want to drive around the country.

Is it safe to drive in Mexico?

Short answer: Yes , it is for the majority of visitors.

Longer answer: As a general rule, driving in Mexico is considered safe, however, there’s the obvious caveat to that — you’ll be driving in a foreign country you’re not used to.

Given that, you should take the time to familiarize yourself with these 10 Mexico Driving Tips .

Do I Need Mexico Travel Insurance?

You don’t legally have to have travel insurance in Mexico, but you really should have it because it offers peace of mind for all the things you’d rather not think about during Mexico travel.

In the wise words of Anthony Bourdain (RIP), “Travel isn’t always pretty.”

Since Mexico travel safety is on your mind, or you wouldn’t have read this, you’ll certainly want to have Mexican travel insurance.

Plans come in all shapes and sizes, for coverage to insure everything from your luggage, belongings and health while traveling.

The two companies linked below offer a free quote:

• World Nomads is one of the biggest names in adventure travel insurance.
• Safety Wing offers affordable, basic coverage, that covers general travel

Final Thoughts: Is Mexico Safe to Visit Right Now?

Even though I have traveled extensively in Mexico, and live in Mexico, you may have noticed I never said that Yes, Mexico is safe.

That’s because it’s not — and that’s because nowhere is.

In short: Is travel safe in Mexico? is an unanswerable question, though everyone wants a yes/no answer to it. I can’t give you this answer; no one can.

The fact is that if you travel to Mexico and nothing you consider bad happens to you, then you were safe in Mexico.

If you travel to Mexico and something you consider bad happens to you, then you were not safe in Mexico.

I can say I’ve been safe in Mexico, though many don’t consider it safe.

Millions of Americans go to Mexico on vacation every year, so if we play the numbers game, the number of incidents is very small. When I’m asked if Mexico is a safe place to go travel on vacation, my response is yes. —Carlos Barren, 25-year FBI veteran (source: Forbes )

What I also know is that for many, this is not the case — and, sadly, Mexicans seem to be less safe in Mexico than tourists.

While that’s another topic for another day, travelers are statistically quite safe when visiting Mexico.

Mexico Travel Planning Guide

Should i buy mexico travel insurance.

YES — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Travel Insurance Master , one of the biggest names in travel insurance. ( Read more )

Can you drink the water in Mexico?

No — You’ll want to buy this Water-To-Go Bottle , which filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick from drinking water in Mexico.

Also, it helps keep you hydrated while traveling Mexico. ( Read more )

Is it safe to rent a car in Mexico?

Yes — Renting a car in Mexico is one of the best ways to see the country! I always rent with Discover Cars , which checks international companies and local Mexican companies, so you get the best rates. ( Read more )

Will my phone work in Mexico?

Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free Mexico service, buy a Telcel SIM Card . As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. ( Read more )

What’s the best way to book my Mexico accommodations?

For Mexico hotels, Booking.com is the best site , but for hostels, use Hostel World . If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to check VRBO , which is often cheaper than Airbnb.

What do I pack for Mexico?

Head to the Ultimate Mexico Packing List + FREE Checklist Download to get all the info you need on packing for Mexico.

What’s the best site to buy Mexico flights?

For finding cheap Mexico flights, I recommend using Skyscanner .

Do I need a visa for Mexico?

Likely Not — U.S., Canadian and European Passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico; but check here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa. Most travelers will get a 180-Day FMM Tourist Visa passport stamp a upon arrival.

clock This article was published more than  1 year ago

Is it safe to travel to Mexico? What to know ahead of spring break.

The latest context and advice about violence, protests and travel warnings from the U.S. government

As spring break planning heats up, incidents of violence in Mexico continue to make news — leaving travelers to wonder whether a perennially popular destination is safe to visit.

A rash of recent headlines proclaimed that the U.S. State Department was warning against visiting Mexico leading up to the busy vacation season. Although the department has “do not travel” warnings in place for six states, a representative told The Washington Post that it has not updated its travel advisories for Mexico since October.

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico have, however, issued a handful of security alerts since January for Ciudad Juárez and several cities in Sinaloa and Quintana Roo states. Reuters reported that an Aeromexico plane was struck by gunfire in early January; the Culiacán airport closed because of violence following the arrest of alleged fentanyl trafficker Ovidio Guzmán, son of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.

“In light of widely publicized security incidents in popular tourist destinations, please remember that all destinations have some level of risk,” a Jan. 23 alert about taxi disputes in Cancún notes. “Violent crime — such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery — is widespread and common in Mexico.”

Most recently, four U.S. citizens were kidnapped from their vehicle by unidentified armed men in Mexico, the FBI said. The Americans crossed the border Friday into the city of Matamoros , across from Brownsville, Tex. Two were found dead, Mexican officials said Tuesday, and two were rescued and returned to the United States.

A California public defender died in January at a resort in Baja California in what local authorities characterized as a fall from the third floor of the hotel. His family has questioned that ruling, the Orange County Register reported , pointing to analysis of the autopsy that showed injuries inconsistent with a fall.

The United States, of course, has its own problems with violence; mass shootings have averaged more than one a day in 2023, and homicides reached their highest levels in decades over the past few years. Other countries, including Canada , Germany and Australia , routinely warn their citizens about gun crime when traveling to the United States.

Through November of last year, more than 30 million U.S. citizens traveled to Mexico, an increase of 18 percent from the previous year, according to data from the U.S. Department of Commerce. Here’s what government, security and travel experts say visitors should know.

Tourist drug demand is bringing cartel violence to Mexico’s most popular resorts

More travel news

How we travel now: More people are taking booze-free trips — and airlines and hotels are taking note. Some couples are ditching the traditional honeymoon for a “buddymoon” with their pals. Interested? Here are the best tools for making a group trip work.

Bad behavior: Entitled tourists are running amok, defacing the Colosseum , getting rowdy in Bali and messing with wild animals in national parks. Some destinations are fighting back with public awareness campaigns — or just by telling out-of-control visitors to stay away .

Safety concerns: A door blew off an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 jet, leaving passengers traumatized — but without serious injuries. The ordeal led to widespread flight cancellations after the jet was grounded, and some travelers have taken steps to avoid the plane in the future. The incident has also sparked a fresh discussion about whether it’s safe to fly with a baby on your lap .

Cruise or vacation to Caribbean or Mexico ahead? These travel advisories may change your mind

Heading to a level 4 destination write a will and leave a dna sample.

There's nothing like a vacation to get away from work or just the normal day-to-day grind.

There is plenty to do in Florida — after all, tourists flock here for once-in-a-lifetime getaways. And for Florida residents, there are hidden gems , plenty of road trip opportunities, and places for a romantic weekend when we get tired of the main attractions.

But sometimes even Florida residents just have to leave the state. What's nice is that some prime vacation spots are just a hop, skip and jump away. Or should we say boat ride, flight and cruise stop away?

Yes, we're talking about a vacation to the Bahamas, one or more of the Caribbean islands, or even the eastern coast of Mexico.

But nothing spoils a vacation like being a victim of a crime or feeling unsafe. Here's the current list of travel advisories issued for several popular vacation spots close to Florida that have been issued by the U.S. Department of State.

But first, here's what the levels of travel advisories mean.

What are the travel advisory alert levels and what do they mean for your vacation?

The U.S. Department of State has four levels of alerts when it comes to travel. The alerts tell U.S. citizens about specific safety concerns in a country, which include demonstrations, crime, and weather. Here is how the State Department defines each level:

• This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. There is some risk in any international travel. Conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States and may change at any time.      
• Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides more advice for travelers to these areas in the travel advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.
• Reconsider travel due to serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the travel advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.
• This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. The U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance, including during an emergency. The Department of State advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so. The State Department advises travelers heading to those countries despite the alert level write a will prior to traveling and leave DNA samples in case of worst-case scenarios.

Interactive map: See latest travel advisories at a glance

➤ View the interactive map.

The Bahamas under Level 2 travel advisory, use increased caution

• Alert level: Level 2, exercise increased caution.
• Date issued: Jan. 26, 2024.
• Reason: Exercise increased caution in The Bahamas due to crime.   Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas.
• More details can be found here.

Cuba under Level 2 travel advisory, use increased caution

• Date issued: Jan. 5, 2024.
• Reason: Exercise increased caution in Cuba due to crime.  Petty crime is a threat for tourists in Cuba. Also, violent crime, including armed robbery and homicide, sometimes occurs in Cuba.

Turks and Caicos Islands under Level 2 travel advisory, use increased caution

• Date issued: July 17, 2023.
• Reason: Exercise increased caution in the Turks and Caicos Islands due to crime. Local medical care and criminal investigative capabilities are limited.

Cayman Islands under Level 1 travel advisory, use normal precautions

• Alert level: Level 1, exercise normal precautions.
• Reason: Exercise normal precautions in the Cayman Islands.

Jamaica under Level 3 travel advisory, reconsider travel

• Alert level: Level 3, reconsider travel
• Date issued: Jan. 23, 2024 (even before Hurricane Beryl brushed by the island)
• Reason: Reconsider travel to Jamaica due to crime and medical services.  Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts.

Haiti under Level 4 travel advisory, do not travel

• Alert level: Level 4, do not travel
• Date issued: July 27, 2023
• Reason: Do not travel to Haiti due to kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and poor health care infrastructure.  Kidnapping is widespread, and victims regularly include U.S. citizens. Even convoys have been attacked. Kidnapping cases often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings. Violent crime, including armed robbery, carjackings, and kidnappings for ransom that include U.S. citizens are common. Protests, demonstrations, tire burning, and roadblocks are frequent, unpredictable, and can turn violent. The U.S. government is extremely limited in its ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Haiti.

Dominican Republic under Level 2 travel advisory, use increased caution

• Date issued: June 18, 2024
• Reason: Exercise increased caution in the Dominican Republic due to crime. Violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide, and sexual assault, is a concern throughout the Dominican Republic. The development of a professional tourist police corps, institution of a 911 system in many parts of the country, and a concentration of resources in resort areas means these tend to be better policed than urban areas like Santo Domingo. 

Grenada under Level 1 travel advisory, use normal precautions

• Alert level: Level 1, exercise normal precautions (well before Hurricane Beryl made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane)
• Date issued: July 17, 2023
• Reason: Exercise normal precautions in Grenada.

Trinidad and Tobago under Level 3 travel advisory, reconsider travel

• Date issued: July 2, 2024
• Reason: Reconsider travel to Trinidad and Tobago due to crime. Exercise increased caution in Trinidad and Tobago due to terrorism and kidnapping. Violent crime, such as murder, robbery, assault, sexual assault, home invasion, and kidnapping is common. Gang activity, such as narcotics trafficking, is common. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Popular Mexico locations travel advisories range from Level 1 to Level 4

• Alert level: Level 2, exercise increased caution
• Date issued: Aug. 22, 2023
• Reason : Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur in any location, at any time, including in popular tourist destinations.
• Reason : Exercise increased caution due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity occur with increasing frequency in Veracruz, particularly in the center and south near Cordoba and Coatzacoalcos. While most gang-related violence is targeted, violence perpetrated by criminal organizations can affect bystanders. Impromptu roadblocks requiring payment to pass are common.
• Reason : Do not travel due to crime. Crime and violence are widespread. Armed groups frequently maintain roadblocks and may use violence towards travelers. U.S. government employees may not travel to even to tourist areas in Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, and Ixtapa.

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US advises not to travel to this Mexican border town. Here's why.

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REYNOSA, Tamaulipas — A security alert has been issued for those traveling to the Mexican border town of Reynosa.

The town sits on the other side of the Rio Grande River from Hidalgo along the Texas-Mexico border. Recently, the United States Consulate in Matamoros issued a Level 4 - Do Not Travel advisory due to ongoing reports of kidnappings for ransom.

Officials say the kidnappings usually occur in the evenings along a bus route that leaves a terminal in Reynosa. The kidnappers have been targeting passengers with connections to the United States, including citizens and residents.

According to the advisory, families have been forced to pay thousands of dollars in ransom for each victim, along with the victims having their belongings and documents stolen, and their bank accounts emptied.

Tips for staying safe in Reynosa

If you must travel through the area, officials say to avoid traveling by bus in and through Tamaulipas. They also say to notify family and friends of your safety and to remain aware of your surroundings.

Assistance is available through the U.S. Citizen Services Assistant  form or by calling 911 in the event of an accident, fire or medical emergency. You can also call  55-8526-2561 from Mexico or 1-844-528-611 from the United States.

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Mexico City Travel 2024: The Complete Guide

Updated September 11, 2023

Traveling to Mexico City? You're going to have an amazing time, but we know you've got questions. Luckily, we’re here to help.

Here’s the guide to everything you need to know about Mexico City travel in 2024, with information on safety, transportation, and budget, plus tips on where to eat, neighborhoods to explore, and what to pack (and so, so much more).  Any questions after reading? You can always feel free to message us!

You probably don’t need a visa

Got a passport? Then you’re ready to go to Mexico City. Americans traveling to Mexico can spend 180 days in-country on a standard tourist visa (aka the normal stamp you get at the airport). The same goes for citizens of any country on this list .

You most likely have all your necessary vaccines already

As long as you’re up to date on routine vaccinations, you’re good to go! If you’re planning on traveling way into the countryside, the CDC recommends getting the hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines (which most people already have) in case of bad food or water.

The tap water isn’t great, so drink bottled instead

The tap water in Mexico City is, shall we say, dicey. Unless you have an iron stomach, it’s much safer to just buy bottled—it’s quite cheap anyway, almost always less than a dollar. In restaurants, you can ask for agua or filtered water. Most Mexicans don’t drink the tap water either, so you won’t have any problems there. Ice in drinks is likely fine since it’s usually made with filtered water, but if you’re super-concerned you can always ask for drinks without ice ( sin ).

Pro tip: You *can* brush your teeth with tap water, but you have to be careful not to swallow. It’s easier/safer to just use bottled water for this, too.

The exchange rate is excellent

$1 USD converts to about 19.3 Mexican pesos (hello, one dollar beers!). With that in mind, it’s super easy to keep meals under ten dollars—especially if you’re indulging in street food (which you definitely should be). How far will your money go? Let’s put it this way—you can buy a big water bottle for (much) less than a Big Mac.

Pro tip: The Mexican peso (Mex$) is Mexico’s unit of currency. That said, it uses the same symbol ($) as the US dollar. Don’t let this confuse will see the “$” sign on menus etc., but it indicates the price in pesos, not in dollars!

Lots of places are cash-only, but ATMs are common

Be sure to have plenty of pesos in your pocket—lots of places in Mexico City are cash-only. To be safe, withdraw money from an ATM in a bank (or at the airport) rather than on the street. And be sure to let your bank know about your travel so they don’t put a hold on your account.

Just make sure to tip!

Tipping culture is so different around the world, it can be confusing to know what’s normal. In Mexico, a 10% tip is fairly standard. For excellent service, you can tip between 15–20%. A lot of places are cash only, so just leave bills or coins on the table.

Mexico City is actually really safe—all you have to do is stay aware

Safety is one of the biggest concerns people have before traveling to Mexico City. While it’s true that certain parts of the country should be avoided, Mexico City itself is quite safe. All you have to do is take the same precautions you’d take anywhere else.

In fact, the US State Department puts Mexico City in the same safety risk category as the UK and France . If you feel good about traveling to London or Paris, then you’ll be absolutely fine in Mexico City.

If you still have questions, here are some helpful tips for keeping safe:

• Be careful with cash and valuables. This is just common sense. Don’t flash a lot of cash, and leave valuables at home. By far the #1 crime in Mexico City is pickpocketing.
• Drink bottled water. Drinking water in Mexico City is not safe. Buy bottles of water instead—they’re cheap, and anyway, peace of mind is priceless.
• Avoid “bad” areas. Is with any other city, there are definitely some parts of Mexico City you’ll want to avoid. 
• Know emergency numbers in Mexico City. This one is easy! Mexico recently transitioned to using 911 for emergencies .
• Take Uber. Uber is everywhere in Mexico City, and it’s a safe and easy way to get around, especially at night. Avoid unmarked taxis (or, really, taxis, but we’ll get into that later). Uber is easy because you won’t have to use a lot of Spanish. Plus, it’s really cheap—just a couple of dollars.
• Learn some Spanish. Knowing how to say basic phrases in Spanish will go a long way.
• Mexico City is full of locals who want you to have a fun, authentic stay in their hometown. Ask them for advice on keeping safe.

Zika isn’t a risk in Mexico City

Zika is a risk in Mexico as a whole, but Mexico City is considered safe from Zika . Why? Mosquitos are almost never found at elevations above 6,500 feet—and Mexico City is at such a high elevation (roughly 7,400 feet) that mosquitos are very, very rare. No mosquitos = no Zika. If Zika is still a concern, though, you can always chat with your doctor.

Neighborhoods

Mexico city full of amazing neighborhoods.

Mexico City is packed with incredible neighborhoods, or colonias  as they're locally known—over 350. Here are some of the ones you need to explore:

Centro Historico: Mexico City’s historic downtown center is full of beautiful plazas, fantastic colonial architecture, and plenty of delicious food. It can be sketchy at night, though, especially if you wander away from the more popular areas.

Roma and Condesa : Roma, and its sister neighborhood, Condesa, are the hipster heart of Mexico City. Full of great bars, Art Deco mansions, and vibrant street art, these two neighborhoods are colorful, must-see destinations. Spend an afternoon strolling through their enormous parks, admire the colorful old homes, and indulge in some craft beer. Condesa and Roma are just south of Centro Historico.

Pro tip: Since Condesa and Roma are close to each other, it’s easy to spend an afternoon exploring both neighborhoods. Alternately, they’re fantastic places to !

Polanco : If you’re looking for posh, you’ll find it in Polanco. Just west of Centro Historico, Polanco is full of gorgeous parks, world-famous restaurants, and awesome street markets.

Coyoacan : Nestled in a quiet part of Mexico City, Coyoacan nevertheless has tons of great food, beautiful parks, and a fantastic selection of museums. South of Centro Historico, It’s a bit further out than other neighborhoods (which accounts for its chill urban vibe).

Juarez and San Rafael : Once one of Mexico City’s grandest neighborhoods, Juarez has seen better days. But the barrio is in the midst of a revival, and you’ll find plenty of new bars, restaurants, and art galleries there. Like Juarez, San Rafael fell from greatness in the late 20th century but has recently experienced an influx of new activity. It attracts creative types who have been priced out of neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa. So check it out—you might discover a part of Mexico City before it’s cool (#hipstercred).

But there are definitely some neighborhoods to avoid as well

Neighborhoods like Tepito, Iztapalapa, and should be avoided. With so much to do in other neighborhoods, you’re better off just skipping these areas (there’s not much to do or see there, anyway). 

Attractions and Museums

There are some main attractions you can’t miss.

Getting off the beaten path is great, but sometimes tourists know what’s up! Don’t miss these big Mexico City landmarks.

• Zocalo : Mexico City’s enormous public square is always flushed with life. On any given day visitors may see a celebration, a demonstration, or people dancing to live music. Plus, many of Mexico City’s most prominent buildings, like the Palacio Nacional, encircle the plaza.
• Torre Latinoamericana : The tallest skyscraper in Centro Historico is hard to miss. On a clear it offers an awesome view from the top—and a chance to check out the world’s highest aquarium.
• Castillo de Chapultepec : Built in the 18th century, the Castillo de Chapultepec is definitely worth the hike up the hill to get there. Visitors can check out the murals, learn about the castle’s history, and take in the brilliant views.

And there are tons of phenomenal day trips

Even though there’s a ton to do in Mexico City (hello, did we mention the 1,700 neighborhoods?) it’s so worth it to get out of town. There are a bunch of awesome sites just an hour or two away.

• The Pyramids of Teotihuacan : You don’t have to travel to Egypt to see pyramids. Once in Mexico City, you don’t even have to drive for a full hour. It’s definitely worth the time to visit the famous archeological site of Teotihuacan, or the City of the Gods, where you can ogle at its two pre-Columbian Mesoamerican pyramids.
• The Floating Gardens of Xochimilco : Explore the miles of canals of Xochimilco by (that is, colorful riverboat), admire the floating gardens, and check out the creepy Island of Dolls. Plus, you can just hop on the metro to get to Xochimilco from Mexico City!
• The Town of Puebla : If you’re willing to trek a bit to get somewhere interesting, then the 90-minute drive to visit the town of Puebla is definitely worth it. Take in the markets, the old churches (there are over 300!), or check out the nearby Aztecan Tepanapa Pyramid, the largest man-made pyramid in the world.  
• Chapultepec Park : Ok, this park is within Mexico City limits, but it feels like a world apart. It is the oldest and largest park in Latin America and contains tons of monuments, museums, and, of course, plenty of green where you can stretch out in the shade to recharge before a night out on the town.

The museums are simply incredible

Mexico City’s museum scene is on point. With 150 museums to choose from, there’s something for everyone. Some of the most popular:

• Museo Nacional de Antropologia : Mexico City’s Museum of Anthropology is the country’s largest museum, with 22 rooms covering Mexico’s pre-Columbian past. Learn about Mexico’s indigenous history and check out the cool artifacts on display here.
• Palacio de Bellas Artes : (Palace of Fine Arts). Not only is this place gorgeous from the outside (it looks like a cross between a castle and a cathedral) but it’s filled with stuff to do as well. The Museo Nacional de Arquitectura (Museum of Architecture) occupies the top floor. Elsewhere, you can admire colorful murals, catch an orchestral show, or check out the incredible Tiffany glass “curtain.”
• The Frida Kahlo Museum : A visit to the Frida Kahlo museum is one of the best things to do in Mexico City. Take the opportunity to learn about Kahlo’s art as well as her life. Just be sure to buy tickets ahead of time—this is a very popular spot.
• Museo Soumaya : It’s hard to miss this museum—the outside, covered with hexagonal aluminum tiles like the scales of a snake. The whole museum was created by one of the world’s richest men (Carlos Slim Helu). It houses over 65,000 incredible pieces, including Rodin sculptures and the world’s largest collection of pre-Hispanic coins. Best part: Museo Soumaya is free to visit!
• The Templo Mayor Museum : Visiting the Templo Mayor Museum feels like walking back in time—because it’s in the middle of ancient ruins. Yes, right in the middle of Mexico City. The ruins are the remnants an old temple which the Aztecs believed to be the center of the universe.

Plus, art is amazing

You definitely don’t want to miss Mexico City’s famous street art. Roma and Condesa are great places to start. Added bonus: Going on a street art crawl is a great, non-touristy activity in Mexico City.

Transportation and Communication

You can take public transportation, but pickpocketing is a risk.

The Mexico City subway is fast, safe, and extensive. It runs from early morning to midnight, and at about 30 cents per ride, it’s a great deal. It can get crowded, however, and like most mass transit systems, there is a risk of pickpockets—so keep your belongings close.

Pro tip : Women in Mexico City can ride on the women/children only cars, usually at the front of the train.

The taxis are hit-and-miss, so just use Uber

Although Mexico City has made great strides in combating taxi crime, it’s just easier and safer to call an Uber. For starters, you don’t have to speak much Spanish and the cost is made clear on your phone. You’ll avoid being overcharged or otherwise scammed.

Your phone plan may or may not work in Mexico

When it comes to ordering Ubers and posting stories to Instagram, having a phone is important. Verizon and AT&T offer domestic plans that include travel to Mexico, so you may already be covered. Check with your carrier —if your plan doesn’t cover additional travel, they’ll likely have travel deals for a couple of dollars a day.

Pro tip : This will definitely be worth it at 2 am when you just want to call an Uber to your hotel.

Eating, Drinking, Partying, etc.

The food is ahh-maz-ing.

If you’re wondering where to eat in Mexico City, the answer is… basically everywhere. The food in Mexico City is incredible—especially street food like tacos al pastor, tamales, and mole. Seriously, for many travelers, it’s the highlight of their whole trip.

You’ll find great food in restaurants too. Obviously, go for the Mexican food, but feel free to explore! Some of the world’s best restaurants are in Mexico City .

Mexico City’s bar scene is so much more than just margaritas

Did someone say? Sí, —definitely treat yourself with a margarita while in Mexico City. But don’t stop there: Mexico City has A LOT more to offer than just margaritas. Explore the growing craft beer scene, taste a creative cocktail made by some of the world’s best bartenders , or cool down with a michelada—Mexican beer mixed with fresh lime, hot sauce, and soy sauce. Unsurprisingly, the tequila and mezcal are unparalleled .

Pro tip : There’s a literal Museum of Tequila and Mezcal . Go there.

The nightlife is simply superb

No matter where you fall on the “keep it classy” spectrum, you’ll find something to please you in Mexico City’s vibrant and varied nightlife. Whether you’re looking to sip high-quality tequila or dance to the music of a mariachi band, you can find it in Mexico City. There are also tons of speakeasies, salsa clubs, and other places to visit

Pro tip : keep in mind that Mexico City is at a high altitude, so depending on your sensitivity, one drink can go a long way.

Packing Tips

Weather-wise, there’s no bad time to visit mexico city.

Wondering about the best time to go to Mexico City? Stop wondering—no matter when you’re visiting, you picked the right time! Here’s a breakdown of Mexico City’s weather season-by-season:

• Winter : When we start joking that Winter is Coming in the United States, it’s time for a vacation. Mexico City usually boasts highs in the 70s and low-80s in the winter, but it does drop to the low 40s at night.
• Spring : May is the hottest month of the year in Mexico City, with temperatures in the mid-70s to low-80s (in other words: perfect). Temperatures in the spring usually hover around 70 degrees during the day.
• Summer : Mexico City’s humid rainy season is between June and September. But this is good news for travelers! Many people are discouraged by the rainy season and choose not to travel—making flight and hotel prices cheaper than normal. Since rain usually hits in the afternoons or evenings there’s still a ton you can do or see. Plus, high temperatures are still in the 70s.
• Autumn : We’re basic, so we *love* autumn. And it’s a great time to visit Mexico City. If you visit in the fall your trip may coincide with  Dia de Muertos (November 2nd). With temps averaging in the low 70s, autumn in Mexico City is perfect walking weather.

And the weather makes packing easy

Yeah, it’s Mexico, but Mexico City is far away from the beach. Perched on a desert plateau, the weather is can get chilly at night (and during the day, depending on when you visit) so bring layers, as well as lots of .

Plus, Mexico City is very fashion forward—so don’t be afraid to bring your stylish A-game.

Pro tip: If you’re planning on taking a day trip and/or scaling some pyramids, pack athletic wear and good walking shoes.

Plus, your (American) electronics will work just fine

Mexico uses the same outlets that are used in the United States, so no adapter necessary.

Everything Else

Mexican hospitals and pharmacies are awesome and easy.

Mexican pharmacies ( farmacias ) can help treat minor ailments. Sanborns is an example of an upscale pharmacy, but farmacias come in a variety of sizes. Some hotels also have doctors on site. Medical travel insurance is a good idea since your insurance may or may not cover you abroad. Usually, you can buy this through travel sites like Expedia .

Earthquakes are rare—but know what to do just in case

Mexico City has been rattled by big earthquakes a handful of times in its history. Although an earthquake striking during your trip is extremely unlikely (the risk is probably comparable to visiting somewhere, like, Seattle) know what to do just in case.

If there is a quake, make a beeline for one of the “ puntos de ”: green circles or squares on the street that indicate a gathering spot after an emergency.

You don’t *need* to speak Spanish, but it's helpful

Most big tourist destinations (museums, popular restaurants, hotels) employ English speakers. If you dash into a corner store or order food from the street, however, knowing a few Spanish phrases will help. One of the most common Mexico City travel FAQs is about which phrases you need to know. Some that we recommend memorizing:

KEY PHRASES TO KNOW

Spanish                                    English

Mi nombre es…                             My name is…

Donde esta el baño?            Where is the bathroom?

Me puede ayudar?                Can you help me?

No hablo Español.                I don’t speak Spanish.

Habla Inglés?                        Do you speak English?

Hola                                        Hello

Gracias                                   Thank you

Whew! You’re ready for the trip of a lifetime. And since you don’t want to spend hours planning your trip only to find you’ve missed out on the REAL Mexico City, make sure to get in touch with Project Expedition before you start.

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What we know about the computer update glitch disrupting systems around the world

Bobby Allyn

Bill Chappell

Fatima Al-Kassab

Microsoft, which hosts cloud services with businesses and governments, said it was grappling with service outages after a glitch triggered by software distributed by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike. Haven Daley/AP hide caption

A technological meltdown left employees of airlines, banks, hospitals and emergency services around the world staring at the dreaded “blue screen of death” on Friday as their computers went inert in what is being described as a historic outage.

“This is basically what we were all worried about with Y2K, except it's actually happened this time,” internet security analyst Troy Hunt said via X .

Security experts race to fix critical software flaw threatening industries worldwide

From continent to continent, Microsoft users reported being suddenly knocked offline, and the culprit was determined to be cybersecurity company CrowdStrike, which says one of its routine software updates malfunctioned.

“CrowdStrike is actively working with customers impacted by a defect found in a single content update for Windows hosts,” the company said in a statement.

Customers using Mac and Linux operating systems were not affected, CrowdStrike said.

When the faulty update crashed computer systems, scores of airport travelers were stranded, hospital appointments were delayed and live news broadcasts were cut short.

How big is the outage?

It is massive, far-reaching and sudden.

Some computer problems cascade, creating ripples of failures. But in this case, the flaw permeated Microsoft systems worldwide nearly immediately. The company says its Windows 365 Cloud PCs, apps and services were affected.

Microsoft remains the dominant desktop operating system worldwide, with more than 72% market share, according to the Statcounter website . The CrowdStrike problem does not directly affect all of those machines: its security software is mainly used by businesses and large organizations. The company says its customers include 43 U.S. states and nearly 300 companies in the Fortune 500.

Hundreds of thousands of Microsoft outages were reported on Friday, according to Downdetector , the website that tracks outages based on users’ reports.

In 16 hours, 311,000 global outage reports came in, Michelle Badrian, senior communications manager at Ookla, which owns Downdetector, told NPR. Of that figure, she added, 58,000 reports were from the U.S., 26,000 from the U.K., and 20,000 from India. Large numbers of reports also came in from Germany, Canada and Australia.

There are signs that relief is on the way: Badrian said that as of midday Friday ET, “we are observing report volumes declining both for Microsoft services and for all services overall.”

While server-related outages are common, the scale of the CrowdStrike disruption was astonishing to many tech observers.

“This IT outage is a stark reminder of how dependent we are on technology and many other things that happen behind the scenes that most of us are unaware of,” said Louisville-based tech executive Adam Robinson on X . “Modern society and the many comforts we enjoy is a fragile thing.”

Passengers wait in front of check-in counters at the capital's Berlin Brandenburg Airport, in Schönefeld, Germany, on Friday after a widespread technology outage disrupted flights, banks, media outlets and companies around the world. Christoph Soeder/AP/DPA hide caption

What about air travel?

More than 2,000 flights originating or landing in the U.S. were canceled as of noon ET Friday, and more than twice that number were delayed, according to the FlightAware tracking site.

Delta Airlines, United Airlines and American Airlines announced they were resuming some or all of their scheduled flights after initially being grounded when the problem struck their systems. The airlines also said they were issuing waivers to affected customers.

Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport — a major hub for long-distance flights — said a "global system failure" impacted incoming and outgoing flights on one of the busiest days of the year.

Landings at Zurich airport were suspended and flights in Hungary disrupted.

Spanish airport operator Aena reported a computer systems “incident” at all Spanish airports that it said could cause delays.

What other kinds of services went offline?

In some states, including Alaska and Ohio , 911 phone lines were down.

The U.K.’s National Health Service has been widely affected. The NHS said Friday that doctors’ appointments and patient records had been affected but that there was no known impact on emergency services. The BBC reported that two-thirds of doctors’ practices in Northern Ireland had been affected, with doctors unable to access patient records, generate prescriptions or see the result of laboratory tests.

In Germany, some hospitals canceled non-emergency operations.

Broadcasters around the world were also affected. In France and Australia , live television broadcasts were knocked offline.

Sky News, a major U.K. news channel, was off air for a time on Friday morning. It later returned, but without “ full capabilities , ” its chairman, David Rhodes, said on X Friday afternoon. A post on Australia’s ABC News website said the broadcaster was experiencing a “major network outage.”

The London Stock Exchange’s news service stopped working. Shipping in the Baltic was also impacted, with the container hub of Gdansk in Poland hit by major disruptions.

How do people fix their computers?

CrowdStrike says the problem was not a cyberattack, but rather a software glitch. The company said that after identifying the issue, it withdrew the "problematic channel file" that was affecting customers' systems.

Because of that move, if a Windows system with CrowdStrike's Falcon sensor was brought online after 1:27 a.m. ET Friday , the company said, it wouldn't be affected.

It also published a workaround that involves booting a Windows machine in a recovery environment, deleting a single file in the CrowdStrike directory, and restarting.

An airport information screen displays an error message rather than travel information at San Francisco International Airport on Friday after a computer problem unraveled systems in the U.S. and dozens of other countries. Talia Smith/NPR hide caption

What is CrowdStrike?

It’s a U.S. cybersecurity firm based in Austin, Texas. The company went public in 2019 and is currently in the S&P 500 index. As of early July, CrowdStrike’s stock had been riding months of gains. But share prices fell sharply in early trading Friday.

“This is clearly a major black eye for CrowdStrike,” said WedBush analyst Dan Ives.

CrowdStrike made headlines in 2016, when the company was hired by the Democratic National Committee to investigate a breach of its data systems . CrowdStrike determined that the hack was a case of foreign interference — the work of Russian-backed hacking groups.

The company’s marquee product is its “Falcon” cybersecurity software — and it traced the current problem to a change in a sensor in that system. That also helps explain how and why the resulting failures might have spread so quickly: Rather than being stored locally, the Falcon security platform “is 100% cloud-based.”

The company apologized for the outages on Friday, stating, "We understand the gravity of the situation and are deeply sorry for the inconvenience and disruption."

This is a developing story and will be updated.

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Are You Sure Your Ozempic Is Real? Fakes Are on the Rise.

Counterfeit versions of popular drugs used for weight loss are putting people at risk.

By Dani Blum

Experts have grown increasingly concerned about fake versions of Ozempic and popular weight loss drugs. These copycats can look deceptively real, and may contain dangerous substances or entirely different drugs altogether.

In June, the World Health Organization warned that fake batches of Ozempic were found in the United States, the United Kingdom and Brazil. Also in June, Eli Lilly issued a letter expressing concern that counterfeit versions of its own drugs, Mounjaro and Zepbound , were being sold online, through social media and at medical spas.

Those who study the counterfeit drug market say these findings are alarming, but not all that surprising. The drugs are expensive, often hard to find and highly sought-after.

“Such high demand and short supply and such a desperate population — that’s a recipe for disaster,” said George Karavetsos, a former director of the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations.

As a result, a counterfeit market has emerged, with phony drugs sold online at low prices without a prescription or any contact with a doctor. Some websites have storefronts to sell what they claim is semaglutide, the substance in Ozempic, which customers can add straight into an online shopping cart. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy said it had identified thousands of websites illegally selling drugs like Ozempic, including fake versions. Patients often have no way to verify what’s in these products.

Shabbir Imber Safdar, the executive director of the Partnership for Safe Medicines, said he worried about both the rise of fake drugs and also the popularity of compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide, the substance in Mounjaro. These customized versions of drugs are made at compounding pharmacies and under best practices, contain ingredients that come from facilities registered with the F.D.A. But regulators have warned about adverse events linked to compounded semaglutide, and stressed that compounded medications are subject to less oversight than traditionally approved medications.

Counterfeit drugs, on the other hand, are often sold from unregulated and unlicensed online vendors. There is little data on the prevalence of counterfeit Ozempic, but doctors and researchers have said they are highly concerned about the risks to patients.

That’s because products masquerading as Ozempic may contain impure semaglutide, dangerously high doses or other drugs, said Timothy Mackey, a professor at the University of California, San Diego, who studies counterfeit medications. Often, online vendors will pass off research-grade chemicals — which are not safe for humans — as semaglutide meant for consumers, he said.

Criminals also commonly paste fraudulent Ozempic labels onto insulin pens, said Mr. Safdar. After fake Ozempic in Austria landed people in the hospital last fall, health officials said they suspected it was actually insulin. Reuters reported in January that three people in the United States developed hypoglycemia, or dangerously low blood sugar, after taking suspected counterfeit Ozempic.

In the course of researching counterfeit Ozempic, Dr. Mackey and his colleagues tried to buy fake products from online sources. Some orders never showed up, and some vendors claimed they needed an extra thousand dollars to get the drug through customs.

“It’s getting kind of crazy out there,” he said.

What to watch out for

Any counterfeit medication can be dangerous, but fake Ozempic poses a particularly high risk because it is injected. It’s extremely tricky to manufacture sterile injectable drugs, Mr. Safdar said.

One of the biggest risks, he said, comes from consumers being willing to buy these drugs online, without supervision from a doctor.

Dr. Melanie Jay, the director of N.Y.U. Langone’s Comprehensive Program on Obesity, stressed that people seeking out drugs like Ozempic should always see a licensed medical provider for comprehensive care. Doctors need to frequently check in with patients taking these medications to monitor their progress and manage potentially serious side effects, she said.

It is possible for fake Ozempic to end up in traditional health care settings. In June 2023, Ozempic maker Novo Nordisk said that a counterfeit pen purchased at a U.S. pharmacy actually contained insulin. And in December, the F.D.A. said it had seized thousands of units of fraudulent products in the legitimate drug supply chain.

But it is rare for a counterfeit drug to make it that far undetected, Mr. Safdar said. It’s much more likely for people to unknowingly take fake Ozempic if they’re seeking the drug from an unlicensed online vendor or a medical spa, he said. Consumers should also watch out for products sold at a cash price far below the list price of drugs like Ozempic.

Counterfeit medications can have subtle irregularities, like spelling mistakes on the carton, so you should always examine a drug’s packaging. Falsified products may also have flimsy labels that do not stick well to the pen, the W.H.O. said.

Novo Nordisk has resources online for people to ensure their drugs are authentic , and Eli Lilly has tools to help people identify genuine products.

Dani Blum is a health reporter for The Times. More about Dani Blum

The World of Weight-Loss Drugs

What to Know : How do Ozempic and other drugs used for weight loss work? Here’s a primer .

Fake Ozempic : Experts have grown increasingly concerned about counterfeit versions of popular weight-loss drugs  that are putting people at risk.

Sleep Apnea : New research showed that tirzepatide, the compound in Zepbound, improved symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea .

Ozempic Before Pregnancy?: Women are using weight-loss drugs in hopes of conceiving or having healthier pregnancies, but little is known about the drugs’ impact on a fetus .

A Company Remakes Itself: Novo Nordisk’s factories work nonstop turning out Ozempic and Wegovy, but the Danish company has far bigger ambitions .