Is it Safe to Travel to Mexico?

If you’re looking for a sunny, warm destination to travel to, consider Mexico. But, is it safe to travel to Mexico?

The honest answer depends on where you go. The US State Department rates Mexico as a whole at Level 2, “exercise increased caution”, rates Yucatán and Campeche at Level 1, and lists six states as “do not travel”. The UK Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to parts of 11 states. Below you’ll find what the current advice says, the scams to know about, and how to get around safely.

Sure, the resort hot spots along the coast are popular, but there is so much more to Mexico than that. Mexico City is packed with museums, galleries and food markets. Oaxaca draws travelers for its mezcal and its cooking. Mexico is a rewarding country to backpack around, road trip, or just vacation in.

There’s an endless variety of things to see and do, and the locals are some of the friendliest people on the planet. Yet the country gets a bad rap in the media, being constantly tagged as unsafe. Cartel violence and corruption are real problems in some regions, and the official travel advice reflects that.

The key is to know which areas carry extra risk, plan your route around them, and use the same street sense you would in any big city.

The current state of Mexico and its tourism industry

Safety in Mexico varies a lot from state to state, and both the US and UK governments publish advice for each region. Most of the main tourist areas, including Mexico City, Cancún, the Riviera Maya, Oaxaca and Los Cabos, sit at the same level of US advice as the country overall. That still leaves plenty of reasons to plan a vacation to Mexico, as long as you check your route first.

The US State Department travel advisory for Mexico (last updated in May 2026) rates the country overall at Level 2 and gives each state its own level.

• Level 1 (exercise normal precautions) covers Campeche and Yucatán, including Mérida.
• Level 2 (exercise increased caution) covers most states, including Mexico City, Quintana Roo (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum), Oaxaca, Puebla, Baja California Sur (Los Cabos, La Paz), Nayarit and Veracruz.
• Level 3 (reconsider travel) covers Baja California, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Morelos and Sonora. Inside some of these states, the advisory places no extra limits on US government staff in tourist areas such as Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Tijuana and Ensenada.
• Level 4 (do not travel) covers Colima, Guerrero (including Acapulco, Ixtapa and Taxco), Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas.

Within each state, the advisory also lists the roads and towns US government staff may or may not use, which is a useful guide for planning a route.

The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to parts of 11 states. These include Tijuana, all of Zacatecas, most of Michoacán (Morelia and Pátzcuaro are excepted), Guerrero except Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa reached by air, and a strip within 40 km of the Guatemalan border in Chiapas. Traveling against FCDO advice can invalidate your travel insurance.

Both governments update their advice several times a year, sometimes at short notice, so check the pages for every state on your route before you book and again before you leave.

Is it safe to travel to Mexico?

Violence in Mexico is concentrated in certain states and is largely linked to organized crime. It can still reach tourist areas. The US advisory notes that shootings between rival gangs in Quintana Roo have injured and killed innocent bystanders, and advises staying in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones after dark.

Travelers also need to watch for petty theft, scams and road risks. The US advisory names motor vehicle accidents as a leading cause of death for US citizens in Mexico.

The best way to stay safe when traveling to Mexico is to do your research and plan your trip carefully. Avoid traveling to areas that are known to be dangerous, and be sure to stay in well-populated, tourist-friendly areas whenever possible. Use common sense when out and about, and always be aware of your surroundings. If you are in danger, call 911, Mexico’s national emergency number.

With a little caution and planning, you can still enjoy a fantastic trip to Mexico.

See also: Tips for Planning the Ultimate Trip to Mexico

Is Mexico safe for solo travelers?

Solo travelers can feel safe in Mexico by taking some common sense precautions and being aware of their surroundings. While learning Spanish will certainly help, it is not a requirement for staying safe. Find a few useful phrases below.

Just use your best judgement, keep your belongings secure, and don’t hesitate to travel in groups or share taxis if it makes you feel more comfortable. With a little planning and caution, you can have a great time exploring all that Mexico has to offer without any safety concerns.

Is Mexico safe for solo female travelers?

Solo female travelers can safely explore Mexico by taking the same precautions they would at home. This includes being aware of your surroundings, staying in well-lit and populated areas, and avoiding wearing flashy jewelry or using electronic devices in public.

Additionally, if you are bothered by catcallers, it is best to ignore them. Although they may become aggressive, pretending you don’t hear or see them is usually the best way to diffuse the situation.

Tips for staying safe while traveling in Mexico

Mexico can be a safe and enjoyable place to visit. So if you’re planning on traveling to Mexico, there are a few things you should keep in mind in order to stay safe.

• First, be aware of your surroundings and don’t flash valuables in public. Pickpockets are unfortunately common in tourist areas.
• Second, avoid using ATMs in isolated areas or after dark.
• Third, only use licensed taxis and make sure the driver uses the meter.
• Fourth, avoid traveling alone if possible – it’s always safer to travel in pairs or groups.
• Fifth, try to blend in as much as possible by dressing like a local and not standing out too much.
• Sixth, keep your belongings close to you at all times.
• Finally, always trust your gut – if something feels off, it probably is.

By following these simple tips, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Mexico!

Common scams in Mexico

The UK Foreign Office warns about these in particular.

• Virtual kidnapping. A caller claims to be holding a relative or colleague and demands a ransom. Hang up and contact the person directly.
• Express kidnapping. Criminals force victims to withdraw cash at an ATM. Use ATMs inside shops, malls or banks in daylight and avoid large withdrawals.
• Fake police and extortion. Criminals pose as police officers to demand on-the-spot fines. Don’t hand over cash or your passport, ask for a written fine and note the officer’s details.
• Spiked and counterfeit drinks. Drinks have been spiked in bars, and methanol in counterfeit alcohol has caused deaths. Keep an eye on your drink and get urgent medical help if you or a companion suddenly feel unwell.
• Unlicensed taxis. Unlicensed drivers have robbed and assaulted passengers. Use authorized taxis or ride-hailing apps, as described below.

You’ll find the details in the FCDO safety and security advice for Mexico.

The importance of research before traveling to Mexico

When we travel, we often don’t take the time to research our destination. This can lead to problems, especially when traveling to a country like Mexico.

There are many things to consider before traveling to Mexico, such as the language barrier, currency exchange, and safety concerns.

While many people in the tourist areas speak English, it’s always helpful to know some basic phrases in Spanish. This can help you communicate with locals and get around more easily. I added a few below.

It’s also important to be aware of the currency exchange rate before you travel. Mexico uses the Mexican peso, which is different from the US dollar or the Euro. Traveler’s checks are rarely accepted anymore, so bring a debit or credit card that works abroad and some pesos for small purchases.

Be sure to research your destination before you travel and plan accordingly.

Here are a few more frequently asked questions about safety in Mexico

Is the tap water safe in Mexico?

In most places, the tap water in Mexico is not safe to drink. The UK Foreign Office health advice is to drink only boiled or bottled water and to avoid ice in drinks. Large refillable jugs of purified water (garrafones) are sold everywhere and are the cheapest option.

While it may be fine to shower, you should likely avoid brushing your teeth with tap water, just to be safe.

Since single-use plastic negatively impacts the environment, bring a water filter.

Are taxis safe in Mexico?

Safety is the top priority when it comes to taking taxis in Mexico. In general, tourist areas have safe and reliable taxi services.

However, it is always best to be cautious and take a few extra steps to ensure your safety.

Make sure you only get into an authorized taxi, and if possible, have your hotel or accommodation call one for you.

It’s also important to note that not every city has metered taxis – so be sure to ask about the fare in advance if there isn’t a meter. Ask your hotel/hostel staff or a local about prices upfront. They can give you a rough idea about the costs.

As a rule, don’t hail taxis on the street. The US State Department recommends ride-hailing apps such as Uber or Cabify, taxis ordered by your hotel, or authorized taxi stands (sitios). At airports, use the official prepaid taxi counters. In Cancún, protests by licensed taxi drivers against Uber have at times blocked roads, so check pickup rules with your hotel.

Is renting a car safe in Mexico?

If you’re planning on renting a car during your next trip to Mexico, you should keep a few things in mind. For starters, always follow the speed limit and rules of the road.

Police sometimes stop drivers for minor infractions in hope of a bribe. The FCDO advises not to hand over cash or your passport and to ask for a written fine instead. Drive between cities in daylight only and use the toll highways (cuotas), which are better maintained and patrolled more often. Comply at official checkpoints, and avoid isolated roads, where local groups sometimes set up unofficial roadblocks to demand money. On federal highways, dial 078 for the Green Angels (Ángeles Verdes) roadside assistance service.

Every region is different. Yucatán and Campeche are the only two states at Level 1 in the current US advisory, which makes the Yucatán Peninsula a common choice for a first self-drive trip.

See also: Road Trips in Mexico: The Best Routes

Can I walk around at night in Mexico?

Most of the popular destinations in Mexico have tourist zones with a majority of attractions and restaurants. These are generally safe to explore at night, though you should make sure your valuables are secure and that, whenever possible, you travel in a group.

Even in non-tourist zones, there will be plenty of people out and about in the evening. Mexico has a night culture so lots of people are out and about in the evening meaning there’s less chance for crime. But always double-check with your accommodation on arrival to see if there are any areas you shouldn’t go to at night (or during the day).

What to do if something does happen while in Mexico

Usually you won’t need this, but… if you find yourself in a situation where you need help while in Mexico, there are a few things you can do.

First, try to remain calm and assess the situation.

Call 911 for police, ambulance or fire services anywhere in Mexico. Not every operator speaks English, so the US State Department suggests asking a Spanish speaker to help with the call. For non-emergency tourist assistance, dial 078.

If you are robbed, don’t resist. Your safety matters more than your belongings. Report the crime to the local public prosecutor’s office (Ministerio Público or Fiscalía) and ask for a copy of the report, which your insurer will need.

Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen, if you are arrested, or if you are the victim of a serious crime. US citizens can also enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before the trip to receive alerts.

In general, keep your common sense and stick to our tips in this article.

Mexico safety tips

Eat like the locals

If you’re feeling unsure about where to eat, go for the restaurant with the longest line. The locals know best, so trust their choices!

If a food stall or restaurant looks clean and well-kept, it’s probably safe to eat there. On the other hand, if you can’t decide where to eat, go for the taco stand with the longest line. People usually only wait in line if the food is worth it. Locals know the best places to eat, so you can trust their choices! For the vegans, check out our guide to vegan travel in Mexico.

See also: How to Avoid Food Poisoning in Mexico

What to wear when traveling in Mexico

Some people like to show off their jewelry, expensive phones, or laptops, but this can make you a target for criminals. Try to fit in by not wearing jewelry and keeping your phone out of sight unless you really need it.

Don’t take any drugs

Recreational drug use in Mexico fuels the country’s cartel problem. When tourists buy drugs, they’re directly supporting these cartels and putting Mexican citizens at risk. So if you’re visiting Mexico, it’s best to steer clear of illegal drugs.

Spending your money

Don’t carry too much cash. Cards work in most hotels, restaurants and shops in cities and resort areas, while markets, street stalls and small towns often take cash only, in Mexican pesos.

If your trip includes Quintana Roo (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Holbox or Bacalar), you have to pay the state’s visitor tax online before or during your stay and may be asked for proof at the airport when you leave.

Carrying around all your cash in one place is asking for trouble. Spread it out (keep some in your wallet, some in the hotel safe, and some in your backpack) so that if your wallet gets stolen or you get robbed, you’ll still have money elsewhere.

Using ATMs in Mexico

Use ATMs inside banks, shops or malls, during daylight, and avoid taking out large amounts at once. Street ATMs are more exposed to robberies and card skimmers, and the FCDO warns that criminals target people using cash machines.

And it’s good to have 2-3 friends with you, who can watch you and look around while you get your money.

SIM card for Mexico

A working phone is key in the event of an emergency. If you’re from the United States, you may be able to use your cell phone service while in Mexico at no additional cost. If not, consider picking up a Mexican SIM card when you arrive. You’ll get better coverage and be able to access maps whenever you need them. Prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs are inexpensive and sold at airports and convenience stores such as OXXO.

Learn some Spanish Phrases

Learning some Spanish before your trip can be really helpful! Not only will it make it easier for you to blend in, but you’ll also be able to communicate more easily if you need help. Just learning a few useful words and phrases can make a big difference.

The following are common phrases used when traveling abroad or even within your own country. These will come in handy when dealing with taxi drivers, tour guides, hotel staff and locals in general.

Hola (hello) and hasta luego (see you later)

“Hello” in Spanish is “hola“, but there are a few other phrases you can use as well.

For example, “¿Qué tal?” (How is it going? How are you?) or just plain old “buenos días” (good day) will do the trick too.

Farewells are just as important, so make sure you know how to say them properly.

A simple “adios” will suffice in most cases, but if you want to be more formal you could go for something like: “Hasta la vista” (See ya later), “Nos vemos pronto” (We’ll see each other soon) or “Chau/Adiós” (Bye).

Buenos días, buenas tardes, buenas noches (Good morning, good afternoon, evening)

When you learn Spanish, one of the first things you learn is how to say “good morning,” “good afternoon,” or “good evening.” Mexicans will usually say “buenas tardes” (good afternoon) starting at noon and all the way until sunset.

As a way to say good-bye, you can also add “¡buen día!” (good day) during the day time or “¡buena noche!” (good night) during the night time.

Lo siento (I’m sorry) and disculpe (excuse me)

One of the most helpful basic Spanish phrases to know when traveling is how to say “I’m sorry” or “excuse me.”

Saying “lo siento” is a good way to apologize for bumping into people, knocking things over, or just in general. “Disculpe” can be used when trying to get someone’s attention.

However, if you need to squeeze by someone, it would be more appropriate to use “con permiso“.

No entiendo (I don’t understand) and ¿habla Inglés? (can you speak English?)

A phrase that can be useful to know in Spanish, especially when you are still learning, is “I don’t understand.” You can follow this up by asking, “Can you speak English?”.

If the person you’re talking to doesn’t know how to speak English, they will probably try to find someone who does.

Cómo está? (How are you?) Estoy bien (I’m fine)

Learning some basic Spanish phrases for travel often starts with “how are you” and “I’m fine.” These are both useful phrases to know, as you’ll probably say them to taxi drivers, store owners, waiters, and anyone else you interact with while traveling.

Why you should consider Mexico as a travel destination

If you’re looking for a fabulous travel destination, you should definitely put Mexico on your list!

Beaches, Maya and Aztec ruins, colonial cities and a food culture that UNESCO lists as Intangible Cultural Heritage give you plenty to plan around. It can also be very budget-friendly if you know where to look.

So don’t hesitate, book that ticket to Mexico and get ready for a great trip.

Before you depart, look into getting travel insurance.

We never think that something might go awry on our trips. But sometimes it does happen. While it’s not fun to contemplate, bad things can occur while you’re traveling.

For just a couple of bucks a day, you’ll get a safety net that ensures financial ruin won’t befall you should some unforeseen and unfortunate event take place. Don’t cheap out on your health and safety by forgoing this coverage.

The risks simply aren’t worth it.

Mexico is a lively destination, perfect for foodies, road-trippers, resort-goers, party animals, and everyone in between. It’s a fun place to let loose and soak up the sun.

Just make sure you follow the tips above so that you can enjoy your trip safely and avoid some of the more common pitfalls. Checking the official advice for your route and following the tips above takes care of most of the planning.

By following the advice above, you’ll be able to stay safe while making the most of your visit.