As a Mexican I’m very interested in the security of Mexico, obviously because I live here but also because our company, like many others in Mexico, depends on tourists.
Surely you have seen brochures or internet pages that talk about the beauties and tourist attractions we have, but if you are reading this is because you have also seen the “other side" of Mexico and is normal that you want to decide on whether or not to travel to Mexico for possible insecurity.
While it’s a very popular tourist destination, safety concerns have led many international travelers to wonder, “Is Mexico currently safe for tourists?” In this article, we’ll address these concerns and provide valuable insights into the safety of Mexico, particularly for US citizens and solo female travelers.
In recent years, much has been written in the press about the kidnappings, shootings and crimes that are committed in broad daylight in several cities of the Mexican Republic.
It is a fact, we must not deny that these events happen in several parts of Mexico.
But on the other hand we share a long border with the United States and in fact is also our first tourism market, and american people are good observers of what happens in other countries, pay attention to the alerts of terrorism or security made by their authorities, that know better than anyone the situation in Mexico.
I mention it because could seem a contradiction of what numbers tell us in tourism regarding this market:
In the first months of 2023, the arrivals of Americans by air increased 19.3% compared to the previous year and in the case of Canadians increased 158%. For example in 2021 Mexico was the first tourist destination of US Citizens.
In 2022 more than 20 million international tourists visited Mexico, an increase of 46.3% compared to the previous year, the main countries being the United States, Canada and Colombia.
Year after year, the influx of foreign tourists to Mexico has increased, even though the rates of violence have not decreased, not counting the pandemic period 2020-2021 when everyone was affected and international tourism slowed down.
So, is Mexico Safe for Tourists?
- Current Safety Situation: The safety situation in Mexico varies by region. While some areas have experienced security issues related to drug cartels and criminal activity, many popular tourist destinations remain safe and welcoming for travelers.
- US Citizens in Mexico: As we specified before, millions of US citizens visit Mexico each year without incident. By taking common-sense precautions, such as avoiding risky areas and staying informed about local conditions, travelers can enjoy a safe and enjoyable trip.
How dangerous is Mexico?
Is real that in many rankings of the most dangerous cities in the world, there are a lot of Mexican cities:
- Colima
- Zamora
- Ciudad Obregón
- Zacatecas
- Tijuana
- Celaya
- Uruapan
- Juarez
- Acapulco
Here is the complete list of the most dangerous cities in the world
Now, this list although it is representative does not indicate exact data on how many tourists were attacked in these cities.
It is enough to take the example of Acapulco, being considered one of the most violent cities in Mexico (according to this ranking), and the reality is that it remains one of the most visited places in Mexico by the Mexicans themselves! Another irony right?
As you can also observe, most of the dangerous cities are in the northern part of Mexico, they are even cities or border states with the United States. It is obvious to think about why this happens, (arms trafficking, drugs, prostitution, etc.).
The situation in these states or cities also occurs on their roads, for example Michoacan is one of the states that has had more problems with this type of security.
So, visit or not visit Mexico?
With all honesty I can tell you, you can visit Mexico without feeling fear.
But obviously it is not the same to travel somewhere on the border with Mexico, as going on vacations to Puerto Vallarta, Cancun or the Riviera Maya.
The risks are very different according to each destination, activities and travel plans.
Is Mexico Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
- Solo Female Travel: Mexico can be a safe destination for solo female travelers. Just like anywhere else in the world, it’s essential to stay vigilant, use reputable transportation options, and avoid walking alone at night.
- Local Advice: Seek advice from local women or female travelers who have visited Mexico recently. They can provide valuable insights into safe places to visit and tips for a worry-free experience.
General recommendations:
The recommendations that I can give you, practically would be the same as you would take if you travel to any country, but take note:
- When you leave, always have a copy of your documents, do not carry original documents unless it is extremely necessary. You can leave your passport and documentation in the hotel safety box.
- Never carry ostentatious jewels, even if they are “fantasy”, try not to attract attention.
- If you plan to travel by road, try to do it by day.
- Do not get away from the areas considered as tourist places.
- Do not load all the money in a single wallet, nor do you exhibit it too much in public.
- Always have your consulate phone and a cell number at hand.
- At night when going to a bar or nightclub try to be accompanied.
- If you don’t speak Spanish, try to learn basic issues, ask for help, communicate, greet or ask for addresses.
- Taxis in tourist areas are normally safe, but take note of the number and plates when you get on, and check other transportation options.
- Do not trust weird people being “too friendly”.
- Notify your relatives about the activities you are going to do, the places you are going to visit, with whom you are going to go, etc. Wheter communicating with them on social networks, telephone, WhatsApp, etc., they will be calm and you too.
Mexico is a big country, is also true, that it has problems like most emerging countries, but there is a reason why people continue to arrive and feel safe, What will it be?: As a Mexican I can tell you many things: people, gastronomy, culture, beaches, towns, landscapes, archaeological zones, islands, etc.
If you have certain doubts about how safe is Mexico, you can stay visiting only tourist areas, since they are more guarded and that is where very few incidents have occurred in recent years, you will be even safer in the main tourist areas of Mexico compared to those of other countries.
The truth is that in the tourist areas of the main destinations of Mexico there are not so many incidents outside the “normal” bad things of any big city.
It is real to say that the tourist or hotel zone of places such as Cancun, Puerto Vallarta or Los Cabos is very safe, equal to or even more than several tourist cities in the world.
If you want to discover all the good things that Mexico has, then I invite you to see by yourself the kind and nice side of my country, and experience Mexico!