Is it safe to travel to Mexico? Keys to visit Cancun, Riviera Maya and more
Drug trafficking and episodes of violence make many wonder if it is safe to travel to Mexico. Tips.
With its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and all-inclusive resorts, Mexico is a popular tourist destination for tourists from all over the world. However, security issues related to drug trafficking and violence may make some people wonder if they should reconsider their travel plans. Is it safe to travel to Mexico? The recommendations of the US Department of State.
Is it safe to travel to Mexico?
Concerns regarding the risks of traveling to Mexico are reasonable. In recent months, taxi drivers have been harassing Uber drivers in Cancun, and three Americans were reported dead in Mexico City in October. What's more: an alert from the United States Embassy issued warnings about crimes and kidnappings.
"It's common to get these kinds of inquiries, especially from people who haven't traveled as much, who haven't left the country before, or who have read stories about 'Mexico is dangerous,' but perhaps don't recognize that it's a large and diverse country." , commented the spokesperson for a major travel agency, which specializes in destination weddings in Mexico.
The State Department updated the travel advisory for Mexico on October 5, which is done periodically. Several tourist destinations, such as Mexico City, Sayulita and Cancun, now have warnings related to cartel-related crimes.
"The safety and security of US citizens abroad is one of the Department's top priorities, and we provide US citizens with relevant information so they can make well-informed decisions before they travel," a State Department spokesperson said.
What care to have in Mexico when you travel as a tourist
Rather than provide a general assessment for the entire country, each state is assessed individually, as some areas are at higher risk for crime and kidnapping. The recommendations of the United States Department of State:
The agency issued a "do not travel to" warning for the state of Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas for violent crimes.
A “reconsider travel to” warning has been issued for Baja California and Jalisco, where Puerto Vallarta is located.
Mexico City, Nayarit, Baja California Sur, Quintana Roo, and Oaxaca receive warnings to "exercise increased caution when traveling to."
Baja California Sur is home to Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo and La PaIn Nayarit, many tourists visit the surf town of Sayulita. Quintana Roo is home to Cancun, Tulum, Riviera Maya, Cozumel and Playa del Carmen. Surfers also like to visit Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca.
Travelers can "take normal precautions" when traveling to the Yucatan, home to the popular Chichen Itza attraction.
The state of Yucatán is just above Quintana Roo, where people should be more cautious due to crime and kidnappings, according to the State Department.
