Mexico & Central America
Is Mexico safe?
L2Exercise increased caution
Is Mexico safe?
Main tourist areas are mostly fine with care, but cartel-related violence is serious in some states. Check advisories by state, use app taxis and avoid driving at night.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-08-11.
- Homicide rate: 24.9 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 12.8 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · Tourist police 078 · All emergencies 911.
- Solo women: Many women travel here solo. Catcalling is common; use app rides at night, watch drinks in bars and avoid walking alone late.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Cartel violence in some states; check conditions by state
- Express kidnapping and robbery in street-hailed taxis
- Highway robbery after dark; avoid driving at night
- Drink spiking and robbery in nightlife areas
Common scams
- Extortion calls faking a kidnapping or police trouble
- ATM skimming; use machines inside banks or malls
- Airport taxi touts; use official prepaid taxi booths
Laws visitors break by accident
- Carrying any firearm or even a single bullet can mean prison.
- Vapes and e-cigarettes are banned and can be confiscated.
- Drinking in the street is illegal in most cities and brings fines or arrest.
Safety by place in Mexico
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Mérida | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| San Miguel de Allende | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Cozumel | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Isla Mujeres | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Holbox | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Bacalar | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Guanajuato | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Monterrey | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Valladolid | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| La Paz | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Puebla | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Querétaro | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Puerto Morelos | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Mazunte | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Todos Santos | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Ajijic | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Huatulco | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Campeche | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Mexico City | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Cancún | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Tulum | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Playa del Carmen | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Puerto Vallarta | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Cabo San Lucas | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Oaxaca | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Guadalajara | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Puerto Escondido | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Sayulita | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| San Cristóbal de las Casas | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Mazatlán | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Tijuana | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Zihuatanejo | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Palenque | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Cuernavaca | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Morelia | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Ensenada | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Puerto Peñasco | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Acapulco | 2/5 · High risk |
Quick answers
Is Mexico safe for tourists?
Main tourist areas are mostly fine with care, but cartel-related violence is serious in some states. Check advisories by state, use app taxis and avoid driving at night.
Is Mexico safe for solo female travelers?
Many women travel here solo. Catcalling is common; use app rides at night, watch drinks in bars and avoid walking alone late.
What is the emergency number in Mexico?
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · Tourist police 078 · All emergencies 911.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- Instituto Nacional de Migración
- Temporary Resident Visa (economic solvency), Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego
- Speedtest Global Index: Mexico
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.