Is It Dangerous To Travel To Cancun Mexico?

Published On : 21 Oct 2024

Cancun is among the most popular Mexican destinations with more than 5 million people visiting the place every year primarily for the sandy beaches, hotels, entertainment, etc. However, watching and reading news, hearing about crimes and violence in Mexico, some people fearingly ask – is Cancun safe for a travel?

The Perception of Safety: Cancun

It is essential to know that there is violence and crime taking place, especially in some of the regions in Mexico which includes the border with the United States. But Cancun is in the Caribbean coast, which is over 1000 miles away from Mexico City. The overwhelming majority of the violence perpetrated by drug cartels is the violence committed against other drug cartels, not tourists. Cartel violence or drug trade activity is very rare in Cancun.

In fact, Mexican authorities maintain a high level of security in the Hotel Zone of Cancun for tourists. However, like any other part of the world, crime is never completely eradicated, but in Cancun, cases of crime against tourists are significantly lower than in other tourist-friendly countries.

The U.S. Department of State still categorizes the state of Quintana Roo, where Cancun is located, as Level 2 out of 4 on its warning levels for the U.S. citizens, the same level as for, for example, London or Paris in Europe. They recommend that travelers should observe usual measures of safety in the region.

Here are some statistics about safety in Cancun

According to the data, around 5 million people visited Cancun in 2018, and it is relatively safe.
While there occurred 9 murders per 100,000 residents in 2017, only 5 per 100,000 visited that same year.
Cancun is reported to account for only 0.15% of the entire drug trade in the federal territory according to federal authorities. Majority of the violence is caused by local retail sales of the banned substances.

As a result, there are still issues, but tourist is not singled out and the likelihood of being caught in the crossfire is small if the basic safety measures are taken in Cancun.

Possible Measures to be Taken when in Cancun

Despite the relatively low risk compared to other destinations, you'll still want to take some basic safety precautions when visiting Cancun

You should remain in the Hotel Zone. The beaches and most of the resorts are situated in this secure and guarded tourists’ zone with security guards and policemen.
It is also important to refrain from walking in poorly lit areas during the night. Be very careful when walking around after dark anywhere that is not the Hotel Zone.
Do not take drinks from people they don’t know or are absolutely sure they can trust. Drink spiking has occurred, so do not leave your beverage unlattended.
Don't flash expensive items. Do not put attention to yourself by wearing valuable jewelries or having electronic gadgets on you.
Don't purchase drugs illegally. Unfortunately, if one is readily available, it sponsors the criminal sectors.
For an instance, it can be wise to consider taking a resort vacation package. It is notable that most all-inclusive packages guarantee safe transport from the airport to your resort, thus offering protection.
Third, travelling should be done using ride share apps. Hailing a taxi is discouraged and one is advised to be picked up and dropped off where there is more security than on the road.
Before the trip, check the U.S. State Department website and online travel forums for any new alerts or threats that may arise.

Bottom Line: Is Cancun Safe?

Contrary to many other travel destinations, violent conflicts, and crime rates against tourists are significantly lower in Cancun. Although Mexico itself experiences a higher risk of danger in some of the peripheral areas, including the borders, Quintana Roo is one of the safest states in the entire nation. In as much as tourists are careful to observe certain levels of safety in Cancun they can hardly have any problems when in hotels or resorts in the region of the Hotel Zone.

Therefore, tourists can still visit the beautiful beaches and cultural attractions in Cancun with little or no concern about violent crimes. The above tips should help you build confidence for the great Cancun vacation you are planning for. However, please remember always to check the current conditions and advisories as the situation keeps on changing.

Carry your heads with you wherever you go but for now Cancun is still open for business for those seeking vacation paradises. The inhabitants also depend on tourism, so they also have the intent to safeguard tourists who are discovering all that this number one Mexican city has to offer.

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FAQ

Is Cancun safe for tourists?

Overall, Cancun is considered safe for tourists, especially in tourist areas like the Hotel Zone, which is heavily monitored by authorities. While violent crime can occur, it's rare in the main tourist areas

What should I avoid in Cancun?

Tourists should avoid walking alone at night outside of well-populated areas, as well as venturing into non-touristy neighborhoods. It's also advisable to use only official taxis or rideshare services to ensure safety

Are there any specific safety tips for female travelers in Cancun?

Female travelers are generally safe in Cancun, but it's recommended to stay in well-reviewed accommodations, remain aware of surroundings, dress modestly, and plan transportation ahead of time to avoid risks

What are the common scams to watch out for?

Common scams include timeshare presentations that promise gifts, ATM skimming, rental car damage claims, and fake police encounters. Travelers should be vigilant and trust their instincts when approached by strangers

What are the emergency contacts in Cancun?

In case of emergencies, travelers can dial 911 in Cancun. However, it's good to have a Spanish speaker available, as the operator may not speak English. Having travel insurance is also highly recommended for healthcare and emergency