Is Mexico Travel Safe?

Despite the crime rate, Mexico has beautiful sandy beaches, colorful traditions, and delicious food that makes it one of the most popular destinations for many people. However, one can experience certain moments’ hesitation when planning to visit this stunning country, having in mind some safety concerns such as crime or corruption. Well then is Mexico actually safe for tourists? Here is a brief on the safety of travelling to Mexico so you can make an informed decision.

Crime Rates in Tourist Areas

Mexico does have higher crime rates than many countries in the world. According to the US Overseas Security Advisory Council, Mexico currently has a travel advisory, which is the second highest. However, it is crucial to mention that the crime rate is often irregular and present in specific regions only. Indeed, such destinations as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, and Mexico City – all popular among tourists – are no more dangerous, and often possess lower crime rates than numerous American cities. Like in any other country common sense prevails; walk around with your wits, avoid wearing jewelries or toting around expensive items, and avoid deserted areas. Average violent crime rates, however, in these tourist areas are not significantly elevated from the norm that a visitor would encounter in his or her home country.

However, the State Department does advise that one considers avoiding travel by bus between cities, which has had problems with roadside robberies and carjacking in some areas such as Guerrero state. However, even many Mexicans consider it quite acceptable to travel by first-class buses to most of the destinations. It is also unsafe to drive at night especially when on the roads outside main highways because of poor light condition and the likelihood of having to stop at cartel check points. However, it is relatively safe to order registered Taxi Cabs or ride sharing services falling from verified companies within popular travel zones.

Resort Security

Security is a massive investment in many all-inclusive Mexican resorts. Resort gates are manned 24/7, all personnel undergo rigorous background checks, and some even scan vehicles and bags on entry. If they are residing in these compounds or holiday resorts such as Playacar in the hotel zone of Playa, many of them actually feel very secure and comfortable in their trips. Anyone wishing to be safe is warned not to wander far from these iron doors without a guard. However, numerous beaches, pools, eating joints and various activities available assures that the travelers are well engaged indoors. Some travelers joke that they feel insecure when they are planning to go back home after having the protective shield of a Mexican resort!

Cartel Violence Risks

Well, it is the Mexican cartel drug wars that raise the concerns and news that raise doubt about traveling to this country. Mexico has been experiencing rising cartel violence, but it is restricted to the border and drug transit areas where criminal organizations clash with Mexican authorities – not holidaymakers sipping margaritas on the Caribbean coast. However, in 2019 Mexico recorded about 35,000 homicides; this made it to be the country with the highest murder rate ever registered in a single year.

Nevertheless, many of these aggressive offenses are aimed at police officers, politicians, reporters, rival gangsters, and activists, rather than tourists from other countries. Still, tourists being shot at by stray bullets or intentionally fired at continue to remain an exception. Of course, Mexico is a state that is not yet free from serious problems associated with organized crime. However, reports of the U.S government indicate that tourists have no higher risk visiting Mexico than being in American cities experiencing the gun and street violence themselves.

Bottom Line: It is a legal principle that a person has to exercise reasonable precaution.

Although some people, particularly those who are very cautious and are influenced by the stories they hear on the media may decide not to travel to Mexico these days, majority of those who do so come back home without any incident. Just like in any other country where one might not be very conversant with, it is possible to reduce the existing dangers by observing simple safety measures. Tourist areas have other happy tourists, guarded resorts, and low risk compared to a daily headline of Mexico’s struggling crime issues. Instead of relying solely on emotions, travelers are able to reason and assess the situation to get to witness Mexico’s beauty rather than cross paths with cartel in gunfights that have no business with them. Therefore, do not pay attention to overemphasized warnings, do not travel through dangerous roads, or near the borders, do not choose insecure resorts, and, finally, relax knowing that the media has it all wrong about Mexico – your dream vacation here certainly has no risks if one uses some common sense and is careful!

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