Listeners interested in traveling to Mexico should be aware that as of October 2025, the U.S. Department of State maintains a Level 2 advisory for most of the country, meaning travelers should exercise increased caution due to crime and the potential for kidnapping. This aligns with Canada’s Global Affairs recommendation to maintain a high degree of caution countrywide, with stronger warnings in certain states. Popular destinations like Cancun, Mexico City, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta remain generally safe for tourism when basic precautions are followed, yet risks persist even in these areas. According to Tours4fun, travelers in major resort cities have reported scams, petty theft, and, occasionally, more serious violent incidents, particularly after dark or outside established hotel zones.

Six Mexican states—Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas—are under the highest Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning due to organized crime and kidnapping. Other states such as Baja California, Chihuahua, Guanajuato, Jalisco, and Sonora are designated Level 3, where travel should be reconsidered as risks are significantly elevated. According to Frommers, Yucatán and Campeche enjoy the safest status—Level 1—with only normal precautions recommended, making them attractive for cautious travelers.

The State Department and safety experts stress that while the vast majority of visitors to Mexico experience uneventful and enjoyable stays, dangers exist, and violent crime—often connected to organized criminal activity—can occur unpredictably, sometimes affecting bystanders. For example, in 2025 there were notable incidents: severe flooding in Baja California disrupted travel, Hurricane John caused devastation in Guerrero and Oaxaca, and periodic U.S. Embassy alerts highlighted dangers like drug-related violence, unregulated alcohol, and sexual assaults, especially in tourist-dense areas of Quintana Roo.

According to safety guidance from the Canadian government, tourists should remain vigilant in airports, bus stations, and transit systems; avoid displaying signs of affluence; keep to tourist areas; avoid travel at night; and use toll roads rather than rural highways. Armed confrontations between security forces and drug cartels and illegal roadblocks, especially near borders with the United States and Guatemala, make land travel risky. Travelers are encouraged to enter Mexico by air and use only official border crossings if travel by land is unavoidable.

The U.S. Consulate in Tijuana recently issued a security alert advising people to avoid areas with heavy police activity and to monitor local media for updates, which underlines the need for situational awareness. According to Islands.com, experts recommend staying in secure accommodations, such as resorts with around-the-clock security, and adopting sensible travel habits—leave expensive jewelry at home, avoid sharing travel plans with strangers, use the buddy system after dark, and never accept drinks from people you do not know.

While no major recent surge in violent crime has been reported in the most frequented tourist destinations, travelers should remember that dangers like theft, scams, and opportunistic crimes exist and may increase during busy periods such as spring break. Hurricanes and severe weather, such as the flooding and landslides experienced in parts of Mexico in 2025, can also disrupt travel and endanger visitors.

In summary, most people can visit major Mexican tourist destinations safely if they assess the situation on a state-by-state basis, follow the latest government advisories, and exercise increased vigilance. However, travel to border areas and certain high-risk states is not advised due to ongoing criminal activity and safety concerns. Always consult current advisories before booking, monitor local updates before and during your visit, and prioritize personal safety at all times.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI