Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico?

published on May 8, 2019 by

Many travelers worry about safety in various areas of Mexico. But when you look at the statistics, Mexico is actually safe to visit.

It’s a beautiful country with exceptional beaches and cultural activities. The people are friendly and helpful. Timeshare resorts in Mexico offer exciting activities, wonderful amenities, and often private beaches.

Many of the same safety issues in Mexico are found in other countries as well. Travel to any country has both risks and rewards. So, is it safe to travel to Mexico?

Safer at the Resort

In Global News, Canadian police specialist Walter McKay said the majority of violence that happens in Mexico is outside the resorts. McKay, a policing expert on security issues, believes Mexico is as safe as it’s ever been.

The government of Mexico has a vested interest in keeping the resorts safe. They do not want any problems at the resorts because tourism is Mexico’s largest money maker.

safe travel Mexico

Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Resort & Spa

Local, state, and federal authorities work together to maintain security and safety at resorts. As recent as April 15, 2019, the U.S. travel advisory had no travel restrictions to Quintana Roo state, which includes the popular destinations of Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Riviera Maya.

5 Tips to Stay Safe While Traveling in Mexico

1. Check advisories for your destination

safe travel MexicoThe U.S. State Department’s objective is to protect and keep Americans safe while in other countries. Their travel warnings cover all safety issues and emphasize caution. Check out the Mexico Travel Advisory before planning your next vacation.

2. Check security at the resort

Find out how your timeshare resort handles security on site and the surrounding property. For example, ask the following questions:

  • Are security cameras present at the resort?
  • Do on-site security guards canvass the property?
  • Are security locks on each room’s doors and windows?
  • Do you provide in-room safes?

3. Use common sense and be alert

Basic travel safety, regardless of your destination, means using common safety tips, such as covering ATM screens and keypads, not wearing expensive jewelry in public places, and traveling with companions at night in unknown areas.

Money belts hidden beneath your clothes are still a good place to keep local currency and credit cards. Plus, always leave a copy of your itinerary and phone numbers with a family member or friend at home.

4. Use safe transportation

Only use registered Mexican taxis (often the gold and maroon vehicles), resort transportation, or a cab service recommended by the resort. Visit only areas that are known to be safe.

5. Consult the concierge or manager

The concierge or resort manager will have your best interest. They are a good source of information on areas to avoid and additional tips for a safe stay.

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Comments (10)

    • Avatar for Christine D.
      Christine D.
      May 14, 2019

      Our visit to Villa del Palmar, Cancun in 2016, was spoilt when we received a police speeding fine approaching the Hotel. The speed limit reduces as you come round the corner before the Hotel and as you are looking for the Hotel you are sitting ducks for the speed trap, we are not even sure we were speeding, but they demand whatever they think they can get out of you, in our case $200 cash. If in trouble in Mexico, who do you turn to, the corrupt police? The State Police riding around Cancun with sub machine guns does not add to the ambience of a holiday.

      • Avatar for Mike B.
        Mike B.
        May 14, 2019

        Safety tip is to use safe transportation? How about be careful where you go? Some parts of Mexico are unsafe as the police are scared to go there. People commonly get ambushed and highjacked out on rural roads in some areas.

        • Avatar for John M.
          John M.
          May 15, 2019

          Thanks for the great article. Have to smile at other comments. It's all perception, propaganda and indeed some real issues all mixed together. Do you really feel safer in the US with out of control gun laws and very unsafe areas within minutes of any major resort near a big US city? Common sense and advice from reputable sources prevail no matter where you go.

          • Avatar for Dale B.
            Dale B.
            May 16, 2019

            I've been going to Mexico for 24 years,usually staying 4 to 5 weeks. Never had a problem. There is no Uber, Taxis, public transportion has always been safe. Are you safer in certain large US cities troubled areas?

            • Avatar for R.M.
              R.M.
              May 28, 2019

              MexicoBalconyDeaths!!! Be very careful re balcony rail heights at Mexico resorts! My son DIED falling 8 stories to his death, slipping over a balcony rail only 37 inches high—up to his thigh—at the Oasis Playa Resort in Cancun one warm mid-May evening. I found that over 100 other Americans died the same way! It is covered up by corrupt police and travel companies who move families and witnesses to other hotels and suppress news reports.

              My son’s travel company, Apple Vacations, had previous balcony deaths! One of Apple’s clients was a 43 year old Canadian oil exec who fell 21 stories to his death in Puerta Vallarta just a few weeks before my son fell to his death in Cancun! No warnings ever—and my son had been an Apple travel agent.

              The PA State Attorney General required Apple Vacations to sign a Statement of Voluntary Compliance, admitting their failure to warn about low-rail height Mexico resort balconies. They’re still a billion dollar company and my son is dead. So be careful!

              Other current major Mexico criminal tourism issues include multiple drug-gang weapons firefights on Cancun resort beaches in broad daylight with children around, tainted/cheap death-inducing alcohol served widely at Cancun resorts and other resort cities, and also reporters’ and other officials’ severed heads hung from Mexican town bridges for attempting to stop or expose the criminal activity. Do a search. But my advice from experience: Mexico is not safe for your family.

              See victim mother Maureen Webster’s website for much more re Mexico tourism crime: http://mexicovacationawareness.com/

              • Avatar for Fred A.
                Fred A.
                May 28, 2019

                I have been stopped for speeding a few times and I always ask if I can pay the person who stopped me, the answer is yes. I usually end up paying $20.00 US after bargaining as I claim that is all the cash I have..

                • Avatar for cmc
                  cmc
                  May 28, 2019

                  We have been going to Puerto Vallarta since 2000, and we feel very safe. It is safer than many cities in the USA. We do not rent a car there. We use the inexpensive city buses or taxis and have never had a problem. Most of the Mexicans are very honest there. Once I left my purse at a very nice restaurant, and the server ran several blocks to return it to me with nothing missing.

                  • Avatar for Brenda M.
                    Brenda M.
                    Mar 19, 2020

                    Just spent 6 weeks in Cancun and Playa Del Carmen. Use common sense as you do at home and you’re fine. I have been going for 25 years and always have a wonderful, safe time. Enjoy!

                    • Avatar for Larry D.
                      Larry D.
                      Dec 17, 2020

                      We just spent 10 days at a all inclusive resort by Playa Del Carmen. We felt safe the whole time. Riu Palace followed C19 precautions very well !!! The resort was never over 30-40% full. We had a wonderful time in Mexico 🇲🇽 as usual 😊.

                      • Avatar for Kevin A.
                        Kevin A.
                        Dec 22, 2020 (edited)

                        Just returned from Puerta Vallarta...safe, safe, safe...are 3 words for north Americans...you don't go to Jane and finch at night in Toronto by yourself or other scary neighbours in Americans...so don't go where u shouldn't in mexicoResorts and boutique hotels are great...PV is a very pleasant city, the beaches r beautiful and the merchants r kind and friendly...remember to respect them and karma prevails.I'll b back in 3 weeks and 7 weeks...use common sense and treat EVERYONE there properly and Mexican hospitality will show u how beautiful the country truly is...