Traveling To Monterrey, Mexico: Safe Or Not?

Monterrey, Mexico, is a popular destination for adventurous travellers, offering delicious food, rich culture, bustling urban life, and magnificent mountains. However, it is important to consider safety precautions when visiting this city. While Monterrey is generally considered safer than other Mexican cities, it is not entirely crime-free.

According to the U.S. government, violent crime, such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery, is widespread and common in Mexico. This includes the state of Nuevo León, where Monterrey is located. The U.S. government advises its citizens to adhere to restrictions on travel, such as avoiding travelling between cities after dark and using only dispatched vehicles like app-based services.

Monterrey has a crime rating of 48.02, which is moderate compared to other Mexican destinations. Tourists may be targeted for thefts, fraud, and threats, while violent crimes against tourists are rare but not impossible. Therefore, the U.S. government recommends exercising increased caution when travelling to Monterrey.

Additionally, there are safety concerns regarding COVID-19, natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes, and carbon monoxide poisoning in hotels.

Overall, while Monterrey offers a range of attractions, it is important for tourists to stay vigilant, take necessary precautions, and follow local advice to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Crime rates and safety

Monterrey, Mexico, is a popular destination for adventurous travellers, with its delicious food, rich culture, bustling urban life, and magnificent mountains. However, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers and take necessary precautions when visiting this city.

Monterrey is the third most populous city in Mexico, with a population of 5.12 million. As with any large city, crime is a concern, and Monterrey has a moderate crime rating of 48.02. While it boasts lower crime rates than other Mexican destinations such as Mexico City and Cancun, tourists may still fall victim to thefts, fraud, and threats. Violent crimes against tourists are rare but not impossible. Therefore, the US government advises tourists to exercise increased caution when visiting Monterrey.

Monterrey is located in the state of Nuevo Leon, which has been flagged for gang crime. The city itself is dominated by the Cartel del Gulfo. While tourists are rarely victims of gang-related crimes, they can still be targeted for theft, mugging, or scams. Additionally, Monterrey is known for its wealthy residents, making it an attractive location for extortion and kidnapping.

To minimise the risk of becoming a victim of crime in Monterrey, it is essential to take certain precautions. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

• Stay in well-lit and populated areas, especially at night.
• Avoid non-tourist neighbourhoods like the less developed areas of Santa Catarina, Solidaridad, and Escobedo, and Colonia Independencia.
• Use designated tourist areas like El Centro, Barrio Antiguo, and Macroplaza.
• Take a group walking tour to familiarise yourself with the city and its history.
• Keep an eye on your drink during nights out, and don't accept free drinks from strangers.
• Be cautious when trying street food—ask about the ingredients if you're unsure.
• Keep your valuables close and concealed, especially in public places.
• Learn some basic Spanish phrases to communicate with locals and ask for directions.
• Use ride-sharing apps like Uber instead of regular taxis or public transportation.
• Stay within a close radius of your hotel or accommodation.
• Always keep your wits about you and be aware of your surroundings.

By following these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of encountering crime in Monterrey and have a safe and enjoyable trip.

COVID-19 safety

Mexico has had some of the world's loosest border restrictions since the pandemic began, with anyone allowed to travel by air for business or leisure. However, the CDC currently advises against travel to Mexico, giving the country a Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19 rating.

If you must travel to Mexico, make sure you are vaccinated and up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines before travel. Even if you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, you may still be at risk of getting and spreading COVID-19.

Before you go

Follow all airline requirements as well as any requirements at your destination, including mask-wearing, proof of vaccination, testing, or quarantine. Requirements for travellers in other countries may differ from US requirements. If you do not follow your destination's requirements, you may be denied entry and required to return to the United States.

If you are not vaccinated and up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, get tested with a viral test as close to the time of departure as possible (no more than 3 days) before your trip. If you have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days or are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, you do not need to get tested.

When you are there

Follow all requirements and recommendations in Mexico. Anyone 2 years or older should properly wear a well-fitting mask in indoor public spaces. In areas with high numbers of COVID-19 cases, consider properly wearing a well-fitting mask in crowded outdoor settings and for activities with close contact with others who are not vaccinated and not up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Returning to the US

Before boarding a flight to the United States, you are required to show a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 1 day before travel. Children under 2 years old do not need to test. There is also an option for people who have documented recovery from COVID-19 in the past 90 days. All air passengers to the United States are also required to provide contact information to airlines before boarding flights to the United States.

Local information

Mexico uses a four-color "traffic-light" system to assess the health safety of each state and set certain restrictions in movement if conditions warrant it. Red is the highest level of caution, and green allows all activities.

Natural disasters

Monterrey is susceptible to hurricanes and earthquakes. The city is protected by the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range, so it is not directly in the path of hurricanes, but it can still be affected by heavy rainfall and flooding during the rainy season, which typically occurs from May to October.

In September 2022, for example, there were floods in Nuevo Leon, with 350 homes damaged and one man missing. Another storm in 2020 brought severe rain, flooding streets and residences, and a report of a missing individual.

Monterrey is situated in the Monterrey Microplate, a seismically active zone, so the city may suffer seismic activity occasionally. However, significant earthquakes with destructive tendencies are uncommon in the area. The usual earthquakes that hit Monterrey are of magnitude 3 or 4, and according to the earthquake magnitude scale, these tremors are felt but cause minimal damage.

In 1909, Monterrey was hit by one of the deadliest Atlantic tropical cyclones on record, which killed an estimated 4,000 people throughout Mexico. The hurricane caused more than half of the structures in the city to be flooded, hundreds were destroyed, and 20,000 people were left homeless.

In 1988, Hurricane Gilbert caused great damage to the city, with the usually dry Santa Catarina River overflowing, causing over 100 deaths and significant economic damage. In 2010, Monterrey was hit by another damaging storm, Hurricane Alex, which was considered worse than Hurricane Gilbert, with record-breaking rain bringing floods and causing severe economic damage.

Transport safety

Monterrey, Mexico, is a bustling city and the third-largest in the country. It is the capital of the state of Nuevo Leon, and its metropolitan area covers 125 square miles. The city has a rich cultural heritage and vibrant nightlife, including bars and clubs.

When it comes to transport safety, there are several precautions you can take to minimise risks:

• Public Transport Safety: The Metrorrey light rail system is generally considered safe, but it is best to avoid travelling late at night. It is also important to be vigilant and keep your belongings secure, especially in public transport hubs such as bus and train stations, which are common places for pickpocketing.
• Taxi Services: It is recommended to use licensed taxi services or trusted ride-sharing apps such as Uber. Avoid hailing taxis on the street, and if possible, call ahead for a taxi or book through an app.
• Driving: Car theft and carjacking are common in parking lots, so it is best to use public transport or park in well-lit, police-secured areas.
• Travel at Night: It is advisable to avoid travelling alone at night and stick to well-lit, populated areas.
• Safety for Women: Women travelling alone are advised to avoid local clubs and bars, as they could be exposed to sexual and violent predators. It is safer to travel in groups or with a partner.
• Accommodation Safety: Choose accommodations in safe neighbourhoods, such as San Pedro Garza Garcia and Barrio Antiguo. Consult local advice and research the safety of the surrounding area.

Overall, while there are safety concerns in Monterrey, taking these precautions and remaining vigilant can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Tourist safety tips

Monterrey, Mexico is a large, bustling city with a rich culture, exquisite restaurants, and shopping malls. While the city is generally safe, there are some areas that should be avoided. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when visiting Monterrey:

• Know the dangerous areas: Some of the neighbourhoods to avoid include Colonia Independencia, Santa Catarina, Solidaridad, and Escobedo. It is also advised to avoid the states of Tamaulipas, Coahuila, and San Luis Potosi, which border Nuevo Leon.
• Stay in well-lit, populated areas: Avoid deserted streets, especially at night. Stay in areas that are well-lit and populated, as there is safety in numbers.
• Be aware of pickpocketing: Public transportation areas, such as bus and train depots, are common places for pickpocketing. Keep your belongings secure and close to your body when using public transportation.
• Protect your valuables: Keep your valuables locked in a hotel safe when not in use. When out and about, keep your valuables close to your body and try to conceal expensive items in public places.
• Be cautious when using transportation: Avoid hailing taxis on the street or waiting for buses, especially at night. Instead, call ahead for a taxi or use ride-sharing apps like Uber.
• Be vigilant in public places: Public places such as stations, streets, and airports are common areas for theft. Always keep your purse, wallet, and other valuables secured and close by your side. Do not keep cash or credit cards loose and exposed.
• Be aware of scams: Do not accept drinks, food, or favours from strangers, as they may have ill intentions.
• Women travellers: Women travelling alone should avoid local clubs and bars, as there is a risk of sexual and violent predators. It is safer to vacation with a partner or group. Stay within a close radius of your hotel, and avoid wandering into unfamiliar areas alone.
• Stay informed: Keep up to date with local news and weather reports. Be aware of areas with heightened security and local threats.
• Follow basic safety precautions: Do not walk alone at night, and try to blend in by learning some basic Spanish phrases.
• Get travel insurance: In case of medical emergencies or theft, it is always recommended to have travel insurance.

Frequently asked questions