Mexico is a popular tourist destination, with more than 20 million tourists visiting the country each year to enjoy its beaches, cities, and archaeological sites. However, travellers are often faced with the question: Is it safe to travel to Mexico? While the majority of visitors enjoy a safe vacation, there are some safety concerns to be aware of.
Mexico has a high level of criminal activity, including violent crime, kidnapping, and drug-related violence. Criminal groups, including drug cartels, are very active across the country, and clashes between cartels or gangs over territory, drugs, and smuggling routes are common. Armed clashes between security forces and drug cartels can occur without warning, and innocent bystanders have been injured or killed. Mexican authorities have made efforts to protect major tourist destinations, but incidents of violent crime still occur in popular tourist areas and resorts.
In addition to violent crime, Mexico also has a high rate of petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching. Travellers should remain vigilant in airports, bus stations, buses, and the Mexico City metro system. It is important to be aware of your surroundings at all times and keep your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place.
The State Department has warned tourists to avoid certain states, including Tamaulipas, and to exercise increased caution in other popular destinations like Playa del Carmen, Cancún, Tulum, and Mexico City. It is recommended to avoid travelling at night, especially outside major cities, and to stay in well-known and well-frequented public areas.
Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, are also a concern in Mexico. It is important to monitor local news and follow the instructions of local authorities in the event of a natural disaster.
Overall, while Mexico can be a wonderful place to visit, it is important to be aware of the potential safety risks and take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Crime | High levels of violent crime, including murder, armed robbery, sexual assault, kidnapping, and extortion. Criminals pose as police officers. |
Drugs | Illegal in Mexico and may result in a lengthy jail sentence. |
Alcohol | Unregulated alcohol may be contaminated. |
Pharmaceuticals | Counterfeit medication is common. |
Drowning | Some beaches have strong undercurrents and rip tides. |
Medical Emergencies | Private hospital prices can be higher than in the US. Many facilities require payment before treatment or discharge. |
Guns and Ammunition | Illegal in Mexico. May result in lengthy jail time. |
Arrests | Drunk and disorderly behaviour, public urination, and open alcohol containers in vehicles are illegal. |
Immigration | Violating the terms of your stay can result in steep fines and detention. |
Insects | Malaria and Zika virus are risks in Mexico. |
Air Pollution | Can cause health issues, particularly in winter. |
Smoking | Banned in all public places. |
Driving | Strict laws cover insurance and reporting of accidents. |
Crime and violence
To protect yourself from violent crime in Mexico, it is recommended that you:
- Avoid travelling at night outside major cities, including on major highways.
- Monitor the media for new safety risks.
- Avoid changing large amounts of money at the airport.
- Stay in well-known and well-frequented public areas with good access to safe transport in the evenings.
- Avoid isolated locations.
- Pay close attention to your personal security.
- Stay alert to possible threats around you.
- Follow the advice of local authorities.
In addition, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching, is common in Mexico, especially in popular tourist destinations. To reduce the risk of petty crime, it is recommended that you:
- Remain vigilant in airports, bus stations, buses, and the Mexico City metro system.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
- Keep your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place.
- Don't show signs of affluence or wear expensive jewellery.
It is important to note that the Mexican government has made efforts to protect major tourist destinations, resulting in lower levels of gang-related violence in these areas. However, incidents of violent crime still occur in major cities, popular tourist areas, and resorts.
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Drugs and alcohol
Mexico is known for its strict laws on drugs and alcohol. Drug possession and use, including medical marijuana, is illegal in Mexico and may result in a lengthy jail sentence. Travellers have become seriously ill or died after using synthetic drugs or adulterated prescription pills.
In 2009, the Mexican government decriminalised the possession of small amounts of drugs for "personal and immediate use", defined as up to half a gram of cocaine, five grams of marijuana, 50 milligrams of heroin, 40 milligrams of methamphetamine and 0.015 milligrams of LSD. However, trafficking proscribed drugs and possession beyond the legal amounts set out for personal use are federal offences, and convicted offenders face jail sentences of up to 25 years. It is not uncommon for foreigners charged with drug offences to be detained for up to two years before a verdict is reached.
Alcohol consumption laws in Mexico are also strict. The legal drinking age is 18, and while passengers of the requisite age aren't prohibited from drinking inside a vehicle, it's illegal to drink in the street. Visitors can be fined or jailed for public inebriation. Driving while drunk is a criminal offence, and Mexican authorities employ DUI checkpoints to enforce the law. If you fail a breathalyser test, you may face up to 36 hours in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, and denial of future entry into the country if you have had a drunk driving conviction in the past ten years.
Unregulated alcohol may be contaminated, and travellers have reported losing consciousness or becoming injured after consuming alcohol that was possibly tainted.
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Sexual assault
In addition, people migrating from Latin America to the United States through Mexico are often victims of sexual assault and sex trafficking. Sexual assault is sometimes considered part of the "price" of smuggling, with some women taking contraception in advance. Amnesty International reported in 2010 that up to 60% of women and girls may be sexually assaulted during their journey.
Mexico has a high risk of violent crime, and this includes sexual assault. Criminals posing as police officers have committed sexual assault, and gangs have targeted travellers after they've changed money at airports. To protect yourself, avoid travelling at night outside major cities, monitor the media for safety risks, and don't change large amounts of money at the airport.
If you are a victim of sexual assault in Mexico, it's important to remember that it is not your fault. You can contact the local emergency number on 911 to request an ambulance or police support. If you are a British national, you can also contact your nearest British Embassy or Consulate in Mexico for information on local police and medical procedures. They can provide support and treat your information in the strictest confidence.
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Drowning
In Mexico City, drowning deaths have occurred in the Xochimilco canals, where tourists, families, and groups of young people typically rent colourful boats known as "trajineras". Following a drowning death of a youth in 2024, new regulations were implemented, limiting alcohol consumption, prohibiting the use of speakers, and instructing visitors to remain seated.
In southern Mexico, heavy rains can cause flooding and make rivers rain-swollen and dangerous. In 2024, a Portuguese tourist drowned after falling or diving into a rain-swollen river at a series of pools and small waterfalls known as Agua Azul.
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Medical emergencies
Mexico is a mix of public and private healthcare services. Public hospitals are generally more affordable but may have longer wait times. Private hospitals provide quicker service and more amenities but come at a higher cost.
Hospitals
Hospital Ángeles in Mexico City is known for its advanced medical technology and highly skilled staff. Hospital San Javier in Guadalajara is reputed for treating international patients, and Hospital Galenia in Cancún is popular among tourists due to its proximity to major resorts. Hospital Zambrano Hellion in Monterrey is known for its state-of-the-art facilities and specialised medical care.
Emergency Numbers and Services
Mexico's national emergency number is 911, similar to the US. The Red Cross (Cruz Roja) can be reached at 065 for immediate medical assistance and ambulance services. For roadside assistance, call the Green Angels (Ángeles Verdes) at 078.
Pharmacies and Medication
Pharmacies in Mexico are generally well-stocked and accessible. Farmacias Similares is known for its affordable generic medications, and Farmacias del Ahorro offers a wide range of medications with 24-hour service. Sanborns stores often have a pharmacy section with various over-the-counter and prescription medications.
Travel Insurance and Medical Coverage
Having travel insurance can ease the stress of dealing with medical emergencies abroad. Companies like World Nomads, Allianz Global Assistance, AXA Assistance USA, and Travel Guard offer plans that cover medical emergencies and evacuation.
Language Barriers and Communication
Language can be a barrier during medical emergencies. Learning basic Spanish phrases or using translation tools like Google Translate and Duolingo can be incredibly helpful. SpanishDict offers translations and phrases specifically for medical situations.
Local Support and Expat Communities
Connecting with local support groups and expat communities can provide additional resources and assistance during emergencies. Groups like Expats in Mexico and Internations have local chapters that can help. Many cities also have expat groups on Facebook and Meetup that can offer recommendations and support.
Tips for Medical Emergencies in Mexico
- Always carry a list of emergency contacts and know the location of the nearest hospital or clinic.
- Have travel insurance that covers medical expenses.
- Learn basic Spanish phrases related to health to communicate better with local medical staff.
- Keep a small first aid kit with essentials like bandages, antiseptic, and any personal medications.
- If you face a serious medical issue, contact your embassy for assistance in finding medical care and contacting family.
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