Is Cancun Safe for Tourists?

Municipality Cancun City — Palacio Municipal Cancun

I live in the Riviera Maya and visit Cancun very often with my family, friends and by myself, touring around in the different seasons and I hadn´t had an unsafe experience in any way and always it´s being a pleasant visit.

So, is Cancun Safe for Tourists? I would say yes, Cancun is safe! Being as touristic as it is, I feel that Cancun is safe for visitors, well organized with constant police presence, the priority of the Quintana Roo government is security to visitors above all. Cancun for being the topic now, but for sure all of Mexico’s major international tourist destinations are safe.

For a good reason, Cancún is one of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations.

However, the headlines that always follow this place about crimes, and negative tourist experiences you might wonder whether Cancun is safe to travel. The good news is that Mexico remains safe for the vast majority of visitors.

When traveling, you have to take the same precautions as you would anywhere in the world. For tourist services providers we want that our visitors have a good time and be safe.

News Travel Fast about Safety in Cancun for Visitors

The media these days would post any news to get the attention and the questions usually come from curiosity, the culture that leads those questions is one of common ignorance. It’s a culture that looks at anything different or other than the norm as potentially dangerous, basically because it might be outside of one’s comfort zone.

Negative news about Cancun as Tourist Destinations

Suppliers and various industry battle for it every day. For one negative news report even partially overheard about any destination will instantaneously overshadow any fact-based evidence about the relative safety of traveling to Cancun.

The Violence in many of the states in Mexico

takes place on the peripheries away from the areas frequented by tourists and the principal causes of recent violence have been disputes between criminal groups over territory, extortion and drug sales, according to a federal report. Although the crime wave so far is mostly limited to areas outside the resorts where tourists stay.

And Not, Cancun is not safe to visit

Is not safe for those involved in the drug and visitors who engage in illegal and illicit activities in Mexico. Our recommendation for you is not to buy drugs on the street if somebody offers it to you. There are legal places in the USA where you can get them if you are interested!

What are the chances of being robbed in Cancun during my visit?

There is a 0.1% chance that something bad happens when you travel to Cancun. When you start planning your trip to Cancun-Mexico, people would usually comment that you will get robbed, or kidnapped, hide your bag, your camera, and your phone, don`t eat street food and if you are a woman be careful. That`s what you hear in the news and is what your family say. This is, probably the most dangerous mindset to travel!

Cancun-Mexico remains a very popular tourist destination.

However, is under constant attack from various sources in both politics and media. These are from people who want you to believe Mexico and its people are dangerous to those who simply know they can get your attention and sell advertising with negative story adding to fear to the general public every single day. No matter what you see on TV, or on the internet, or hear from a relative that might never have traveled to this part of the world.

Is There a Safety Travel Protocol for Cancun?

Following good travel protocol can help because traveling to another country has its risks and rewards. Anywhere you go on vacation there’s a risk for crime. However, there are ways that you can protect yourself and your family. It’s important to get educated about your destination before you go.

31 Safety Tips When Traveling to Cancun

Here are some tips a tourist should take to ensure their safety and enjoy a good vacation during their holidays in Cancun and remain crime-free:

First of all, learn and read about the place you will be visiting.
Make copies of your passport and document you might bring with you. Keep a copy in an application that you can access online anywhere from any computer in case they get lost.
Try to remain within the popular tourist areas which is very wide
Avoid hailing cabs on the street.
Consume alcohol in moderation, and contact hotel staff immediately if you suspect alcohol is tainted
Do not ask the hotel guards or bellboys for drugs and do not buy drugs on the streets neither. In many cases, tourists are the ones buying the drugs.
Don`t bring valuable jewelry with you when you are on vacation. Not only for getting them stolen but to lose them.
Avoid driving at night if you are renting a car.
Be cautious when visiting local bars and nightclubs.
Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
Be extra vigilant when visiting ATMs on the street, better use the once inside of a bank or inside of your hotels.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations.
Use concierge services at your hotel or managers of the condominiums or the vacation rental home.
Share your travel itinerary with a family member. Don’t share it with fellow passengers.
Make sure you have your bank and credit card information. Get the international phone number
Get a money belt to wear under your clothes to carry money and get money out of it in a private place.
Have a backup plan in case your credit card is lost or swallowed by an ATM machine.
Is important to have the telephone number of the local consulate.
Have the hotel concierge services to call a taxi for you. Use registered taxis. many hotels offer free transportation to attractions, theme parks or nightclub
Avoid hucksters on the street at any tourist destination.
Keep your phone in your bag or a pocket. Don’t walk around with your eyes glued to your mobile phone.
Stay alert and know your surroundings.
Carry a little bit of local cash with you. If you do get money from an ATM, put it out of sight. Most places accept credit cards.
Keep your important documents like a passport in the hotel safe. You don`t need to carry it with you. You can have an Id like driver license with you or copy.
Use good judgment about how you’re dressed and how you appear. See what you’re wearing and how you look. Flip-flops and shorts practically scream tourist.
Talk to the hotel concierge about places you should avoid and tips for being safe in the area. They want your stay to be enjoyable and comfortable.
Be sure to learn and respect local laws and customs. A simple hand gesture with a positive association in one country can be considered rude and offensive in another.
You’ll also want to research any cultural, religious, or political events that might take place during your stay.
Treat locals with respect, you will get the same back.
If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. embassy.

Should I Purchase Travel Insurance when Traveling To Cancun?

It is recommended to buy travel insurance, can be a nice safeguard it’s a nice option to have at your disposal if you feel uncomfortable before departing for your trip.

Is Cancun airport safe at night?

The airport at Cancun is safe and secured 24/7 inside and outside, is very well illuminated, there are flights arriving all day and night, the police is patrolling (24/7) and is frequently busy by travelers. That being said, it never hurts to take precautions that could otherwise ruin your trip, anywhere you are.

Embassy Contacts information:

USA Embassy if you encounter any specific issues during your trip:
Cancun 011-(52)- 998-883 0272
Mexico City at 011-(52)-55-5080-2000
Merida 011-(52)-999-942-5700
Canada Embassy in Mexico City at (52)-555-724-7900

Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Mexico. By registering, you’ll make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact you in case of an emergency. You may also contact the Embassy by e-mail: ccs@usembassy.net.mx
The Embassy’s Internet address is http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/.

For USA citizen, Canada, and Europe tourist, traveling to Cancun is very affordable and life-changing travel experience. I encourage people to visit Cancun and have a fantastic time in the area. Do not worry about the safety conditions, is much better when you get excited about how much fun you and your family would have in this paradise that would welcome you with open arms. Also taking a vacation alone is a great thing to do, get to know amazing people, incredible places and have unforgettable experiences.

But in the end the world is much safer than what people think! There is 100% chance that you find great places, get to know an amazing culture and make a lot of friends.

The world is filled with good people like you!