Mexico continues to be one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, yet safety concerns persist in the media. This comprehensive guide provides current, factual information about safety in Mexico, including the most and least dangerous areas, essential safety rules for foreigners, and comparisons with the United States.
Current Safety Situation (2025)
National Crime Statistics
Mexico's national homicide rate fell slightly for the third consecutive year, from 25.9 per 100,000 in 2022 to 24.9 per 100,000 in 2023. However, the country still records over 30,000 crime-related deaths annually, with organized crime responsible for approximately two-thirds of homicides. Human Rights WatchVision of Humanity
Since 2007, organized crime-related homicides have increased sixfold—from about 3,000 to nearly 18,000 in 2024. Over the past decade alone, Mexico has recorded over 300,000 homicides. Mexico’s Peace Challenges in 2025: Organised Crime, Institutional Decline
Key Trends
- Peace in Mexico improved slightly by 0.7% in 2024, but the country has seen a 13.4% deterioration in peace levels since 2015 Mexico’s Peace Challenges in 2025: Organised Crime, Institutional Decline
- Two-thirds of homicides in 2023 were committed with firearms, with authorities estimating that around 70% of firearms used in crimes are smuggled from the United States World Report 2025: Mexico | Human Rights Watch
- Violence rarely affects foreign visitors and residents, with safety risks varying widely by location Violent Crime In Mexico (2025)
Most Dangerous States and Cities (2025)
Level 4 "Do Not Travel" States
The U.S. State Department has issued its highest-level warnings for six states due to crime and terrorism: U.S. Department of StateFrommers
- Colima - Highest homicide rate with geographical location near smuggling routes making it a prime target for organized criminal groups 10 least Peaceful States in Mexico in 2025
- Guerrero (including Acapulco) - Armed groups operate independently of government with frequent roadblocks and violence toward travelers Mexico Travel Advisory | Travel.State.gov
- Michoacán - Crime and violence are widespread throughout the state Mexico Travel Advisory | Travel.State.gov
- Sinaloa - Home to the Sinaloa Cartel with a homicide rate of 28.9 per 100,000 people in 2024 10 least Peaceful States in Mexico in 2025
- Tamaulipas - Heavily armed criminal groups patrol the state, especially along the border region from Reynosa to Nuevo Laredo Mexico Travel Advisory | Travel.State.gov
- Zacatecas
Level 3 "Reconsider Travel" States
States where tourists should reconsider travel due to violence threats include: Frommers | These Are the Safest Parts of Mexico for Travel in 2025
- Baja California (Tijuana, Ensenada) - Homicide rate of 46.5 per 100,000 people in 2024 10 least Peaceful States in Mexico in 2025
- Chiapas, Chihuahua, Coahuila
- Guanajuato (San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato City)
- Jalisco (Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit)
- Morelos, Sonora
Most Dangerous Cities
The least peaceful states in Mexico for 2025 include: 10 least Peaceful States in Mexico in 2025
- Quintana Roo - Despite being home to Cancún and Playa del Carmen, homicide rate of 40.1 per 100,000 people in 2024 10 least Peaceful States in Mexico in 2025
- Veracruz - Corruption within law enforcement hinders crime control
- Morelos - Weak law enforcement and high corruption levels
Safest States and Cities (2025)
Level 1 "Normal Precautions" States
The U.S. State Department gives its mildest safety advice for two Gulf of Mexico states: Frommers | These Are the Safest Parts of Mexico for Travel in 2025
- Yucatán - Most peaceful state in Mexico for the eighth consecutive year 10 Most Peaceful States in Mexico in 2025
- Campeche - Homicide rate of 6.2 per 100,000 people in 2024 10 Most Peaceful States in Mexico in 2025
Safest Cities for Tourists and Expats
Mérida, Yucatán
- Consistently ranked the safest city in Mexico with the lowest crime rate per capita of any major city 20 Safest Cities In Mexico 2025 - Mexico
- Homicide rate of only 2.5 per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 29 per 100,000 The Safest Places to Live in Mexico in 2025: A Guide for Americans
- Considered the safest city in the country and Latin America 10 Safest Cities in Mexico (2025 Updated)
Other Safe Cities:
- Valladolid - Extremely low crime rate (2.27/100) with minimal violent crimes and corruption 20 Safest Cities In Mexico 2025 - Mexico
- Puerto Vallarta - Numbeo places it 108th out of 352 entries globally, comparable to Boise, Idaho 7 Safest Cities in Mexico to Visit in 2025 - The Wandering Smiley's
- San Miguel de Allende - UNESCO World Heritage site with crime rates lower than most U.S. cities 7 Safest Cities in Mexico to Visit in 2025 - The Wandering Smiley's
- La Paz, Baja California Sur - Low crime rate with regular police patrols on beaches 🇲🇽 30 SAFEST Cities in Mexico as of September 2025
- Oaxaca City - Strong police presence around popular tourist areas
Most Peaceful States (2025)
According to the Mexico Peace Index 2025, the most peaceful states include: 10 Most Peaceful States in Mexico in 2025
- Yucatán (1st place)
- Baja California Sur
- Durango - Homicide rate of 4.1 per 100,000 people 10 Most Peaceful States in Mexico in 2025
- Tlaxcala
- Nayarit - Homicide rate of just 5.1 per 100,000 people in 2024 10 Most Peaceful States in Mexico in 2025
- Coahuila - Homicide rate of 6.1 per 100,000 people 10 Most Peaceful States in Mexico in 2025
- Campeche
- Hidalgo - Homicide rate of 6.8 per 100,000 people 10 Most Peaceful States in Mexico in 2025
- Aguascalientes
- Querétaro - Homicide rate of 8.4 per 100,000 people 10 Most Peaceful States in Mexico in 2025
Safety Rules and Tips for Foreigners
Transportation Safety
Key transportation guidelines include: Mexico Travel Advisory | Travel.State.gov
- Avoid street taxis: Use trusted ride-sharing apps like Uber and Cabify
- Verify vehicle details: Confirm license plate numbers and vehicle types
- Use official taxi stands: Book through hotels or authorized "sitio" stands
- Public buses: Generally safe in Mexico City and major tourist areas, but avoid buses in Tamaulipas state
- Travel timing: Travel between cities only during daylight hours
General Safety Precautions
Essential safety measures for foreigners: GOV.UKTours4Fun
Legal Restrictions
- Do not join political demonstrations - Mexican law forbids political activities by foreigners and can lead to detention or deportation Mexico Travel Advisory | Travel.State.gov
Personal Security
- Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or large amounts of cash
- Don't leave food and drinks unattended in bars and restaurants
- Take care even in areas close to hotels, especially after dark Safety and security - Mexico travel advice - GOV.UK
- Stay away from isolated roads and use toll roads ("cuotas") when possible
- Keep car doors locked and windows closed, especially at traffic lights
Communication and Documentation
- Keep your passport and entry permit (FMM) in a safe place and check your departure date Message for U.S. Citizens: Spring Break Travel - U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico
- Agree with friends or relatives how you will contact them and arrange money transfers before traveling Safety and security - Mexico travel advice - GOV.UK
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for emergency alerts
Tourist Area Safety
Most tourist destinations have strong tourism police presence and lower crime rates, but vigilance is still advised: Mexico Travel Advisory 2025: Is It Safe to Visit Now | Tours4fun
Resort Areas
- Major resorts in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cabos have well-developed travel infrastructure with police patrols 10 Safest Cities in Mexico (2025 Updated)
- Exercise caution in downtown areas of popular spring break spots, especially after dark Message for U.S. Citizens: Spring Break Travel - U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico
Emergency Contacts
- Download the "Guest Assist" application for emergency services in Quintana Roo (Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel) Message for U.S. Citizens: Spring Break Travel - U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico
Mexico vs. United States Crime Comparison
Homicide Rates
- Mexico: 24.9 per 100,000 in 2023 World Report 2025: Mexico | Human Rights Watch
- United States: Approximately 6-7 per 100,000 (2024 data)
Context and Perspective
When comparing specific cities, some U.S. cities have higher murder rates than certain Mexican cities. For example, Washington D.C.'s 2024 homicide rate was 27.3 per 100,000 people, which is higher than many Mexican cities including Mexico City. Trump claims Washington’s murder rate is higher than Bogotá or Mexico City. Here’s what the stats from those countries say | CNN
More than 36.7 million visits by Americans to Mexico occurred in 2023, with the vast majority traveling safely. Is it safe to travel to Mexico in 2025? | Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection
Tourist Risk Factors
People at the highest risk of unnatural death in Mexico are those involved with drug cartels, police, journalists, and politicians. For tourists and foreign residents using common sense, the risk of violent death is relatively small. Violent Crime In Mexico (2025)
Current Travel Advisories (2025)
U.S. State Department
Overall Level 2 "Exercise Increased Caution" for Mexico as of August 12, 2025, with terrorism, crime, and kidnapping as primary concerns. Mexico Travel Advisory | Travel.State.gov
Popular Tourist Destinations
Level 2 advisories for popular tourist destinations including Mexico City, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Mexico Travel Advisory 2025: Is It Safe to Visit Now | Tours4fun
Recent Updates
Key recent developments include: Mexico Travel Advisory 2025: Is It Safe to Visit Now | Tours4fun
- February 2025: U.S. Embassy issued spring break warnings for Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum
- March 2025: Heavy rains caused flooding in Baja California
- January 2025: Level 4 alerts for specific municipalities in Tamaulipas
Bottom Line
Mexico can be safe for tourists and foreign residents when proper precautions are taken. The key factors for safe travel include:
- Choose safer destinations: Focus on Level 1 and Level 2 areas, especially Yucatán and Campeche states
- Stay in tourist zones: Major resort areas have strong security infrastructure
- Use common sense: Avoid risky behaviors, illegal activities, and dangerous areas
- Stay informed: Monitor current advisories and local conditions
- Travel smart: Use official transportation, don't display wealth, and maintain communication with home
While Mexico faces security challenges, millions of tourists visit safely each year by following basic safety guidelines and choosing appropriate destinations. Is it safe to travel to Mexico in 2025? | Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection The country's diverse regions offer vastly different risk levels, making destination selection and informed preparation crucial for a safe and enjoyable visit.