Although Mexico is a popular holiday destination for both Brits and Americans, and most tourist areas are generally safe to travel to, there are regions that are considered dangerous for travelers, with risk of drug-related violence and kidnapping.
US tourists have been warned not to travel to cities in the region, including Reynosa, Rio Bravo, Valle Hermoso and San Fernando, with a level 4, “do not travel” warning active.
The US embassy in Mexico said in a security alert on January 27: “The U.S. Consulate is aware of increasingly frequent gun battles occurring in and around Reynosa in the late night and early morning hours.”
Last year, Miami-based cruise line Royal Caribbean pulled out of port calls to Manzanillo following a travel advisory not to go to the city.
In April 2024, the killing of two Australian brothers and their American friend while on a surfing trip in the Baja California peninsula similarly heightened concerns surrounding travel in the country.
Mexico, a year-round hotspot for white sand, buzzing nightlife and world-class surf swells, attracts millions of tourists each year, and travelers with booked trips may be questioning the decision to holiday there.
Although the Foreign Office (FCDO) considers most of Mexico generally safe for UK citizens to travel to, here’s the latest travel advice, plus all the key questions and answers.
What does the Foreign Office say?
Tourist resorts are generally considered safe as the Mexican government makes an effort to protect major traveler destinations including Cancun, Cozumel, Los Cabos, Nuevo Vallarta, Playa del Carmen and Puerto Vallarta.
However, the FCDO “advises against all but essential travel to parts of Mexico.”
Drug-related violence affects several of the northern states with organized crime groups and illegal roadblocks visible in several cities.
Areas to avoid unless essential include:
Baja California – Tijuana and Tecate
Chihuahua – except the city of Chihuahua
Sinaloa – except the cities of Los Mochis and Mazatlán
Tamaulipas
Zacatecas
Guanajuato – including all areas southwest of road 45D
Michoacán – except the city of Morelia and the town of Pátzcuaro
Jalisco – including all areas south and southwest of Lake Chapala to the border with the state of Colima
Colima – except the city of Manzanillo
Guerrero
Chiapas – within 40km of the Guatemalan border
The FCDO also advises against all but essential travel to these northern municipalities:
Bolaños
Chimaltitán
Colotlán
Hostotipaquillo
Huejúcar
Huequilla el Alto
Mezquitic
San Martin de Bolaños
Santa Maria de los Ángeles
Totatiche
Villa Guerrero
How to stay safe in Mexico?
The FCDO advises British tourists to remain vigilant at all times: “There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets.”
Among the listed safety and security risks to be aware of:
Violent political demonstrations, common in Mexico City
Street crime in tourist resort areas including pickpocketing
Withdrawing large amounts of money from an ATM
Extortion from police officers
drink spiking
Sexual assault
Kidnapping
Drug-related violence
Car-jackings by unofficial roadblocks along the Pacific Highway
Unlicensed taxis
To stay safe, the FCDO advises travelers to research destinations thoroughly, only travel during daylight hours when possible, monitor local media and inform trusted contacts of their travel plans.
Other laws and cultural differences tourists should be aware of in Mexico include a risk of being fined £150 or detained if you illegally bring e-cigarettes, vaping devices and solutions into the country.
Can I cancel my Mexico holiday?
As the Foreign Office has not warned against travel to Mexico, the conditions for canceling your trip will be dependent on your holiday provider, so it’s best to contact them if you’re looking to postpone.
There is no obligation for companies to refund bookings if you want to cancel, and you will not be able to claim travel insurance due to safety concerns unless the Foreign Office advice changes.
Source: independent
