Is Cancun Safe to Travel in 2024? Safety Insights, Cartel Concerns, and Travel Advice

The tourism sector in Cancun accomplishes goals annually. According to the latest reports, it served over 10 million International tourists in 2023, and the number is expected to grow by the end of 2024. Nevertheless, many new visitors or travelers who, in some way or another, have had not-so-good experiences in Cancun raise concerns about safety, protocols advertised by the US department, crime rates, areas to exclude from the list (yes, you read it right), and some other relevant information. Before anyone hits the road to book a flight to Cancun, the following sections entail all the pertinent information on how you can plan your trip to Cancun! 

Is Cancun Safe for Travelers in 2024? An In-Depth Look

The overall crime rate in Mexico, or more precisely, in Cancun, is declining. According to the current Crime Index, it is between 55 and 60 (Moderate to High), out of which the overall murder rate is more than 16% per 100,000 population. However, with this, reports come remarking how dangerous Cancun is, including kidnappings, corrupted officials, etc. However, the US State Department is working towards diminishing the number of crimes to attract more tourism.  

Keeping it, the concerned department has released certain guidelines or categories for tourists to determine and know about the same; you are suggested to read them below:

• Exercise Normal Precautions---  Under this category, some regions are, by and large, as safe as the other US states. 
• Exercise Increased Caution---- This category marks regions of Cancun that are slightly more prone to crimes, though the overall rate is low compared to other regions in Mexico or within Cancun.  
• Reconsider Travel--- You will explore regions with higher crime rates. Thus, before you travel, ensure you avoid getting involved in drug smuggling, road disputes, etc. 
• Do Not Travel--- Under this, you can find different regions with extreme threats, deteriorated law enforcement, gang control, crime against American citizens, drug smuggling, etc.

Navigating Safety Concerns: Crime and Cartel Activity in Cancun

Despite a low-scale crime trend in Cancun, Mexico, many tourists raise the concern, "Is Cancun safe from cartels?" This question exists in the minds of tourists primarily because of some previous crime records of the city, tourists' experiences in Cancun, and other official statistics.  This comes primarily because many tourists devise a plan in order to experience the pristine beaches and adventurous activities, including jet skiing, parasailing, etc., without any hassle. So read the points and find out whether it is safe from cartels!!

• As per estimation, more than 61% of crime in Mexico is between drug dealers or people using it. 
• Nevertheless, this violent crime takes place far from the tourist regions or zones. 
• Very recently, cartel members dismembered rival gang members with machetes were found in tourist hot spot Cancun, where a woman was shot dead (in the crossfire) near a Tulum beach. 
• In order to mitigate such cartel activities in Cancun, the govt officials have issued an advisory to tourists not to travel to these particular regions that are slightly more prone to drug smuggling. 
• Even though you are planning to visit them, ensure you are heading at your own risk. If you come across such activity, inform the officials immediately for your safety. 

Identifying Common Risks: Stay Ahead of Potential Threats

Although the Cancun tourism trend suggests the crime rate is reducing compared to the 2020-21 phase, incidents have drawn the world's attention. Even spots marked safe for tourists are not spared (for example, the Tulum Beach incident in 2024). 

Based on the Statista Research Department Report 2024, on average, out of every 1 lakh inhabitants, 25 were murdered in 2022. On average, around 76% of the adult population felt unsafe in Mexico, whereas the number of femicides has been consistently going upwards; for example, up to 827 women were killed in Mexico in 2023.  Nevertheless, there is more associated with the same; please have a look:

Pickpocketing and Scams in Cancun

As per the Safety Index, robbing cases are between 58% and 59% in Mexico. Many tourists prefer using public transport to travel from one destination to another to hop around the city, and these cases occur in crowded places. These cases are more prevalent in Downtown Cancun, and the reason behind this is quite shocking: "lower number of tourists." Thus, to avoid being targeted, adopt some useful tactics as written below;

• Have a conversation with locals to avoid looking like a tourist. 
• Always be mindful or alert of every action taking place around of you. 
• Inform the Police as soon as you counter with a thief or seek help from available locals. 

Nightlife Safety in Cancun

According to certain reports, Cancun's nightlife safety is rated 40-43 (out of 100). It shows many tourists feel safe when they go out either for partying, clubbing, hopping around the city, etc. Despite this, many incidents occur during the night against women, due to which the number of crimes against women is high, even though the US State Department advises travelers to avoid getting out. However, you can still keep some pieces of advice in mind to eliminate any issues; please have a look:

• You must hop around the city with one of the locals of Cancun to be clear about the routes of your hotel to your destination. 
• Avoid getting into drug dealing with cartels. 

Scams in Cancun

As far as general scams are concerned in Cancun, it is relatively high in numbers as compared to other US states. These scams are not related to one or two issues but to many, for example, ATM Scams, Taxi scams, fraud transactions, street vendor scams, and various other things that may cause you to lose all of your money. However, to prevent this, some safety procedures are recommended:

• You need to be well aware of Mexico's currency so you can make transactions at hotels, during window shopping, and in any other way. 
• Before you board a taxi, ask for a travel fare so you can pay, which is legal or required. 
• You can also hire a tourist guide to explore the city without any tension. This will help you make legitimate transactions no matter where you go! 
• Cancun has less risk of kidnapping, yet scams can occur anytime with you; thus, before you head towards the city, ensure you are well aware of the protocols released by the US State Department. 

Essential Safety Tips for a Worry-Free Vacation in Cancun

Anyone traveling to Cancun must jot down that the crime rate is relatively higher compared to other US states, though the crime trend within Cancun is declining compared to its previous records. Despite this, the risk to tourists' lives still exists. Thus, many travelers wish to explore the safety guidelines in Cancun so they can have better days experiencing different pristine beaches, performing some adventurous activities, improving their taste buds by checking out their regional foods, etc. So, you can take reference on some general safety standard guidelines that you can keep in mind for safe travel; please have a look:

Transportation Safety

When it comes to visiting Cancun, the primary concern that haunts any deviser is associated with the concerned destination transportation facility or safety. If anyone is unaware, they can be unfairly charged! Once you set to pay a particular amount, you may not argue even with valid points. Thus, to avoid any such case, you are advised to read some of the points written below:

• Even though UBER operates legally, getting services in Cancun can lead to tense interactions with regional drivers. Thus, to avoid such an incident or argument, it is better to use other options, such as authorized taxis, public transport, etc. 
• You must search in-depth before installing any 'rideshare' application to avoid any concerning transaction or robbery scam. 
• As an option, you can carry your region's valid license to get a rental car in the state, so you do not have to rely on taxis or public transport. 

Staying in Safe Accommodations 

Every deviser would always prefer to spend more on accommodation for comfort and safety, as Cancun is a slightly more crime-prone state in Mexico. Keeping this in mind, they often search for hotels near the railway station or bus station, including the airport, where there is minimal crime. So, if you wish to get advice on Hotels in Cancun, you can take reference on the same by viewing the points that are listed below; please have a look:

• It is recommended to stick to the "Hotel Zone," which is often regarded as Zona Hotela.  
• This hotel is generally believed to be the safest area for tourists in Cancun, where you can find high-end resorts, local bars, golden sands, and other luring spots. 
• However, before you leave your hotel room, although it is safe to live in, for more safety concerns, ensure that you lock the doors and other things carefully. 

Avoiding Dangerous Areas

In Mexican society,  76% of the population feels unsafe due to the high crime rates, femicides, pickpocketing, drug smuggling, kidnapping, poor management, etc. Despite it being a prominent tourist destination, Mexico often makes International headlines due to organized crime, and Mexico has also been marked as the least peaceful country in Latin America by the Global Peace Index (GPI).

The top-most concern for any deviser is places to avoid in Cancun. So, you can refer to the following points listed below to find out what spots are dangerous in the city; please have a look:

• Bonfil--- It is Nestled on the outskirts of Cancun and home to about 20,000 people. The crime rate in this region is quite high. 
• Colonia Tres Reyes--- This place has been in the news several times for an alarming increase in homicides. 
• Santa Cecilia--- You can find active drug cartel violence in this region.  

Safety Tips for Every Type of Traveler

Regardless of your trip nature to Cancun, for example, solo, group, etc., you still need to take precautions before you head towards the city where crime rates are high compared to other US states. However, the intensity of travel risk to Cancun varies from solo trip to family and family to group. However, the overall crime trend in Cancun is declining due to better administrative policies' implementation and a set of guidelines released by the US State Department. It is high time to look at the safety measures or points associated with your trip nature; please have a look:

Solo Travelers

If traveling solo to Cancun, you must be more cautious due to several issues, for example, high crime rates, femicides, drug smuggling, and other things. So, take note of the safety tips in Cancun for Solo Travelers:

• The "M" washroom belongs to Women--- "M" stands for "Mujeres," which is a Spanish translation of "Women." Thus, avoid getting into that. 
• Hotel Zones--- This region is within Cancun, where you can find different hotels, restaurants, pubs, bars, etc., and roam freely without hassle or trouble. However, if you experience any problems, you can contact the local police. 
• Avoid Isolated Places--- To ensure a safe time in Cancun, it is advised not to visit regions where crime rates are high, such as Bonfil. 

Travelling with Families

If you are visiting Cancun with your family, some safety protocols are necessary to keep in mind; 

• Don't wear expensive jewelry--- Flashy jewelry can lure unwanted attention, and you can become a target for theft. Tourist families look different in the crowd, thus avoiding wearing them. 
• Taxi Scams--- The Uber driver may ask you to incur more bucks as you are more in numbers, thus, you have to be cautious concerning Uber fares to avoid any such case. 
• Avoid Drugs--- The foremost thing you need to keep in mind is not to get involved in drug purchasing or selling. The crime rate in Cancun is quite high when it comes to drugs. Thus, have a lovely time with your family without getting into such activity. 
• Hotels--- For families, you will have to find regions where you can hop around without any issue with your family, for example, Hotel Zones, Downtown Cancun, etc. 

Group Travelers

Knowing safety standards in Cancun is quite beneficial, as this can let you experience the best travel experience in Cancun, even though you are in a group with your friends or colleagues, etc. So, look at some useful strategies; 

• Avoid Traveling at Night--- Even though you are in a group, try not to get out of your place at night as you may attract unwanted attention from a thief or a group of drug dealers. 
• Keep your car locked--- If you have rented a car and are out, keep your doors locked and windows up to avoid any trouble or incident. 
• Try to Interact--- You must get into conversation with the local dwellers and know about the surroundings. You can also meet them in nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, etc. 

Conclusion

Based on the Statista Research Department, the crime rate trend is declining, yet Mexico state is grappling with a diminishing number of societal issues, including femicides, illegal drug smuggling, poverty, etc. Despite all this, Cuncun is a city that boasts several pristine beaches, monuments, prominent restaurants, nightlife, regional food, culture, etc., that lures thousands of tourists around the world. So, it is safe to travel, but do not forget the guidelines released by the US State Department remarking some safe and dangerous regions in Cancun, including areas to stick with, and other things to have a hassle-free journey in the Mexican city, Cancun. 

 

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