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