Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
Mexico is a hugely popular destination and most visits are trouble-free, but safety varies enormously by region. Major resorts and tourist cities are generally fine with normal caution, while some states and border areas carry serious warnings. Petty theft, scams and drink-spiking are the everyday risks. Always check your own government's state-by-state advisory before you travel.
- Overall
- Varies by region
- Main risks
- Theft, scams
- Emergency
- 911
- Tourist areas are generally safe with normal caution
- Check state-by-state advisories before travel
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
Safety differs sharply between areas. Some states, parts of the north and certain border zones carry travel-advisory warnings due to cartel violence, and several governments advise against non-essential travel there. Popular tourist spots are generally much safer, but incidents can happen anywhere. Because advisories change and are highly localised, always check your own government's current state-by-state guidance before and during your trip.
- High-risk
- Some states, border
- Safer
- Main resorts
- Check
- State advisories
- Some states and border zones have warnings
- Advisories are localised and change; verify officially
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
Mexico sits in an active seismic zone, and Mexico City in particular can feel strong earthquakes. The Caribbean and Pacific coasts face a hurricane season from about June to November, which can bring storms and flooding to beach resorts. Learn the earthquake drill for your hotel and monitor storm forecasts in season. Serious events are occasional rather than constant.
- Earthquakes
- Mexico City zone
- Hurricanes
- Jun-Nov coasts
- Do
- Follow local alerts
- Know evacuation routes in your hotel
- Check hurricane forecasts on the coasts Jun-Nov
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Tap water is not considered safe to drink, so stick to bottled or purified water and be careful with ice and raw foods. Travellers' stomach upsets are common in the first days. Mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue occur in some regions, and the high altitude of Mexico City can cause mild altitude effects. Bring any regular medication and consider travel health advice before you go.
- Water
- Drink bottled
- Mosquitoes
- Use repellent
- Altitude
- Mexico City high
- Avoid tap water, ice and raw foods early on
- Use mosquito repellent in affected regions
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Everyday risks for visitors are pickpocketing and bag-snatching in crowds, taxi overcharging, card skimming at ATMs, and occasional fake police asking for money. Only use ATMs inside banks or malls, keep valuables out of sight, use registered taxis or apps, and never leave drinks unattended. Withdraw cash in daylight and split your money and cards between places.
- Common
- Theft, skimming
- ATMs
- Use inside banks
- Taxis
- Registered or apps
- Use ATMs inside banks or malls only
- Watch for fake police and taxi overcharging
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
Mexico is a stable democracy and everyday tourism is not disrupted by politics. Occasional demonstrations, marches or road blockades can happen in cities and can affect traffic and access to sites. These are usually peaceful and announced in advance. Avoid protests as a foreigner, allow extra time if roads are blocked, and follow local news and official updates.
- Stability
- Stable democracy
- Watch
- Protests, blockades
- Advice
- Avoid crowds
- Demonstrations can block roads temporarily
- Avoid protests and follow local news
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
Carry ID and treat local laws seriously. Drug possession is a criminal offence with heavy penalties, and drinking alcohol in the street is often banned. Many beach areas fine or forbid smoking. Respect archaeological sites and protected nature, and do not remove artefacts or coral. Penalties can be strict, so when in doubt ask locally and keep a copy of your passport.
- Drugs
- Serious penalties
- Alcohol
- No street drinking
- ID
- Carry a copy
- Drug offences carry heavy penalties
- Respect heritage sites; do not remove artefacts
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
The nationwide emergency number is 911, which covers police, fire and ambulance and often has English-speaking operators in tourist areas. There is also a dedicated tourist assistance line, 078 (Angeles Verdes), for roadside and travel help. Save your accommodation address in Spanish, keep your embassy contact handy, and note that response times vary by location.
- Emergency
- 911
- Tourist help
- 078
- Tip
- Save address
- 911 covers police, fire and ambulance
- 078 offers tourist and roadside assistance
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. Private hospitals in tourist areas are good but expensive, and some ask for payment or a guarantee upfront. Choose a policy that covers medical treatment, hospital stays, emergency evacuation and any activities you plan such as diving or watersports. Keep your policy number and the insurer's emergency line saved on your phone and on paper.
- Insurance
- Strongly advised
- Cover
- Medical, evacuation
- Activities
- Diving, watersports
- Private care is good but costly
- Ensure adventure activities are covered