Mexico
UK Foreign Office travel advice · 16 July 2026
Current safety guidance for Mexico from UK Foreign Office travel advice. We cover 2 cities in Mexico, with reported scams for each.
Source: Mexico travel advice — UK Foreign Office travel advice
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Crime is a risk to foreign nationals in Mexico, particularly in major cities and tourist resort areas. Street crime is a serious issue in these places.
Many Mexican and foreign businesses choose to hire private security. You should:
If you want to report a crime, do so immediately at the nearest branch of the state prosecutor’s office (‘Agencia del Ministerio Público’). A criminal investigation is not possible without a formal complaint to the Mexican authorities. You must make a complaint in person before you leave Mexico.
The Mexico City Command and Control Centre (‘Centro de Atención a Emergencias y Protección Ciudadana de la Ciudad de México’) has information and advice on safety in Mexico City in Spanish.
Be wary of criminals posing as police officers and trying to fine or arrest you for no reason. They have targeted travellers driving rental cars.
Some genuine police officers have extorted money from tourists for alleged minor offences or traffic violations. If this happens:
Criminals may try to get your friends or relatives to transfer money to Mexico. This can happen if your phone is stolen or hacked. Before you travel, agree how you will contact friends or relatives and how you would arrange to transfer money.
A common phone scam involves criminals posing as a kidnapped family member or employee and demanding money for their release. They may also claim a relative is being detained. If you are threatened over the phone, hang up and check on your family member or employee’s safety.
Do not leave food and drinks unattended in bars and restaurants. Criminals have robbed or assaulted travellers after drugging them.
Kidnapping is more common in some areas of Mexico than others. See Regional risks for areas of higher risk. While tourists are not usually targeted, you should always remain aware of your surroundings.
Short-term opportunistic kidnapping (called ‘express kidnapping’) can happen, particularly in urban areas. Kidnappers force victims to withdraw money at an ATM to secure their release.
Longer-term kidnapping for financial gain also happens, and there have been allegations of police involvement. You should always remain alert and avoid travelling in higher risk areas, especially at night. Be discreet about discussing your financial or business affairs in places where others may overhear you.
Stay away from isolated roads and use toll roads (‘cuotas’) whenever possible. Keep car doors locked and windows closed, especially at traffic lights.
Violent carjackings and robberies happen along the Pacific Highway. If you suspect someone is following or watching you, drive to a police station or another safe place. Criminals have targeted large camper vans and sports utility vehicles (SUVs).
Criminals can deliberately cause traffic accidents to make insurance claims or get cash from the other party. They sometimes threaten violence or intimidation. Contact the authorities for support if necessary.
If you are involved in a carjacking, stay calm and surrender your valuables and your vehicle if asked. Resisting demands for your belongings can put you at significant risk of harm.
Unlicensed taxi drivers have robbed and assaulted passengers, including in Mexico City. Use the better regulated ‘sitio’ taxis from authorised taxi ranks or ask your hotel to order you a taxi. At airports, only use authorised pre-paid airport taxi services.
Licensed taxi drivers protesting about Uber have blocked roads near Cancun’s hotels. The protesters have pulled tourists from Uber taxis. Tourists have also missed flights due to roadblocks. Protests can happen without notice. Look for local announcements and follow your hotel’s advice on how to avoid protests.
The Mexican government makes efforts to protect major tourist destinations, including:
Criminals have physically and sexually assaulted British travellers in these locations. In some cases, hotel employees, taxi drivers and security personnel were involved. Hotel staff have sometimes been unhelpful and tried to convince victims not to contact police.
Rival criminal gangs have clashed in popular Cancun tourist destinations and surrounding areas. Gangs have not targeted tourists, but violent incidents could affect anyone nearby. Since 2021, several shootings have affected tourists.
Be very cautious after dark in downtown areas of Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Stay in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones. Follow advice from the local authorities and your tour operator.
This guide also has safety advice for regions of Mexico.
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. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorist attacks in Mexico cannot be ruled out.
Political demonstrations are common in Mexico City and can happen across the country. Demonstrations can be tense, confrontational and potentially violent. Onlookers can be quickly drawn in.
There have also been ongoing protests blocking vehicle access to Oaxaca airport. If you are flying to Oaxaca, check the status of your flight and monitor local media for updates. Allow more time to get to and from Oaxaca airport.
It is illegal for foreign nationals to participate in political activities in Mexico. If you join demonstrations, the Mexican authorities may detain and deport you.
Since July 2025 there have been protests against gentrification in Mexico City, which have taken place in central and tourist areas.
Monitor local media and avoid all demonstrations. If you come across protests, move away from the area.
Take care withdrawing money from ATMs or using exchange offices (bureau de change). Criminals have targeted people using these services. It’s generally safer to use ATMs during daylight hours inside shops or malls. Avoid withdrawing large amounts and watch who is around you while you are at an ATM.
Pickpocketing and theft are common, including on public transport. You should:
Tainted alcohol has caused illness or blackouts. If you have any concerns, get advice from your tour operator or the local authorities.
There have been deaths and cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in Mexico.
Even small amounts of methanol can kill. It is not possible to identify methanol in alcoholic drinks by taste or smell. See Travel Aware Spiking and methanol poisoning for information about how to reduce the risks.
Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show the signs of methanol poisoning after drinking.
Sexual offences have been reported in tourist areas. Take care even in areas close to hotels, and especially after dark.
Drug-related violence in Mexico has increased over recent years. Do not become involved with drugs of any kind.
Some areas of Mexico have a high crime rate due to fighting between rival organised crime gangs. In these areas, there is a risk of being caught in the crossfire or of being mistaken for a gang member. While risks are lower in tourist areas, you should:
In remote areas, you may come across unofficial roadblocks, including on main roads. Local groups seeking money for an unofficial toll control these roadblocks. They can become violent and deny entry.
Be alert on public transport, at airports and in bus stations. Theft on buses is common, so keep your belongings safe.
There is a risk of bus hijacking. Try to travel on first-class buses using toll roads, which have a lower rate of incidents than second and third-class buses travelling on the less secure free (‘libre’) roads. Most first-class bus companies perform security checks when passengers board the bus.
Women travelling alone on public transport have been harassed, robbed and sexually assaulted.
For information on procedures, local laws or social services, you can contact Mexico City’s public telephone service LOCATEL on 5658 1111 (English-speaking staff available).
Traditional hallucinogenic tea, ceremonies and practices such as Yagé, Ayahuasca, and Bufo are organised and marketed to tourists as spiritual cleansing. These various preparations typically contain dimethyltryptamine (DMT) or 5-metoxi-N, N-dimetiltriptamina (5-MeO-DMT), strong hallucinogens that are illegal in the UK and many other countries.
There are many risks involved. Consumption is not regulated. Intoxicated travellers have been assaulted and robbed. There have also been reports of sexual assaults during these ceremonies.
Health risks are not well understood, and some people have suffered serious illnesses and, in some cases, mental breakdowns or death after taking these drugs. The jungle retreats are often a long way from medical facilities making the risks even greater. Some have basic medical services, but others do not. Some do not have an established plan for how you can access medical facilities in case of an emergency.
The Mexican authorities can ask to see your passport and entry stamp to prove your entrance and stay. They do not accept copies or photos. To prove your visa status, you can get a digital registry of your entry documents from the Portal de Servicios INM (in Spanish). If you cannot show the correct documents, immigration officers may question and detain you while they check your immigration status. Depending on the outcome, they can deport you.
If you are a resident, the police may ask to see your Mexican residency card. They have detained British people for not having the correct documents.
It is illegal to bring e-cigarettes, vaping devices and solutions into Mexico or to buy and sell them. Customs officials will confiscate these items; and they could fine or detain you.
If you smoke or vape in a public place, you can get a fine of up to 3,000 Mexican pesos (about £150).
Do not become involved with drugs of any kind. Penalties for drug offences are severe and convictions carry sentences of up to 25 years.
Same-sex relations in Mexico are generally tolerated, rather than accepted. Civil unions between same-sex partners are legal in Mexico. People may frown on same-sex couples showing affection in public. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Only some Mexican states legally recognise assisted human reproduction, including surrogacy. Before you consider a surrogacy arrangement in Mexico, make sure you:
For more information, see surrogacy overseas.
In some hotels, balcony railings are low and there is a risk of falling.
If you take part in adventure sports, including paragliding, skydiving, scuba diving and jet-skiing, be aware equipment may not meet UK safety and insurance standards. British nationals participating in these activities have been injured and, in some cases, killed. Check your travel insurance covers you for all your planned activities.
Make sure the company you use:
Sea conditions can be unpredictable, and some beaches are unpatrolled. Follow coastguard and local authority guidance on whether it is safe to swim.
See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
Shark attacks are rare in Mexico, but you should take care, particularly when surfing. Research the area and follow local advice.
Crocodiles normally live in lagoons and coastal areas in Mexico, including Cancun and Pacific coast resorts. Respect warning signs around lagoons in these areas and do not walk close to the water. Crocodiles have attacked and seriously injured tourists in the past.
If you are planning to drive in Mexico, see information on driving abroad.
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Mexico. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the 1926 version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.
Driving standards are very different from the UK. Roads can have potholes, and conditions can be unpredictable. Be prepared to stop unexpectedly and beware of vehicles moving slowly, changing lane without indicating and going through red lights. Many drivers do not have car insurance.
To reduce pollution, the authorities ban cars entering parts of Mexico City and other places on some days of the week, based on their number plates. For details, check the Hoy no Circula programme (in Spanish).
The authorities strictly enforce these regulations. Offenders face heavy fines and temporary confiscation of their vehicle. Check with your car hire company to see if these rules apply to you.
In Mexico City, vehicles without registration plates from the State of Mexico (‘Estado de Mexico’) or Mexico City are not allowed to enter Mexico City from:
There may be further driving restrictions if air pollution is high, generally from February to June.
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
The hurricane season in Mexico normally runs from June to November and can affect the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Tropical storms and hurricanes cause floods, landslides and disruption to local services, including transport networks. After a hurricane there can still be continued flooding, high winds and rainfall.
Monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Center and follow the advice of local authorities and your tour operator, including evacuation orders.
In 2023, Hurricane Otis hit the south coast near Acapulco. This Category 5 hurricane seriously damaged infrastructure along the coast, in Acapulco and between Zihuatenejo and Punta Maldonado. Reconstruction efforts continue to disrupt tourism, and the security situation is unpredictable. FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the city of Acapulco.
There is a risk of earthquakes in most parts of Mexico. Tremors happen regularly, particularly in the states of Oaxaca and Guerrero.
The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake or tsunami. There is also advice from the Mexican Ministry of Civil Protection (PDF) (in Spanish).
If you’re in Mexico City, you can download the 911 CDMX app on iOS or Android (accessible only by local phone numbers), which can warn you 60 seconds before earthquake movement starts. Although useful, this app cannot warn you about all types of earthquake.
The volcanoes Popocatépetl and Colima are active and closed to the public. The danger zones around both volcanoes change depending on the current level of activity.
There is currently a 7-mile (12km) exclusion zone around Popocatépetl and the alert level is level 2 of the amber tier.
Ash fall from Popocatépetl has previously disrupted air travel and caused flight cancellations at Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City. Check your flight status with your airline or operator. You can also follow Benito Juárez airport on X.
Falling volcanic ash and toxic fumes can affect your health, especially if you suffer from a respiratory condition.
The Mexican Disaster Prevention Centre has updates on Popocatepetl, Colima and other volcanoes. There is also Mexican government information on X.
This section has safety advice for regions of Mexico. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.
You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
Drug-related violence affects the northern states of Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, Sinaloa and Durango.
Many fatalities are suspected gang members killed in violent clashes between the different organisations competing for control of trafficking routes into the USA. Armed clashes between security forces and drug groups can happen at any time without warning. Take extreme care outside tourist areas in all these states.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the city of Tijuana, except:
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the city of Tecate in Baja California, including roads between Tijuana and Tecate.
If you cross the border by toll road 1D, try to do so during daylight hours or be very cautious after dark. Tijuana is an extremely violent city. Criminals could target you or you could get caught up in conflicts between rival groups.
Many businesses, including shops, follow an unofficial curfew, only opening during daylight hours due to the security threat. Organised crime groups are fighting for control over the city’s drug trade and trafficking routes. There are high rates of kidnapping, murder and organised crime activity, particularly drug, human and arms trafficking.
Armed attacks and targeted killings happen across the state. Violent robberies are a particular issue in the urban centres of Tijuana, Mexicali and Ensenada. Be careful in Tijuana, Mexicali, Ensenada and Rosarito – armed criminals in these towns have targeted stores and bystanders in response to disputes with the government. There have also been incidents of vehicles being targeted by armed attacks. Stick to established tourist routes and destinations across the state and always stay aware of your surroundings.
Take care in Ciudad Juárez or other cities in northern states. Travel during daylight hours when possible, tell relatives or friends of your travel plans and only use reputable hotels.
Take the same precautions in the state of Baja California, including Tijuana. There is drug-related crime in Baja California Sur, including Los Cabos.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Chihuahua, except:
There are high levels of organised crime activity, particularly human and drugs trafficking. There is illegal drug cultivation in rural areas of the state, with associated criminal activity.
If you visit the Copper Canyon rail route, do not walk alone in the canyon or stray from the tourist trail. Complete all your activities within daylight hours. There is a risk you could be caught up in conflicts between rival organised crime groups operating in the area.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Sinaloa, except:
Armed robbery and vehicle theft has happened in El Fuerte. Avoid driving at night on the route between El Fuerte and Los Mochis.
There are high levels of drug cultivation in rural areas, leading to conflict between organised crime groups fighting for control.
Due to the presence of organised crime, there are high levels of drug-related violence. There are frequent gun battles between government security forces and organised crime groups, including in the city of Culiacán, leading to deaths and the destruction of security infrastructure.
Criminals do not usually target tourists, but you could be a victim of violence due to mistaken identity or on suspicion of spying for other organised criminal gangs – particularly if you are off the beaten tourist track.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Tamaulipas, except:
Tamaulipas is dangerous due to the presence of many organised crime groups who fight for control of drug trafficking routes. There is a risk of armed robbery and kidnap.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Zacatecas.
The state is extremely dangerous due to battles between organised crime groups for control of drug trafficking routes and rural areas of the state.
There are high levels of drug-related violence due to the strong presence of organised crime. Gun battles between state security forces and organised crime groups are frequent, leading to deaths and the destruction of security infrastructure.
There has been an increase in security incidents in the states of Tabasco and Veracruz, including the city of Veracruz. Illegal roadblocks are reported frequently. Be extremely cautious.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the areas south-west of the road 45D. This includes the cities of Celaya and Irapuato as well as the municipalities of:
Guanajuato is a drug trafficking route. There has been an increase in security incidents and drug-related violence in the state of Guanajuato. Fuel thefts from plants and pipelines also happen. Organised crime activity is rampant, particularly in the south of the state. Shootouts are of particular concern in the state of Guanajuato as they can happen in populated areas and bystanders have been caught in the crossfire.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Michoacán, except the:
Michoacán is one of Mexico’s most violent states with high levels of organised crime and very little security presence. The state’s rural terrain makes it difficult for state security forces to respond to incidents.
There have been reports of local crime groups running illegal roadblocks and checkpoints in an attempt to control who enters and leaves. The Michoacán state government recommends foreign nationals to avoid this region.
Organised criminals are likely to be suspicious of foreign nationals in rural Michoacán. There is a high possibility of a misunderstanding resulting in violence.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the areas south and south-west of Lake Chapala to the border state of Colima, specifically the municipalities of:
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the northern municipalities of:
This is due to inaccessibility for security forces, lack of state control, drugs cultivation and high levels of violence between rival criminal groups.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the whole state of Colima, except the city of Manzanillo accessed by sea or by air via Manzanillo-Costalegre International Airport, and direct travel via road 200 from the airport to Manzanillo. Do not travel by other routes to the city of Manzanillo.
Colima has high levels of organised crime activity. Criminal organisations fight each other for control over the state, leading to gun battles on the streets of Colima City and throughout rural areas.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Guerrero, except the town of Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa accessed by air.
Guerrero is a violent state with a history of insecurity. Organised crime is present throughout the state, including in central Acapulco and Chilpancingo. Armed crime, including shootings and executions, has happened both in and outside tourist areas in Acapulco and other areas of the state.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Otis, normal work by local authorities to reduce risks to tourists in Acapulco’s tourist area has stopped while they focus on recovery efforts . There are reports of an increase in crime, robbery and looting across the city, including in previously designated tourist areas. Take extreme care if you travel to Acapulco.
Local crime groups control toll booths at illegal roadblocks. If you come across these, you will need cash to pay the fee so you can continue. If you’re driving in Guerrero, avoid travel after dark and use toll roads where possible, although you may still experience disruptions.
The interior of the state is dangerous. Organised crime groups and local ‘self-defence’ groups often exert control over territory. These groups are likely to be suspicious of foreign nationals in rural Guerrero. There is a high possibility of a misunderstanding resulting in violence. There has been armed crime in and outside tourist areas in the state.
Criminal activity is a problem in the state of Mexico (‘Estado de México’). Take care when travelling through the state, as well as outside of tourist areas. There has been:
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 40km of the Guatemalan border between the Pacific Coast up to and including the border crossing at Gracias a Dio.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel on Federal Highway 199 (Carretera Federal 199) between Rancho Nuevo (just outside San Cristobal de las Casas) and the Chancalá junction just outside Palenque (where Federal Highway 199 meets Federal Highway 307).
The border between Chiapas and Guatemala is dangerous due to the presence of many organised crime groups who fight for control of drug- and human-trafficking routes. Gangs do not usually target tourists, but you could be a victim of violence due to mistaken identity or on suspicion of spying for other organised criminal gangs. There is a risk of being caught in crossfire between rival organised crime groups.
Illegal roadblocks and checkpoints are reported frequently on Federal Highway 199 (Carretera Federal 199) between Rancho Nuevo, just outside San Cristobal de las Casas, and Palenque. Protests by indigenous groups often block the road. There is a risk of kidnapping.
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