In February, the United States Embassy & Consulates in Mexico issued a message for people traveling to Mexico for spring break. “Travel Smart,” the message said before sharing advice on traveling safely through the country.
The U.S. Department of State also updated the travel warnings for Cancún and the rest of the state of Quintana Roo. While they removed warnings about the high risk of kidnappings, the state is still under a Level Two advisory.
Thousands of Americans, including many students, travel to Mexico every spring. Cancún and Tulum, especially, remain popular beach destinations throughout the year. Despite its popularity as an easily accessible travel destination, Cancún has often found itself under Level Two advisory, with the U.S. government repeatedly reminding citizens of the many dangers of visiting the thriving land with its populous beaches. Does that mean one ought to remove Cancun from the list of possible future travel destinations? Perhaps not.
The Current State
Like the rest of Mexico, Cancún has always valued its tourist industry. To ensure international travelers continue to frequent these lands, the nation introduced several security measures and ensured that tourist hotspots are always well-protected while visiting the city and the surrounding local areas.
According to a report featured in Riviera Maya News, Cancún recently deployed almost 2,400 officers to brace for the surge in tourist activities that happens every spring, ensuring the security of Quintana Roo’s key areas.
Given the U.S. Embassy’s warning, tourists may have reconsidered visiting the Mexican Caribbean this year. So, it should significantly benefit from the increased security around the zones that tourists tend to frequent.
According to the U.S. Department of State, its Level Two status means that while crime still exists, it’s primarily non-violent. There is currently no warning not to travel to Cancún and the rest of Quintana Roo, so it still remains as safe as usual there. Tourists just need to be cautious to avoid pickpocketing and scams.
The local security forces frequently surveil the area known as the Hotel Zone: all the popular beaches, party zones, and famous resorts. Mexican officials are also focusing on providing land, air, and sea surveillance, covering everything from the hotel zones to beach fronts, bars, and even bus terminals, which are always well-guarded.
Staying Safe While Traveling
Security isn’t much of an issue, especially when it comes to Cancún and other beloved tourist destinations in Mexico. In fact, the 2023 Expat Insider survey by InterNations revealed that Mexico is the most popular nation for expats to settle in. The nation ranked first out of 53 destinations in the survey and has been in the top five since InterNations first conducted the study in 2014.
Expats in the country found it easy to settle in and enjoy the affordability and access to a thriving social life. In fact, 90% of expats like living in Mexico and are happy there. That said, it is better to be safe than sorry.
To ensure one’s journey to Cancún and other tourist hotspots is delightful instead of dangerous, the U.S. Embassy recommends enrolling in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive updates on safety conditions in Mexico. Enrolling in the program will also allow the embassy to easily contact one in case of emergencies.
General street smarts, including being careful while walking around at night, especially outside the Hotel Zone, carrying limited cash, and obeying local laws, are important to keep in mind while visiting as well.
Here are a few other important tips to consider before jetting off on your next Mexico vacation:
Stay up to date on travel advisories, country information, and entry requirementsHaving the necessary health and travel insurance with appropriate coverage Don’t swim while drunk or in unsafe areas. There are strong undercurrents and riptides on some beaches, and there may not always be a lifeguard or appropriate signage in the area, so one must exercise increased cautionDrink responsibly and make sure to do it in groupsBeing careful while using public transportation, especially when aloneKeeping passports and entry permits in a safe but accessible place
Overall, it’s important to exercise awareness of your surroundings, avoid unsafe locations, and leave as soon as potentially dangerous situations occur.
