Advisories

Risk levels

Latest updates: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)

Last updated: February 17, 2023 15:23 ET

⚠️ MEXICO - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico due to high levels of criminal activity and kidnapping.

🟠 Regional risk

Regional Advisory - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to the following areas due to high levels of violence and organized crime:

• all Chihuahua

• all Colima, except the city of Manzanillo

• all Coahuila, except the southern part of the state at and below the Saltillo-Torreón highway corridor

• all Durango, except Durango City

• all Guerrero, except the cities of Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo and Taxco

• in Guanajuato

  • Highway 45 between León and Irapuato

  • the area south of and including Highway 45D between Irapuato and Celaya

• all Michoacán, except the city of Morelia

• in Morelos

  • • the Lagunas de Zempoala National Park and surrounding areas

    • the municipality of Xoxocotla

• in Nayarit

  • the area within 20 km of the border with Sinaloa and Durango

  • the city of Tepic

• all Nuevo León, except the city of Monterrey

• all Sinaloa, except the city of Mazatlán

• all Sonora, except the cities of Hermosillo and Guaymas/San Carlos and Puerto Peñasco

• all Tamaulipas

• all Zacatecas

Safety and security

Crime

Levels of crime, particularly violent crime, are high throughout Mexico. Arrest and detention rates are low and don’t deter criminal activity.

Criminal groups, including drug cartels, are very active. ‎Clashes between cartels or gangs over territory, drugs and smuggling routes are common.

In some parts of the country, military, navy and federal police forces have been deployed to combat organized crime and improve security conditions. They maintain a visible presence by:

• patrolling the streets

• setting up roadblocks

• conducting random vehicle checks  

If you plan on travelling to Mexico:

• remain vigilant at all times

• stay in tourist areas

• be very cautious on major highways

• avoid travelling at night

• monitor local media closely

If you’re the victim of a crime, you must report it immediately to local authorities. No criminal investigation is possible without a formal complaint. Complaints must be made in person before leaving Mexico. You should hire a local lawyer to represent your interests and follow up on your case after you return to Canada. Failure to do may result in incomplete investigations or long delays in bringing cases to trial.

Violent crime

There are high rates of violent crime, such as homicides, kidnappings, carjacking and assaults, including in popular tourist destinations such as the Mayan Riviera (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos and Tulum), and Acapulco.

Criminal groups and drug cartels are present in tourist areas. Inter-gang and cartel fighting has taken place in restaurants, hotels and nightclubs frequented by tourists.

Innocent bystanders have been injured or killed. You may be in the wrong place at the wrong time and become a victim of violent crime.

Border areas often see higher criminal activity and violence, including in rural areas. Confrontations between organized criminal groups and Mexican authorities continue to pose a risk. Shootouts, attacks and illegal roadblocks may occur without warning.

You should travel to Mexico by air to avoid international land border crossings, particularly along the border with the United States, in the following cities:

• Ciudad Juárez

• Nuevo Laredo

• Reynosa

If crossing an international land border:

• remain extremely vigilant

• use only official border crossings

• avoid travelling at night

Armed robbery

Armed robbery occurs. Foreigners have been targets of robberies that sometimes involve assault.

Robbers will follow a victim after they exchange or withdraw money at airports, currency exchange bureaus (casas de cambio) or ATMs.

• Stay in hotels and resorts with good security

• If you are threatened by robbers, stay calm and don’t resist

• Avoid withdrawing or exchanging money in public areas of the airport

Assault

Canadian travellers have been physically and sexually assaulted. In some cases, hotel employees, taxi drivers and security personnel at popular tourist destinations were involved. In some cases, hotel staff are not helpful and try to dissuade victims from pursuing the incident with police.

• Avoid walking after dark, especially alone

• Avoid isolated or deserted areas

• Stay in hotels and resorts with good security

• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption

Kidnappings

Mexico has one of the highest kidnapping rates in the world. Kidnapping, including virtual and express kidnapping, is a serious security risk throughout Mexico.

Kidnappers target all classes. Canadian citizens and contractors working for Canadian businesses have been kidnapped, mostly in areas that are not under the control of police and security forces.

If you're kidnapped:

• comply with the kidnappers’ requests

• don’t attempt to resist

Express kidnappings

Express kidnappings occur in large urban areas. This is a method of abduction where criminals ask for a small and immediate ransom.

Thieves most commonly work in cooperation with, or pose as, taxi drivers. They force victims to use their debit or credit card to withdraw money from ATMs in exchange for their release.

• Use only a reputable taxi company or a trusted ride-sharing app

• Book taxis through your hotel or an authorized taxi stand (sitio)

Virtual kidnappings

Virtual kidnappings also occur in Mexico. This is a form of extortion where criminals steal a cell phone and then contact the victim’s family claiming that their loved one has been kidnapped. They then demand an immediate ransom for the release. Unable to reach their loved one, the family members assume that the person has been kidnapped.

Criminals use various means of gathering information about potential victims, including using social media sites or eavesdropping on conversations.

• Don't discuss travel plans, your room number or any other personal information within earshot of strangers

• Don't divulge personal business details to strangers in person or over the phone, especially when using hotel phones

• If you're threatened on the phone, hang up immediately

Theft

Petty theft

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common in Mexico.

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times, even in areas normally considered safe

• Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times

• Avoid showing signs of affluence, such as flashy jewellery, cell phones, headphones and designer bags

• Carry only small amounts of money

• Be cautious when withdrawing cash from ATMs

Home break-ins

Tourists staying in rental homes have been the victims of break-ins and burglaries. Whether you're staying in private or commercial accommodations, make sure you lock windows and doors securely.

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Some incidents of assault, rape and sexual assault against Canadian women have occurred, including at beach resorts and on public buses. 

• Exercise caution when dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances

• Be wary of rides or other invitations

• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Unregulated alcohol

Some bars, restaurants and resorts have served counterfeit alcohol. Some travellers have reported getting sick or blacking out after drinking alcohol.

• Be cautious if you choose to drink alcohol

• Seek medical assistance if you begin to feel sick

Balconies

Height standards for balcony railings in Mexico can be considerably lower than those in Canada. Falls have resulted in deaths and injuries.

• Exercise caution when standing close to balcony railings

• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption

Fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs in Mexico. When using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when others are handling your cards

• use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business

• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature

• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN

• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overcharging

Some bars and nightclubs may try to charge exorbitant prices. Discussions about overcharging may lead to threats of violence and security guards may force you to pay. Avoid running a tab or leaving your credit card with bar or restaurant staff.

Extortion

Legitimate police officers have extorted money from tourists or arrested tourists for minor offences or traffic violations, and then requested immediate cash payment for their release. Travellers driving rental cars have been targeted.

If this occurs:

• don’t hand over your money or your passport

• ask for the officer’s name, badge and patrol car number

• depending on the situation, ask for a copy of the written fine, which is payable at a later date, or insist on going to the nearest police station

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place regularly throughout the country. Protests and roadblocks are common in:

• Mexico City, including to and from the airport

• the states of Chiapas, Guerrero, Michoacán and Oaxaca

Such incidents may last a long time, leading to shortages of fresh food, medicine and gasoline.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place

• Follow the instructions of local authorities

• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Water activities

Swimming

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Riptides are common. Several drownings occur each year.

Many beaches don’t offer warnings of dangerous conditions and they don’t always have lifeguards on duty.

Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards.

• Consult local residents and tour operators for information on possible hazards and safe swimming areas

• Always obey warning flags at beaches

• Follow the instructions and warnings of local authorities

Water sports

Tour operators may not adhere to international standards. Many operators don’t conduct regular safety checks on their sporting and aquatic equipment.

Also, Canadians have been involved in accidents where operators of recreational vehicles, such as watercraft, have demanded compensation exceeding the value of the damage caused to the vehicle or equipment.

If you undertake water sports, such as diving:

• choose a well-established and reputable company that has insurance

• ensure that your travel insurance covers the recreational activities you choose

• wear the appropriate safety equipment, such as helmets and life jackets

• ensure that equipment is available and in good condition

• don’t consume alcohol before the activity

If in doubt concerning the safety of the facilities or equipment, don’t use them.

Road travel

Road conditions and road safety

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country.

Road conditions can be dangerous due to:

• sharp curves

• poorly marked or hidden road signs

• construction sites

• roaming livestock

• slow-moving or abandoned vehicles

Toll highways are typically safer and better maintained than secondary highways.

Mexican driving styles are very different from those in Canada. Many drivers don’t respect traffic laws, and police don’t strictly enforce these laws. Drivers often drive at excessive speeds and may be aggressive or reckless. Drinking and driving laws are not strictly enforced. Accidents causing fatalities are common. Police don’t regularly patrol the highways.

Roadblocks and checkpoints

Illegal roadblocks and demonstrations are common. Heavily armed gangs have attacked travellers on intercity highways. Criminals especially target sport utility vehicles and full-size pickup trucks for theft and carjacking.

The military searches for drugs and firearms at military checkpoints throughout the country.

• Avoid road travel at night between cities throughout the country

• Ensure that you only stop in major centres, at reputable hotels or at secure campsites

• Keep your car doors locked and the windows closed, especially at traffic lights

• Avoid hitchhiking which is not a common practice in Mexico

• Don’t leave valuables in the vehicle

• Rent cars that don’t have stickers or other advertisements for the rental company on them, as rental cars have been targets for robbery, sometimes using force

• Ensure operators provide insurance and helmets if renting scooters

• Travel on toll roads to lower the risk of targeted roadblocks and robberies

• Never attempt to cross roadblocks, even if they appear unattended

Public transportation

Remain vigilant in airports, at bus stations, on buses and on the metro.

Metro

The Mexico City metro is often very crowded and a popular place for pickpocketing. There are metro cars dedicated to women and children during rush hours. They are located at the front of the trains.

Buses

The Metrobus in Mexico City, which has dedicated lanes and stops, is relatively safe. There are sections dedicated to women and children at the front of the buses.

The “colectivos” and “pesero” mini-buses that stop when hailed are frequently targeted for robbery.

When travelling to other cities, use bus companies that offer VIP or executive class transportation. These buses only travel on toll roads, which lower the risks of targeted roadblocks and robberies, and follow a speed limit.

Taxis and ridesharing services

Disputes between taxi and ridesharing application drivers may occur, especially in Quintana Roo. They may result in:

• blockades

• altercations

• assaults

Although tourists have not been targeted, you may be caught up in these incidents and harassed or injured. 

In Mexico City, all government-authorized taxis have licence plates starting with “A” or “B.” Taxis from designated stands have both the logo of their company and the plate number stamped on the side of the car. Official taxis in Mexico City are pink and white. Users can validate the pink and white taxis on the CDMX app.

• Avoid hailing taxis on the street

• Don't share taxis with strangers

When arriving at an airport in Mexico, pre-pay the taxi fare at the airport (inside or outside the terminal) and ask to see the driver’s official identification. You can also use a ridesharing app to arrange for a pickup at certain airports. Not all airports in Mexico allow ridesharing service pickups.

If you use a trusted ridesharing app, confirm the driver’s identity and the licence plate before getting in the car.

Cruise ship travel

Plan carefully if you plan to take a cruise departing from or stopping in Mexico.

Piracy

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters of the Bay of Campeche. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.