Although Mexico is a popular holiday destination for both Brits and Americans, and most tourist areas are generally safe to travel to, there are regions that are are considered dangerous for travellers, with risk of drug-related violence and kidnapping.
US tourists have been warned not to travel to cities in the region, including Reynosa, Rio Bravo, Valle Hermoso and San Fernando, with a level 4, “do not travel” warning active.
The US embassy in Mexico said in a security alert on 27 January: “The U.S. Consulate is aware of increasingly frequent gun battles occurring in and around Reynosa in the late night and early morning hours.”
Last year, Miami-based cruise line Royal Caribbean pulled out of port calls to Manzanillo following a travel advisory not to go to the city.
In April 2024, the killing of two Australian brothers and their American friend while on a surfing trip in the Baja California peninsula similarly heightened worries surrounding travel in the country.
The trio’s bodies were later found at the bottom of a covered well in La Bocana, near Ensenada – an area popular with tourists, specifically surfers, but also known for cartel violence.
Mexico, a year-round hotspot for white sand, buzzing nightlife and world-class surf swells, attracts millions of tourists each year, and travellers with trips booked may be questioning the decision to holiday there.
Although the Foreign Office (FCDO) considers most of Mexico generally safe for UK citizens to travel to, here’s the latest travel advice, plus all the key questions and answers.
Read more: Updated travel warning for Mexico spring break destinations
What does the Foreign Office say?
Tourist resorts are generally considered safe as the Mexican government makes an effort to protect major traveller destinations including Cancun, Cozumel, Los Cabos, Nuevo Vallarta, Playa del Carmen and Puerto Vallarta.
However, the FCDO “advise against all but essential travel to parts of Mexico”.
Drug-related violence affects several of the northern states with organised crime groups and illegal roadblocks visible in several cities.
Areas to avoid unless essential include:
The FCDO also advises against all but essential travel to these northern municipalities:
How to stay safe in Mexico?
The FCDO advises British tourists to remain vigilant at all times: “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.”
Among the listed safety and security risks to be aware of:
To stay safe, the FCDO advises travellers to research destinations thoroughly, only travel during daylight hours when possible, monitor local media and inform trusted contacts of their travel plans.
Other laws and cultural differences tourists should be aware of in Mexico include a risk of being fined £150 or detained if you illegally bring e-cigarettes, vaping devices and solutions into the country.
Can I cancel my Mexico holiday?
As the Foreign Office has not warned against travel to Mexico, the conditions for cancelling your trip will be dependent on your holiday provider, so it’s best to contact them if you’re looking to postpone.
There is no obligation for companies to refund bookings if you want to cancel, and you will not be able to claim travel insurance due to safety concerns unless the Foreign Office advice changes.
Read more: Every country currently on the Foreign Office ‘do not travel’ list
