Is Cancun Safe for American Travelers? Safety Tips and Advice Ahead of Spring Break

by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 7:00 AM ET, Fri March 6, 2026

Since the recent gang-led violence in portions of western Mexico, including Puerto Vallarta, travelers have been less confident about traveling to Mexico, period.

Yet as we enter a busy spring break travel season, in which many Americans are certain to head down to popular Cancun, new questions about safety are being researched online and asked to travel advisors.

So, to answer your questions, we found the most relevant news and advice for you to know and share with others, from travel advisor experts to the most recent communication from the destination itself.

Is Cancun Safe?

In short, as safe as it always has been.

As of February 23, the state of Quintana Roo, in which many destinations along the Caribbean coastline, including Cancun, are located, issued this statement: “Tourism activity across the Mexican Caribbean continues to operate normally. All four international airports in the state, as well as ports, cruise terminals, ground transportation services, hotels, and tourism experiences throughout the destination, are functioning without disruptions. No interruptions to travel or visitor services have been reported.”

While the statement noted there were isolated incidents of violence in the state, all were responded to and did not impact tourists. “...Quintana Roo maintains active tourism security protocols in coordination with federal, state, and local authorities, ensuring stability and continuous attention in high-traffic areas.”

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico issued a new alert for travelers heading to Mexico for spring break on March 2, warning that crime from kidnapping to robbery or assault can happen anywhere, even in tourist zones.

The Embassy encourages travelers to be cautious, register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and view the state-by-state travel advisory guide for Mexico, along with a few other helpful tips, like carrying your valid passport with you.

The Embassy also encourages travelers to drink responsibly and seek medical attention if they feel ill, monitor their credit and debit card accounts for unauthorized transactions, protect personal possessions (don’t flaunt visibly flaunt wealth) and tell friends or family about travel plans so people know where they are.

Additionally, travelers should use official airport taxi stands or app-based transportation services like Uber. Drive only during the daylight hours, and avoid being out at night.

Those heading to Quintana Roo, including Cancun, Tulum, Cozumel or Playa del Carmen should download the destination’s “Guest Assist” app for emergency assistance and services.

Mexico is currently at a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory level, according to the U.S. State Department and Quintana Roo remains at its Level 2 advisory also, which has not changed since August, 2025.

“Regarding the safety of Cancun or any travel destination, we always inform our clients that they need to do what they are comfortable with,” said Kari Dillon, Owner of Marvelous Mouse Travels. “With that said, I personally spent 19 days in Cancun in January this year and felt as safe there as any city in America and would have no hesitation personally traveling there today. The incident in Puerto Vallarta last month has increased fear about traveling to Cancun. However, the distance between Cancun and Puerto Vallarta is significant. Personally, I equate it to something happening in California is not going to prevent me from traveling to Chicago.”

What Do Travel Advisors Think About Traveling to Cancun?

Travel advisors are weighing in.

“In all my years of traveling there, I have never felt unsafe,” said Autumn Trussell-Murray, Owner of Abundant Travel - Dream Vacations. “No destination is without risk, including right here in the United States. Smart travel means being aware of your surroundings and the situations you put yourself in.”

A lot of advisors focus on staying smart, aware of your surroundings, and cautious when traveling—which they’d advise anywhere, not just in Cancun. Precaution seems to be the biggest recommendation from advisors, as Kristen Andrade explains.

“I've traveled to Cancun solo as a female countless times, exercising basic safety measures such as staying alert, only leaving the resort with an organized and vetted group, and avoiding dark alleyways or inappropriate places,” explained Kirsten Andrade, Directory of Operations & Travel Advisor Development at Favorite Grampy Travels/FG Luxury Travel. “It really comes down to basic self-responsibility, more so than Cancun being inherently 'dangerous'. I have no issues encouraging women, families, or solo travelers to head to Cancun and have a great vacation!”

Jennifer Morris, Owner of Let’s Go Lux Travel, encourages travelers to feel confident by booking with reputable transfer companies, stay at resorts recommended by advisors and go off-property with reputable tour operators, avoid carrying anything prohibited in Mexico, like vaping paraphernalia and be aware of surroundings at all times.

“As a travel advisor for 23 years, ‘Is Cancun safe?’ is one of the most common questions I receive,” said Morris. “I understand why travelers ask; headlines regarding crime in Mexico are frequent. However, it is important to recognize that crime exists everywhere, including in our own country. One thing I have learned over the years is that the hotel zones are heavily monitored. We have to remember that tourism drives their local economy.

“…Is Mexico completely risk-free? No destination is,” Morris continued. “Not Cancun. Not Miami, Not New York City. But it is a safe, well-established tourist destination when you travel responsibly. And as a travel advisor, it is our job not to ignore the risks but to understand them and help our clients to navigate them the best way we know how to.”

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