Is Cancún safe to visit right now? (November 2026)

Travel advisories for Mexico

What the advice says

• The US State Department advisory for Mexico is Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution, dated 2026-05-29; this is a country-level advisory, not specific to Cancun.
• The UK FCDO advice is also country-level and covers all of Mexico rather than Cancun specifically; it notes a high global threat of terrorism affecting British nationals and states that terrorist attacks in Mexico cannot be ruled out.
• Street crime, pickpocketing, and theft are described as common in major cities and tourist resort areas, including on public transport, so travelers should limit the cash and cards they carry and keep valuables out of sight.
• The advice warns about ATM use, recommending withdrawals during daylight hours inside shops or malls, avoiding large withdrawals, and watching surroundings, since criminals have targeted people at ATMs and express kidnapping can involve forcing victims to withdraw money.
• It warns against leaving food and drinks unattended due to reports of drink spiking, and notes cases of illness, blackouts, and deaths linked to tainted alcohol and methanol poisoning, advising urgent medical attention if symptoms appear.
• Sexual offenses have been reported in tourist areas, including locations near hotels, so solo travelers should be especially cautious after dark and stay aware of their surroundings at all times.
• The guidance also describes scams involving people posing as police officers who may try to extort money for alleged offenses; travelers are advised not to hand over money or passports, and instead request identification and a payable-later fine notice.