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

Travel advisories for Mexico

What the advice says

• The US State Department places Mexico at Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution, dated August 12, 2025; this is a country-level advisory, not one specific to Cancún.
• The UK FCDO notes that crime, including street crime, is a risk to foreign nationals in major cities and tourist resort areas, and that many businesses in these areas hire private security.
• Travelers are advised to use ATMs during daylight hours inside shops or malls, avoid withdrawing large amounts, and stay aware of who is nearby.
• Pickpocketing and theft, including on public transport, are noted risks, so limiting the cash and cards carried and watching belongings even in hotel lobbies is recommended.
• The FCDO warns of criminals posing as police officers who may try to extort money for alleged minor offenses; travelers should ask for identification and a written copy of any fine rather than paying on the spot.
• Food and drink spiking, tainted alcohol, and methanol poisoning have all been reported, so it is safer not to leave drinks unattended and to seek urgent medical attention if poisoning symptoms appear.
• Sexual offenses have been reported in tourist areas, and short-term opportunistic kidnapping can occur in urban settings, so extra caution after dark and general awareness of surroundings are advised.