Is Cancun Safe? That is the million-dollar question since Mexico is just about the only country that is allowing U.S. Citizens into their country.
If you are wondering if Mexico is safe to visit for fall break 2021 I will help you figure out facts from fiction when it comes to the Mexico travel restrictions.
Cancun is filled with top-rated boutique hotels, trendy restaurants, and crystal-clear waters – but as fall break approaches visitors are asking is Cancun safe.
While the United States has issued a Cancun travel advisory for the entire country of Mexico I want you to rest easy in knowing that Cancun is safe and there are not any current travel restrictions placed on Cancun and the Riviera Maya.
Most destinations around the world are back into lockdown except for Mexico.
If you are asking the question that is on everyone’s mind “Where can I travel?” The only answer you may receive is Mexico!
Black folks are booking trips to Mexico left and right and Tulum is now the number one destination for travelers in 2021.
The world has changed since the outbreak of the coronavirus, and deciding where to travel is not as easy as it was Pre-COVID.
Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Mexico City, Mexico (July 12, 2021)
Location: Mexico Effective July 12, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Mexico due to COVID-19, indicating a very high level of COVID-19 in the country.
Visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Mexico.
Please see CDC’s FAQ for answers to questions about the new requirement for proof of negative COVID-19 test or recovery from COVID-19 for all air passengers arriving in the United States.
Key Information for Mexico Travelers
- Travel increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. CDC recommends that you do not travel at this time.
- Travelers should avoid all travel to Mexico.
- If you must travel:
- Before you travel, get tested with a viral test 1–3 days before your trip.
- Do NOT travel if you were exposed to COVID-19, you are sick, or you test positive for COVID-19. Learn when it is safe for you to travel. Don’t travel with someone who is sick.
- Follow all entry requirements for your destination and provide any required or requested health information.
- If you do not follow your destination’s requirements, you may be denied entry and required to return to the United States.
- During travel, wear a mask, avoid crowds, stay at least 6 feet from people who are not traveling with you, wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer, and watch for symptoms.
- Before traveling back to the United States by air, get tested with a viral test no more than 3 days before your flight departs. The test result must be negative. Keep a copy of your test results with you during travel in case you are asked for them.
- Frequently Asked Questions for more information about this requirement. Follow all destination and airline recommendations or requirements.
- After you travel, get tested 3–5 days after travel AND stay home to self-quarantine for 7 days after travel. If you don’t get tested, it’s safest to stay home to self-quarantine for 10 days.
- Before you travel, get tested with a viral test 1–3 days before your trip.
Tulum, Mexico Update: 10/28/21
Two tourists, including a California travel blogger, were killed and three more were injured during a shooting at a restaurant in Tulum, Mexico, on Wednesday, the Associated Press reported.
Authorities in the state of Quintana Roo identified the two women killed as Anjali Ryot, a San Jose resident born in India, and German national Jennifer Henzold, AP reported.
Two German men and a Dutch woman were also injured.
Initial investigations found the shooting was “an armed clash between criminal groups dedicated to the sale of drugs,” local authorities said in a statement to the press.
The AP reported that the German foreign office issued a travel advisory warning citizens in the area not to leave their secured hotels.
The incident is the latest in a string of violent attacks in public places in Tulum, a once-sleepy beach town that has become an international party destination.
A Spanish tourist died after being shot in a taco restaurant in March, two men were shot and killed on a beach in June, a man was gunned down in the street in August.
A taxi driver and a security guard were executed at a restaurant in September and a man was murdered in the parking lot of the Tulum archaeological site earlier this month.
Cancun Travel Restrictions
The State Department has issued a new, strict “do not travel” advisory for U.S. citizens regarding five Mexican states because of violent crime and gang activity.
While the State Department has long recommended travelers exercise “increased caution” in Mexico in general because of widespread homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery, the new warning elevates the five states to level 4, the highest level of potential danger.
The advisory, issued in January 2021, puts the states of Tamaulipas on the U.S. border and Sinaloa, Colima, Michoacan, and Guerrero on the Pacific coast as a level 4 travel warning.
The main of the Bureau of Consular Affairs is to advise and help U.S. citizens make informed decisions when it comes to deciding if Cancun is safe including travel advisories, warnings, and how to stay in Cancun.
So, is it safe to travel to Mexico right now? Below we will take a look at the Mexico travel advisory boards from both the United States and Canada, as well as the Quintana Roo Tourism Board.
U.S. Department of State Travel Warnings
The U.S. State Department frequently issues advisories for Mexico and specifically Cancun. When an alert or warning is issued for Mexico you likely have questions and concerns.
But before you go off the deep end and start imagining things that will likely not occur cancel a trip to Mexico please find out what is real vs fake about the Mexico travel warnings. , here’s what you need to know.
Click here to read the current Mexico Travel Advisory from the U.S. Department of State website.
While Cancun isn’t located in any of these states the State Department still wants travelers to be on high alert. While in the area the State Department says it may be best to only use toll roads and avoid driving alone or at night.
It also warns people to “exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.”
Furthermore, tourists should steer clear of displaying signs of wealth, “such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry” and exercise extreme caution at banks and ATMs.
In addition, the State Department asks tourists to enroll in its Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Cancun Travel Advisory Fact vs. Fiction
If you get up and go to the grocery store every day, go running at your local park, or even go to a concert you should always take precautions no matter the destination.
Are you worried about traveling to Chattanooga, Houston, Chicago, New Orleans, or Memphis? All of these cities have a higher crime rate than Cancun.
The Mexican Tourism authority and the government want you safe because tourism is Mexico’s number 1 revenue generator and they have pointed to the low numbers of victims of crime compared to the 28 million American tourists who travel to Mexico each year.
Know that Cancun is safe and keep these numbers in mind when planning your vacation for fall 2021.
Cancun is safer than most of America’s biggest cities and if you are not worried about traveling within the U.S. especially with the current racial tensions you should be asking if Cancun is safe.
You take road trips with the family to cities like St. Louis, New Orleans, and Kansas City without giving it a second thought so do not allow the media to make you believe Mexico is unsafe.
Is Cancun Safe?
U.S. Department Mexico Travel Warnings
According Barcelo Travel Magazine Cancun “when the United States government talks, people listen.”
What does the U.S. Government say about traveling to Cancun and can you really believe the Mexico Travel Warnings based on how the current President feels about brown and black
Below is the most current Cancun travel advisory and Mexico travel warning taken directly from the U.S. Government website:
Quintana Roo state – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution in Mexico due to crime and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery – is widespread.
The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or significantly restricted.
Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.
While there are some parts of Mexico and Cancun that are not safe to travel to you do not have to worry about the following areas:
- Cancun
- Cozumel
- Playa del Carmen, Tulum
- Riviera Maya
As you see Cancun is just a Level 3 Advisory – If you need more evidence that Cancun is safe take a look at this interactive map and you will see what other popular countries have the same travel advisory level as Mexico.
As I stated in my previous article Is Mexico safe the countries below have the same Cancun travel advisory and most people don’t think twice about visiting these destinations:
Quintana Roo Tourism
According to PR Newswire, The State of Quintana Roo maintained its current ranking as “Level 3,” the same level that has been in place since the implementation of the new travel advisory system in January 2020.
This level 3 ranking, which comes with the message to “exercise increased caution,” is the travel advisory level given to many countries and tourism destinations in the world, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and China, among others.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Cancun
No matter the destination it is a good idea to always follow these basic travel safety tips. Follow these tips while traveling to Cancun:
- Steer clear of spots with a bad reputation, known gang activity, or places that give you bad vibes. Stick to well-traveled places.
- Check-in with friends and family back home as often as you can. Make sure someone knows where you’re at and when you expect to check in next.
- Be aware of your surroundings. This is a good rule of thumb in general, but it’s especially important when traveling alone.
- Don’t drink too much. Make sure you know your limits. Don’t put yourself in a vulnerable position.
- Only use ATM machines that are found at reputable local banks or those at your resort.
- Do not wear expensive jewelry or watches that might attract unwanted attention.
- Avoid taking excessive amounts of cash out and about with you.
Stick together with your travel companions rather than splitting up, especially when out late at night. If you plan to drive, make it a point to travel during daylight hours.
Choosing to take a taxi at night is always a great idea, just to be on the safe side and know which areas to avoid in Cancun.
Safest Areas for Tourists in Cancun
If you do not go to crime-ridden areas in your own city do not go into crime-ridden areas when you travel. While the crime rate is increasing in Mexico so is the crime in the United States!
The Mexican government wants to keep tourists safe by providing extra security in touristy areas to ensure travelers are safe and you will not have to ask is if the Cancun Travel Advisory is necessary.
Below are the safe areas of Cancun:
The safest area to stay in Cancun is still the Hotel Zone which is a 13-mile stretch of beautiful white-sand beaches with boutique hotels and resorts for both families and couples alike.
Tourism authorities in Mexico and Cancun have pointed out there is rarely violence in Cancun and the numbers are so low that it barely makes a dent in the 28 million American tourists who travel to Mexico and Cancun annually.
Be aware while there has not been any violence within the Hotel Zone – Violence has occurred outside the Hotel Zone and along with other popular vacation spots which have caused many hotels and resorts to tighten their security.
I don’t think you have anything to worry about when traveling to Cancun because Mexico is safe.
Areas to Avoid in Cancun
Now that we have discussed the safest areas in Cancun for tourists here is a list of areas you should avoid when traveling to Cancun or at a minimum be mindful of your surroundings:
- Downtown Cancun – Cancun is extremely safe and downtown Cancun is no different so there is no reason to be afraid but be extra diligent and precautious if you are traveling outside of Cancun at night and always notify someone of your location if you are traveling alone.
- Shopping in Cancun – If you are like me you love shopping and exploring the local markets but please take proper precautions do not flash money, wear expensive jewelry and keep your purse closed because pickpocketers will be watching and waiting to make their move.
- Surrounding Towns– There are plenty of surrounding neighborhoods and towns that are extremely safe and perfect for day trips including Guanajuato, San Cristóbal de las Casas and Oaxaca City.
- Driving or renting a car in Cancun – While you should always take precautions while driving in a foreign country, there’s no need to be fearful of driving in Cancun or renting a car.
- I rented a car on my last trip and felt extremely safe so no need to worry at all but the U.S. State Department advises to use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night.
Cancun Travel Restrictions
Assistance for U.S. Citizens
Click Below To Watch My Video On Is Cancun Safe
If you decide to travel to any part of Mexico please follow the rules below:
- Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night. In many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital or major cities.
- Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
- Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
- Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
- Review the Crime and Safety Reports for Mexico.
U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
Safest Hotels in Cancun
The safest area to stay in Cancun is still the Hotel Zone, a 13-mile arc of beautiful white-sand beaches lined with resorts and hotels for every budget.
Many hotels are all-inclusive and discourage non-guests on the property, and the high-end resorts tend to have robust security.
Avoid staying or partying in downtown Cancun, where most of the recent violence has taken place.
Cancun is known for both mega resorts and luxury boutique hotels with multiple restaurants, bars, and nightlife activity. So if you’re looking for a getaway I have visited Cancun’s best hotels so you will know where to stay for your ultimate vacation to Cancun!
Photo Credit:
www.leblancsparesorts.com
The luxurious, 260-room Le Blanc Spa is the best (and priciest) adult-only all-inclusive in town. It stands out for its gorgeous white-sand beach in the heart of the Hotel Zone, decadent spa (guests get free access to the hydrotherapy area), stunning pools (two with swim-up bars), and especially its pampering service, from the butlers who will unpack your clothes to the pool attendants who will provide cool towels for your eyes. It has a hip, gorgeous aesthetic throughout the entire pristine white property, and the modern, bright rooms have two-person whirlpool tubs; most have either ocean or lagoon views.
Photo Credit:
www.excellenceresorts.com
This adult-only luxury resort offers a nice all-inclusive experience with tons of variety — multiple dining options, several beautiful pools, a gorgeous spa, and dozens of wonderful activities. The rooms here are large and contemporary, with large modern bathrooms, Jacuzzis, and high-end amenities such as big flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and iPod docks. Some have a large rooftop terrace with a private plunge pool with ocean views.
Photo Credit:
betulum.com
Be Tulum – a luxury lifestyle Hotel Spa & Private Villas inspired by the rustic charm and raw natural beauty of the Mayan Riviera.
Uniquely built by the sea-cliffs, Tulum is located in the Yucatán Península in the state of Quintana Roo, southeastern México, on the northern border of the biosphere reserve of Sian Ka’an.
Photo Credit:
kinsolsoleil.com
Kin Sol Soleil is a charming home in the tradition of the Mexican haciendas where handmade hospitality, personal service and privacy are unsurpassed. The elegant simplicity of the beautiful natural setting is enhanced with native thatched roofs, glowing mahogany, bamboo-filtered light, colorful fabrics, original art, voluptuous gardens, gourmet cuisine and warm smiles.
Photo Credit:
www.marriott.com
Situated in an exclusive area in Zona Hotelera, the all-new Renaissance Cancun Resort & Marina is a scenic haven in a lively travel destination. Find respite in your waterfront accommodations with refined design elements, contemporary essentials, luxury amenities and inspiring views of the city and shimmering bay. Stay within steps of the beach in the Cancun entertainment zone near Marina Town Center Mall, Isla Mujeres and popular shops, restaurants and pubs in downtown.
Best Time to Travel to Mexico
Because Mexico is a big country deciding when and where to travel totally depends on the weather and which area you are visiting and if you are going on a Girls’ Trip in Los Cabos or a family vacation in Cancun.
The southern part of Mexico has a rainy season which generally starts in May until October. Not to worry it only rains for a short period of time and the sun will come right back out.
If you want to travel in the cooler season book your trip from December to February when it is cooler.
I suggest traveling to Mexico is between December and April when the temperatures are more comfortable and the humidity is not at all an all-time high.
Mexico Travel Insurance
I can’t say this enough but please get insurance when traveling to Mexico! Even if you are only going on a short trip, you should always travel with insurance.
Have fun while visiting Mexico, but take it from someone who has racked up thousands of bucks on an insurance claim before, you need it.
Make sure to get your insurance before you head off on an adventure! I highly recommend Travelex Insurance.
The Conclusion: Is Cancun Safe and Cancun Travel Advisory 2021
Yes, Cancun is safe!
There is no doubt that there has been horrible violence in Mexico due to drug wars between warring factions but that violence has, for the most part, are in isolated areas.
Of course, there are certain areas to avoid in Cancun but it is no different than you being in your own hometown where crime is restricted to certain areas.
DO NOT allow the U.S. media to shape your thoughts and views of Cancun because they are not only misleading but wrong!
One of Mexico’s most popular tourist regions plans to begin charging foreign visitors a new $10 tax starting in April 2021.
The tax is meant to help offset a decline in overall tourism spending in the state, the Riviera Maya Times reported.
Quintana Roo is located on Mexico’s eastern Yucatan Peninsula and is home to popular destinations including Cancun, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, and the ancient Maya ruins in Tulum.
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