World Safety Map

Safest cities in Mexico

105 cities with 100k+ population · data updated 2026-09-04

US 2/4 Exercise increased cautionUK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of this country

Areas the UK FCDO advises against visiting

  • State of Baja California
  • State of Chihuahua
  • State of Sinaloa
  • State of Tamaulipas
  • State of Zacatecas
  • State of Guanajuato
  • State of Michoacán
  • State of Jalisco
  • State of Colima
  • State of Guerrero
  • State of Chiapas
  • city of Morelia accessed by federal toll roads 15D, 126 and 43; and the federal toll road 48D between the city of Morelia and the General Francisco Mujica airport
  • town of Pátzcuaro accessed by federal toll roads 14D and 15 from Morelia, and boat trips out to islands on Lake Pátzcuaro
  • Federal Highway 15D
  • Bolaños
  • Chimaltitán
  • Colotlán
  • Hostotipaquillo
  • Huejúcar
  • Huequilla el Alto
  • Mezquitic
  • San Martin de Bolaños
  • Santa Maria de los Ángeles
  • Totatiche
  • Villa Guerrero

In full or in part — the official advisory lists exact boundaries and exceptions.

What official travel advice warns about

Terrorism

  • Terrorism in MexicoTerrorist attacks in Mexico cannot be ruled out.

Political situation

  • Political demonstrations are common in Mexico City and can happen across the country. Demonstrations can be tense, confrontational and potentially violent. Onlookers can be quickly drawn in.

Crime

  • Using ATMsTake care withdrawing money from ATMs or using exchange offices (bureau de change). Criminals have targeted people using these services. It’s generally safer to use ATMs during daylight hours inside shops or malls. Avoid withdrawing large amounts and watch who is around you while you are at an ATM.
  • Protecting your belongingsPickpocketing and theft are common, including on public transport. You should:
  • ScamsBe wary of criminals posing as police officers and trying to fine or arrest you for no reason. They have targeted travellers driving rental cars.
  • Drink and food spikingDo not leave food and drinks unattended in bars and restaurants. Criminals have robbed or assaulted travellers after drugging them.
  • Tainted alcoholTainted alcohol has caused illness or blackouts. If you have any concerns, get advice from your tour operator or the local authorities.
  • Methanol poisoningThere have been deaths and cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in Mexico.
  • Sexual assaultSexual offences have been reported in tourist areas. Take care even in areas close to hotels, and especially after dark.
  • KidnappingKidnapping is more common in some areas of Mexico than others. See Regional risks for areas of higher risk. While tourists are not usually targeted, you should always remain aware of your surroundings.
  • ViolenceDrug-related violence in Mexico has increased over recent years. Do not become involved with drugs of any kind.
  • Vehicle crimeStay away from isolated roads and use toll roads (‘cuotas’) whenever possible. Keep car doors locked and windows closed, especially at traffic lights.
  • RoadblocksIn remote areas, you may come across unofficial roadblocks, including on main roads. Local groups seeking money for an unofficial toll control these roadblocks. They can become violent and deny entry.
  • Unlicensed taxisUnlicensed taxi drivers have robbed and assaulted passengers, including in Mexico City. Use the better regulated ‘sitio’ taxis from authorised taxi ranks or ask your hotel to order you a taxi. At airports, only use authorised pre-paid airport taxi services.
  • Public transportBe alert on public transport, at airports and in bus stations. Theft on buses is common, so keep your belongings safe.
  • Cancun and other tourist destinationsThe Mexican government makes efforts to protect major tourist destinations, including:

Laws and cultural differences

  • Spiritual cleansing ceremoniesTraditional hallucinogenic tea, ceremonies and practices such as Yagé, Ayahuasca, and Bufo are organised and marketed to tourists as spiritual cleansing. These various preparations typically contain dimethyltryptamine (DMT) or 5-metoxi-N, N-dimetiltriptamina (5-MeO-DMT), strong hallucinogens that are illegal in the UK and many other countries.
  • Personal IDThe Mexican authorities can ask to see your passport and entry stamp to prove your entrance and stay. They do not accept copies or photos. To prove your visa status, you can get a digital registry of your entry documents from the Portal de Servicios INM (in Spanish). If you cannot show the correct documents, immigration officers may question and…
  • Smoking and e-cigarette bansIt is illegal to bring e-cigarettes, vaping devices and solutions into Mexico or to buy and sell them. Customs officials will confiscate these items; and they could fine or detain you.
  • Illegal drugs and prison sentencesDo not become involved with drugs of any kind. Penalties for drug offences are severe and convictions carry sentences of up to 25 years.
  • LGBT+ travellersSame-sex relations in Mexico are generally tolerated, rather than accepted. Civil unions between same-sex partners are legal in Mexico. People may frown on same-sex couples showing affection in public. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
  • Surrogacy in MexicoOnly some Mexican states legally recognise assisted human reproduction, including surrogacy. Before you consider a surrogacy arrangement in Mexico, make sure you:
  • Hotel balconiesIn some hotels, balcony railings are low and there is a risk of falling.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

  • Adventure sportsIf you take part in adventure sports, including paragliding, skydiving, scuba diving and jet-skiing, be aware equipment may not meet UK safety and insurance standards. British nationals participating in these activities have been injured and, in some cases, killed. Check your travel insurance covers you for all your planned activities.
  • Swimming safetySea conditions can be unpredictable, and some beaches are unpatrolled. Follow coastguard and local authority guidance on whether it is safe to swim.
  • Sharks and crocodilesShark attacks are rare in Mexico, but you should take care, particularly when surfing. Research the area and follow local advice.

Transport risks

  • Road travelIf you are planning to drive in Mexico, see information on driving abroad.
  • Driving standardsDriving standards are very different from the UK. Roads can have potholes, and conditions can be unpredictable. Be prepared to stop unexpectedly and beware of vehicles moving slowly, changing lane without indicating and going through red lights. Many drivers do not have car insurance.
  • Driving restrictionsTo reduce pollution, the authorities ban cars entering parts of Mexico City and other places on some days of the week, based on their number plates. For details, check the Hoy no Circula programme (in Spanish).

Extreme weather and natural disasters

  • HurricanesThe hurricane season in Mexico normally runs from June to November and can affect the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Tropical storms and hurricanes cause floods, landslides and disruption to local services, including transport networks. After a hurricane there can still be continued flooding, high winds and rainfall.
  • EarthquakesThere is a risk of earthquakes in most parts of Mexico. Tremors happen regularly, particularly in the states of Oaxaca and Guerrero.
  • Volcanic eruptionsThe volcanoes Popocatépetl and Colima are active and closed to the public. The danger zones around both volcanoes change depending on the current level of activity.

Headings and opening lines from the UK FCDO “Safety and security” travel advice for Mexico, updated 2026-09-04 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Read the full advice on gov.uk →

Country figures

Homicide rate
25.64 /100k2024
Income inequality
Gini 42.62024
Human development
HDI 0.7892023
Income
$25,070/yrGNI per capita PPP
Road deaths
12.8 /100kWHO, 2019
Political stability
54/100WGI, 2024 · higher = more stable
Rule of law
37/100WGI, 2024
Corruption perceptions
27/100Transparency Intl, 2025 · higher = cleaner
Natural-hazard risk
4.9/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
Women, Peace & Security
0.56GIWPS, 2025 · 0-1, higher = better
Air quality
16.6 µg/m³PM2.5, 2023 · WHO guideline is 5
Safe drinking water
43%of population, 2024 · WHO/UNICEF JMP
Healthcare capacity
2.6 doctors /1k1.0 hospital beds per 1,000
Malaria
0 /1k at riskWHO, 2024 · endemic countries only

Natural hazards

Earthquake
8.2/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
Flood
7.9/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
Cyclone
7.1/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
Tsunami
5.5/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
Drought
3.0/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier

Hazard types scoring under 1 out of 10 are not listed.

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Mexico (as of 2025).

How Mexico compares

Mexico against the median of all 180 countries in the dataset. Green means better than the median.
MeasureMexicoWorld medianDifference
Homicide rate26 /100k2.4 /100k+23 /100k — better for World median
Income inequality (Gini)42.635.2+7.4 — better for World median
Human development (HDI)0.7890.763+0.026 — better for Mexico
Road deaths12.8 /100k15.4 /100k−2.6 /100k — better for Mexico
Rule of law37/10052/100−15/100 — better for World median
Corruption perceptions27/10039/100−12/100 — better for World median
Air quality (PM2.5)16.6 µg/m³19.7 µg/m³−3.1 µg/m³ — better for Mexico
Natural-hazard risk4.9/103.8/10+1.1/10 — better for World median
And against its own region — often the more useful comparison, since North America shares much of the context a global median averages away.
MeasureMexicoNorth America medianDifference
Homicide rate26 /100k15 /100k+10 /100k — better for North America median
Income inequality (Gini)42.641.1+1.5 — better for North America median
Human development (HDI)0.7890.776+0.013 — better for Mexico
Road deaths12.8 /100k14.8 /100k−2.0 /100k — better for Mexico
Rule of law37/10053/100−16/100 — better for North America median
Corruption perceptions27/10040/100−13/100 — better for North America median
Air quality (PM2.5)16.6 µg/m³14.4 µg/m³+2.2 µg/m³ — better for North America median
Natural-hazard risk4.9/104.0/10+0.9/10 — better for North America median

Medians, not means, so one extreme country cannot drag the reference value. Each row compares only the countries that have a published figure for that measure, and differences are plain arithmetic between stored values.

All 105 cities, safest first

  1. Tampico74.0 · #2961 worldwide
  2. Altamira74.0 · #2962 worldwide
  3. Mérida70.3 · #3354 worldwide
  4. Campeche66.3 · #3828 worldwide
  5. Torreón64.3 · #4045 worldwide
  6. Cabo San Lucas62.0 · #4281 worldwide
  7. San José del Cabo62.0 · #4282 worldwide
  8. Durango61.9 · #4283 worldwide
  9. Oaxaca de Juárez59.0 · #4518 worldwide
  10. Los Mochis57.2 · #4691 worldwide
  11. Matamoros57.0 · #4697 worldwide
  12. Puerto Vallarta56.4 · #4751 worldwide
  13. Ciudad del Carmen56.0 · #4777 worldwide
  14. La Paz54.9 · #4857 worldwide
  15. Saltillo54.1 · #4933 worldwide
  16. Ciudad Victoria54.1 · #4941 worldwide
  17. Nuevo Laredo53.6 · #4978 worldwide
  18. Pachuca53.2 · #5004 worldwide
  19. Monclova51.3 · #5115 worldwide
  20. Ciudad Acuña51.3 · #5116 worldwide
  21. Piedras Negras51.3 · #5117 worldwide
  22. Toluca50.5 · #5160 worldwide
  23. Tepic50.2 · #5177 worldwide
  24. Reynosa46.5 · #5440 worldwide
  25. Xalapa46.3 · #5447 worldwide
  26. Aguascalientes46.1 · #5462 worldwide
  27. Mexico City45.7 · #5483 worldwide
  28. Chetumal45.7 · #5488 worldwide
  29. Coatzacoalcos45.4 · #5517 worldwide
  30. Minatitlán45.4 · #5518 worldwide
  31. Mazatlán45.0 · #5544 worldwide
  32. Tuxtepec44.6 · #5577 worldwide
  33. Texcoco de Mora44.5 · #5578 worldwide
  34. Veracruz44.3 · #5593 worldwide
  35. Tuxtla Gutiérrez44.1 · #5608 worldwide
  36. Playa del Carmen43.3 · #5653 worldwide
  37. San Miguel de Cozumel43.3 · #5654 worldwide
  38. Tehuacán42.8 · #5681 worldwide
  39. Puebla42.6 · #5691 worldwide
  40. Tlaxcala42.6 · #5692 worldwide
  41. García42.5 · #5694 worldwide
  42. Ciudad Valles42.2 · #5711 worldwide
  43. Heroica Nogales42.1 · #5712 worldwide
  44. San Luis Potosí42.1 · #5714 worldwide
  45. Hidalgo del Parral42.0 · #5717 worldwide
  46. Mexicali41.8 · #5721 worldwide
  47. Cancun41.6 · #5727 worldwide
  48. Tulancingo41.2 · #5763 worldwide
  49. Lázaro Cárdenas40.5 · #5797 worldwide
  50. Guaymas40.2 · #5808 worldwide
  51. San Luis Río Colorado39.9 · #5816 worldwide
  52. Túxpam39.9 · #5820 worldwide
  53. Navojoa39.7 · #5834 worldwide
  54. San Juan del Río39.2 · #5867 worldwide
  55. Poza Rica39.1 · #5869 worldwide
  56. Monterrey38.6 · #5885 worldwide
  57. El Puente38.6 · #5886 worldwide
  58. Guadalajara38.4 · #5895 worldwide
  59. Apizaco37.4 · #5922 worldwide
  60. Texmelucan37.1 · #5927 worldwide
  61. Tepatitlán37.1 · #5928 worldwide
  62. Querétaro36.8 · #5934 worldwide
  63. Tapachula36.7 · #5940 worldwide
  64. San Cristóbal de las Casas36.7 · #5941 worldwide
  65. Comitán35.8 · #5952 worldwide
  66. Cuautla34.8 · #5974 worldwide
  67. Zamora34.4 · #5981 worldwide
  68. Zitácuaro34.1 · #5983 worldwide
  69. Iguala33.8 · #5989 worldwide
  70. Hermosillo33.7 · #5990 worldwide
  71. Ciudad Obregón33.7 · #5991 worldwide
  72. Teziutlán33.6 · #5992 worldwide
  73. Orizaba33.6 · #5993 worldwide
  74. Córdoba33.6 · #5994 worldwide
  75. Cárdenas33.5 · #5996 worldwide
  76. Lagos de Moreno33.1 · #5998 worldwide
  77. La Piedad de Cabadas32.5 · #6008 worldwide
  78. Fresnillo31.9 · #6016 worldwide
  79. Villahermosa31.5 · #6021 worldwide
  80. Ensenada31.5 · #6022 worldwide
  81. Ocotlán31.4 · #6023 worldwide
  82. Manzanillo31.1 · #6024 worldwide
  83. Colima31.1 · #6025 worldwide
  84. Tecoman31.1 · #6026 worldwide
  85. Zacatecas30.6 · #6030 worldwide
  86. Delicias29.6 · #6040 worldwide
  87. Cuauhtémoc29.5 · #6041 worldwide
  88. Cuernavaca29.5 · #6042 worldwide
  89. Apatzingán29.4 · #6045 worldwide
  90. Chilpancingo28.8 · #6048 worldwide
  91. Morelia28.8 · #6049 worldwide
  92. Culiacán27.6 · #6056 worldwide
  93. Silao27.4 · #6063 worldwide
  94. Chihuahua27.4 · #6064 worldwide
  95. Guanajuato27.4 · #6065 worldwide
  96. Uriangato27.2 · #6068 worldwide
  97. San Francisco del Rincón26.4 · #6071 worldwide
  98. Acapulco26.4 · #6072 worldwide
  99. León26.3 · #6073 worldwide
  100. Ciudad Juárez25.4 · #6074 worldwide
  101. Uruapan24.6 · #6075 worldwide
  102. Tijuana24.4 · #6076 worldwide
  103. Irapuato23.8 · #6078 worldwide
  104. Salamanca23.6 · #6079 worldwide
  105. Celaya21.3 · #6084 worldwide