You may be wondering if Mexico is a safe destination these days. Whether it’s taxi protests in Cancún or the Airports shutting down due to gang activity in Sinaloa, it doesn’t help with the U.S. Department of State recommending not to travel to some of these locations and more.
Typically 20 million plus tourists visit Mexico recently on an annual basis, whether to catch the beaches or go exploring, and many of them have not had any issues. However, recent issues throughout Mexico are making people question whether to go now.
The issue in Cancún
With a recent court win back in January, Uber is pushing the right to operate in the Cancun area. Yet the unions themselves are putting up a fight over the ruling. Eduardo Guerrero, who works at Latia Intelligence as a Director, added that those unions could possibly be connected to organized crime and have political backing.
It’s gone so bad that the unions’ taxi drivers have threatened the Uber drivers. It all started with a family who spoke Russian and forced them from their car. This is also after the same unions blocked the primary roads to the tourism locations. The response came from the American Embassy to post a security alert.
Mr. Guerrero added additional commentary stating that local authorities were working on finding a compromise but to expect more violence. “The unions for the taxis are quite strong and can act with minimal repercussions.”
What are the local authorities doing about keeping the violence away from tourism?
Mr. Guerrero states there’s an unwritten rule that the local criminals tend to leave the tourists alone. Otherwise, the “repercussions can be devasting.”
Yet sometimes, the rules are broken. For example, Los Cabos and the Caribbean Coast have already had local authorities request the U.S. to provide support against local criminal elements to protect tourism.
Between the closing of 2021 and the beginning of 2022, there was a lot of violence throughout the Riviera Maya. First, two tourists met their deaths in Tulum. Then, there was a firefight in Puerto Morelos, with tourists running for their lives. Then supposedly, a hitman assassinated two tourists from Canada in Playa Del Carmen.
While the Mexican government sent troops to secure the beaches, they still asked the U.S. FBI and DEA to provide support, according to Mr. Guerrero. All of this led to intense fighting in the Quintana Roo touristic areas.
It was successful in pushing down drug-related violence, showing the collaboration with U.S. authorities working. Yet it still is important to remember, even as recent as 2017 in Los Cabos, how bad the death toll was.
How do tourist locations fare in other locations in Mexico?
It still appears in high-crime locations; they have continued to leave tourists alone. Yet some places are not so much, such as a popular place for those retiring from the U.S., San Miguel De Allende, which is experiencing serious criminal activity.
Guadalajara and the surrounding state of Jalisco have become the home of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Yet when they resort to violence, it’s done away from the main urban or tourist locations, as they seem to avoid open acts of violence.
As Mexico City continues to attract short-term tourism and even digital nomads, the violence has started to dissipate from there as well. In addition, the local police have done an excellent job of reducing crime and killings.
What else to consider regarding safety in the region?
While it seems overall the chaos is under control, some criminal activity, such as street crimes, continue to plague the larger cities and tourist locations with large crowds. There’s also still a relevant amount of carjackings and kidnappings happening. So either tourists will see no issues or some large acts of violence.
Sinaloa, though has gone downhill throughout the state. It has already had to shut down three airports, inclusive of one that leads to Mazatlán, in early January. This happened when the son of El Chapo was captured. Another incident of a bullet hitting a plane from AeroMexico in Culiacán that was ready to take off also led to airport closures.
Even back in the summer, in August, some gunmen created a makeshift roadblock with cars on fire in Guadalajara. This was a direct response to a raid that was done by the Military earlier. Then back in October, even a local politician was shot at and murdered while at a restaurant in the suburban area of Guadalajara.
The president of the Janus Group Mexico, Pierre De Hail, is convinced security and safety haven’t gotten better. He stated, “It’s all too chaotic, and it can be as simple as just being at the wrong place.”
What should Tourists Do?
Mr. De Hall, at this point, says that research should be done about any recent criminal activity at the intended destination. The State Department of the U.S. provides detailed information per state about the relevant travel risks. Currently, there are six states to avoid, inclusive of Sinaloa.
He also recommends that this is the time to buy travel insurance, which should be considered whenever someone travels abroad, in case of medical services being needed, an emergency, or being a victim of a crime such as theft. He also recommends keeping a low profile and not attracting attention or getting into misunderstandings.
Other common tips Mr. De Hall mentions are that one shouldn’t wander around at night, especially in poorly lit locations, and do not flash wealth, whether through expensive jewelry or watches. Always be perceptive, and yes, even have a photocopy or image of your passport on hand in case your actual passport gets taken. Finally, if you’re getting yourself a beverage, make sure not to leave it unattended.
He goes on and says, “People keep having issues at bars and seeking help.”
A final note from him states, “Avoid any place with civil unrest immediately. Otherwise, you’re basically going to be on your own.”
