You may have seen media reports this week mentioning Cancun. We hope that this update answers any concerns that you might have about the area. Our advice is to continue with your vacation plans. It is safe to travel to Cancun, the Riviera Maya, the Yucatan Peninsula and many other parts of Mexico.
Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Cozumel and other destinations in the state of Quintana Roo and the Yucatan Peninsula as a whole have always been, and remain, among the safest places in the world for visitors. However, violence associated with organized crime can occur anywhere in the world and unfortunately, Cancun has seen a number of homicides in recent days linked to disputes between rival criminal groups. These incidents took place in districts of the city that are not frequented by tourists and that are miles away from the Hotel Zone on Cancun Island.
Safety of visitors is a top priority for Mexico
Mexico is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, welcoming over 41 million international visitors in 2018. The safety of visitors wherever they are in the country is a priority for the government. The authorities are extremely vigilant in all tourist destinations and major cities.
Millions of tourists visit the Mexican Caribbean each year and the authorities work closely to ensure the safety of visitors and residents. Security has been further upgraded this year with the implementation of additional monitoring measures, more security cameras, extra police for the cities of Cancun and Playa del Carmen and increased coordination between municipal, state, federal police and the military. The number of English-speaking Tourist Police on duty in Cancun Hotel Zone and Playa del Carmen to assist visitors will also be increased.
In October 2018, 3,200 military police arrived at a new base located to the north of Cancun in Isla Mujeres municipal district. They are patrolling neighborhoods on the outskirts of Cancun, Playa del Carmen and in other parts of the state in coordination with the police and carrying out surveillance and intelligence gathering.
One of the most important security initiatives presented by President Lopez Obrador is the creation of a new National Guard, a proposal that has been approved by the House of Representatives and be formed over the next few years.
Interpreting travel advisories
The US State Department travel advisory system classifies threat levels in countries around the world from 1 to 4, with 1 being the lowest threat level and 4 the highest. Mexico is in the Level 2 category, which is the same as many European countries
such as Germany, France, United Kingdom, Spain and Italy and the recommendation is for ‘Visitors to Exercise Caution.’
The current US State Department Mexico travel advisory places no restrictions on visiting Cancun, Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta or Los Cabos, some of the world’s most popular vacation spots.
Some Mexican states that have seen an upsurge in violence associated with organized crime are classified as having a higher threat level. In some of these cases, specific regions of the state that may be off the tourist track anyway are mentioned,
for example, remote mountainous or border areas and certain highways, towns or specific neighborhoods in cities.
The key to safe travel anywhere is common sense
Major cities in the US and around the world have neighborhoods with a reputation for crime and gang violence and this is also the case in Mexico. Common sense is the key to safety wherever you travel, whether at home or abroad, and may we suggest that you take certain precautions, just as you would if you were going to a new city in your own country or elsewhere.
Always be aware of your surroundings and stay alert, stick to reputable restaurants, bars and other establishments in well-known tourist areas of the city and drink responsibly. Do not display expensive jewelry or large amounts of cash in public. Take care when visiting unfamiliar areas and avoid walking alone at night through poorly lit neighborhoods or isolated areas.
Don’t drive in isolated areas at night and always use toll roads for longer journeys
The sale, possession and consumption of illegal drugs is a federal offence in Mexico.
Security at Royal Resorts
Royal Resorts has the security and comfort of its members and guests as its top priority. Security guards patrol the resorts and the beaches 24 hours a day. There are closed circuit cameras in public areas and other key locations. Check points have also been installed at the entrances of the resorts to monitor and control vehicles entering the premises.
There is no reason for you to change your travel plans. You’ll enjoy your stay in Cancun, the Riviera Maya and the Yucatan.
Useful links
The following link is to an article in Travel Pulse, a travel industry publication and may be useful too:
https://www.travelpulse.com/news/destinations/is-mexico-a-safe-destination-for-spring-break-vacation.html?utm_content=85550558&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&hss_channel=tw-19855852
