Is it safe for Americans to vacation to Cancun?

November 8, 2021

In the wake of the shocking Cancun shooting, some Americans may be wondering if it’s safe to visit the area.

The State Department has issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Mexico, which means people should “reconsider travel” to the country. The advisory was first put in place in July because of COVID-19, according to the department website.

The current advisory includes warnings about an increased risk of crime, including kidnappings, in parts of Mexico, including resort areas.

Specifically, the State Department encourages travelers to “exercise increased caution,” which is a Level 2 advisory, when visiting the Mexican state of Quintana Roo – where Cancun is located – due to a rise in crime.

On Thursday, two suspected drug dealers were killed in a shooting that broke out in the beach area of Hotel Ziva Riviera Cancun in Puerto Morelos, Fox News previously reported.

Guests gather in the hotel lobby after reported shooting at Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun resort, in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico November 4, 2021 in this still image obtained from a social media video.

The US embassy to Mexico released a statement after the shooting, saying that Mexican authorities were responding to the situation.

“We advise US citizens in the area to contact concerned family and/or friends to let them know they are safe,” the embassy said. “Affected US citizens should follow the instructions of local authorities and call 911 if they have an emergency situation.”

Members of the National Guard walk by the entrance of a hotel after two suspected drug gang members were shot dead in a beachfront clash between rival groups near the Mexican resort of Cancun, in Puerto Morelos, Mexico November 4, 2021.

The embassy also listed actions that Americans can take while visiting the area, including monitoring local news, following the directions of local officials and avoiding crowds.

The embassy also said American tourists should “be aware of your surroundings” and “review your personal security plans.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also issued a warning to travelers about visiting Mexico because of the pandemic.

The State Department has issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Mexico, which means people should "reconsider travel" to the country. — The State Department has issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Mexico, which means people should “reconsider travel” to the country.

According to the CDC website, Mexico has a high level of COVID-19 cases. The agency recommends that people make sure they are fully vaccinated before traveling to the country.

According to data from Statista, 21.73 million Americans traveled to Mexico in 2020 amid the pandemic, compared to 39.94 million in 2019.

Cancun saw a drop in visits from international travelers last year. In 2020, the city reported 2.3 million tourists, down from 6 million in 2019.

The current advisory includes warnings about an increased risk of crime, including kidnappings, in parts of Mexico, including resort areas. — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also issued a warning to travelers about visiting Mexico because of the pandemic.

US News and World Report found that the best times to visit Cancun are between December and April to avoid autumn storms and “sweltering” summers.

According to crowd-sourced database Numbeo, Cancun has experienced a significant increase in crime over the last three years. The city is considered safe for walking alone during the day with risks becoming “moderate” at night.

Meanwhile, about 2 hours and 40 minutes away, is another popular tourist destination in Mexico: Cozumel. According to Numbeo, Cozumel has a low level of crime, though it has also seen crime increasing at a high rate over the last three years.

In summary, the State Department’s says “violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery – is widespread and common” in Mexico currently.

The two Mexican states where visitors can “exercise normal precautions” are Campeche and Yucatan, the department said.