U.S. Issues Travel Warning for Quintana Roo Amid Rising Crime in Cancun and Tulum
Thinking of heading to Cancun or Tulum? The U.S. government is urging travelers to think twice. The FBI and U.S. State Department have issued fresh warnings about growing safety concerns in Quintana Roo, the Mexican state that’s home to some of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.
The warning comes after a noticeable increase in violent crime—including homicides linked to organized crime groups—in cities like Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen during the first quarter of the year.
Travel Advisory Level and What It Means
The U.S. Department of State currently ranks Quintana Roo at a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, on its four-tier travel advisory system. This means that while it’s not advising people to avoid the area entirely, it is warning travelers to be more aware of their surroundings due to crime.
The main concerns include targeted assassinations, gang-related violence, and the potential for tourists to be caught in the crossfire, especially in nightlife zones, at beaches, or during local disputes.
Although tourists are rarely the direct targets of this violence, the increased frequency and proximity of incidents to tourist areas have raised alarm bells among both local residents and international agencies.
FBI Cautions Spring Breakers and Winter Travelers
“Whether families are looking to escape the winter or college students looking for a brief break from academic life, they should know that risks exist,” said Akil Davis, assistant director of the FBI in Los Angeles.
The FBI has also added Cancun and Tulum to a list of high-risk destinations, alongside Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and several U.S. cities like Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and New Orleans, where crime is also on the rise.
What Travelers Can Do
To stay safe, the FBI and State Department strongly recommend that U.S. citizens enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This free service provides security alerts, connects travelers with the nearest U.S. Embassy, and can help in emergencies such as natural disasters or civil unrest.
Additional tips for travelers include:
- Avoiding nightlife areas late at night
- Sticking to well-known tourist zones
- Using authorized transportation services only
- Keeping a low profile and not flashing valuables
A Popular Destination with Growing Pains
Despite the warnings, millions of people travel safely to Quintana Roo each year. Cancun and Tulum remain major international tourist hubs with world-class resorts, beaches, and cultural sites. However, with rising tensions between rival criminal organizations and expanding tourism development, safety can no longer be taken for granted.
Travelers are encouraged to stay informed, remain alert, and make informed decisions—especially if venturing beyond hotel zones.
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