Quintana Roo is Mexico's easternmost state, stretching along the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula and encompassing world-famous beach resorts, ancient Maya ruins, and the second-largest coral reef system on Earth. From the glittering hotel zone of Cancun to the bohemian clifftop ruins of Tulum and the tranquil island of Isla Holbox, the state offers an extraordinary range of experiences. Beneath the jungle floor, thousands of cenotes—natural freshwater sinkholes—create one of the world's most spectacular cave-diving and snorkeling environments.
Quintana Roo is generally considered safe for tourists and receives over 20 million visitors annually. The US State Department rates the state at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution), noting that tourist areas are actively policed and incidents targeting foreign visitors are uncommon.
Current safety advisory
Moderate
Quintana Roo is rated Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) by the US State Department. Tourist areas in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and the Riviera Maya are considered generally safe. There are no US government travel restrictions specifically for Quintana Roo tourist areas, unlike some other Mexican states. Exercise normal urban precautions, especially after dark and in non-tourist areas.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution in Mexico due to crime and kidnapping. Some states and areas have increased risk, but Quintana Roo's tourist areas are generally safe. Criminal activity and violence may occur in any location. Stay in well-trafficked tourist areas.
Exercise a high degree of caution
Exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico due to high levels of criminal activity. Tourist areas in the Yucatan Peninsula, including Quintana Roo, have a lower risk profile than other regions of Mexico.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Use Uber, Cabify, or hotel-arranged taxis rather than unmarked street taxis, especially in Cancun and Playa del Carmen
Stay within tourist zones after dark—avoid walking to unfamiliar areas at night, particularly in downtown Cancun
Keep copies of your passport, tourist card (FMM), and insurance documents in a separate location from originals
Do not display expensive jewelry, cameras, or electronics openly in crowded areas or markets
Download the Guest Assist app (Gobierno de Quintana Roo) for emergency numbers, legal advice, and tourist information
Always apply reef-safe biodegradable sunscreen—chemical sunscreen is banned at cenotes and many beaches; keep spray sunscreens away from the water
Do not drink tap water anywhere in Quintana Roo; use bottled or purified water, including for brushing teeth
Be cautious with food from uncertified street stalls; choose busy, popular vendors with fast food turnover
Ocean currents can be deceptively strong along parts of the Riviera Maya coast—always swim where the current is flagged as safe and heed colored flag warnings on beaches
Never dive or snorkel alone; always use the buddy system and inform someone of your planned dive site and return time
Lock valuables in hotel safes and do not leave bags unattended on beaches
Be aware of timeshare sales tactics—high-pressure salespeople operate throughout the Hotel Zone and 5th Avenue; 'free tour' offers almost always involve a timeshare pitch
Check the current hurricane season forecasts (June-November); have travel insurance that covers hurricane-related cancellations and delays
Many ATMs, especially in tourist areas, are fitted with skimming devices—use ATMs inside bank branches or large supermarkets (Walmart, Chedraui) rather than standalone machines
Swimming in cenotes requires reef-safe sunscreen and no chemical repellents—the ecosystem is extremely sensitive to contamination
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Timeshare Pressure Sales
Salespeople approach tourists offering 'free tours', discounted excursions, or gifts in exchange for attending a 'short' resort presentation that is actually a high-pressure 2-3 hour timeshare pitch.
How to avoid: Politely decline any offer of free tours from strangers in the Hotel Zone or 5th Avenue. Book tours only through your hotel concierge or reputable agencies.
Taxi Overcharging
Unlicensed taxis and some licensed taxis quote inflated fares to tourists, especially from the airport and Hotel Zone.
How to avoid: Use Uber or Cabify in Cancun and Playa del Carmen. At the airport, buy official taxi tickets from the authorized booth inside arrivals. Agree on fares before boarding.
ATM Card Skimming
Skimming devices are placed on ATM card slots in tourist areas to steal card data.
How to avoid: Only use ATMs inside Oxxo, Walmart, Chedraui, or bank branches. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN. Check card statements after your trip.
Rental Car Damage Claims
Some car rental agencies claim existing damage as new and charge tourists inflated repair fees.
How to avoid: Photograph and video the entire rental car before driving off the lot. Document all pre-existing damage on the rental agreement. Use your credit card's built-in rental insurance.
Cenote 'Guide' Scams
Unofficial 'guides' at popular cenotes offer to show you 'secret' cenotes or charge entrance fees for areas that are free.
How to avoid: Only pay fees at official ticket booths. Research entry fees in advance. Be skeptical of guides who approach you unsolicited.
Fake Police Extortion
Rare but reported: individuals posing as plain-clothes police officers accuse tourists of drug possession and demand 'fines'.
How to avoid: Always ask to see an officer's badge and ID. Contact your hotel or call 911 if you feel threatened. Never hand over cash or your passport on the street.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- No vaccinations are required for entry to Quintana Roo. Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid (for those eating outside major resorts), Tetanus update, and standard travel vaccines. Dengue fever is present year-round—DEET repellent is essential, especially in rainy season (June-October).
- Water
- Tap water is NOT safe to drink throughout Quintana Roo. Use bottled water or purified water dispensers at hotels. Most hotels provide purified water for free. Ice at established restaurants is typically made from purified water.
- Food
- Food safety is high at established restaurants. Be cautious with raw shellfish from roadside stands. Choose busy food stalls with high turnover. Traveler's diarrhea is common—carry oral rehydration salts and basic medication.
- Facilities
- Cancun and Playa del Carmen have multiple private hospitals with 24-hour emergency services and English-speaking staff: Hospiten, Hospital Amerimed, Hospital Galenia. Tulum and smaller towns have clinics but serious cases may need evacuation to Cancun. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Quintana Roo is generally safe for solo travelers. The Riviera Maya is one of the most visited regions in the world, and tourist infrastructure is well-developed. Use Uber or hotel taxis for late-night returns. Stay in social hostels (Mayan Monkey, Selina) for built-in community. Inform someone of your daily plans. Join group tours for remote areas like Sian Ka'an.
Female travellers
Quintana Roo is reasonably safe for solo female travelers compared to other regions of Mexico, though normal precautions apply. Avoid walking alone at night in non-tourist areas. Be assertive when declining unwanted attention—it is common in tourist areas. Stick to well-lit pedestrian zones after dark. Female-targeted thefts are the main concern rather than violent crime. The beach zone in Cancun and Playa del Carmen 5th Avenue are generally safe after dark.
Families
Quintana Roo is an extremely family-friendly destination with excellent infrastructure for children. All-inclusive resorts provide secure, supervised environments. Water activities are supervised at eco-parks and certified operators. Be cautious of strong ocean currents and always use life jackets with young children for water activities. Reef-safe sunscreen is essential. Medical facilities are good in Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are legal in Mexico and civil unions are recognized in Quintana Roo. The major tourist areas—Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum—are generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Playa del Carmen has an active LGBTQ+ scene centered on Calle 12. Public displays of affection may draw attention in smaller towns and conservative areas. The Gay Pride event in Playa del Carmen occurs in June. Use common sense and normal travel precautions.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 911
- Medical
- 911
- Fire
- 911
- General Emergency
- 911
- Tourist Police
- +52 998-887-3060 (Cancun)
- Tourist Assistance
- +52 800-903-9200 (SECTUR tourist hotline)
- Guest Assist App
- Download 'Guest Assist' for tourist emergency support
- Us Embassy Cancun
- +52 998-283-9870 (American Citizen Services)
- Uk Consulate
- +52 55-1670-3200 (Mexico City)
- Canadian Consulate
- +52 998-883-3360 (Cancun)