Acapulco is considered unsafe for visitors and only essential travel is recommended at the moment. Visitors should exercise appropriate caution over crime incidents.
In spite of recent significant efforts to strengthen safety and security protocols, Acapulco continues to face crimes like drug trafficking, homicide, kidnapping, and armed robbery.
Related: 12 Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico To Avoid
LATEST UPDATES / NEWS from Acapulco
January 18 – Military Deployment does not stop the transportation crisis and violence
Passenger vans, the primary means of transportation in Acapulco, are severely impacted by threats and attacks related to gangs. According to the city’s main business chamber, fear and intimidation have caused about 90% of these vehicles to stop operating. Many businesses have been forced to close early as a result of this sudden stop in public transportation, especially on Thursdays and Fridays.
Few hotel rooms have been restored since Hurricane Otis, severely hurting the city’s tourism-dependent economy. In addition, the majority of the few available rooms are taken by federal employees, which puts additional pressure on the city’s tourism sector. These elements paint a depressing picture of the once-vibrant resort city, especially in light of the ongoing violence.
Official Travel Advisories (U.S., Canada, UK)
U.S. Travel Advisory
Guerrero state (Acapulco) – Do Not Travel
Do not travel due to crime.
There is a lot of violence and crime. Many parts of Guerrero are home to armed groups that run their own affairs apart from the state. These groups’ members frequently construct roadblocks and occasionally use violence against travelers. Kidnappings of US citizens and LPRs have occurred in the past.
Workers of the United States government are prohibited from visiting parts of Guerrero, such as the popular tourist destinations of Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, and Ixtapa.
Canada Travel Advisory
The Canadian government’s travel advisory for Mexico, updated on January 18, 2024, includes specific warnings for Guerrero State, where Acapulco is located. Due to the precarious security situation following Hurricane Otis, travelers are advised to avoid all travel to Guerrero State.
This advisory excludes the cities of Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo and Taxco but highlights Acapulco and surrounding highways for their heightened risks of armed violence, banditry, and looting.
UK Travel Advisory
The UK government’s travel advisory for Acapulco, Mexico, updated as of November 20, 2023, advises against all but essential travel to the city following significant damage caused by Hurricane Otis. The hurricane, which hit as a Category 5, disrupted tourism and created unpredictable security conditions in Acapulco and along the southern coast between Zihuatenejo and Punta Maldonado.
This advisory is part of the broader guidance on risks in various Mexican states, aimed at helping British nationals make informed travel decisions. For more information, please visit the UK government’s travel advice page.
Tips for Staying Safe in Acapulco
- Ensure you acquire travel insurance before your trip.
- Opt for all-inclusive resorts to enhance safety measures.
- For an added layer of security, contemplate reserving your accommodation at one of Acapulco’s all-inclusive resorts.
- Exercise caution to avoid falling victim to car rental scams in Acapulco.
- Decline offers of food or drinks from unfamiliar individuals.
- Familiarize yourself with essential Spanish phrases.
- Refrain from walking alone during nighttime hours.
- Maintain communication with family and friends.
- Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and illicit substances.
- Opt for toll roads whenever feasible.
- Consider participating in a guided tour for a safer travel experience.