Yes, Puerto Vallarta can be visited with care, and it is not on the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) list of areas to avoid. The UK FCDO does report that criminals have physically and sexually assaulted British travellers there. The UK FCDO latest update also covers tropical storm Simon, which is forecast to strengthen as it moves through Jalisco.
At Safe to Go, we track official travel warnings to separate broad regional alerts from conditions inside major resort destinations. The US State Department strongly advises its citizens to follow the same rules as its own staff, such as no travel between cities after dark.
What Government Advisories Say About Puerto Vallarta and Jalisco
The UK FCDO travel advice for Mexico records that criminals have physically and sexually assaulted British travellers in locations such as Puerto Vallarta. In some instances, hotel employees, taxi drivers, and security personnel were involved in these crimes. The UK FCDO adds that hotel staff have sometimes been unhelpful and tried to convince victims not to contact police. You can still report a crime in person at the nearest branch of the state prosecutor’s office (Agencia del Ministerio Público), and you must do so before you leave Mexico, because a criminal investigation is not possible without that formal complaint.
Tropical storm Simon is bringing heavy rain to Mexico Pacific coast, and the UK FCDO says it is forecast to intensify to a major hurricane, make landfall around Manzanillo and move through Jalisco, including the regions around Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. The UK FCDO Mexico page carries its latest storm information. You can review our broader guide on is Guadalajara safe? to see how risks compare across the same state.
The US Department of State travel advisory for Mexico asks for increased caution across the country because of terrorism, crime and kidnapping. The US list of violent crimes in Mexico includes homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, sexual assault and robbery, and emergency services are limited or unavailable in remote or rural areas. The Government of Canada travel advice asks for a high degree of caution across Mexico, with regional advisories.
How Puerto Vallarta Compares with Surrounding Regions and Other States
Puerto Vallarta is not among the parts of Jalisco the UK FCDO warns against. The UK FCDO explicitly advises against all but essential travel to the areas south and south-west of Lake Chapala down to the border with Colima state, specifically naming Acatlán de Juárez. The UK FCDO also advises against all but essential travel to these northern Jalisco municipalities: Bolaños, Chimaltitán, Colotlán, Hostotipaquillo, Huejúcar, Huequilla el Alto, Mezquitic, San Martin de Bolaños, Santa Maria de los Ángeles, Totatiche and Villa Guerrero.
Check the state before any side trip. The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Colima, except Manzanillo reached by sea or air and the direct road 200 from the airport. In Michoacán, the same warning covers everything except Morelia and Pátzcuaro reached by the named federal toll roads, and it covers all of Zacatecas.
If you are evaluating different resort destinations, check is Cancún safe?, is Cabo San Lucas safe?, is Playa del Carmen safe?, or our general review on is Mexico safe?. Travelers can also use our tool to compare destinations side by side before locking in itineraries.
Street Crime and Police Scams in Mexican Resort Areas
The UK FCDO says street crime is a serious issue in Mexico major cities and tourist resort areas. Pickpocketing and theft are common, including on public transport, so watch your luggage even in a hotel lobby. Avoid expensive-looking clothing, jewellery or watches, and limit the cash and cards you carry. Download the free travel safety checklist before you leave.
The UK FCDO warns that criminals drug unattended food and drinks in bars to rob or assault travelers. Tainted alcohol has caused illness or blackouts, and drinks containing methanol have caused deaths and serious illness in Mexico. If you have concerns about drinks, seek guidance from your tour operator or local authorities.
Police impersonation and extortion also target tourists. Criminals sometimes pose as police officers to issue fake fines to people driving rental vehicles, while some genuine officers have extorted tourists for minor alleged traffic infractions. If a police officer asks you for money, do not hand over cash or your passport. Ask for ID and a copy of the fine, which is payable later, and note the officer’s name, badge number and patrol car number.
- Use ATMs only during daylight hours inside secure shops or shopping malls, and avoid withdrawing large sums of cash.
- If someone calls claiming a relative is kidnapped or detained and demands ransom, hang up immediately and verify your family member’s location directly.
- If your phone is stolen or hacked, criminals may ask your friends or relatives to transfer money, so agree before you travel how you will contact them and send money.
Taxi and Road Rules the US Sets for Its Staff in Mexico
United States government employees are forbidden from hailing street taxis and must use dispatched vehicles from regulated taxi stands or mobile apps like Uber and Cabify. The US State Department strongly advises US citizens to follow the same restrictions because of security risks.
United States government personnel may not travel between cities after dark, must avoid driving between border cities and the interior, and should avoid traveling alone in remote districts. The UK FCDO also advises travelling only during daylight hours when possible and telling trusted contacts your travel plans.
If you encounter an official security checkpoint on the road, follow all instructions given by security personnel. The US State Department explicitly warns that fleeing from or ignoring checkpoint commands can lead to injury or death.
Protest and Terrorism Warnings for Mexico
Foreign nationals are prohibited by law from taking part in political activities in Mexico. If you join demonstrations, the Mexican authorities may detain and deport you. Demonstrations can happen across Mexico and can be tense, confrontational and potentially violent, and onlookers can be quickly drawn in. If you encounter public protests or political gatherings, move away from the area promptly.
The US State Department says there is a risk of terrorist violence in Mexico, and the UK FCDO says terrorist attacks there cannot be ruled out. Travelers should remain aware of their surroundings at all times.
US citizens can enroll in the STEP. British nationals can monitor updates via the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and Canadians can consult the Government of Canada travel advice.
How to Check Whether Puerto Vallarta Is Safe Right Now
The live panel above shows each government’s national level for Mexico, and we re-check those advisories every day. Readers can also check our log of latest advisory changes to track updates across global travel destinations.
Our verdict would change if the UK FCDO, Canada or the US State Department added Puerto Vallarta to its areas to avoid. See how we rate safety for how we read the three advisories.
If you plan to drive yourself into the parts of Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán or Zacatecas that the UK FCDO warns against, Puerto Vallarta is a poor base for that trip, and your travel insurance could be invalidated there. Drop those side trips, or choose another base from our city safety guides.