Acapulco is considered unsafe for visitors and only essential travel is currently recommended. Visitors should exercise due caution in the event of crime incidents.
Despite recent significant efforts to strengthen safety and security protocols, Acapulco continues to experience crimes such as drug trafficking, murder, kidnapping and armed robbery.
: 12 most dangerous cities in Mexico to avoid
LATEST UPDATES / NEWS from Acapulco
January 18 – Military deployment does not stop the fight transportation crisis and violence
Passenger vans, the main mode of transportation in Acapulco, are hit hard by gang-related threats and attacks. According to the city’s main business chamber, fear and intimidation have stopped about 90% of these vehicles from running. Many businesses have been forced to close early due to this sudden stoppage of public transport, 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 occupied by federal workers, putting additional pressure on the city’s tourism industry. These elements paint a depressing picture of the once vibrant seaside resort, especially in light of the ongoing violence.
Official travel advisories (US, Canada, UK)
American travel Advisory
Guerrero State (Acapulco) – Do not travel
Don’t travel because of crime.
There is a lot of violence and crime. Armed groups live in many parts of Guerrero and run their own affairs independently of the state. The members of these groups regularly set up roadblocks and occasionally use violence against travelers. Kidnappings of US citizens and LPRs have occurred in the past.
U.S. government employees are prohibited from visiting parts of Guerrero, such as the popular tourist destinations of Acapulco, Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa.
Travel advice for Canada
The Canadian government’s travel advisory for Mexico, updated January 18, 2024, includes: specific warnings for the state of Guerrero, where Acapulco is located. Due to the precarious security situation following Hurricane Otis, travelers are advised to avoid all travel to the state of Guerrero.
This advisory excludes the cities of Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo and Taxco, but highlights Acapulco and surrounding highways due to their increased risk of armed violence, banditry and looting.
Travel advice for Great Britain
The UK Government travel advice for Acapulco, Mexico, updated on 20 November 2023, advises against all but essential travel to the city after significant damage caused by Hurricane Otis. The hurricane, which struck as a Category 5, disrupted tourism and created unpredictable safety conditions in Acapulco and along the southern coast between Zihuatenejo and Punta Maldonado.
This advice is part of wider guidance on risks in several Mexican states, designed to help UK nationals make informed travel decisions. For more information, please visit the UK government’s travel advice page.
Tips for staying safe in Acapulco
- Make sure you get travel insurance before your trip.
- Choose all-inclusive resorts to enhance safety measures.
- For an extra layer of safety, consider reserving your accommodations at one of Acapulco’s all-inclusive resorts.
- Be careful to avoid falling victim to car rental scams in Acapulco.
- Decline offers of food or drinks from unknown people.
- Familiarize yourself with essential Spanish phrases.
- Do not walk alone during the night hours.
- Maintain communication with family and friends.
- Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and illegal substances.
- Choose toll roads where possible.
- Consider joining a guided tour for a safer travel experience.
