Is Monterrey Mexico Safe For A Holiday? Decoding Your Travel Safety For A Trip To Mexico

The Estadio BBVA Stadium in Monterrey, Mexico, is gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Furthermore, Monterrey is about to get new high-end hotels such as MS Milenium, Live Aqua, and Thompson. 

So, Monterrey will be a key element if Mexico wants to seize the opportunity of a sports tourism boom in the global landscape. 

Furthermore, Monterrey is the capital of the state of Nuevo León, which has been experiencing a massive tourism boost in the last few years. 

In 2024, the number of tourists to Monterrey shot up to 15 million, which was 250% more than the 4.3 million tourist visits in 2021.

We have worked tirelessly for the past three years to position Nuevo León in the world through strategic actions and the implementation of key projects,” Martínez said at a press conference on Tuesday. “Our vision has been clear: to turn the state of Nuevo León into a benchmark for national and international tourism.
Mari Carmen Martínez Villarreal, Tourism Minister, Nuevo León

However, despite the best efforts and the changing scenarios, the question, “Is Monterrey Mexico safe?” still persists. 

In this Tour and Travel blog, we will discuss is it safe to travel to Monterrey Mexico and how safe Monterrey is for living. 

How Safe Is Monterrey Mexico For Traveling? 

How Safe Is Monterrey Mexico For Traveling

Let’s begin the discussion of Monterrey as a travel destination with the Mexico Travel Advisory issued by the Bureau of Consular Affairs, the U.S. Department of State, on September 6, 2024

The advisory asks U.S. government employees and U.S. travelers in Mexico to travel between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey only in the daylight. 

Furthermore, U.S. government employees must travel between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey with prior authorization. 

Also, recent research on ” Is Monterrey Mexico Safe” has shown that the crimes in Monterrey touch the daily lives of the residents, so they can impact travelers. 

Further, the war against drugs that started in the city in 2006 has caused a rise in aggression and criminal activities such as robberies and homicides. 

We must not forget that in September 2023, twelve mutilated corpses were found1 in Monterrey as a result of a drug cartel conflict. 

Overall, during the span from 1994 to 2023, there has been a significant rise in the number of deaths due to criminal activities in Monterrey. In 2021, the number was the highest, reaching 12,380. 

Again, as of February 2024, domestic violence was the most common crime in Monterrey. Thievery and drug dealing are two other common crimes in Monterrey. 

Is Monterrey Mexico Safe For Tourists? Understanding The Common Crimes In Monterrey

Is Monterrey Mexico Safe For Tourists_ Understanding The Common Crimes In Monterrey

Here are the most common types of crimes in Monterrey, Mexico. 

  • Domestic Violence
  • Theft
  • Drug Dealing
  • Property Crimes
  • Robbery and Assault
  • Motorcycle Theft
  • Cartel Activity
  • Traffic Violations and Accidents

Among all these crimes, the high crime rate of 62.11 for assault and armed robbery can be a serious concern for tourists. Again, the vandalism and theft rate of 55.27 raises questions about the safety of travelers in Monterrey.

Having said that, the increase in crimes in Monterrey over the last five years has been moderate, with a score of 52.67. The level of crime in the city is 59.04. 

Overall, the crime index of Monterry is 48.12, and the safety index is 51.88. So, Monterrey is a moderately safe place for tourists these days.

Is Monterrey, Mexico, Safe At Night?

With the Sun going down, Monterrey raises some serious concerns about travelers’ safety. At the same time, the safety rating of travelers walking alone in Monterrey is 78.56. 

During the night, the same rating goes down to 37.78. 

So, despite Monterrey having a vibrant nightlife with places such as San Pedro and Barrio Antiguo as the epicenters, you must practice some caution while exploring Monterrey at night. 

It is best if you take a Uber or app cab with the best safety features to mover around the city at night. 

Safety Tips You Must Follow While Traveling To Monterrey

Here are some personal safety precautions you must observe while traveling to Monterrey. 

  • Research well and stay updated about the places you want to explore.
  • Avoid boarding unlicensed taxis. Use app cabs.
  • Be careful about your personal belongings and dress moderately.
  • Adhere to local regulations and customs. 
  • Keep digital and physical copies of important documents.
  • Register your trip with the right authorities. 

Is Monterrey Mexico Safe? Safe Places To Travel In Monterrey, Mexico 

Is Monterrey Mexico Safe_ Safe Places To Travel In Monterrey, Mexico

Monterrey has many safe and exciting places for tourists. These are the places you can safely visit during your trip to Monterrey.

PlacesWhy Visit?
San Pedro Garza GarciaVisit San Pedro Garza Garcia if you love history. It was once one of the most popular ports in the USA. 
Chipinque Ecological ParkIt is an amazing reserve by the mountains. It is also ideal for mountain biking and hiking. 
MARCO Art MuseumMARCO Art Museum is the go-to place for connoisseurs interested in contemporary arts. 
Cola de Caballo WaterfallWith a height of 25 m, this waterfall in Nuevo León is a beautiful place to hang out. 
Cerro de la Silla MountainA part of the Sierra Madre Oriental system, Cerro de la Silla Mountain is a popular hiking and trekking destination in Monterrey. 

Is Monterrey A Good Place To Live?

With a low cost of living and high healthcare and climate indexes, Monterrey is a decent place to live in. 

Here are the key parameters and their ratings.

ParametersIndex Rating
Safety Index51.88
Health Care Index68.82
Cost of Living Index41.70
Traffic Commute Time Index32.09

Monterrey is home to some of the most important industrial and economic zones in Mexico. The city has all modern amenities and infrastructure.

Furthermore, it is safer than many other cities in Mexico.

So, Is Monterrey Mexico Safe? How The Montmerry Government Putting The Best Efforts 

So, Is Monterrey Mexico Safe_ How The Montmerry Government Putting The Best Efforts

The Monterrey government has taken various security and law enforcement measures, regulatory reforms, and community engagement initiatives to lower the crime rate in Monterrey. 

The table below gives you a detailed idea about is Monterrey Mexico safe or not and how the government is planning to combat the safety concerns. 

Law Enforcement and Stronger Security MeasuresReforms in Criminal JusticeCommunity Engagement and Preventive Measures
• Connecting business and hotels with law enforcement through rapid response systems
• Training security officers according to the US Embassy standards
• Use of technology in surveillance and gathering evidence
• Increased presence of police and military
• Making public trials
• Identifying the weaknesses in the criminal justice system
• Community programs to eliminate the root causes of crimes, including poverty and lack of opportunities
• Establishing hotel security communities
• Bolstering surveillance and safety measures in popular tourist areas

So, the government is trying to change the fabric of the city with the right implementation of community development and stronger security measures. 

Is Monterrey Mexico Safe? Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How Safe Is Monterrey Mexico Right Now?

Monterrey Mexico is moderately safe right now. It has a crime rate of 48.12 and a safety index of 51.88.

2. What Is The Safest City In Mexico?

Mérida is the safest city in Mexico. As the capital of the Yucatán state, it has a low crime rate. 
Further, the friendly locals here make it the best place to live and travel in Mexico.

3. Do They Speak English In Monterrey Mexico?

Yes, most people speak English in Monterrey. It is an international business center in Mexico and it is close to the U.S. border. 

4. Where Do Rich People Live In Monterrey?

The rich people of Monterrey live in San Pedro Garza García. It has high-rise buildings, upscale shopping destinations, and affluent neighborhoods. 

5. Is Mexico Safe For Indian Tourists?

The Embassy of India in Mexico considers Mexico “reasonably safe” for Indian tourists. However, it asks travelers to stay careful about crimes such as snatching and pickpocketing. 

6. Is There A Warning About Traveling To Mexico?

Yes, there has been a warning from the U.S. State Department about increasing cases of violent and drug-related problems in Mexico. 

Robberies, kidnapping, and carjacking are other areas of crime raising concerns among the travel advisories of various countries. 

7. Do I Need A Visa For Mexico?

Your requirements for a Visa to travel to Mexico depend on your nationality. For example, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, and other members of the Schengen Area do not need a visa to visit Mexico if the visitor has a valid visa or residence permit. 

8. Is It Safe To Drive To Monterrey Mexico?

Yes, driving in Monterrey Mexico is safe if you stay on the toll roads. These roads are patrolled by military personnel. 

So, crime rates are low on these roads. 

  1. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/27/as-many-as-12-bodies-found-strewn-around-monterrey-in-northern-mexico ↩︎

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Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

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