Is Puerto Vallarta safe? Travel advice 2025
The proximity to the United States, especially cities such as Los Angeles or San Diego, makes this possible Puerto Vallarta a top choice for travelers looking for a slice of paradise.
Because safety is always a priority when planning any trip, we have analyzed the situation from several perspectives, including the latest travel advisories, safety updates and practical tips, so you can enjoy Puerto Vallarta with confidence in 2025.
LATEST NEWS from Puerto Vallarta:
December 2024: Puerto Vallarta reinstates its tourist police to protect visitors this season
The Mexican city of Puerto Vallarta does have that restored its tourist police to ensure a safer winter season for visitors.
Authorities have announced improvements to this unit, including 20 new all-terrain vehicles and electric bicycles. With this strengthened force, Mayor Luis Ernesto Munguía Gonzalez wants to deter crime and respond more quickly to incidents.
Crime statistics in Puerto Vallarta
According to NumbeoPuerto Vallarta has a crime index of 35.23 and a safety index of 64.77, making it one of the safest destinations in Mexico. Below are additional statistics on crime in this popular tourist hotspot.
| Level of crime | 38.04 | Low |
| Crime has increased over the past five years | 59.82 | Moderate |
| Worries about robberies or robberies | 33.78 | Low |
| Worried about car theft | 28.09 | Low |
| Worrying about being attacked | 24.55 | Low |
| Worries about physical attacks because of your skin color, ethnicity, gender, or religion | 12.10 | Very low |
| Violent crimes such as assault and armed robbery | 34.08 | Low |
Areas to avoid
Puerto Vallarta is generally considered a safe destination for tourists, although there are areas where tourists should exercise extra caution.
It is recommended to visit neighborhoods such as Ixtapa, El Pitillal, Valle Dorado, Altavela, San José and Mezcales in the dark for safety reasons.
Although the city center and the Romantic Zone are popular tourist attractions, it is still wise to stay alert, especially if you are alone late at night.
Official travel advice
US travel advice
The U.S. Department of State considers the state of Jalisco, of which Puerto Vallarta is a part, to be one Level 3 destinationwarning travelers to reconsider a visit due to concerns about crime and kidnapping.
The advisory emphasizes that violent crime and gang activity occurs in several parts of the country, although this does not necessarily apply to Puerto Vallarta.
Travelers are encouraged to use toll roads where possible and take extra caution when visiting bars, nightclubs and casinos.
Travel advice for Canada
Canada advises travelers to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Mexico due to the high level of criminal activity and violence. Puerto Vallarta is not specifically mentioned as an unsafe destination.
The advisory notes that violent crimes, such as armed robbery and assault, have been reported in several regions of the country.
Safety Tips for Puerto Vallarta
Millions of travelers visit this destination every year without encountering any safety concerns. To ensure you have a similar experience, here are some tips to make the most of your visit.
- Stick to popular hotspots like the Romantic Zone, the Malecon, and Marina Vallarta, which are well guarded and generally safe.
- Avoid visiting remote neighborhoods, beaches, or dimly lit streets, especially after dark.
- Only use reputable transport services or authorized taxis to reduce the risk of scams.
- There is no need to show your valuables. Keep your cash and expensive jewelry in your accommodation.
- The heat in Puerto Vallarta can be intense, so drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen.
- Never leave drinks unattended.
- Avoid driving at night as road conditions can be unpredictable.
- Take small denominations with you to avoid running out of money.
