Its close proximity to the United States, particularly to cities like Los Angeles or San Diego, makes Puerto Vallarta a top choice for travelers seeking a slice of paradise.
As safety is always a priority when planning any trip, we’ve analyzed the situation from different perspectives, including the latest travel advisories, safety updates, and practical tips to help you enjoy Puerto Vallarta with confidence in 2025.
LATEST NEWS from Puerto Vallarta:
Dec. 2024: Puerto Vallarta Reinstates Tourist Police Force to Protect Visitors this Season
The Mexican city of Puerto Vallarta has reinstated its Tourist Police force to ensure a safer winter season for visitors.
Authorities announced enhancements to this unit, including 20 new all-terrain vehicles and electric bicycles. With this bolstered force, Mayor Luis Ernesto Munguía Gonzalez aims to deter crime and provide quicker responses to incidents.
Crime Statistics in Puerto Vallarta
According to Numbeo, Puerto Vallarta has a crime index of 35.23 and a safety index of 64.77, ranking it among the safest destinations in Mexico. Below are additional stats about crime in this popular tourist hotspot.
| Level of crime | 38.04 | Low |
| Increasing crime over the past 5 years | 59.82 | Moderate |
| Concerns about being mugged or robbed | 33.78 | Low |
| Concerns about car theft | 28.09 | Low |
| Concerns about being attacked | 24.55 | Low |
| Concerns about physical attacks due to your skin color, ethnic origin, 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, though there are areas where tourists should exercise increased caution.
It’s recommended to avoid neighborhoods such as Ixtapa, El Pitillal, Valle Dorado, Altavela, San José, and Mezcales after dark due to safety concerns.
While the downtown area and the Romantic Zone are popular tourist spots, it’s still wise to remain alert, especially if you are alone late at night.
Official Travel Advisories
U.S. Travel Advisory
The U.S. Department of State ranks the state of Jalisco, which includes Puerto Vallarta, as a Level 3 destination, warning travelers to reconsider visiting due to concerns about crime and kidnapping.
The advisory highlights that violent crime and gang activity are prevalent in several parts, though this doesn’t necessarily apply to Puerto Vallarta.
Travelers are encouraged to use toll roads whenever possible and exercise increased caution when visiting bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
Canada Travel Advisory
Canada advises travelers to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Mexico due to its high levels 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 various regions of the country.
Safety Tips for Puerto Vallarta
Millions of travelers visit this destination each year without encountering any safety issues. To help 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-patrolled and generally safe.
- Refrain from visiting secluded neighborhoods, beaches, or poorly lit streets, especially after dark.
- Only use reputable transportation services or authorized taxis to reduce the risk of scams.
- There’s no need to flash your valuables. Keep your cash and expensive jewelry at your accommodation.
- 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.
- Carry small denomination bills to avoid being shortchanged.