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…
Read full article: Is Puerto Vallarta Safe? Travel Advisory 2025
The post “Is Puerto Vallarta Safe? Travel Advisory 2025” by Maria Valencia was published on 12/26/2024 by www.travelinglifestyle.net