Cancun is one of the most popular resorts in Mexico. Millions of tourists from all over the world come here every year for the beaches, nightlife and all-inclusive hotels. But many people forget that outside the hotel territory, ordinary Mexican laws apply, and in the sovereign areas their compliance is monitored especially strictly. Partly because travelers are solvent.
Most conflicts with the police in Cancun are not due to serious crimes, but due to administrative violations that foreigners often consider harmless. Nevertheless, the consequences can be very unpleasant: fines, detentions for up to 36 hours, problems at the airport and ruined vacations.
Here are the 5 most common reasons why visitors to the country encounter Mexican police in Cancun.
Alcohol on the street and public intoxication
The most common reason for detentions of guests of countries — open container of alcohol in public places. Many people mistakenly believe that in a resort town it is acceptable to calmly walk down the street with a can of beer or a cocktail. But in Cancun, and indeed in Mexico, this is considered an administrative violation.
The police are especially active in monitoring the Hotel Zone and Punta Cancún, areas near nightclubs, exits from bars, and areas near bus stops R-1 and R-2. Even if a person behaves calmly, the presence of an open bottle can already become a reason for detention.
Separate risk — appear drunk on the street. Visitors who try to walk back to the hotel after clubbing often attract the attention of the police precisely because of their condition, and not just the alcohol in their hands.
In Mexico, such violations are considered through an administrative court, and the maximum period of detention can be up to 36 hours.
Smoking and electronic cigarettes
In recent years, Mexico has significantly tightened its anti-tobacco legislation. Today the country has some of the strictest smoking restrictions in the world. The ban applies not only to regular cigarettes, but also to vapes, electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating devices, cartridges and vaping liquids.
Smoking is prohibited in many public places, including public beaches,
parks, open terraces, transport stops, public areas of hotels. This does not mean that the police will necessarily pay attention to you, but you are a guest of the country, and this increases the likelihood of attracting the attention of the police.
Many travelers continue to vape on beaches without considering it a violation. In practice, such behavior may well end in a fine or conflict with the police.
Disturbance of the peace
Another common problem — behavior of tourists after drinking alcohol. Cancun — city of nightlife, but local authorities are extremely sensitive to situations that disturb other holidaymakers or create problems for business.
The most common reasons for police intervention — loud conflicts, fights, aggressive behavior, screaming at night near hotels, damage to property, insults to staff and inappropriate behavior in public places.
Hotels and clubs in Cancun are usually quick to call the police or security if things get out of hand. However, many hotels have the right to immediately evict a guest without a refund.
For local authorities, Cancun's travel reputation — a key economic factor, therefore aggressive behavior is viewed extremely negatively.
Drugs and prohibited substances
One of the most dangerous mistakes tourists make — assume that Mexican drug laws are as lax as some US states or Canada. Even if you smell marijuana smoke next to you, in practice, storing, purchasing or using drugs in Mexico can lead to very serious consequences.
In addition, problems sometimes arise with conventional medications. Some drugs sold freely in the US or Europe contain substances that are restricted in Mexico. For example, pseudoephedrine, certain stimulants, drugs for the treatment of ADHD. If a visitor to the country is bringing prescription medications to Mexico, it is recommended to have the original packaging, prescription, and medical certificate in English or Spanish.
Such things are checked especially carefully at airports.
Situations involving minor violations
Many visitors to the country get into trouble for actions that seem insignificant to them. In particular, urinating on the street, damaging property, making noise at night, littering on the beach, behaving inappropriately near hotels, arguing with the police on the street.
In particular, a night hike «around the corner» after the club — one of the most common reasons for arrests in the Cancun Hotel Zone. Mexican police take such violations much more seriously than many expect. Instead of a warning, a traveler may well end up in jail with an administrative fine and a lost vacation day.
Individual error — an attempt to «resolve the issue on the spot» aggressive tone or refusal to cooperate with police officers. In such cases, the situation usually only gets worse.
Most problems can be avoided by following a few simple principles:
- do not drink alcohol on the street,
- do not use vapes and cigarettes in public places,
- avoid conflicts,
- not to take or transport prohibited and questionable substances and drugs,
- Communicate respectfully with police and staff.