A U.S. State Department travel alert issued for Mexico on Aug. 20, 2009, warned of a general increase in violence and advised its citizens in Mexico to "exercise caution in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times." The alert names several cities and states that are most at risk, but Veracruz is not mentioned.
Even so, like much of Mexico, Veracruz has seen violence from organized crime. The Zetas drug gang is especially active in the Port of Veracruz-Boca del Rio area. However, drug violence usually affects only those involved in drug trafficking or combating drug trafficking, and so it is easily avoided.
Some pro-tourism sources can seem almost Pollyannaish in their assessment. The website TravelToVeracruz.com calls Veracruz "probably Mexico's safest state," and adds: "Families with young kids, women traveling alone, older folks, all have a great time and no trouble with safety at all." The website Go2Veracruz.com says that "Veracruz is Mexico's safest city," though it offers no supporting data.
In a more measured, yet still positive review, the Lonely Planet guidebook to Mexico says of the Veracruz region: "Crime is not much of a problem in this region, but travelers should remain wary of petty theft in cheap hotel rooms and pickpocketing in crowded market areas."
In terms of the city of Veracruz, Everything.com calls it "as safe a city as any in Mexico," but warns of heightened pickpocketing activity during Carnaval.
