Why tourists are being warned about using dating apps in Mexico

WorldTravel
6 Jun 2025 • 5:52 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

image is not available

  • The U.S. Consulate General in Guadalajara issued a security alert warning U.S. tourists to exercise caution when using dating apps in Mexico, following reports of kidnappings in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Nayarit.
  • Victims have been extorted for large sums of money by individuals they met on dating apps, with their families in the United States being contacted for ransom.
  • The security alert identified Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, and Nuevo Nayarit as potentially dangerous areas for using dating apps.
  • The US consulate advises travellers to meet strangers only in public places, avoid isolated locations, inform friends and family of their plans, and trust their instincts.
  • Jalisco is classified as "Level 3: Reconsider Travel" and Nayarit as "Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution" in the State Department’s travel advisory due to crime and kidnapping.

IN FULL