FBOs at Los Cabos International MMSD SJD

Airport security

Los Cabos and the broader Baja California Sur state carry a U.S. State Department Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution designation, reflecting risks from criminal activity, organized criminal organizations, and terrorism that may occur throughout the state.

The Los Cabos airport access road was temporarily disrupted in mid-2025 by groups linked to transport industry disputes, indicating a capacity for localized civil unrest directly affecting airport access.

The U.S. Embassy has issued a separate security alert referencing recent security incidents specific to San José del Cabo, underscoring that elevated risk is present at the local level and not solely a country-wide characterization.

Los Cabos International Airport is a major international commercial hub operating under the regulatory authority of Mexico's civil aviation agency and managed by a large concession operator.

No formal ICAO or national authority security classification tier has been published for this facility; however, documented physical security measures include 24-hour CCTV coverage, metal detection at passenger access points, deployed security personnel throughout the facility, and advanced non-imaging passenger screening technology capable of detecting both metallic and non-metallic concealed threats.

Arrivals customs screening follows a randomized inspection protocol administered by the national tax authority.

Customs, immigration and regulatory

Hours: Aligned with scheduled flight operations; international customs and immigration processed on arrival — approximately 45 minutes post-landing under normal conditions Airport of entry for international operations.

Mexican Aduana (customs) and INM (immigration) are co-located in Terminal 2 for international arrivals. Declarations required for goods exceeding USD 500 arriving by air.

Ground corridor

• Ground transport risk in the Los Cabos corridor is characterised primarily by opportunistic petty crime — pickpocketing, overcharging, and unlicensed transport solicitation — rather than organised violence
• the Tourist Corridor between the airport and resort zones is among the most actively policed and monitored areas in Baja California Sur. Residential colonia areas on the outskirts of both San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas carry elevated petty crime profiles and should be avoided, particularly after dark
• movement should remain within established tourist corridors and well-lit arterial routes. Pre-arranged vehicles via vetted transport providers or hotel ground support teams are strongly advised over curbside solicitation
• unsolicited drivers in the arrivals hall and unmetered vehicles outside the terminal present a documented overcharging and fraud risk, and ride-hailing services are not permitted to collect passengers from within the terminal footprint. No active armed conflict zones, OFAC sanctions, or movement restrictions apply to Baja California Sur
• the February 2026 security events in Jalisco did not affect operations in this region.

City threat summary

Los Cabos and the broader Baja California Sur state carry a U.S. State Department Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution designation, reflecting risks from criminal activity, organized criminal organizations, and terrorism that may occur throughout the state.

The Los Cabos airport access road was temporarily disrupted in mid-2025 by groups linked to transport industry disputes, indicating a capacity for localized civil unrest directly affecting airport access.

The U.S. Embassy has issued a separate security alert referencing recent security incidents specific to San José del Cabo, underscoring that elevated risk is present at the local level and not solely a country-wide characterization.

Country overview

Mexico operates under a sustained elevated threat environment driven by the operational reach of major criminal organizations, pervasive corruption, and uneven state authority across regions.

The U.S. State Department rates Mexico overall at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution), with six states at Level 4 (Do Not Travel) and several others at Level 3 (Reconsider Travel).

Security conditions vary sharply by state, with northern border regions and parts of the Pacific coast posing the most acute risks.

Higher-risk locations nearby

• Acapulco MMAA CRITICAL
• Culiacán MMCL CRITICAL
• Manzanillo MMZO CRITICAL
• Mazatlán MMMZ CRITICAL
• Morelia MMMM CRITICAL
• Tampico MMTM CRITICAL
• Chihuahua MMCU HIGH
• Mexicali MMML HIGH
• Monterrey MMMY HIGH
• Puerto Vallarta MMPR HIGH