Travel to Mexico Warnings: Staying Safe and Informed in 2024

Mexico, a land of vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and rich history, consistently ranks as a top travel destination for tourists worldwide. However, like any international destination, it’s crucial to be aware of the current travel warnings and safety advice to ensure a secure and enjoyable trip. This guide, based on the latest travel advisory information, will provide you with a comprehensive overview of Travel To Mexico Warnings, helping you make informed decisions and travel with confidence.

Understanding Mexico Travel Warnings

The U.S. Department of State regularly issues travel advisories for countries around the world, including Mexico. These advisories are designed to inform U.S. citizens about potential safety and security risks in different regions. It’s essential to understand that these warnings are not meant to deter travel entirely, but rather to equip travelers with the knowledge needed to make safe choices.

The advisories categorize countries and regions within countries into different levels of risk, ranging from “Exercise Normal Precautions” to “Do Not Travel.” Understanding these levels is the first step in planning a safe trip to Mexico.

General Safety Concerns in Mexico

Before delving into state-specific warnings, it’s important to acknowledge the overarching safety concerns in Mexico. The primary issue highlighted in travel advisories is violent crime, including homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery. This is often linked to the presence of transnational criminal organizations operating throughout the country.

It’s also crucial to recognize that the U.S. government’s ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in certain areas of Mexico is limited due to safety restrictions on U.S. government employee travel. In many states, especially outside major tourist centers, local emergency services may also be less readily available.

Despite these warnings, millions of tourists visit Mexico safely each year. By staying informed, practicing vigilance, and adhering to safety guidelines, you can significantly minimize risks and enjoy your Mexican vacation.

Mexico Travel Warnings by State: Risk Levels and Restrictions

The following is a breakdown of travel advisories for each state in Mexico, categorized by risk level, as of the latest review. It’s vital to check the official U.S. Department of State website for the most up-to-date information before your travel dates, as these advisories can change.

Do Not Travel To:

These states carry the highest risk level, and the U.S. government advises against any travel to these areas due to extremely dangerous conditions.

Colima State: The advisory cites crime and kidnapping as reasons for the “Do Not Travel” warning. Violent crime and gang activity are widespread, with frequent targeted killings and incidents of bystanders being caught in the crossfire. U.S. citizens have been victims of kidnapping in Colima. U.S. government employees are severely restricted to only tourist and port areas of Manzanillo under specific conditions and are prohibited from traveling to other parts of the state.
Guerrero State: Crime is the primary reason for this “Do Not Travel” advisory. Armed groups operate extensively throughout Guerrero, often setting up roadblocks and using violence against travelers. Kidnapping is a significant concern. This warning includes major tourist destinations like Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Taxco, and Ixtapa, to which U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling.
Michoacan State: The “Do Not Travel” advisory for Michoacan is due to crime and kidnapping. Crime and violence are widespread. While U.S. government employees have limited permitted travel to areas like Federal Highway 15D, Morelia (by air or specific highways), and Lazaro Cardenas (by air only and limited to specific areas), all other areas, including parts of the Monarch Butterfly Reserve located in Michoacan, are off-limits.
Sinaloa State: Crime is the reason for the “Do Not Travel” advisory. Violent crime is widespread, with criminal organizations deeply rooted in the state. U.S. government employee travel is severely limited to Mazatlan (by air or sea, specific zones only), and Los Mochis and Topolobampo (by air or sea, restricted to city and port areas), with strict route limitations. All other areas of Sinaloa are prohibited for U.S. government employee travel.
Tamaulipas State: The “Do Not Travel” warning is in place for Tamaulipas because of crime and kidnapping. Organized crime is rampant, with gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, and extortion common, particularly along the northern border. Criminal groups target buses and private vehicles, often kidnapping passengers for ransom. U.S. government employees are extremely restricted to limited areas around consulates in Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo, subject to curfews, and overland travel is severely restricted.
Zacatecas State: Crime and kidnapping are the reasons for the “Do Not Travel” advisory in Zacatecas. Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread. U.S. citizens have been victims of kidnapping. U.S. government employee travel is limited to Zacatecas City proper (accessible only by air), and travel to all other areas of the state is prohibited.

Reconsider Travel To:

These states present a high level of risk, and travelers are advised to reconsider travel plans due to dangerous conditions.

Baja California State: Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping. Transnational criminal organizations are active, leading to violent crime and gang activity, especially in border areas. Tijuana is of particular concern due to high homicide rates. U.S. citizens have been victims of kidnapping. U.S. government employees have restrictions, particularly in the Mexicali Valley region. However, tourist areas like Tijuana, Ensenada, and Rosarito are not specifically restricted for them, though caution is advised for all travelers.
Chiapas State: Reconsider travel to Chiapas due to crime. Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state. U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to the municipality of Ocozocoautla and specific southeastern regions within Chiapas. Tapachula city limits and Highway 225 to Tapachula are permitted for U.S. government employee travel.
Chihuahua State: Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common. Battles between criminal groups have led to violence in areas frequented by tourists. Bystanders have been injured or killed in shootings, and kidnapping is a risk. U.S. government employee travel is restricted to specific areas within cities like Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua, and certain highways with daytime travel limitations. Copper Canyon and other areas are off-limits for U.S. government employees.
Guanajuato State: Reconsider travel due to crime. Gang violence related to fuel theft is prevalent, especially in the south and central parts of the state. High murder rates linked to cartel violence are a concern. Kidnapping is also a risk. U.S. government employees are restricted from areas south of Federal Highway 45D, including Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato. Tourist areas like San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City are not restricted for U.S. government employees, but travelers should be aware of the overall risk level in the state.
Jalisco State: Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common. Guadalajara has seen territorial disputes between criminal groups, sometimes affecting tourist areas. Bystanders have been injured in shootings, and kidnapping is a concern. U.S. government employees are restricted from the Jalisco-Michoacan border region and parts of Federal Highway 80. Tourist areas like Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Ajijic are not restricted for U.S. government employees, but increased caution is advised for all travelers.
Morelos State: Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are present in parts of Morelos. Kidnapping is a risk for U.S. citizens. There are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Morelos state, highlighting that the warning is general for all travelers.
Sonora State: Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping. Sonora is a hub for drug and human trafficking. Violent crime is widespread, and kidnapping is a risk. Travelers should be highly aware of their surroundings throughout Sonora. U.S. government employees face significant travel restrictions, particularly regarding routes and modes of transportation in areas like Hermosillo, Nogales, Puerto Peñasco, and regions in eastern and southern Sonora. Tourist areas like Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino, and Puerto Penasco are accessible under specific conditions for U.S. government employees, but the overall advisory urges reconsideration of travel to the state.

Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To:

These states have notable safety risks, and travelers should exercise heightened vigilance and awareness.

Aguascalientes State: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. There are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Aguascalientes.
Baja California Sur State: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. There are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Baja California Sur, which includes popular tourist destinations like Cabo San Lucas and La Paz.
Coahuila State: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity are present in parts of Coahuila. U.S. government employees are restricted from certain municipalities (Zaragoza, Morelos, Allende, Nava, Jimenez, Villa Union, Guerrero, and Hidalgo). Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña have specific rules and a midnight to 6:00 a.m. curfew for U.S. government employees.
Durango State: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Durango. U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling west and south of Federal Highway 45 in Durango.
Hidalgo State: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Hidalgo.
Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico): Exercise increased caution due to crime. Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico City. Travelers should be extra cautious, especially at night and outside tourist areas. Petty crime is frequent. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Mexico City.
Mexico State (Estado de Mexico): Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping. Both violent and non-violent crime are present throughout Mexico State. Caution is advised outside tourist areas. Petty crime is common even in tourist zones, and kidnapping is a risk. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Mexico State.
Nayarit State: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Nayarit. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Nayarit, which includes the popular Riviera Nayarit tourist area.
Nuevo Leon State: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Nuevo Leon. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Nuevo Leon, which includes Monterrey.
Oaxaca State: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence occur throughout Oaxaca. U.S. government employees are restricted from the Isthmus region and parts of Federal Highway 200. Tourist areas like Oaxaca City, Monte Alban, Puerto Escondido, and Huatulco are not restricted for U.S. government employees, but caution is advised for all travelers in the state.
Puebla State: Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Puebla. Kidnapping is a risk. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Puebla.
Queretaro State: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Queretaro. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Queretaro, which is known for cities like San Miguel de Allende (though technically SMA is in Guanajuato state, Queretaro is nearby and a popular destination).
Quintana Roo State: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur anywhere, including tourist destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. While often not targeted at tourists, gang-related shootings have caused bystander injuries and deaths, including U.S. citizens. Homicides and assaults have increased in Tulum. Increased caution is advised after dark in tourist areas. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo.
San Luis Potosi State: Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout San Luis Potosi. Kidnapping is a risk. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in San Luis Potosi.
Tabasco State: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Tabasco. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Tabasco.
Tlaxcala State: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Tlaxcala. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Tlaxcala.
Veracruz State: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity are increasing in Veracruz, particularly in central and southern areas like Cordoba and Coatzacoalcos. Bystanders can be affected by gang violence. Impromptu roadblocks are common. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Veracruz.

Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To:

These states are considered relatively safer, but travelers should still be aware and take standard safety precautions.

Campeche State: Exercise normal precautions. There are no specific safety concerns highlighted, and no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Campeche.
Yucatan State: Exercise normal precautions. There are no significant safety concerns mentioned, and no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Yucatan, which includes major tourist sites like Chichen Itza, Merida, Uxmal, and Valladolid.

General Safety Tips for Travel to Mexico

Regardless of the specific state you plan to visit, these general safety tips are crucial for any trip to Mexico:

Stay Informed: Continuously check the U.S. Department of State travel advisories for the latest updates and information right before and during your trip.
Share Your Plans: Keep family and friends informed of your travel itinerary. Share your GPS location with a friend if you are separating from your group. If taking a taxi alone, photograph the taxi number or license plate and text it to a contact.
Use Secure Transportation: Opt for toll roads whenever possible and avoid driving alone, especially at night. If using taxis, avoid hailing them on the street. Utilize dispatched vehicles, app-based services like Uber (where available and deemed safe), or regulated taxi stands.
Be Discreet: Avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as expensive jewelry or watches. Be extra vigilant at banks and ATMs.
Exercise Caution in Social Settings: Be extra cautious when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos, where petty crime and more serious incidents can occur.
Enroll in STEP: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier for the U.S. embassy to locate you in case of an emergency.
Follow Official Channels: Stay updated by following the Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico on social media (Facebook and X/Twitter).
Review Security Reports: Familiarize yourself with the Country Security Report for Mexico for a deeper understanding of the security landscape.
Mariners Take Note: Mariners should check for specific maritime advisories and alerts.
Prepare a Contingency Plan: Develop a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist provided by the Department of State.
Health Precautions: Consult the CDC page for the latest travel health information related to Mexico.

Conclusion: Responsible and Safe Travel to Mexico

Mexico offers incredible experiences for travelers. By understanding the travel warnings, staying informed, and practicing common-sense safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and enjoy a memorable and safe trip. Always prioritize your safety and make informed decisions based on the most current travel advisories. Remember that travel warnings are in place to help you navigate potential risks, not necessarily to prevent you from experiencing the beauty and culture of Mexico. Travel smart, stay safe, and enjoy your journey!