Mexico, a vibrant country known for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, attracts millions of tourists annually. However, like any international destination, it’s essential to be informed about safety and security. The U.S. Department of State provides travel advisories to help U.S. citizens make informed decisions about traveling abroad. These advisories offer crucial insights into potential risks, ensuring travelers can plan their trips with a clear understanding of the environment. This guide delves into the U.S. Department of State travel advisories for Mexico, offering a comprehensive overview to help you navigate your travel plans safely and confidently.
The U.S. Department of State issues travel advisories for every country in the world, using a four-level system to categorize risk:
- Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions – This is the lowest advisory level. It means there are typical travel risks, but nothing that is considered significantly dangerous.
- Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution – Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides specific advice for travelers in these areas.
- Level 3: Reconsider Travel – Serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State advises reconsidering travel to these areas due to potentially life-threatening situations.
- Level 4: Do Not Travel – This is the highest advisory level, indicating extreme risks to safety and security. The U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance in these areas.
For Mexico, the advisory levels vary significantly from state to state, reflecting the diverse security situations across the country. It’s crucial to understand that a national advisory for Mexico might not represent the risk level in every part of the country. Some states may be under “Do Not Travel” advisories, while others are under “Exercise Normal Precautions.”
It’s important to note that the U.S. government’s ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in certain areas of Mexico is limited, especially in regions where travel for U.S. government employees is restricted. Local emergency services may also be less robust outside of major cities.
For all travelers to Mexico, and especially in areas with higher advisory levels, the Department of State recommends several general precautions:
- Stay Informed: Regularly check the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisories and country information pages for the most up-to-date information.
- 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 an emergency.
- Share Your Plans: Keep family and friends informed of your travel plans, and share your GPS location if separating from your group.
- Transportation Safety: Use toll roads when possible, avoid driving alone or at night, and utilize dispatched vehicles or regulated taxi stands instead of hailing taxis on the street.
- Be Discreet: Avoid displaying signs of wealth and be extra vigilant at banks and ATMs.
- Exercise Caution in Entertainment Venues: Increase caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
- Emergency Preparedness: Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations and review the Traveler’s Checklist provided by the Department of State.
- Health Precautions: Consult the CDC page for the latest travel health information.
Let’s break down the current travel advisories by state in Mexico, as per the U.S. Department of State, to provide a clearer picture of regional risks.
Mexico State-Specific Travel Advisories
The following is a summary of the U.S. Department of State travel advisories for each state in Mexico. Please remember to check the official U.S. Department of State website for the most current and detailed information before planning your trip.
States to Avoid: Do Not Travel
These states carry the highest risk level. The U.S. Department of State advises against traveling to these areas due to extremely dangerous conditions.
Colima State – Do Not Travel
Advisory Level: Do Not Travel due to crime and kidnapping.
Summary: Colima state is experiencing widespread violent crime and gang activity. Homicides are frequent, often targeted assassinations linked to criminal organizations, but bystanders can be caught in the crossfire. Kidnapping is also a serious concern. U.S. government employees’ travel is severely restricted, limited only to tourist and port areas of Manzanillo, and travel to Manzanillo from Guadalajara must be during daylight hours on Federal Toll Road 54D. All other areas of Colima are off-limits for U.S. government personnel.
Guerrero State – Do Not Travel
Advisory Level: Do Not Travel due to crime.
Summary: Guerrero is plagued by widespread crime and violence. Armed groups operate independently throughout the state, frequently setting up roadblocks and potentially resorting to violence against travelers. Kidnapping is a significant risk. U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to any part of Guerrero, including major tourist destinations like Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Taxco, and Ixtapa.
Michoacan State – Do Not Travel
Advisory Level: Do Not Travel due to crime and kidnapping.
Summary: Crime and violence are rampant in Michoacan. U.S. government employee travel is highly restricted, permitted only on Federal Highway 15D to transit between Mexico City and Guadalajara, by air or land (Federal Highways 43 or 48D from Highway 15D) to Morelia, and by air to Lazaro Cardenas, limited to the city center or port areas. Travel to other areas, including the Monarch Butterfly Reserve portions in Michoacan, is prohibited for U.S. government personnel.
Sinaloa State – Do Not Travel
Advisory Level: Do Not Travel due to crime.
Summary: Sinaloa is home to powerful criminal organizations, and violent crime is widespread. U.S. government employees can only travel to Mazatlan (by air or sea, limited to Zona Dorada and historic center), and Los Mochis and Topolobampo (by air or sea, restricted to city and port), using direct routes to/from airports and sea terminals. All other areas of Sinaloa are off-limits to U.S. government employees.
Tamaulipas State – Do Not Travel
Advisory Level: Do Not Travel due to crime and kidnapping.
Summary: Organized crime is rampant in Tamaulipas, especially along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria, with frequent gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault. Criminal groups target buses and private vehicles, often kidnapping passengers for ransom. Heavily armed groups operate with impunity, and local law enforcement has limited capacity, except in the Tampico-Ciudad Madero-Altamira tri-city area. U.S. government employee travel is severely restricted to limited radii around U.S. Consulates in Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo, with curfews and limitations on intercity travel. Most of Tamaulipas is a no-go zone for U.S. government employees.
Zacatecas State – Do Not Travel
Advisory Level: Do Not Travel due to crime and kidnapping.
Summary: Zacatecas is experiencing widespread violent crime, extortion, and gang activity. Kidnapping is a significant threat. U.S. government employees are restricted to Zacatecas City proper and cannot travel overland to the city. Travel to all other areas of Zacatecas is prohibited for U.S. government personnel.
States to Reconsider Travel
These states have significant safety and security risks. The U.S. Department of State advises travelers to reconsider traveling to these areas.
Baja California State – Reconsider Travel
Advisory Level: Reconsider Travel due to crime and kidnapping.
Summary: Baja California, particularly the border region, sees intense competition among transnational criminal organizations for drug and human trafficking routes. Violent crime and gang activity are common. Tijuana, especially non-tourist areas, has a high homicide rate, and bystanders can be harmed in cartel violence. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs is a concern. U.S. government employees face restrictions, particularly in the Mexicali Valley, and must use specific highways during daylight hours. However, major tourist areas like Tijuana, Ensenada, and Rosarito are not under specific restrictions for government employees, though the general advisory to reconsider travel applies to all.
Chiapas State – Reconsider Travel
Advisory Level: Reconsider Travel due to crime.
Summary: Chiapas experiences criminal activity and violence. U.S. government employees are restricted from the municipality of Ocozocoautla and a large southeastern region bordering Guatemala. However, they can travel within Tapachula city limits and on Highway 225 from Port Chiapas to Tapachula, including the airport.
Chihuahua State – Reconsider Travel
Advisory Level: Reconsider Travel due to crime and kidnapping.
Summary: Chihuahua has high levels of violent crime and gang activity. Homicides are mostly targeted, but territorial disputes between criminal groups result in violence in public areas, including restaurants and malls, even during daylight. Bystanders have been injured or killed in shootings, and kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs is a risk. U.S. government employee travel is limited to specific areas within Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua City, certain routes between cities, and areas like Nuevo Casas Grandes and Palomas, with daylight travel restrictions and specific permitted stops on highways. Areas like Copper Canyon are off-limits for U.S. government employees.
Guanajuato State – Reconsider Travel
Advisory Level: Reconsider Travel due to crime.
Summary: Guanajuato faces gang violence, often related to fuel theft, especially in the south and central parts of the state. The southern region has a high murder rate due to cartel violence, and kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs has occurred. 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 under these restrictions for government employees, but the overall “reconsider travel” advisory due to crime still applies.
Jalisco State – Reconsider Travel
Advisory Level: Reconsider Travel due to crime and kidnapping.
Summary: Parts of Jalisco, including Guadalajara, experience violent crime and gang activity. Territorial disputes between criminal groups in Guadalajara can spill into tourist areas, and innocent bystanders have been caught in shootings. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs is a concern. U.S. government employee travel is restricted in areas bordering Michoacan and along certain federal highways. Tourist hotspots like Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Ajijic are not under these specific restrictions for government employees, but the broader advisory to reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping remains.
Morelos State – Reconsider Travel
Advisory Level: Reconsider Travel due to crime and kidnapping.
Summary: Parts of Morelos state have high levels of violent crime and gang activity. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs is a concern. There are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Morelos, but the general advisory to reconsider travel remains in effect.
Sonora State – Reconsider Travel
Advisory Level: Reconsider Travel due to crime and kidnapping.
Summary: Sonora is a key area for international drug trade and human trafficking, leading to widespread violent crime. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs is a risk. Travelers should be highly aware of their surroundings throughout Sonora. U.S. government employees face numerous travel restrictions, including limitations on routes between Hermosillo and Nogales, specific restricted zones in Nogales, Puerto Peñasco, and near the Mariposa Port of Entry, and restrictions in San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea, Agua Prieta, and eastern and southern Sonora. Travel to Alamos is only permitted by air and within city limits. Tourist areas like Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino, and Puerto Penasco are accessible under these restrictions.
States with Increased Caution
These states have increased risks to safety and security. The U.S. Department of State advises travelers to exercise increased caution when traveling to these areas.
Aguascalientes State – Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory Level: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime.
Summary: Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Aguascalientes. There are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in this state, but increased caution is advised for all travelers.
Baja California Sur State – Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory Level: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime.
Summary: Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout Baja California Sur. No specific travel restrictions are in place for U.S. government employees, but increased caution is recommended.
Coahuila State – Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory Level: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime.
Summary: Parts of Coahuila experience violent crime and gang activity. U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to several municipalities and face a midnight to 6:00 a.m. curfew in Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña. Other areas of Coahuila do not have specific restrictions for government employees, but increased caution is advised.
Durango State – Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory Level: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime.
Summary: Parts of Durango state are affected by violent crime and gang activity. U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling west and south of Federal Highway 45. Other areas of Durango do not have specific restrictions for government employees, but increased caution is advised.
Hidalgo State – Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory Level: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime.
Summary: Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Hidalgo state. No specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees are in place, but increased caution is advised.
Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory Level: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime.
Summary: Both violent and non-violent crime occur in Mexico City. Increased caution is advised, especially at night and outside tourist areas. Petty crime is frequent in both tourist and non-tourist areas. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees are in place in Mexico City.
Mexico State (Estado de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory Level: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime and kidnapping.
Summary: Both violent and non-violent crime are present in Mexico State. Exercise increased caution, particularly outside tourist areas. Petty crime is common even in tourist areas, and kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs has occurred. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Mexico State.
Nayarit State – Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory Level: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime.
Summary: Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Nayarit state. No specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, but increased caution is advised.
Nuevo Leon State – Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory Level: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime.
Summary: Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout Nuevo Leon. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in this state, but increased caution is advised.
Oaxaca State – Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory Level: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime.
Summary: Criminal activity and violence occur throughout Oaxaca. U.S. government employees are restricted from the Isthmus region and Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa. Tourist areas like Oaxaca City, Monte Alban, Puerto Escondido, and Huatulco are not under these restrictions for government employees, but increased caution is advised throughout the state.
Puebla State – Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory Level: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime and kidnapping.
Summary: Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout Puebla. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs has been reported. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Puebla, but increased caution is advised.
Queretaro State – Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory Level: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime.
Summary: Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Queretaro. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, but increased caution is advised.
Quintana Roo State – Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory Level: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime.
Summary: Criminal activity and violence can occur anywhere in Quintana Roo, including tourist destinations. While not targeted at tourists, gang shootings have injured and killed bystanders, including U.S. citizens, especially in Tulum where violent crime is increasing. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo. Exercise increased caution after dark in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, staying in well-lit tourist areas.
San Luis Potosi State – Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory Level: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime and kidnapping.
Summary: Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout San Luis Potosi. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs has been reported. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, but increased caution is advised.
Sonora State (Specific Tourist Areas) – Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory Level: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime.
Summary: While much of Sonora is under “Reconsider Travel,” tourist areas like Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino, and Puerto Penasco, accessible under specific restrictions for U.S. government employees, still require increased caution due to crime.
Tabasco State – Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory Level: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime.
Summary: Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Tabasco state. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, but increased caution is advised.
Tlaxcala State – Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory Level: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime.
Summary: Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout Tlaxcala. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, but increased caution is advised.
Veracruz State – Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory Level: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime.
Summary: Veracruz is seeing increasing violent crime and gang activity, particularly in the central and southern regions near Cordoba and Coatzacoalcos. While gang violence is mostly targeted, bystanders can be affected. Impromptu roadblocks are common. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Veracruz, but increased caution is advised.
States with Normal Precautions
These states are considered the safest in Mexico, where travelers should exercise normal precautions.
Campeche State – Exercise Normal Precautions
Advisory Level: Exercise Normal Precautions.
Summary: Campeche is considered generally safe for travel, with normal precautions advised. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Yucatan State – Exercise Normal Precautions
Advisory Level: Exercise Normal Precautions.
Summary: Yucatan is generally safe, and travelers should exercise normal precautions. Tourist areas include Chichen Itza, Merida, Uxmal, and Valladolid. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Yucatan.
Conclusion: Staying Safe in Mexico
Understanding the U.S. Department of State travel advisories is crucial for planning a safe trip to Mexico. While some states present significant risks and are advised against visiting, many popular tourist destinations are under lower advisory levels. Regardless of your destination within Mexico, being informed, prepared, and cautious is key.
Always consult the official U.S. Department of State website for the most up-to-date travel advisories and information before making your travel decisions. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, you can enjoy the beauty and culture of Mexico while minimizing potential risks. Remember that situations can change, and continuous vigilance is the best approach to safe and enjoyable travel.
Image alt text: Map of Mexico displaying U.S. Department of State travel advisory levels by state, ranging from Do Not Travel in red to Exercise Normal Precautions in green, providing a visual guide to safety risks across the country.
