Mexico, a vibrant country rich in culture, history, and stunning landscapes, is a popular destination for travelers worldwide. However, like any country, it’s essential to be aware of safety concerns and travel advisories to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. The U.S. Department of State regularly issues travel advisories for Mexico, categorizing states based on safety levels, ranging from “Exercise Normal Precautions” to “Do Not Travel”. Understanding these advisories, particularly the “Us Do Not Travel List,” is crucial for informed travel planning.
This guide provides an overview of the current U.S. travel advisory for Mexico, focusing on states listed under the “Do Not Travel” recommendation and offering broader safety advice for navigating travel in Mexico. This information is derived from official U.S. government sources and aims to provide travelers with a comprehensive understanding of safety considerations, helping you make informed decisions about your trip to Mexico.
Understanding US Travel Advisories for Mexico
The U.S. Department of State employs a tiered system to advise U.S. citizens about safety and security risks in different countries and regions. For Mexico, these levels are:
- Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions: This is the lowest advisory level, suggesting that while there are general safety concerns present in any country, the risk is no higher than what you would experience at home.
- Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution: This level indicates a higher degree of risk than usual. Travelers are advised to be more aware of their surroundings and take extra safety precautions.
- Level 3: Reconsider Travel: This signifies significant risks. The Department of State advises travelers to reconsider their plans and avoid travel to these areas if possible.
- Level 4: Do Not Travel: This is the highest advisory level. It means there is a very high risk to safety and security. The U.S. government strongly advises against traveling to these areas. In some cases, the U.S. government may have limited ability to provide assistance to U.S. citizens in these locations.
It’s important to note that these advisories are primarily for the safety and security of U.S. citizens and government employees. They reflect the U.S. government’s assessment of risks based on crime, violence, and other factors.
States on the US “Do Not Travel” List: High-Risk Destinations in Mexico
Currently, as per the latest advisory, several Mexican states are categorized under the “Do Not Travel” (Level 4) advisory. These states are considered the most dangerous due to widespread crime, violence, and in some cases, kidnapping. It’s critical to heed these warnings and avoid non-essential travel to these regions.
The states currently on the “us do not travel list” are:
1. Colima State: Do Not Travel
Reason for “Do Not Travel” Advisory: Crime and Kidnapping.
Colima is plagued by widespread violent crime and gang activity. Homicides, often targeted assassinations by criminal organizations, are rampant. Innocent bystanders have been caught in the crossfire of shootings between criminal groups. Kidnapping is also a significant concern, with U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs) being victims.
Restrictions for US Government Employees: Travel is severely restricted, limited to tourist and port areas of Manzanillo and specific routes when accessing Manzanillo from Guadalajara. All other areas of Colima state are off-limits for U.S. government personnel.
2. Guerrero State: Do Not Travel
Reason for “Do Not Travel” Advisory: Crime.
Guerrero experiences widespread crime and violence. Armed groups operate outside government control in many areas, frequently setting up roadblocks and resorting to violence against travelers. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs has occurred in the past.
Restrictions for US Government Employees: U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to any part of Guerrero state, including popular tourist destinations like Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Taxco, and Ixtapa.
3. Michoacan State: Do Not Travel
Reason for “Do Not Travel” Advisory: Crime and Kidnapping.
Michoacan is characterized by widespread crime and violence.
Restrictions for US Government Employees: U.S. government employee travel is highly restricted, limited to Federal Highway 15D for transit, the city of Morelia (accessible by air and specific highways from 15D), and Lazaro Cardenas (air travel and limited to city center/port areas). All other areas of Michoacan, including parts of the Monarch Butterfly Reserve within the state, are off-limits.
4. Sinaloa State: Do Not Travel
Reason for “Do Not Travel” Advisory: Crime.
Sinaloa is home to powerful criminal organizations, and violent crime is widespread throughout the state.
Restrictions for US Government Employees: Travel is severely restricted to Mazatlan (accessible by air or sea, limited to Zona Dorada and historic center), and Los Mochis/Topolobampo (air or sea access, restricted to city and port areas). All other areas of Sinaloa are prohibited for U.S. government employees.
5. Tamaulipas State: Do Not Travel
Reason for “Do Not Travel” Advisory: Crime and Kidnapping.
Tamaulipas, particularly along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria, is heavily impacted by organized crime. Gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault are common. Criminal groups frequently target public and private buses and cars, often kidnapping passengers for ransom.
Restrictions for US Government Employees: Travel is extremely limited to a small radius around U.S. Consulates in Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo, their residences, U.S. Ports of Entry, and limited downtown areas, with overnight curfews. Overland travel between cities in Tamaulipas is forbidden.
6. Zacatecas State: Do Not Travel
Reason for “Do Not Travel” Advisory: Crime and Kidnapping.
Zacatecas is experiencing widespread violent crime, extortion, and gang activity. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs is a concern.
Restrictions for US Government Employees: U.S. government employee travel is limited to Zacatecas City proper, accessible only by air. Overland travel to Zacatecas City and travel to all other areas of Zacatecas state are prohibited.
States to Reconsider Travel To: Exercise High Caution
Beyond the “Do Not Travel” list, several states are under a “Reconsider Travel” (Level 3) advisory. These areas present significant risks, and travelers should carefully weigh the necessity of visiting them.
These states include:
- Baja California
- Chiapas
- Chihuahua
- Guanajuato
- Jalisco
- Morelos
- Oaxaca
- Sonora
In these states, crime, kidnapping, and gang violence are significant concerns. While some tourist areas within these states might be considered safer, it’s crucial to research specific destinations, remain vigilant, and adhere to safety precautions. For instance, while Guanajuato state is under “Reconsider Travel,” tourist hotspots like San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City are often considered relatively safer, but caution is still advised, especially in areas south of Federal Highway 45D. Similarly, Jalisco, despite the advisory, includes popular destinations like Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, where increased caution is necessary due to cartel activity.
States with Increased Caution: Be Aware and Prepared
A large number of Mexican states are under “Exercise Increased Caution” (Level 2) advisory. This doesn’t mean these areas are safe, but rather that the risk level is more manageable with heightened awareness and preventative measures.
These states are:
- Aguascalientes
- Baja California Sur
- Durango
- Hidalgo
- Mexico City
- Mexico State
- Nayarit
- Nuevo Leon
- Puebla
- Queretaro
- Quintana Roo
- San Luis Potosi
- Tabasco
- Tlaxcala
- Veracruz
Even in popular tourist states like Quintana Roo, home to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, the advisory urges increased caution due to criminal activity, including gang-related shootings that have affected bystanders. Mexico City and Mexico State, while heavily policed in tourist zones, also require increased caution due to both violent and non-violent crime.
States with Normal Precautions: Relatively Safer Travel
Only two states in Mexico currently fall under the “Exercise Normal Precautions” (Level 1) advisory:
- Campeche
- Yucatan
These states, particularly Yucatan with tourist destinations like Chichen Itza, Merida, and Valladolid, are generally considered the safest for travel in Mexico. However, even here, exercising standard safety precautions is always recommended.
General Safety Tips for Traveling to Mexico
Regardless of the specific state you plan to visit in Mexico, adopting safe travel practices is paramount. The U.S. Department of State provides the following general advice for those who decide to travel to Mexico:
- Stay Informed: Keep travel companions and family informed of your itinerary. Share your GPS location with a friend if separating from your group. If taking a taxi alone, photograph the taxi number/license plate and text it to a contact.
- Transportation Safety: Utilize toll roads whenever possible. Avoid driving alone or at night. Be aware that police and emergency services may be limited outside major cities. For U.S. government employees, specific restrictions apply, including prohibitions on hailing taxis and driving between cities after dark.
- Vigilance in Public Places: Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos. Avoid displaying signs of wealth like expensive jewelry. Be extra cautious at banks and ATMs.
- Enroll in STEP: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and facilitate location in emergencies.
- Follow Official Channels: Stay updated by following the Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico on social media for real-time alerts and information.
- Review Security Reports: Consult the Country Security Report for Mexico for in-depth safety information.
- Maritime Travel: Mariners should check for maritime advisories and alerts, and understand procedures for reporting suspicious activities to Mexican naval authorities.
- Emergency Planning: Prepare a contingency plan for emergencies and 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.
By staying informed, prepared, and cautious, travelers can mitigate risks and enhance their safety while exploring the diverse and beautiful country of Mexico. Understanding the “us do not travel list” and overall travel advisories is the first crucial step in planning a safer trip.
Disclaimer: Travel advisories are subject to change. Always consult the official U.S. Department of State website for the most up-to-date information before planning and undertaking travel to Mexico.
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