Mexico, a vibrant country rich in culture and history, is a popular destination for travelers worldwide. However, like any country, it’s essential to be informed about safety and potential risks before you go. A common question for those planning a trip is: Are There Any Travel Advisories In Mexico? The answer is yes, and understanding these advisories is crucial for a safe and enjoyable trip. This guide, based on the latest information from the U.S. State Department, outlines the current travel advisories for Mexico, providing a state-by-state breakdown to help you plan your travels with confidence.
Mexico is a large and diverse nation, and the level of safety can vary significantly depending on the region you plan to visit. While some areas are generally safe for tourists, others carry higher risks due to crime and violence. It’s important to understand that the U.S. government issues travel advisories to inform U.S. citizens about potential safety and security issues in different countries. These advisories are not meant to deter travel entirely but rather to provide information so travelers can make informed decisions and take necessary precautions.
General Safety Concerns in Mexico
Across Mexico, violent crime, including homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery, is a serious concern. The U.S. government’s ability to provide emergency services to its citizens can be limited in many areas due to safety restrictions for U.S. government employees. In many Mexican states, emergency services outside of major cities are also limited.
U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico are strongly advised to be aware of their surroundings and exercise increased caution. Some general recommendations from the U.S. State Department include:
- Staying Informed: Keep up-to-date on travel advisories and warnings.
- Travel Restrictions for U.S. Government Employees: Pay attention to restrictions placed on U.S. government employee travel, as these reflect areas of higher risk. These restrictions often include prohibitions on intercity travel after dark, hailing taxis on the street, and traveling alone, especially in remote areas.
- Road Travel: Avoid driving alone or at night. Use toll roads whenever possible, as they are generally safer.
- Public Behavior: Exercise increased caution in local bars, nightclubs, and casinos. Avoid displaying signs of wealth.
- Financial Transactions: Be extra vigilant at banks and ATMs.
- Emergency Preparedness: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and facilitate location in emergencies. Share travel plans with family and friends and share GPS locations when separating from travel groups. If taking a taxi alone, send a photo of the taxi number to a friend.
- Health and Safety: Review the CDC page for the latest travel health information and prepare a contingency plan for emergencies. Mariners should check for maritime advisories.
Mexico Travel Advisory Levels: A State-by-State Breakdown
The U.S. State Department categorizes Mexican states into four advisory levels:
- Do Not Travel: This is the highest advisory level, recommending U.S. citizens not to travel to these states due to extreme safety risks.
- Reconsider Travel: This level advises travelers to reconsider their plans due to significant risks.
- Exercise Increased Caution: This is for areas with elevated risks where travelers should be more vigilant and take extra precautions.
- Exercise Normal Precautions: This is the lowest advisory level, suggesting travelers can proceed with normal safety awareness.
Here’s a breakdown of the current travel advisories for each state in Mexico:
States to Do Not Travel To:
- Colima State: Due to high levels of crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are widespread, with frequent assassinations and shootings.
- Guerrero State: Due to widespread crime. Armed groups operate independently, maintain roadblocks, and pose a risk of violence and kidnapping to travelers. This includes tourist hotspots like Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Taxco, and Ixtapa.
- Michoacan State: Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping. Crime and violence are widespread. U.S. government employee travel is severely restricted, even in tourist areas like parts of the Monarch Butterfly Reserve.
- Sinaloa State: Do not travel due to crime. Violent crime is widespread, and criminal organizations are heavily active throughout the state. Even in Mazatlan and Los Mochis, travel for U.S. government employees is limited to specific tourist zones and by air or sea.
- Tamaulipas State: Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping. Organized crime is rampant, with gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, and extortion common, especially along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria.
- Zacatecas State: Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread. U.S. government employee travel is limited to Zacatecas City proper, and overland travel is prohibited.
States to Reconsider Travel To:
- Baja California State: Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping. Transnational criminal organizations are active, leading to violent crime and gang activity, especially in non-tourist areas of Tijuana and the Mexicali Valley. However, major tourist areas like Tijuana, Ensenada, and Rosarito are included in areas where U.S. government employees have no travel restrictions.
- Chiapas State: Reconsider travel due to crime. Criminal activity and violence are present throughout the state. U.S. government employees are restricted from certain municipalities and regions, particularly in the southeastern area.
- Chihuahua State: Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common, including in areas frequented by tourists like restaurants and malls. Copper Canyon is among the areas U.S. government employees cannot travel to.
- Guanajuato State: Reconsider travel due to crime. Gang violence, often related to fuel theft, is prevalent, especially in the southern and central parts of the state. However, tourist hotspots like San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City are areas where U.S. government employees have no travel restrictions.
- Jalisco State: Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common, with territorial disputes occurring even in tourist areas of Guadalajara. However, popular tourist areas like Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Ajijic are areas with no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
- Morelos State: Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are present in parts of the state.
- Sonora State: Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping. Sonora is a key area for drug and human trafficking, resulting in widespread violent crime. Travelers should be highly aware of their surroundings. Copper Canyon is among the areas U.S. government employees cannot travel to.
States to Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To:
- Aguascalientes State: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.
- Baja California Sur State: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.
- Coahuila State: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity occur in parts of the state, with specific municipalities restricted for U.S. government employees.
- Durango State: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Durango. Areas west and south of Federal Highway 45 are restricted for U.S. government employees.
- Hidalgo State: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.
- Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico): Exercise increased caution due to crime. Both violent and non-violent crime are present, with petty crime common in tourist areas.
- Mexico State (Estado de Mexico): Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping. Both violent and non-violent crime are present.
- Nayarit State: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.
- Nuevo Leon State: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.
- Oaxaca State: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state, with specific regions restricted for U.S. government employees, like the Isthmus region and certain highways. However, tourist areas like Oaxaca City, Monte Alban, Puerto Escondido, and Huatulco are not restricted.
- Puebla State: Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.
- Queretaro State: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.
- Quintana Roo State: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence, including shootings between rival gangs, can occur even in tourist destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Increased caution is advised, especially after dark.
- San Luis Potosi State: Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.
- Tabasco State: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.
- Tlaxcala State: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.
- Veracruz State: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity are increasing, particularly in the central and southern parts. Impromptu roadblocks are common.
States to Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To:
- Campeche State: Exercise normal precautions. This state is considered generally safe for travel.
- Yucatan State: Exercise normal precautions. Yucatan, including popular tourist sites like Chichen Itza, Merida, Uxmal, and Valladolid, is generally safe for travelers.
Staying Safe in Mexico: Key Takeaways
While travel advisories can seem alarming, it’s important to remember that millions of tourists visit Mexico safely each year. By staying informed, being vigilant, and taking sensible precautions, you can significantly minimize risks and enjoy your trip.
Here are some crucial safety tips to keep in mind when traveling in Mexico:
- Register with STEP: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive alerts and make it easier for the U.S. embassy to assist you in an emergency.
- Share Your Plans: Inform family and friends about your itinerary and stay in regular contact.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Pay attention to your surroundings at all times, especially in crowded areas, markets, and public transportation.
- Avoid High-Risk Areas: Be aware of the specific areas within states that carry higher risks and consider avoiding them if possible.
- Use Safe Transportation: Opt for reputable transportation services, avoid hailing taxis on the street in higher-risk areas, and consider using app-based services or dispatched taxis.
- Travel During Daylight: If driving, do so during daylight hours and use toll roads.
- Secure Accommodations: Choose accommodations in safer areas and ensure they have good security measures.
- Limit Alcohol and Drug Use: Excessive alcohol or drug consumption can impair judgment and make you more vulnerable.
- Don’t Flash Valuables: Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, watches, or electronics that could make you a target for theft.
- Be Cautious with ATMs: Use ATMs in secure locations, preferably inside banks or well-lit, busy areas.
- Learn Basic Spanish: Knowing basic Spanish phrases can be helpful in navigating situations and communicating with locals.
- Trust Your Instincts: If a situation feels unsafe, remove yourself from it immediately.
Conclusion
So, are there any travel advisories in Mexico? Yes, there are, and they vary significantly by state. Understanding these advisories and taking appropriate precautions is key to having a safe and memorable trip to Mexico. While some states require extreme caution or are best avoided, many popular tourist destinations are generally safe when travelers remain vigilant and informed. Always check the U.S. State Department’s website for the most up-to-date travel advisories before planning your trip to Mexico, as situations can change. By staying informed and prepared, you can confidently explore the beauty and culture Mexico has to offer.
