For US residents considering a trip south of the border, understanding the current travel landscape is crucial. Mexico is a vibrant country with diverse regions, each offering unique experiences. However, it’s also essential to be aware of safety concerns and travel advisories to ensure a secure and enjoyable trip. This guide provides information to help you make informed decisions about your travel plans.
General Safety Considerations
Violent crime, including homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery, is a significant concern in Mexico. The US government often has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in certain areas, and local emergency services might be limited outside major cities. Therefore, vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines are paramount.
General Recommendations for U.S. Citizens Traveling to Mexico:
- Keep travel companions and family informed of your itinerary. Share your GPS location if separating from your group.
- If using taxis, especially alone, photograph the taxi number and/or license plate and send it to a friend.
- Utilize toll roads whenever possible.
- Avoid driving alone or at night.
- Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
- Avoid displaying signs of wealth like expensive watches or jewelry.
- Be extra vigilant at banks and ATMs.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for alerts and easier location in emergencies.
- Stay informed by following the Department of State and the U.S. Embassy on social media.
- Review the Country Security Report for Mexico.
- Mariners should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations and review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- Consult the CDC page for the latest travel health information.
State-Specific Travel Advisories
The US Department of State issues travel advisories for each Mexican state, categorizing them based on the level of risk. These advisories range from “Exercise Normal Precautions” to “Do Not Travel.” Understanding these advisories is critical for planning a safe trip. Note that U.S. government employees are subject to specific travel restrictions in many states. While these restrictions don’t directly apply to private U.S. citizens, they provide valuable insight into the security situation in different areas.
Here’s a summary of the advisories as of the latest update:
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Do Not Travel: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas
These states are considered the most dangerous due to high levels of crime and violence. U.S. government employees are generally prohibited from traveling to these states, with very limited exceptions for specific areas like parts of Mazatlan (Sinaloa).
Alt text: Coastal view of Mazatlan Malecon, Sinaloa, Mexico, under bright sunlight.
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Reconsider Travel: Baja California, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Morelos, Sonora
These states have significant safety concerns, including crime and kidnapping. Travelers should carefully weigh the risks and consider postponing travel. Some popular tourist destinations may fall within these states, but restrictions on U.S. government employee travel indicate areas of heightened risk.
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Exercise Increased Caution: Aguascalientes, Baja California Sur, Durango, Hidalgo, Mexico City, Mexico State, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosi, Tabasco, Tlaxcala, Veracruz
These states have some level of criminal activity, and travelers should be vigilant and aware of their surroundings. Popular tourist areas like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum (in Quintana Roo) require increased caution, especially after dark.
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Exercise Normal Precautions: Campeche, Yucatan
These states are considered relatively safe, and travelers can generally exercise normal precautions. Yucatan, home to Chichen Itza and Merida, is often considered one of the safest states in Mexico.
Specific State Advisories and Restrictions
Here’s a more detailed look at some key states and their specific advisories. Keep in mind that this information is subject to change, so always check the latest updates from the U.S. Department of State before traveling.
- Baja California: Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping, especially in Tijuana. However, high-traffic tourist areas like Ensenada and Rosarito do not have specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Alt text: Exterior of Rosarito Beach Hotel on a sunny day, Baja California, Mexico.
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Chiapas: Reconsider travel due to crime. U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to certain areas in the southeastern region and the municipality of Ocozocoautla.
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Chihuahua: Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common. U.S. government employee travel is limited to specific areas within Ciudad Juarez and the city of Chihuahua.
Alt text: Aerial view of Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, cityscape with mountains in the background.
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Guanajuato: Reconsider travel due to crime. Gang violence is prevalent, particularly in the southern and central areas. U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling south of Federal Highway 45D, including Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato. Tourist areas in San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City are not subject to these restrictions.
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Jalisco: Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of the state. U.S. government employees face restrictions on travel near the Jalisco-Michoacan border and Federal Highway 110. However, tourist areas in the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area and Puerto Vallarta (including Riviera Nayarit) are not affected by these restrictions.
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Oaxaca: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime. The Isthmus region and Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa have travel restrictions for U.S. government employees. Tourist areas like Oaxaca City, Monte Alban, Puerto Escondido, and Huatulco do not have these restrictions.
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Quintana Roo: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime. While there are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo, increased caution is advised after dark in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.
Staying Informed
The security situation in Mexico can change rapidly. Before traveling, consult the following resources for the most up-to-date information:
- U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories: This is the primary source for official travel advisories and safety information.
- U.S. Embassy in Mexico: The U.S. Embassy website provides information about safety and security in Mexico, as well as contact information for emergency assistance.
- Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): Enroll in STEP to receive alerts and make it easier for the U.S. Embassy to locate you in an emergency.
- News Media: Stay informed about current events and security conditions in the areas you plan to visit.
Traveling to Mexico can be a rewarding experience, but it’s essential to be aware of the risks and take appropriate precautions. By staying informed, following safety guidelines, and exercising good judgment, you can increase your chances of having a safe and enjoyable trip.
