Mexico, a land of vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and rich history, consistently ranks high on travelers’ bucket lists. From the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza to the bustling streets of Mexico City and the serene coastlines of Cancun, Mexico offers a diverse range of experiences. However, alongside its allure, questions about safety often arise, especially with headlines highlighting crime and travel advisories. So, Is It Ok To Travel To Mexico in 2024? This comprehensive guide breaks down the realities of travel safety in Mexico, offering insights to help you make informed decisions and plan a secure and unforgettable trip.
Mexico is a large and diverse country, and safety levels vary significantly from region to region. It’s essential to understand the current landscape of travel risks, not to be deterred, but to be well-prepared. This guide is based on the latest travel advisories and provides a detailed state-by-state overview, empowering you with the knowledge to navigate your Mexican adventure safely. We’ll explore the areas with increased caution, those to reconsider visiting, and even the regions where normal precautions are sufficient, ensuring you can confidently answer the question: “Is it safe for me to travel to Mexico, and where?”. Let’s delve into the details to help you plan your trip with peace of mind.
Understanding Travel Safety in Mexico: A State-by-State Breakdown
The safety situation in Mexico is nuanced and highly dependent on the specific location. While some areas experience high levels of criminal activity, others remain relatively safe for tourists. It’s crucial to avoid generalizations and understand the specific risks associated with each state. The U.S. State Department provides travel advisories for each Mexican state, categorizing them into different levels of caution based on crime and safety risks. These levels are:
- Do Not Travel: This is the highest advisory level, recommending against travel to these states due to extremely high risk of crime and violence.
- Reconsider Travel: This level advises travelers to reconsider their plans due to significant risks of crime and kidnapping.
- Exercise Increased Caution: This is a moderate advisory level, suggesting travelers be more vigilant and aware of their surroundings due to crime.
- Exercise Normal Precautions: This is the lowest advisory level, indicating that while normal safety awareness is advised, the risks are generally lower compared to other regions.
Let’s examine each state based on these advisory levels to provide a clearer picture of travel safety across Mexico.
States Where Travel is Not Recommended
These states carry the highest risk level (“Do Not Travel”) due to widespread crime, violence, and kidnapping. Travel to these areas is strongly discouraged.
Colima State – Do Not Travel
Colima state is under a “Do Not Travel” advisory due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are widespread throughout the state. The advisory highlights that most homicides are targeted assassinations between criminal organizations, but innocent bystanders can be caught in the crossfire. Kidnapping is also a serious concern for both U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents (LPRs).
Travel for U.S. government employees is severely restricted, limited only to tourist and port areas of Manzanillo and requiring specific routes and daylight travel. This strong advisory underscores the significant safety risks in Colima, making it unsuitable for tourist travel at this time.
Guerrero State – Do Not Travel
Guerrero state is also designated as “Do Not Travel” due to crime. The advisory points to widespread crime and violence, with armed groups operating independently of the government in many areas. These groups frequently set up roadblocks and have been known to use violence against travelers. Kidnapping remains a serious concern in Guerrero, with past incidents involving U.S. citizens and LPRs.
U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to any area in Guerrero, including major tourist destinations like Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Taxco, and Ixtapa. This blanket prohibition reflects the severe safety concerns across the entire state, making it highly unsafe for general tourist travel.
Michoacan State – Do Not Travel
Michoacan state is another “Do Not Travel” area because of crime and kidnapping. Crime and violence are described as widespread throughout Michoacan. Similar to other “Do Not Travel” states, U.S. government employees face significant travel restrictions, limited to specific routes like Federal Highway 15D for transit, air travel to Morelia and Lazaro Cardenas, with activities in Lazaro Cardenas confined to city center or port areas.
The advisory explicitly mentions that U.S. government employees cannot travel to other areas of Michoacan, including parts of the Monarch Butterfly Reserve located within the state. The extensive restrictions and high-risk designation make Michoacan unsuitable for most tourists.
Sinaloa State – Do Not Travel
Sinaloa state is under a “Do Not Travel” advisory due to crime. Violent crime is described as widespread, with criminal organizations based and operating within the state. This includes the infamous Sinaloa Cartel, historically led by Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman.
Travel for U.S. government employees is heavily restricted to specific areas like Mazatlan (Zona Dorada and historic center), Los Mochis, and Topolobampo, accessible only by air or sea and with direct routes to airports and sea terminals. The strong presence of organized crime and high levels of violence make Sinaloa extremely risky for general travel.
Tamaulipas State – Do Not Travel
Tamaulipas state carries a “Do Not Travel” advisory due to crime and kidnapping. Organized crime activity is rampant, including gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault, particularly along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. Criminal groups frequently target public and private buses and private vehicles, often kidnapping passengers for ransom.
Heavily armed criminal groups operate with impunity, especially in the border region from Reynosa to Nuevo Laredo. Local law enforcement has limited capacity in these areas. U.S. government employee travel is severely restricted to limited areas around U.S. consulates in Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo and specific routes, subject to curfews. Overland travel between cities within Tamaulipas is prohibited. The pervasive and intense criminal activity in Tamaulipas makes it exceptionally dangerous for travel.
Zacatecas State – Do Not Travel
Zacatecas state is also designated as “Do Not Travel” due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread. Kidnapping is a significant risk for U.S. citizens and LPRs.
U.S. government employee travel is limited to Zacatecas City proper, accessible only by air, with overland travel to the city prohibited. Travel to all other areas of Zacatecas state is forbidden for U.S. government employees. The widespread violent crime and high kidnapping risk render Zacatecas highly unsafe for tourists.
States Where Travel Should Be Reconsidered
These states fall under the “Reconsider Travel” advisory, indicating significant risks of crime and kidnapping. Travel to these areas should be carefully evaluated, and if undertaken, requires heightened vigilance and caution.
Baja California State – Reconsider Travel
Baja California state is advised as “Reconsider Travel” due to crime and kidnapping. Transnational criminal organizations are active in the border area, involved in narco-trafficking and human smuggling. Violent crime and gang activity are common. Tijuana, particularly non-tourist areas, has a high homicide rate. While many homicides are targeted, bystanders can be harmed. Kidnapping is also a risk for U.S. citizens and LPRs.
U.S. government employees face restrictions, especially in the Mexicali Valley, which they are advised to avoid due to cartel violence. However, tourist areas like Tijuana, Ensenada, and Rosarito are not under specific employee travel restrictions within Baja California state, although the general advisory to reconsider travel still applies to these areas for general tourists. Travelers to Baja California, even in tourist zones, should exercise increased caution and be aware of their surroundings.
Chiapas State – Reconsider Travel
Chiapas state is under a “Reconsider Travel” advisory due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state.
U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to the municipality of Ocozocoautla and specific southeastern regions of Chiapas. However, travel to Tapachula city limits and Highway 225 from Port Chiapas to Tapachula, including the Tapachula Airport, is permitted. While some tourist areas might be outside restricted zones, the general “Reconsider Travel” advisory suggests caution throughout Chiapas due to ongoing criminal activity. Travelers should research specific destinations within Chiapas and stay informed about current safety conditions.
Chihuahua State – Reconsider Travel
Chihuahua state is advised to “Reconsider Travel” due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common. Most homicides are targeted, but territorial battles between criminal groups can result in violence in areas frequented by U.S. citizens, including restaurants and malls, even during daylight hours. Bystanders have been injured or killed in shootings, and kidnapping is a risk for U.S. citizens and LPRs.
U.S. government employee travel is limited to specific areas within major cities like Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua City, and certain highways, with detailed restrictions on routes and permissible stops. Copper Canyon and other areas of Chihuahua are off-limits for U.S. government employees. While parts of Chihuahua are accessible with caution, the “Reconsider Travel” advisory highlights the overall risk and the need for careful planning and awareness.
Guanajuato State – Reconsider Travel
Guanajuato state is under a “Reconsider Travel” advisory due to crime. Gang violence, often linked to fuel theft from the state oil company, is prevalent, particularly in the south and central areas. The southern region has a high number of cartel-related murders. Kidnapping is also a concern for U.S. citizens and LPRs.
U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to areas south of Federal Highway 45D, including Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato. However, tourist areas such as San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato City, and surrounding areas are not under these restrictions for U.S. government employees. Despite the accessibility of tourist centers, the “Reconsider Travel” advisory indicates a need for vigilance and awareness of the broader crime situation in Guanajuato, especially outside of well-known tourist zones.
Jalisco State – Reconsider Travel
Jalisco state is advised to “Reconsider Travel” due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Jalisco. Guadalajara sees territorial battles between criminal groups, sometimes in tourist areas, and innocent bystanders have been injured or killed in shootings. Kidnapping is also a risk.
U.S. government employees are restricted from the Jalisco-Michoacan border region and Federal Highway 110, and Federal Highway 80 south of Cocula. However, major tourist areas including Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, Puerto Vallarta (and Riviera Nayarit), Chapala, and Ajijic are not under these restrictions for U.S. government employees. While popular tourist destinations in Jalisco are generally considered safer, the “Reconsider Travel” advisory suggests travelers remain cautious and aware of potential risks, particularly in less-traveled areas and at night.
Morelos State – Reconsider Travel
Morelos state is under a “Reconsider Travel” advisory due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Morelos. Kidnapping is a risk for U.S. citizens and LPRs.
There are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Morelos state. Despite the lack of employee restrictions, the “Reconsider Travel” advisory indicates an elevated risk level for all travelers due to crime and kidnapping concerns. Tourists should exercise increased caution throughout Morelos.
Sonora State – Reconsider Travel
Sonora state is advised to “Reconsider Travel” due to crime and kidnapping. Sonora is a key area for international drug trade and human trafficking. Violent crime is widespread, and kidnapping is a risk for U.S. citizens and LPRs. Travelers are advised to maintain heightened awareness throughout Sonora.
U.S. government employees face numerous travel restrictions within Sonora, including specific routes between cities (like Hermosillo and Nogales), areas within cities (like Nogales), and restrictions on using taxis and public transport in several locations due to safety concerns. However, tourist areas such as Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino, and Puerto Penasco are accessible to U.S. government employees under certain conditions. The “Reconsider Travel” advisory and extensive employee restrictions underscore the significant safety risks in Sonora, requiring careful planning and adherence to safety guidelines even in tourist areas.
States Where Increased Caution is Advised
These states are under the “Exercise Increased Caution” advisory, indicating that while risks are present, they are generally lower than in “Reconsider Travel” or “Do Not Travel” states. Travelers should be vigilant and take extra precautions in these areas.
Aguascalientes State – Exercise Increased Caution
Aguascalientes state is advised to “Exercise Increased Caution” due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.
There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Aguascalientes. While no specific restrictions are in place, the “Increased Caution” advisory suggests travelers should be aware of potential crime and take standard safety precautions.
Baja California Sur State – Exercise Increased Caution
Baja California Sur state is under an “Exercise Increased Caution” advisory due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.
There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Baja California Sur. Despite the absence of employee restrictions, the “Increased Caution” advisory indicates a need for vigilance. While popular tourist destinations like Cabo San Lucas and La Paz are located here, travelers should still be aware of potential crime and take precautions.
Coahuila State – Exercise Increased Caution
Coahuila state is advised to “Exercise Increased Caution” due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity occur in parts of Coahuila.
U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to several municipalities (Zaragoza, Morelos, Allende, Nava, Jimenez, Villa Union, Guerrero, and Hidalgo). In Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña, employee travel is permitted with a midnight to 6:00 a.m. curfew. While some areas are restricted for employees, the “Increased Caution” advisory applies to the entire state, suggesting travelers should be mindful of crime risks, especially in certain regions.
Durango State – Exercise Increased Caution
Durango state is under an “Exercise Increased Caution” advisory 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. While a significant portion of Durango is restricted for employees, the “Increased Caution” advisory applies to the entire state. Travelers should be aware of potential risks and exercise caution, particularly when venturing outside major cities or traveling in restricted zones.
Hidalgo State – Exercise Increased Caution
Hidalgo state is advised to “Exercise Increased Caution” due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.
There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Hidalgo state. Despite the lack of employee restrictions, the “Increased Caution” advisory indicates a general need for travelers to be aware of potential crime and take standard safety measures.
Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution
Mexico City is under an “Exercise Increased Caution” advisory due to crime. Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico City. Travelers are advised to use extra caution, especially at night and outside tourist areas, where police presence is less routine. Petty crime is frequent in both tourist and non-tourist areas.
There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Mexico City. The “Increased Caution” advisory highlights the risk of crime in the capital, urging travelers to be vigilant, particularly regarding petty theft and when exploring areas outside typical tourist paths.
Mexico State (Estado de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution
Mexico State (Estado de Mexico) is advised to “Exercise Increased Caution” due to crime and kidnapping. Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout the state. Caution is advised outside of tourist areas, although petty crime is common even in tourist zones. Kidnapping is a risk for U.S. citizens and LPRs.
There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Mexico State. The “Increased Caution” advisory, particularly highlighting kidnapping risks, suggests travelers be extra vigilant throughout Mexico State, even in popular tourist areas like Teotihuacan.
Nayarit State – Exercise Increased Caution
Nayarit state is under an “Exercise Increased Caution” advisory due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout Nayarit state.
There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Nayarit. Despite the lack of employee restrictions, the “Increased Caution” advisory indicates that travelers should be aware of potential crime and take standard safety precautions throughout Nayarit, including tourist areas like Sayulita and San Pancho.
Nuevo Leon State – Exercise Increased Caution
Nuevo Leon state is advised to “Exercise Increased Caution” due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.
There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Nuevo Leon state. The “Increased Caution” advisory suggests travelers be mindful of potential crime throughout Nuevo Leon, including in Monterrey and popular mountain destinations, and take appropriate safety measures.
Oaxaca State – Exercise Increased Caution
Oaxaca state is under an “Exercise Increased Caution” advisory due to crime. Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state.
U.S. government employees are restricted from the Isthmus region and Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa. However, tourist areas like Oaxaca City, Monte Alban, Puerto Escondido, and Huatulco are not under these restrictions for U.S. government employees. While parts of Oaxaca are restricted for employees, the “Increased Caution” advisory applies to the entire state, suggesting travelers should be aware of potential crime and exercise caution, especially when traveling in restricted zones or less-visited areas.
Puebla State – Exercise Increased Caution
Puebla state is advised to “Exercise Increased Caution” due to crime and kidnapping. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. Kidnapping is a risk for U.S. citizens and LPRs.
There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Puebla state. The “Increased Caution” advisory, including the mention of kidnapping risks, suggests travelers be vigilant throughout Puebla, including in Puebla City and historical towns, and take appropriate safety measures.
Queretaro State – Exercise Increased Caution
Queretaro state is under an “Exercise Increased Caution” advisory due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.
There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Queretaro state. The “Increased Caution” advisory suggests travelers should be aware of potential crime and take standard safety precautions in Queretaro, including in Queretaro City and San Miguel de Allende (though San Miguel de Allende is geographically in Guanajuato, it is often accessed via Queretaro).
Quintana Roo State – Exercise Increased Caution
Quintana Roo state is advised to “Exercise Increased Caution” due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur anywhere, at any time, including in popular tourist destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. While not targeted at tourists, shootings between rival gangs have injured and killed bystanders, including U.S. citizens. Violent crime, including homicides and assaults, has increased in Tulum.
There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo state. However, increased caution is advised after dark in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, urging travelers to remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones. The “Increased Caution” advisory emphasizes that even in major tourist hotspots of the Riviera Maya, crime is a concern, and travelers should be vigilant, particularly at night and regarding gang-related violence.
San Luis Potosi State – Exercise Increased Caution
San Luis Potosi state is under an “Exercise Increased Caution” advisory due to crime and kidnapping. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. Kidnapping is a risk for U.S. citizens and LPRs.
There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in San Luis Potosi state. The “Increased Caution” advisory, highlighting kidnapping risks, suggests travelers be vigilant throughout San Luis Potosi, including in San Luis Potosi City and the Huasteca Potosina region, and take appropriate safety measures.
Tabasco State – Exercise Increased Caution
Tabasco state is advised to “Exercise Increased Caution” due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.
There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Tabasco state. The “Increased Caution” advisory indicates travelers should be aware of potential crime and take standard safety precautions throughout Tabasco, including Villahermosa and Palenque (though Palenque is geographically in Chiapas, it is often accessed via Tabasco).
Tlaxcala State – Exercise Increased Caution
Tlaxcala state is under an “Exercise Increased Caution” advisory due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.
There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Tlaxcala state. The “Increased Caution” advisory suggests travelers should be aware of potential crime and take standard safety precautions in Tlaxcala, often considered one of Mexico’s smallest and safest states, but still requiring general awareness.
Veracruz State – Exercise Increased Caution
Veracruz state is advised to “Exercise Increased Caution” due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity are increasing in Veracruz, especially in the central and southern parts near Cordoba and Coatzacoalcos. While most gang violence is targeted, bystanders can be affected. Impromptu roadblocks demanding payment are common.
There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Veracruz state. The “Increased Caution” advisory highlights the rising crime, particularly gang-related activity and roadblocks, urging travelers to be vigilant throughout Veracruz, especially in central and southern regions.
States Where Normal Precautions Can Be Exercised
These states are under the “Exercise Normal Precautions” advisory, representing the lowest risk level in Mexico. While normal safety awareness is always recommended, these states are considered generally safer for travel compared to others with higher advisories.
Campeche State – Exercise Normal Precautions
Campeche state is advised to “Exercise Normal Precautions”. There are no specific safety concerns highlighted in the advisory.
There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Campeche state. The “Normal Precautions” advisory indicates that Campeche is considered a relatively safe state for travel, and standard safety awareness is generally sufficient.
Yucatan State – Exercise Normal Precautions
Yucatan state is also advised to “Exercise Normal Precautions”. No specific safety concerns are highlighted in the advisory.
There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Yucatan state, which includes major tourist destinations like Chichen Itza, Merida, Uxmal, and Valladolid. The “Normal Precautions” advisory indicates that Yucatan, home to the popular Riviera Maya and colonial cities, is considered one of the safest states in Mexico, requiring only standard travel safety awareness.
General Safety Tips for Traveling in Mexico
Regardless of the specific state you plan to visit in Mexico, adopting safe travel practices is essential. Here are some general safety tips to enhance your security and peace of mind:
- Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest travel advisories and news regarding your destination. The U.S. State Department website and reputable news sources are valuable resources.
- Share Your Plans: Inform family or friends about 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 send it to a friend.
- Use Toll Roads and Avoid Night Driving: When driving, prefer toll roads (cuotas) as they are generally safer and better maintained than free roads (libres). Avoid driving alone or at night whenever possible.
- Be Cautious in Entertainment Venues: Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos, as these can sometimes be areas with higher risks of crime.
- Minimize Displays of Wealth: Avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourself by not displaying expensive jewelry, watches, or other signs of wealth.
- Be Vigilant at Banks and ATMs: Exercise extra caution when using banks or ATMs, as these can be targets for petty theft and robbery. Be aware of your surroundings and try to use ATMs in secure locations, preferably during daylight hours.
- 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.
- Follow Official Guidance: Follow the Department of State’s social media channels (Facebook and X/Twitter) and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico’s social media for updates and alerts.
- Review Security Reports: Read the Country Security Report for Mexico for detailed information on safety and security conditions.
- Mariner Advice: Mariners should check for maritime advisories and alerts, and know how to report suspicious activities to Mexican naval authorities.
- Prepare a Contingency Plan: Develop a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist provided by the State Department.
- Health Precautions: Visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information related to Mexico.
By following these general safety tips and being informed about the specific risks in your chosen destination, you can significantly enhance your safety while traveling in Mexico.
Conclusion: Traveling to Mexico Safely in 2024
So, is it ok to travel to Mexico? The answer, as we’ve seen, is nuanced and depends heavily on where in Mexico you plan to go, and how you plan to travel. While some states carry significant risks and are best avoided, many regions popular with tourists are generally considered safe when you exercise appropriate caution and awareness.
Mexico’s allure is undeniable, and millions of tourists visit safely each year, enjoying its rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and warm hospitality. The key to a successful and safe trip is preparation and informed decision-making.
By understanding the state-by-state safety landscape, following general safety guidelines, and staying updated on current conditions, you can confidently plan your Mexican adventure. Choose your destinations wisely, be vigilant, respect local customs, and focus on enjoying the incredible experiences Mexico has to offer. With the right approach, your trip to Mexico can be both safe and truly unforgettable.
Remember to always check the latest travel advisories from your government before making any travel decisions, as situations can change. Safe travels!
Disclaimer: This travel safety guide is based on information available as of [Insert current date]. Travel advisories and safety conditions can change. Always consult official government sources for the most up-to-date information before traveling.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional travel safety advice. Travelers should conduct their own research and seek advice from relevant authorities before making travel decisions.
