Mexico Travel Warning: Is it Safe to Travel to Mexico in 2024?

Mexico, a land of vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and rich history, has long been a favorite destination for travelers worldwide. From the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan to the bustling streets of Mexico City and the serene coastlines of the Riviera Maya, Mexico offers a diverse range of experiences. However, like many countries, Mexico also faces challenges related to crime and safety, which potential visitors should be aware of. Understanding the current travel warnings for Mexico is crucial for planning a safe and enjoyable trip.

This comprehensive guide delves into the Mexico travel advisory issued by the U.S. Department of State, providing essential information for anyone considering traveling to Mexico. We will break down the different levels of travel warnings, state by state, and offer practical advice to help you make informed decisions and stay safe during your visit. This information is based on the latest updates and is designed to be your go-to resource for navigating travel safety in Mexico.

Understanding Mexico Travel Warnings: A State-by-State Breakdown

The U.S. Department of State issues travel advisories for countries around the world, categorized into four levels based on safety and security risks. For Mexico, these advisories are further broken down by state, recognizing that safety conditions can vary significantly across the country. It’s important to understand these levels and how they apply to your intended destination within Mexico.

Here’s a breakdown of the advisory levels currently in place for different Mexican states:

Level 4: Do Not Travel

This is the highest advisory level, recommending that U.S. citizens do not travel to these areas due to extremely high safety and security risks. The states currently under a “Do Not Travel” advisory are:

Colima: The advisory for Colima is due to crime and kidnapping. Widespread violent crime and gang activity, including targeted assassinations and shootings that can harm bystanders, make this state extremely dangerous. Kidnapping is also a significant concern. U.S. government employees are severely restricted in their travel within Colima, limited only to tourist and port areas of Manzanillo and specific routes when traveling from Guadalajara.
Guerrero: Guerrero state is also under a “Do Not Travel” advisory due to crime. Crime and violence are widespread here, with armed groups operating independently and frequently setting up roadblocks, sometimes resorting to violence against travelers. Kidnapping remains a serious threat. U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to any area in Guerrero, including major tourist destinations like Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Taxco, and Ixtapa.
Michoacan: The “Do Not Travel” warning for Michoacan is issued because of crime and kidnapping. Crime and violence are rampant throughout the state. U.S. government employees’ travel is heavily restricted, limited to Federal Highway 15D for transit, the city of Morelia (accessible by air or specific highways), and Lazaro Cardenas (air travel only, limited to city center/port areas). Areas within Michoacan, including parts of the Monarch Butterfly Reserve, are off-limits to U.S. government personnel.
Sinaloa: Sinaloa is flagged with a “Do Not Travel” advisory due to crime. Violent crime is widespread, as Sinaloa is home to powerful criminal organizations. U.S. government employees can only travel to Mazatlan (by air or sea, restricted to Zona Dorada and historic center) and Los Mochis/Topolobampo (by air or sea, restricted to city/port areas). All other areas of Sinaloa are off-limits.
Tamaulipas: Tamaulipas carries a “Do Not Travel” warning because of crime and kidnapping. Organized crime is highly active, leading to gun battles, murder, robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault, especially along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. Criminal groups often target buses and private vehicles. U.S. government employees are extremely limited in their movement, restricted to small radii around U.S. consulates in Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo, with curfews, and overland travel between cities is prohibited.
Zacatecas: Zacatecas is under a “Do Not Travel” advisory due to crime and kidnapping. Widespread violent crime, extortion, and gang activity, coupled with kidnapping risks, make travel here extremely dangerous. U.S. government employees are restricted to Zacatecas City itself, with overland travel to the city prohibited, and no travel to other areas of the state allowed.

Level 3: Reconsider Travel

This level advises travelers to reconsider travel to these states due to significant risks. The states currently under a “Reconsider Travel” advisory are:

Baja California: Reconsider travel to Baja California due to crime and kidnapping. Transnational criminal organizations are active, leading to violent crime and gang activity, particularly in non-tourist areas of Tijuana. While homicides often target criminals, bystanders can be affected. Kidnapping is also a risk for U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents. U.S. government employees face restrictions, especially in the Mexicali Valley, with specific areas and highways to avoid. However, major tourist areas like Tijuana, Ensenada, and Rosarito remain accessible with increased caution.
Chiapas: Reconsider travel to Chiapas due to crime. Criminal activity and violence are present throughout the state. U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to the municipality of Ocozocoautla and certain southeastern regions, with specific boundary details provided. Travel to Tapachula city limits and Highway 225 to Tapachula, including the airport, is permitted.
Chihuahua: Reconsider travel to Chihuahua due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common, with territorial battles between criminal groups leading to violence even in areas frequented by tourists, like restaurants and malls. 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 Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua City, certain highways between cities (daytime travel only), and areas like Nuevo Casas Grandes and Palomas, with detailed restrictions on routes and permitted areas. Copper Canyon and other areas of Chihuahua are off-limits to U.S. government employees.
Guanajuato: Reconsider travel to Guanajuato due to crime. Gang violence, often related to fuel theft, is prevalent, especially in the south and central parts of the state. High murder rates in the southern region are linked to cartel violence. Kidnapping is also a concern for U.S. citizens and LPRs. U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling south of Federal Highway 45D, including Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato. Tourist hotspots like San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City and surrounding areas are outside these restricted zones.
Jalisco: Reconsider travel to Jalisco due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Jalisco. In Guadalajara, cartel battles can occur in tourist areas, with bystanders injured or killed in shootings. Kidnapping risks exist for U.S. citizens and LPRs. U.S. government employees are restricted from the Jalisco-Michoacan border region, Federal Highway 110, and Federal Highway 80 south of Cocula. However, major tourist areas like Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta (including Riviera Nayarit), Chapala, and Ajijic are not under these restrictions.
Morelos: Reconsider travel to Morelos due to crime and kidnapping. Parts of Morelos state are experiencing common violent crime and gang activity. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs is a risk. There are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Morelos.
Sonora: Reconsider travel to Sonora due to crime and kidnapping. Sonora is a crucial area for international drug trade and human trafficking. Violent crime is widespread, and kidnapping is a risk for U.S. citizens and LPRs. Travelers should be highly vigilant throughout Sonora. U.S. government employees face numerous travel restrictions, particularly regarding routes between cities like Hermosillo and Nogales, specific areas within Nogales and Puerto Peñasco, and travel to eastern and southern Sonora, including San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos. However, tourist areas in Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino, and Puerto Penasco are accessible under certain conditions and restrictions.

Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

This level advises travelers to exercise increased caution due to heightened risks in these areas. The states currently under “Exercise Increased Caution” are:

Aguascalientes: Exercise increased caution in Aguascalientes due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Aguascalientes.
Baja California Sur: Exercise increased caution in Baja California Sur due to crime. Similar to Baja California, criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Baja California Sur. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Baja California Sur, which includes popular tourist destinations like Cabo San Lucas and La Paz.
Coahuila: Exercise increased caution in Coahuila due to crime. Parts of Coahuila state experience violent crime and gang activity. U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to certain municipalities (Zaragoza, Morelos, Allende, Nava, Jimenez, Villa Union, Guerrero, and Hidalgo) and face a midnight to 6:00 a.m. curfew in Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña.
Durango: Exercise increased caution in Durango due to crime. 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.
Hidalgo: Exercise increased caution in Hidalgo due to crime. Criminal activity and violence are potential risks throughout the state. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Hidalgo.
Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico): Exercise increased caution in Mexico City due to crime. Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico City. Increased vigilance is advised, especially at night and outside tourist areas. Petty crime is frequent. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Mexico City.
Mexico State (Estado de Mexico): Exercise increased caution in Mexico State due to crime and kidnapping. Both violent and non-violent crime are risks in Mexico State, with increased caution needed outside tourist areas. Petty crime is common even in tourist zones, and kidnapping is a risk for U.S. citizens and LPRs. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Mexico State.
Nayarit: Exercise increased caution in Nayarit due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Nayarit state. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Nayarit, which includes the popular Riviera Nayarit tourist area.
Nuevo Leon: Exercise increased caution in Nuevo Leon 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, which includes the major city of Monterrey.
Oaxaca: Exercise increased caution in Oaxaca due to crime. Criminal activity and violence are present 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 outside these restricted zones.
Puebla: Exercise increased caution in Puebla 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.
Queretaro: Exercise increased caution in Queretaro due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Queretaro.
Quintana Roo: Exercise increased caution in Quintana Roo due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur anywhere, including tourist hotspots like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. While tourists are not typically targeted, gang-related shootings have resulted in bystander injuries and deaths, including U.S. citizens, particularly in Tulum. Increased caution is advised after dark, staying within well-lit tourist zones. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo.
San Luis Potosi: Exercise increased caution in San Luis Potosi due to crime and kidnapping. Criminal activity and violence are potential risks 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.
Tabasco: Exercise increased caution in Tabasco due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Tabasco.
Tlaxcala: Exercise increased caution in Tlaxcala due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Tlaxcala.
Veracruz: Exercise increased caution in Veracruz due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity are increasingly frequent, especially in central and southern Veracruz near Cordoba and Coatzacoalcos. While gang violence is often targeted, bystanders can be affected. Impromptu roadblocks with demands for payment are common. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Veracruz.

Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

This is the lowest advisory level, suggesting travelers should exercise normal precautions, meaning being aware of your surroundings and taking standard safety measures. The states currently under “Exercise Normal Precautions” are:

Campeche: Exercise normal precautions in Campeche. There are no significant safety concerns highlighted for tourists, and no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Campeche.
Yucatan: Exercise normal precautions in Yucatan. Yucatan is generally considered one of the safest states in Mexico for tourists. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Yucatan, which includes major tourist sites like Chichen Itza, Merida, Uxmal, and Valladolid.

General Safety Tips for Traveling to Mexico

Regardless of the specific travel advisory level for your destination in Mexico, it’s always wise to take precautions to enhance your safety and security. Here are some essential safety tips to keep in mind:

Stay Informed: Continuously check for updates on travel advisories and local news before and during your trip. The U.S. Department of State website and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico websites are excellent resources.
Share Your Plans: Inform family or friends about your travel itinerary. Share GPS locations if separating from your group and send taxi details to a contact if traveling alone.
Use Toll Roads and Avoid Night Driving: Opt for toll roads whenever possible as they are generally safer and better maintained. Avoid driving alone or at night, especially in less secure states.
Be Cautious in Public Venues: Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos, where risks of crime may be higher.
Minimize Displays of Wealth: Avoid drawing unnecessary attention by not wearing expensive jewelry, watches, or displaying large amounts of cash.
Be Vigilant at Banks and ATMs: Exercise extra caution when using banks or ATMs, as these can be targets for crime. 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 case of an emergency.
Follow Official Channels: Stay updated by following the Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico on social media platforms like Facebook and X (Twitter).
Review Security Reports: Familiarize yourself with the Country Security Report for Mexico for a deeper understanding of the security landscape.
Maritime Travelers Take Note: Mariners should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts and know how to report suspicious activities to Mexican naval authorities.
Prepare a Contingency Plan: Develop a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist provided by the Department of State to ensure you are prepared for unforeseen events.
Health Precautions: Visit the CDC website for the latest travel health information related to Mexico, including recommended vaccinations and health advice.

Navigating Travel in Mexico: Making Informed Decisions

Understanding the Mexico Travel Warning is the first step in planning a safe trip. It’s crucial to remember that these are advisories and recommendations, not outright bans on travel. Millions of tourists visit Mexico safely every year. By staying informed, being vigilant, and taking sensible precautions, you can significantly minimize risks and enjoy the many wonders Mexico has to offer.

Always prioritize your safety and comfort level when choosing your destinations and activities within Mexico. If a state is under a “Do Not Travel” or “Reconsider Travel” advisory, carefully weigh the risks and consider whether your trip is essential. For states with “Exercise Increased Caution” or “Exercise Normal Precautions” advisories, remain aware of your surroundings and adhere to safety guidelines.

Mexico’s diverse landscapes and rich culture are waiting to be explored. By being a prepared and informed traveler, you can experience the best of Mexico while staying safe and secure. Always refer to official sources like the U.S. Department of State for the most current travel advisories before making your travel decisions.