Mexico, a land of vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and rich history, attracts millions of tourists each year. However, it’s crucial for travelers to be aware of the current safety landscape. This comprehensive Travel Advisory For Mexico provides essential information to help you plan a safe and informed trip in 2024.
This guide is based on the latest travel advisory issued by the U.S. Department of State, aiming to offer detailed insights into safety concerns across different Mexican states. It’s designed to help English-speaking travelers understand the risks and take necessary precautions while exploring this beautiful country.
Understanding the General Safety Situation in Mexico
Overall, Mexico is grappling with widespread violent crime, including homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery. It’s important to recognize that the U.S. government’s ability to provide emergency services to its citizens in many parts of Mexico is limited due to travel restrictions imposed on U.S. government employees in certain areas. Local emergency services can also be limited, especially outside of state capitals and major cities.
Therefore, all U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico are strongly advised to heed the restrictions and recommendations outlined for U.S. government employees. These guidelines are designed to minimize risks in areas with heightened safety concerns.
General Recommendations for Safe Travel in Mexico
Regardless of your destination in Mexico, adopting a safety-conscious approach is paramount. Here are some general recommendations to enhance your safety throughout your trip:
- Stay Informed: Keep abreast of the latest travel advisories and news concerning your destination. The situation can change, and up-to-date information is your best tool for safe travel.
- Share Your Itinerary: Inform family or friends about your travel plans, including your itinerary and contact information. Regular check-ins are advisable. If you are separating from your travel group, share your GPS location with a trusted contact.
- Utilize Safe Transportation: When using taxis, avoid hailing them on the street. Opt for dispatched vehicles, including app-based services like Uber or regulated taxi stands. If traveling alone in a taxi, take a photo of the taxi number or license plate and send it to a friend.
- Avoid Night Travel and Remote Areas: Refrain from driving alone or at night whenever possible. Stick to toll roads, which are generally safer and better maintained than free highways. U.S. government employees are prohibited from intercity travel after dark, a guideline wise for all travelers to follow.
- Be Discreet with Valuables: Do not flaunt wealth by wearing expensive jewelry or watches. Be particularly cautious around banks and ATMs, as these can be targets for crime.
- Exercise Caution in Entertainment Venues: Be vigilant when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos, as these areas can sometimes be hotspots for criminal activity.
- Enroll in STEP Program: 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.
- Stay Connected: Follow the Department of State’s social media channels and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico for real-time updates and security information.
- Review Security Reports: Familiarize yourself with the Country Security Report for Mexico for a deeper understanding of the risks.
- Maritime Travelers: Mariners should check for specific U.S. maritime advisories and alerts related to Mexico.
- Prepare an Emergency Plan: Develop a contingency plan for emergency situations and review the Traveler’s Checklist provided by the State Department.
- Health Precautions: Consult the CDC page for the latest travel health information and recommendations for Mexico.
State-by-State Mexico Travel Advisory
To provide a more granular understanding of safety across Mexico, the country is categorized into different advisory levels based on risk assessments. Below is a state-by-state breakdown, mirroring the U.S. Department of State’s advisory levels, to guide your travel decisions.
States to Avoid: Do Not Travel To
These states pose the highest risk to travelers, and the U.S. government advises against traveling to them due to extremely dangerous conditions.
Colima State – Do Not Travel
Colima is categorized as “Do Not Travel” due to rampant crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are widespread, with frequent targeted assassinations of criminal organization members. Bystanders have been injured or killed in shootings between criminal groups. Kidnapping is also a significant risk 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 daylight travel on Federal Toll Road 54D when traveling from Guadalajara to Manzanillo. All other areas of Colima are off-limits for U.S. government personnel, underscoring the extreme danger present throughout most of the state.
Guerrero State – Do Not Travel
Guerrero state is under a “Do Not Travel” advisory due to widespread crime. Crime and violence are rampant, with armed groups operating outside government control in many areas. These groups frequently set up roadblocks and are known to use violence against travelers. Kidnapping remains a serious threat in Guerrero, with U.S. citizens and LPRs having been victims in the past.
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 restriction highlights the severe safety risks across the entire state.
Michoacan State – Do Not Travel
Michoacan state is designated as “Do Not Travel” due to high levels of crime and kidnapping. Crime and violence are widespread throughout the state. Travel for U.S. government employees is severely limited to specific areas under strict conditions.
Permitted areas for U.S. government employees include Federal Highway 15D (for transit between Mexico City and Guadalajara), Morelia (accessible by air and land via Federal Highways 43 or 48D from Federal Highway 15D), and Lazaro Cardenas (accessible by air only, with activities limited to the city center or port areas). Significantly, U.S. government employees are forbidden from traveling to other areas of Michoacan, including the Monarch Butterfly Reserve portions located within the state, indicating the pervasive safety risks beyond these limited zones.
Sinaloa State – Do Not Travel
Sinaloa state carries a “Do Not Travel” warning due to pervasive crime. Violent crime is widespread, and Sinaloa is a base of operations for major criminal organizations.
U.S. government employee travel is extremely restricted, permitted only in Mazatlan (accessible by air or sea, limited to the Zona Dorada and historic town center, with direct routes to/from airport and sea terminal), and Los Mochis and Topolobampo (accessible by air or sea, restricted to the city and port, with direct routes to/from the airport). All other areas of Sinaloa are off-limits for U.S. government personnel, reflecting the extensive reach and danger of criminal activity throughout the state.
Tamaulipas State – Do Not Travel
Tamaulipas state is under a “Do Not Travel” advisory due to extreme risks of crime and kidnapping. Organized crime is rampant, characterized by 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 in many areas, especially in the border region from Reynosa to Nuevo Laredo, where local law enforcement has limited response capacity. While law enforcement is stronger in the Tampico-Ciudad Madero-Altamira tri-city area, the overall risk remains extremely high. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been frequent kidnapping victims.
U.S. government employee travel is severely restricted, confined to limited radii around U.S. Consulates in Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros, their residences, U.S. Ports of Entry, and limited downtown areas, subject to overnight curfews. Overland travel between cities within Tamaulipas is prohibited, except for daylight travel between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Federal Highway 85D with prior authorization. All other parts of Tamaulipas are off-limits to U.S. government employees, underscoring the state’s extreme danger.
Zacatecas State – Do Not Travel
Zacatecas state is designated as “Do Not Travel” due to widespread crime and kidnapping. Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are rampant. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping in Zacatecas.
U.S. government employee travel is severely limited to Zacatecas City proper, accessible only by air, with overland travel to Zacatecas City prohibited. All other areas of Zacatecas are off-limits to U.S. government personnel, reflecting the pervasive and extreme safety risks throughout the state.
States Where Travel Should Be Reconsidered
In these states, the U.S. government advises travelers to reconsider travel due to significant safety risks, though not as extreme as “Do Not Travel” states.
Baja California State – Reconsider Travel
Baja California is under a “Reconsider Travel” advisory due to crime and kidnapping risks. Transnational criminal organizations are highly active, particularly in border areas, engaged in narco-trafficking and human smuggling. Violent crime and gang activity are common. Travelers are urged to stay on main highways and avoid remote areas. Tijuana, specifically non-tourist areas, has a high homicide rate, with bystanders at risk from criminal organization conflicts. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs has occurred.
U.S. government employees face specific travel restrictions, particularly in the Mexicali Valley, which is largely off-limits due to cartel violence. However, high-traffic tourist areas like Tijuana, Ensenada, and Rosarito remain accessible, albeit with increased caution advised.
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 Tapachula Airport, is permitted. These restrictions indicate areas of heightened risk within Chiapas, while other areas require increased caution.
Chihuahua State – Reconsider Travel
Chihuahua state is designated as “Reconsider Travel” due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are prevalent. Homicides are mostly targeted assassinations among criminal organizations, but territorial disputes 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 U.S. citizens and LPRs have been kidnapped.
U.S. government employee travel is limited to specific areas and routes in major cities like Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua, as well as certain highways and towns. Copper Canyon and other areas of Chihuahua are off-limits to U.S. government personnel, highlighting significant safety concerns beyond these permitted zones.
Guanajuato State – Reconsider Travel
Guanajuato state is under a “Reconsider Travel” advisory due to crime. Gang violence, often linked to fuel theft, is prevalent, especially in the south and central parts of the state. The southern region has a high murder rate due to cartel violence. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs is a risk.
U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling south of Federal Highway 45D, including Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato. However, tourist areas like San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City are not under these restrictions, though travelers should still exercise increased caution.
Jalisco State – Reconsider Travel
Jalisco state is designated as “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, even in tourist areas, with innocent bystanders injured or killed in shootings. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs has occurred.
U.S. government employees are restricted from the Jalisco-Michoacan border region and Federal Highway 110, as well as 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, though increased caution is still advised.
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. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.
Currently, there are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Morelos state, but the “Reconsider Travel” advisory indicates significant underlying safety concerns for all travelers.
Sonora State – Reconsider Travel
Sonora state is designated as “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 of U.S. citizens and LPRs is a risk. Travelers should be highly vigilant throughout Sonora, as security incidents can occur anywhere.
U.S. government employees face numerous travel restrictions across Sonora, including specific routes and areas in Hermosillo, Nogales, Puerto Peñasco, and regions near the Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry. Eastern and southern Sonora, including popular areas like San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos (except for air travel to Alamos city limits), are off-limits. These extensive restrictions underscore the high safety risks across much of Sonora, even in tourist-frequented areas like Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino, and Puerto Penasco, where heightened awareness is crucial.
States Requiring Increased Caution
These states have notable safety risks, and travelers should exercise increased caution due to crime or kidnapping.
Aguascalientes State – Exercise Increased Caution
Aguascalientes state requires “Increased Caution” due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state.
There are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Aguascalientes, but the “Increased Caution” advisory indicates a need for vigilance.
Baja California Sur State – Exercise Increased Caution
Baja California Sur state is under “Increased Caution” due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state.
There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Baja California Sur. Despite being home to major tourist destinations like Cabo San Lucas and La Paz, the “Increased Caution” advisory suggests travelers should be aware of potential safety issues.
Coahuila State – Exercise Increased Caution
Coahuila state requires “Increased Caution” due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity occur in parts of Coahuila.
U.S. government employees face specific travel restrictions, including being prohibited from Zaragoza, Morelos, Allende, Nava, Jimenez, Villa Union, Guerrero, and Hidalgo municipalities. In Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña, travel must be directly from the U.S., with a midnight to 6:00 a.m. curfew. These restrictions point to specific areas of concern within Coahuila, while other areas require general increased caution.
Durango State – Exercise Increased Caution
Durango state is under “Increased Caution” 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 in Durango. This restriction indicates higher risk in these regions, while other areas require increased caution.
Hidalgo State – Exercise Increased Caution
Hidalgo state requires “Increased Caution” due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state.
There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Hidalgo, but the “Increased Caution” advisory suggests a general need for vigilance.
Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution
Mexico City requires “Increased Caution” due to crime. Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout the city. Travelers should be particularly cautious at night and outside of frequented tourist areas, where police presence is less consistent. Petty crime is frequent in both tourist and non-tourist areas.
There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Mexico City, but the “Increased Caution” advisory highlights the need for vigilance, especially in less-touristed areas and during nighttime.
Mexico State (Estado de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution
Mexico State is under “Increased Caution” due to crime and kidnapping. Both violent and non-violent crime are present throughout the state. Travelers should be especially cautious outside of tourist areas, although petty crime is common even in tourist zones. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs has occurred.
There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Mexico State, but the “Increased Caution” advisory and kidnapping risk underscore the need for heightened awareness.
Nayarit State – Exercise Increased Caution
Nayarit state requires “Increased Caution” due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Nayarit.
There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Nayarit, but the “Increased Caution” advisory indicates a general need for vigilance.
Nuevo Leon State – Exercise Increased Caution
Nuevo Leon state is under “Increased Caution” due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state.
There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Nuevo Leon, but the “Increased Caution” advisory suggests travelers should be aware of potential safety issues.
Oaxaca State – Exercise Increased Caution
Oaxaca state requires “Increased Caution” due to crime. Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state.
U.S. government employees are restricted from the Isthmus region of Oaxaca and Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa. However, tourist areas including Oaxaca City, Monte Alban, Puerto Escondido, and Huatulco are not under these restrictions, though increased caution is still advised.
Puebla State – Exercise Increased Caution
Puebla state is under “Increased Caution” due to crime and kidnapping. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping in Puebla.
There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Puebla, but the “Increased Caution” advisory and kidnapping risk highlight the need for vigilance.
Queretaro State – Exercise Increased Caution
Queretaro state requires “Increased Caution” due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state.
There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Queretaro, but the “Increased Caution” advisory suggests a general need for vigilance.
Quintana Roo State – Exercise Increased Caution
Quintana Roo state is under “Increased Caution” due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can 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. However, increased caution is advised, especially after dark in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, staying within well-lit tourist zones.
San Luis Potosi State – Exercise Increased Caution
San Luis Potosi state requires “Increased Caution” due to crime and kidnapping. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.
There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in San Luis Potosi, but the “Increased Caution” advisory and kidnapping risk underscore the need for heightened awareness.
Tabasco State – Exercise Increased Caution
Tabasco state is under “Increased Caution” due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state.
There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Tabasco, but the “Increased Caution” advisory suggests a general need for vigilance.
Tlaxcala State – Exercise Increased Caution
Tlaxcala state requires “Increased Caution” due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state.
There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Tlaxcala, but the “Increased Caution” advisory indicates a general need for vigilance.
Veracruz State – Exercise Increased Caution
Veracruz state is under “Increased Caution” due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity are increasingly frequent, particularly in the central and southern regions near Cordoba and Coatzacoalcos. While most gang violence is targeted, bystanders can be affected. Impromptu roadblocks requiring payment are common.
There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Veracruz, but the “Increased Caution” advisory and increasing crime rates highlight the need for vigilance, especially in central and southern areas.
States with Normal Precautions
These states are considered relatively safe, and travelers are advised to exercise normal precautions.
Campeche State – Exercise Normal Precautions
Campeche state is under “Normal Precautions”. There are no significant safety concerns for most travelers.
There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Campeche, reflecting the generally safe conditions.
Yucatan State – Exercise Normal Precautions
Yucatan state is designated as “Normal Precautions”. This state is generally considered safe for travel, including tourist areas like Chichen Itza, Merida, Uxmal, and Valladolid.
There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Yucatan, underscoring its reputation as one of the safest states in Mexico.
Key Safety Tips for Traveling in Mexico
To reiterate and expand on general safety practices, consider these key tips for a safer trip to Mexico:
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Pay attention to your environment and trust your instincts. If a situation feels unsafe, remove yourself from it.
- Avoid Displaying Wealth: Dress modestly and avoid wearing expensive jewelry or watches that could make you a target for thieves.
- Use ATMs Wisely: Use ATMs in secure locations, preferably during daylight hours and inside banks or well-guarded areas. Be discreet when withdrawing cash.
- Secure Your Belongings: Keep your valuables secure, whether in hotel safes or using anti-theft bags. Be particularly cautious in crowded areas where pickpocketing is more common.
- Transportation Safety: Stick to reputable transportation options. For taxis, use official taxi stands or ride-sharing apps. Avoid unmarked taxis. When driving, use toll roads and avoid driving at night.
- Limit Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can impair judgment and make you more vulnerable to crime.
- Stay in Tourist Areas: While crime can occur anywhere, tourist areas generally have a higher police presence and are considered relatively safer than less-visited areas.
- Learn Basic Spanish Phrases: Knowing basic Spanish can be helpful in communicating and navigating situations, although English is spoken in many tourist areas.
- Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency contacts, including the local U.S. embassy or consulate, and know how to contact local emergency services.
- Health Insurance: Ensure you have travel health insurance that covers medical emergencies and potential evacuations.
Conclusion: Informed Travel is Safer Travel
Traveling to Mexico can be an enriching and rewarding experience. By staying informed about the current travel advisories and taking proactive safety measures, you can significantly minimize risks and enjoy your trip with greater peace of mind. Remember to regularly check for updates to travel advisories as conditions can change, and always prioritize your safety and well-being while exploring Mexico’s many wonders.
This travel advisory for Mexico is intended to provide a comprehensive overview based on the latest information available. It is crucial for every traveler to conduct their own thorough research, stay updated, and make informed decisions based on their individual circumstances and risk tolerance. Safe travels!
