Navigating Travel in Mexico: A Comprehensive Safety Guide for 2024

Mexico, a vibrant country rich in culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes, remains a sought-after destination for travelers worldwide. From the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan to the pristine beaches of Cancun and the bustling streets of Mexico City, the country offers a diverse range of experiences. However, like any international destination, it’s crucial to be informed and prepared to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

This guide, drawing upon the latest travel advisories, aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of travel safety in Mexico. We will delve into the current safety landscape, offering insights and recommendations to help you navigate your journey with confidence. Understanding the realities and taking proactive measures are key to experiencing the best of Mexico while minimizing potential risks.

Understanding the Current Safety Landscape in Mexico

It’s essential to acknowledge that Mexico is currently facing challenges related to crime, with varying degrees of risk across different states. Violent crime, including homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery, is a serious concern in certain areas. The U.S. government, along with other international bodies, closely monitors the situation and issues travel advisories to keep citizens informed.

These advisories are not meant to deter travel entirely but rather to empower travelers with knowledge, enabling them to make informed decisions and take necessary precautions. It’s important to understand that the level of risk varies significantly from state to state, and even within different regions of the same state.

General Safety Recommendations for Travel in Mexico

Regardless of your destination within Mexico, adopting a safety-conscious approach is always advisable. Here are some general recommendations to keep in mind throughout your travels:

Stay Informed: Regularly check for updated travel advisories from your government and reliable news sources before and during your trip. The situation can change, and staying informed is your first line of defense.
Share Your Plans: Keep your travel companions and family back home informed about your itinerary. Share your location with a friend, especially if you are separating from your group. If using taxis alone, note down the taxi number or license plate and send it to someone you trust.
Choose Safe Transportation: Opt for toll roads whenever possible as they are generally safer and better maintained. Avoid driving alone or at night, especially in unfamiliar areas. In many states, police presence and emergency services are limited outside major cities. Consider using reputable app-based transportation services or dispatched taxis instead of hailing them on the street.
Be Vigilant in Public Spaces: Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos, where crime rates can be higher. Be aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
Minimize Displays of Wealth: Avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourself by not displaying expensive jewelry, watches, or gadgets. This can make you less of a target for petty theft or more serious crimes.
Exercise Caution at Banks and ATMs: Be extra vigilant when using banks or ATMs, as these can be locations where criminals target tourists. Try to use ATMs located inside banks during daylight hours.
Enroll in STEP: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) offered by your government. This service allows you to receive alerts and makes it easier for your embassy or consulate to locate you in case of an emergency.
Stay Connected: Follow your country’s Department of State or Foreign Affairs on social media for real-time updates and alerts.
Review Security Reports: Familiarize yourself with country security reports for Mexico to understand the specific risks and challenges in different regions.
Prepare for Emergencies: Develop a contingency plan for emergency situations. Know the local emergency numbers and the location of the nearest embassy or consulate. Review traveler’s checklists for essential preparedness steps.
Health Precautions: Visit your country’s CDC or health travel website for the latest travel health information and recommendations related to your destination in Mexico.

State-by-State Travel Safety in Mexico: A Detailed Breakdown

To provide a more nuanced understanding of travel safety, let’s examine the safety levels and specific advisories for each state in Mexico. Please note that these are based on the latest available information and are subject to change. Always refer to official travel advisories for the most up-to-date guidance.

It’s important to understand the advisory levels used:

Do Not Travel: This is the highest advisory level, recommending that citizens should not travel to these states due to extreme safety risks.
Reconsider Travel: This level advises travelers to reconsider their plans due to significant safety risks. If travel is essential, extreme caution is advised.
Exercise Increased Caution: This level indicates that travelers should be more vigilant and aware of their surroundings due to increased risks of crime and violence.
Exercise Normal Precautions: This is the lowest advisory level, suggesting that travelers can proceed with normal safety precautions as they would in any other destination.

Here’s a breakdown of Mexican states and their corresponding travel advisories:

States to Avoid: Do Not Travel

These states are considered the most dangerous and are strongly discouraged for travel due to high levels of crime and violence.

Colima: Located on the Pacific coast, Colima is plagued by widespread violent crime and gang activity, including targeted assassinations and shootings that can affect bystanders. Kidnapping is also a significant concern. U.S. government employees are severely restricted in their travel within the state, limited only to tourist and port areas of Manzanillo under specific conditions.
Guerrero: Home to Acapulco and Taxco, Guerrero faces widespread crime and violence, with armed groups operating independently of the government. Roadblocks and violence against travelers are frequent. Kidnapping is a serious risk. U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to any area in Guerrero, including tourist destinations.
Michoacan: Despite being known for the Monarch Butterfly Reserve, Michoacan is categorized as “Do Not Travel” due to widespread crime and kidnapping. U.S. government employee travel is highly restricted, limited to specific highways for transit and certain areas within Morelia and Lazaro Cardenas. The Monarch Butterfly Reserve portions within Michoacan are off-limits for U.S. government employees.
Sinaloa: Known for being the base of powerful criminal organizations, Sinaloa experiences widespread violent crime. U.S. government employees can only travel to Mazatlan, Los Mochis, and Topolobampo by air or sea, restricted to specific zones and direct routes.
Tamaulipas: Bordering the U.S., Tamaulipas is severely affected by organized crime, including gun battles, murder, kidnapping, and extortion. Criminal groups frequently target buses and private vehicles. U.S. government employees have extremely limited travel, mainly confined to areas around U.S. consulates in Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo, with curfews and restrictions on overland travel.
Zacatecas: This state is grappling with widespread violent crime, extortion, and gang activity. Kidnapping is a significant threat. U.S. government employee travel is limited to Zacatecas City proper, accessible only by air.

States to Approach with Caution: Reconsider Travel

These states present considerable risks, and travelers are advised to carefully reconsider their plans. If travel is necessary, heightened vigilance and caution are paramount.

Baja California: This border state, including Tijuana, Ensenada, and Rosarito, faces high levels of crime and kidnapping, particularly in non-tourist areas of Tijuana. Transnational criminal organizations are active here. U.S. government employees face restrictions, especially in the Mexicali Valley.
Chiapas: Known for its Mayan ruins and indigenous culture, Chiapas is under “Reconsider Travel” due to crime. U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to certain municipalities and regions, particularly in the southeastern part of the state.
Chihuahua: Home to Copper Canyon and Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua experiences high levels of crime and kidnapping. Gang activity and targeted assassinations are common. U.S. government employees face travel limitations in Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Casas Grandes, Chihuahua City, and other areas, with specific route and time-of-day restrictions. Copper Canyon is off-limits for U.S. government employees.
Guanajuato: While popular tourist cities like San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City are within this state, Guanajuato is under “Reconsider Travel” due to crime, primarily gang violence related to fuel theft. U.S. government employees are restricted from areas south of Federal Highway 45D, including Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato. Tourist areas remain unrestricted for them.
Jalisco: Including Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco is under advisory to “Reconsider Travel” because of crime and kidnapping. Criminal groups operate in tourist areas, and innocent bystanders have been caught in shooting incidents. U.S. government employees are restricted from the Jalisco-Michoacan border area and parts of Federal Highway 80. Major tourist areas like Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta remain unrestricted for them.
Morelos: Close to Mexico City, Morelos is under “Reconsider Travel” due to crime and kidnapping. U.S. government employees do not face specific travel restrictions here, but general caution is advised.
Sonora: Bordering Arizona, Sonora is a key area for drug and human trafficking, with widespread violent crime and kidnapping. U.S. government employees face numerous travel restrictions, especially in areas bordering the U.S., eastern and southern Sonora, and when using public transportation in certain cities. Tourist areas like Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino, and Puerto Penasco are accessible with adherence to restrictions.

States Requiring Extra Vigilance: Exercise Increased Caution

These states have a higher risk of crime than normal, and travelers should be more alert and cautious.

Aguascalientes: Exercise increased caution due to crime, which can occur throughout the state. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Baja California Sur: Home to Cabo San Lucas and La Paz, Baja California Sur requires increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Coahuila: Parts of Coahuila experience violent crime and gang activity. U.S. government employees are restricted from certain municipalities and face curfews in Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña.
Durango: Parts of Durango have common violent crime and gang activity. U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling west and south of Federal Highway 45.
Hidalgo: Exercise increased caution due to potential criminal activity and violence throughout the state. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico): While a major tourist hub, Mexico City requires increased caution due to both violent and non-violent crime. Petty crime is frequent. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees, but caution is advised, especially at night and outside tourist areas.
Mexico State (Estado de Mexico): Surrounding Mexico City, Mexico State requires increased caution due to crime and kidnapping. Petty crime is common even in tourist areas. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Nayarit: Exercise increased caution due to potential criminal activity and violence throughout the state. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Nuevo Leon: Including Monterrey, Nuevo Leon requires increased caution due to crime and violence throughout the state. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Oaxaca: While Oaxaca City and coastal areas like Puerto Escondido and Huatulco are tourist destinations, increased caution is advised due to crime. U.S. government employees are restricted from the Isthmus region and parts of Federal Highway 200.
Puebla: Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping risks throughout the state. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Queretaro: Exercise increased caution due to potential criminal activity and violence throughout the state. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Quintana Roo: Home to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, Quintana Roo requires increased caution due to crime, which can occur even in tourist areas. Gang-related shootings have affected bystanders. Increased caution is advised after dark, especially in tourist zones. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
San Luis Potosi: Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping risks throughout the state. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Tabasco: Exercise increased caution due to potential criminal activity and violence throughout the state. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Tlaxcala: Exercise increased caution due to potential criminal activity and violence throughout the state. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Veracruz: Exercise increased caution due to increasing violent crime and gang activity, particularly in central and southern Veracruz. Roadblocks are common. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.

States with Normal Precautions: Exercise Normal Precautions

These states are considered relatively safe, and travelers can generally exercise normal precautions.

Campeche: Exercise normal precautions. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Yucatan: Home to Chichen Itza, Merida, and Valladolid, Yucatan is considered generally safe, and travelers can exercise normal precautions. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.

Conclusion: Traveling Safely and Responsibly in Mexico

Travel In Mexico can be an incredibly rewarding experience, offering a rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty. While safety concerns are real and should be taken seriously, they should not necessarily deter you from exploring this fascinating country.

The key to safe travel in Mexico, as highlighted in this guide, lies in being informed, prepared, and cautious. By understanding the risks associated with different regions, following safety recommendations, and staying updated on travel advisories, you can significantly enhance your safety and enjoy a memorable trip.

Remember to always prioritize your personal safety, be aware of your surroundings, and trust your instincts. By traveling responsibly and respectfully, you can experience the wonders of Mexico while minimizing potential risks. Before planning your trip, always check the most recent travel advisories and security information from your government and consult with reputable travel resources to ensure you have the latest guidance for safe travel in Mexico.