Travel to Mexico: Safety and Smart Travel Tips for 2024

Mexico, a land of vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and rich history, continues to be a top travel destination for tourists worldwide. From the ancient Mayan ruins of the Yucatan Peninsula to the bustling streets of Mexico City and the serene beaches of Baja California, Mexico offers a diverse range of experiences for every traveler. However, like any international destination, it’s essential to be informed about safety and security to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of travel safety in Mexico, drawing upon the latest advisories and offering practical tips for a secure and memorable visit.

Understanding the Safety Landscape in Mexico

It’s crucial to acknowledge that Mexico is a large and diverse country, and safety levels can vary significantly from region to region. While millions of tourists visit Mexico safely each year, it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with crime, particularly violent crime, which is a significant concern in certain areas.

General Crime Concerns:

• Violent Crime: Homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery are serious issues in Mexico. Criminal organizations operate in many parts of the country, and disputes between these groups can lead to violence in public places.
• Kidnapping: Both express kidnappings (short-term, often ATM-related) and longer-term kidnappings for ransom occur. Tourists can be targets, although locals are more frequently affected.
• Petty Crime: Pickpocketing, scams, and theft are common, especially in crowded tourist areas, public transportation, and markets.

Factors Influencing Safety:

• Location: Safety risks are not uniform across Mexico. Some states and cities experience higher levels of crime than others. Border regions and certain states have more significant issues with cartel activity.
• Time of Day: Traveling at night, especially in unfamiliar areas or on less-traveled roads, can increase risks.
• Behavior: Displaying wealth, venturing into risky areas (especially alone), and engaging in risky behaviors can make you a more attractive target for criminals.

State-by-State Travel Advisories: Navigating Mexico Safely

To provide a clearer picture of safety across Mexico, it’s helpful to break down the country by state and understand the specific advisories and recommendations for each. Here’s a summary based on the latest information, categorized by risk level:

States to Avoid: “Do Not Travel”

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

• Colima State: Do not travel to Colima due to widespread crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are rampant, with frequent assassinations and shootings impacting bystanders. U.S. government employees are severely restricted in their travel within the state, limited only to tourist and port areas of Manzanillo and specific routes.
• Guerrero State: Do not travel to Guerrero due to extreme levels of crime. Armed groups operate extensively, setting up roadblocks and posing a direct threat to travelers. Tourist hotspots like Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Taxco, and Ixtapa are included in the “Do Not Travel” advisory.
• Michoacan State: Do not travel to Michoacan due to widespread crime and kidnapping. Crime and violence are rampant. U.S. government employees’ travel is heavily restricted, permitted only on Federal Highway 15D for transit, to Morelia by air or specific highways, and to Lazaro Cardenas by air only. The Monarch Butterfly Reserve within Michoacan is also off-limits.
• Sinaloa State: Do not travel to Sinaloa due to pervasive crime. Criminal organizations are deeply rooted here, and violent crime is widespread. U.S. government employee travel is extremely limited to Mazatlan (by air or sea, Zona Dorada and historic center only) and Los Mochis/Topolobampo (by air or sea, city and port areas only).
• Tamaulipas State: Do not travel to Tamaulipas because of crime and kidnapping. Organized crime is rampant, with frequent gun battles, murder, robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, and extortion. Criminal groups target buses and private vehicles. U.S. government employees are restricted to limited areas around consulates in Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo and face curfews. Overland travel is severely restricted.
• Zacatecas State: Do not travel to Zacatecas due to widespread crime and kidnapping. Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are prevalent. U.S. government employee travel is limited to Zacatecas City proper, accessible only by air, with overland travel prohibited.

States to Reconsider Travel

These states present significant risks, and travelers should carefully weigh the necessity of their trip and exercise extreme caution.

• Baja California State: Reconsider travel to Baja California due to crime and kidnapping, especially in border areas like Tijuana and Mexicali. Transnational criminal organizations are active, and violent crime and gang activity are common. While tourist areas like Tijuana, Ensenada, and Rosarito are accessible, travelers should be vigilant. Specific areas like the Mexicali Valley are restricted for U.S. government employees.

Alt text: Busy vehicle lanes at the Tijuana-San Ysidro border crossing, highlighting the bustling nature of this border region where travelers should exercise increased caution.

• Chiapas State: Reconsider travel to Chiapas due to crime. While popular for its Mayan ruins and indigenous culture, criminal activity and violence can occur. U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to certain southeastern regions and the municipality of Ocozocoautla, but can travel to Tapachula city limits and Highway 225 to Puerto Chiapas.
• Chihuahua State: Reconsider travel to Chihuahua due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common, particularly in Ciudad Juarez. U.S. government employees have restricted travel zones within Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua City, and other areas, with limitations on routes and times of travel, including the Copper Canyon region being off-limits.
• Guanajuato State: Reconsider travel to Guanajuato due to crime. Gang violence, linked to fuel theft, is prevalent, especially in the south and central areas. High murder rates are associated with cartel violence. U.S. government employees are restricted from areas south of Federal Highway 45D, but tourist hotspots like San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City are not restricted.
• Jalisco State: Reconsider travel to Jalisco due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity occur, even in tourist areas of Guadalajara. U.S. government employees are restricted from the Jalisco-Michoacan border region and certain highways, but major tourist areas like Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Ajijic are accessible.
• Morelos State: Reconsider travel to Morelos due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are present in parts of the state. No specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees are mentioned, suggesting general caution is advised throughout the state.
• Sonora State: Reconsider travel to Sonora due to crime and kidnapping. Sonora is a major hub for drug and human trafficking, leading to widespread violent crime. Travelers should be highly vigilant. U.S. government employees face numerous travel restrictions, particularly in border areas like Nogales, Puerto Peñasco, and regions in eastern and southern Sonora, with specific highway travel corridors and prohibitions on public transportation.

States to Exercise Increased Caution

These states require travelers to be more vigilant and aware of their surroundings due to moderate levels of crime.

• Aguascalientes State: Exercise increased caution in Aguascalientes due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur statewide. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees, indicating a general need for caution.
• Baja California Sur State: Exercise increased caution in Baja California Sur due to crime. While popular tourist destinations like Cabo San Lucas and La Paz are located here, criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
• Coahuila State: Exercise increased caution in Coahuila due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity are present in parts of the state. U.S. government employees are restricted from certain municipalities and face curfews in Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña, but other areas are accessible with caution.
• Durango State: Exercise increased caution in Durango due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of the state. U.S. government employees are restricted from areas west and south of Federal Highway 45.
• Hidalgo State: Exercise increased caution in Hidalgo due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees, suggesting general caution is advised.
• Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico): Exercise increased caution in Mexico City due to crime. Both violent and non-violent crime occur. Exercise extra caution at night and outside tourist areas. Petty crime is frequent. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
• Mexico State (Estado de Mexico): Exercise increased caution in Mexico State due to crime and kidnapping. Both violent and non-violent crime occur. Exercise caution outside tourist areas. Petty crime is common, even in tourist zones. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
• Nayarit State: Exercise increased caution in Nayarit due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
• Nuevo Leon State: Exercise increased caution in Nuevo Leon due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
• Oaxaca State: Exercise increased caution in Oaxaca due to crime. Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state. U.S. government employees are restricted from the Isthmus region and certain highways, but tourist areas like Oaxaca City, Monte Alban, Puerto Escondido, and Huatulco are accessible with caution.

Alt text: Panoramic view of Oaxaca City center, a popular tourist destination in Oaxaca state where travelers should exercise increased caution.

• Puebla State: Exercise increased caution in Puebla due to crime and kidnapping. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
• Queretaro State: Exercise increased caution in Queretaro due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
• Quintana Roo State: Exercise increased caution in Quintana Roo due to crime. This includes popular tourist destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Criminal activity and violence can occur anywhere, and shootings between gangs have affected bystanders. Increased caution is advised, especially at night in tourist zones. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
• San Luis Potosi State: Exercise increased caution in San Luis Potosi due to crime and kidnapping. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
• Tabasco State: Exercise increased caution in Tabasco due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
• Tlaxcala State: Exercise increased caution in Tlaxcala due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
• Veracruz State: Exercise increased caution in Veracruz due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity are increasing, especially in central and southern areas. Roadblocks for payment are common. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.

States to Exercise Normal Precautions

These states are considered generally safe for travel, with typical precautions advised.

• Campeche State: Exercise normal precautions in Campeche. No specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, indicating a generally safe environment.
• Yucatan State: Exercise normal precautions in Yucatan. This state is home to major tourist sites like Chichen Itza, Merida, Uxmal, and Valladolid. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, suggesting it’s one of the safest states in Mexico for tourists.

Alt text: The iconic El Castillo pyramid at Chichen Itza, a major tourist attraction in Yucatan state where normal travel precautions are advised.

Essential Safety Tips for Traveling to Mexico

Regardless of the specific region you plan to visit in Mexico, adopting smart travel habits can significantly enhance your safety and peace of mind. Here are key safety tips for anyone considering Travel To Mexico:

1. Stay Informed: Continuously check for updated travel advisories from your government before and during your trip. The situation can change, and up-to-date information is crucial.
2. Share Your Plans: Inform family or friends about your detailed travel itinerary. Share GPS locations if separating from your group. If taking a taxi alone, send a photo of the taxi number or license plate to a contact.
3. Use Secure Transportation: Opt for toll roads whenever possible. Avoid driving alone or at night if you can. In cities, rely on dispatched vehicles, app-based services like Uber (where available and considered safer than street taxis), or regulated taxi stands instead of hailing taxis on the street.
4. Be Discreet About Wealth: Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, watches, or gadgets that could make you a target for theft.
5. Exercise Caution at Nightlife Venues: Be extra vigilant when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos, as these can sometimes be areas with higher risks of crime.
6. Be Cautious at ATMs and Banks: Exercise increased caution when using ATMs or banks, as these can be locations for petty and more serious crimes. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid using ATMs at night or in isolated locations.
7. Enroll in STEP: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) offered by your country’s government. This service helps your embassy or consulate locate you in an emergency and send you important alerts.
8. Follow Official Guidance: Monitor social media accounts of your embassy or consulate in Mexico for real-time alerts and updates.
9. Review Security Reports: Familiarize yourself with country security reports for Mexico to understand the specific risks and trends.
10. Prepare for Emergencies: Develop a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review traveler checklists provided by your government to ensure you are prepared for unexpected events.
11. Health Precautions: Consult your doctor and check the CDC or other health organization’s page for the latest travel health information and recommendations for Mexico.
12. Respect Local Laws and Customs: Be aware of and respect local laws and customs. Avoid any illegal activities, as penalties can be severe.
13. Blend In and Avoid Drawing Attention: Try to blend in with the local population and avoid behaviors that might draw unwanted attention.
14. Learn Basic Spanish Phrases: Knowing some basic Spanish phrases can be helpful in navigating situations and communicating if needed, even in tourist areas where English is spoken.
15. Trust Your Instincts: If a situation feels unsafe, remove yourself from it immediately. Trust your gut feeling and prioritize your safety.

Conclusion: Traveling to Mexico with Awareness and Confidence

Travel to Mexico can be an incredibly rewarding experience, offering cultural richness, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. By staying informed about safety conditions, exercising caution in higher-risk areas, and following smart travel practices, you can significantly minimize risks and enjoy all that Mexico has to offer. Remember that millions of tourists visit Mexico safely every year, and with proper preparation and awareness, you can have a safe and unforgettable journey too. Always prioritize your personal safety, stay updated on the latest advisories, and embrace the adventure responsibly.