Mexico, a vibrant country known for its rich culture, stunning beaches, and historical sites, attracts millions of tourists every year. However, like any popular travel destination, it’s essential to be aware of potential safety concerns. Understanding the Travel Warning For Mexico issued by the U.S. Department of State is crucial for planning a safe and enjoyable trip. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the current travel advisory, breaking down the risks by state and offering essential safety tips for tourists.
Understanding Mexico Travel Advisory Levels
The U.S. Department of State uses a four-level advisory system to inform U.S. citizens about safety and security conditions in countries around the world. These levels range from Level 1 (“Exercise Normal Precautions”) to Level 4 (“Do Not Travel”). For Mexico, the advisory is complex, with different levels assigned to individual states due to varying levels of crime and safety.
Here’s a breakdown of what each advisory level means in the context of Mexico:
- Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions: This is the lowest advisory level. It indicates that while there are some risks in the country, they are similar to those you might encounter in your own country. For Mexico, only a few states currently fall into this category.
- Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution: This level suggests being more aware of your surroundings and taking extra safety measures due to increased risks. Many states in Mexico are currently under this advisory, indicating concerns about crime, particularly for tourists in certain areas.
- Level 3: Reconsider Travel: This is a serious warning level. It means there are significant safety and security risks, and you should carefully consider whether your trip is necessary. Several Mexican states are at this level due to high levels of crime, including violent crime and kidnapping.
- Level 4: Do Not Travel: This is the highest advisory level, recommending against any travel to the designated areas. For Mexico, certain states carry this Level 4 warning due to extremely dangerous conditions, often involving widespread violent crime and limited ability of the U.S. government to provide assistance.
It’s important to understand that these advisories are primarily based on the safety and security risks for U.S. government employees. However, they provide valuable insights for all U.S. citizens and other travelers planning a trip to Mexico. While restrictions mentioned for U.S. government employees may not directly apply to tourists, they highlight areas the U.S. government considers particularly risky.
Mexico Travel Warnings by State: A Detailed Breakdown
The travel advisory for Mexico is not uniform across the country. Here’s a state-by-state guide based on the latest information, categorized by the advisory level. Remember to always check the most current advisory from the U.S. Department of State before planning your trip as situations can change.
Level 4: Do Not Travel to These Mexican States
These states are considered the most dangerous in Mexico, and travel is strongly discouraged due to extremely high levels of crime and violence.
Colima
Do Not Travel to Colima state due to crime and kidnapping.
Colima is facing widespread violent crime and gang activity. Homicides, often targeted assassinations by criminal organizations, are rampant, and bystanders can be caught in the crossfire. Kidnapping is also a significant risk for both locals and foreigners. U.S. government employee travel is severely restricted, limited only to tourist and port areas of Manzanillo and specific routes to reach it. Tourists should avoid all non-essential travel to Colima.
Guerrero
Do Not Travel to Guerrero state due to crime.
Guerrero is plagued by widespread crime and violence, with armed groups operating freely in many areas. These groups frequently set up roadblocks and can be violent towards travelers. Kidnapping is a persistent threat. The U.S. government prohibits its employees from traveling to any part of Guerrero, including popular tourist destinations like Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Taxco, and Ixtapa. Travelers are strongly advised to avoid Guerrero entirely.
Michoacan
Do Not Travel to Michoacan state due to crime and kidnapping.
Michoacan experiences widespread crime and violence. U.S. government employee travel is significantly restricted, only permitting transit on Federal Highway 15D, travel to Morelia by air or specific highways, and limited air travel and activity in Lazaro Cardenas. Even parts of the Monarch Butterfly Reserve located in Michoacan are off-limits for U.S. government employees. Tourists should not travel to Michoacan beyond the very limited permitted areas.
Sinaloa
Do Not Travel to Sinaloa state due to crime.
Sinaloa is home to powerful criminal organizations, and violent crime is widespread. U.S. government employees are restricted to Mazatlan (Zona Dorada and historic center, accessible only by air or sea) and Los Mochis/Topolobampo (city and port, air or sea access only). Travelers should avoid all travel to Sinaloa except for the very restricted tourist zones of Mazatlan and Los Mochis accessed by air or sea.
Tamaulipas
Do Not Travel to Tamaulipas state due to crime and kidnapping.
Tamaulipas is extremely dangerous due to organized crime, including gun battles, murder, robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, and extortion. Criminal groups often target buses and private vehicles for kidnapping and ransom. Heavily armed groups operate with impunity, especially along the northern border. U.S. government employees are severely limited to areas around the consulates in Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo and specific routes with curfews. Tourists should absolutely avoid traveling to Tamaulipas.
Zacatecas
Do Not Travel to Zacatecas state due to crime and kidnapping.
Zacatecas faces widespread violent crime, extortion, and gang activity. Kidnapping is a serious concern. U.S. government employees can only travel to Zacatecas City proper, and only by air. Overland travel is prohibited. Tourists should not travel to Zacatecas beyond Zacatecas City accessed by air.
Level 3: Reconsider Travel to These Mexican States
These states present significant risks, and travelers should carefully weigh the necessity of their trip.
Baja California
Reconsider travel to Baja California state due to crime and kidnapping.
Baja California, particularly the border region, is affected by transnational criminal organizations involved in drug and human trafficking. Violent crime and gang activity are common, especially in non-tourist areas of Tijuana, which has a high homicide rate. Kidnapping is also a risk. U.S. government employees face restrictions in the Mexicali Valley area. Travelers to Baja California should exercise extreme caution, stick to main highways, avoid remote areas, and be highly vigilant in Tijuana, even in tourist zones like Ensenada and Rosarito.
Chiapas
Reconsider travel to Chiapas state due to crime.
Chiapas experiences criminal activity and violence throughout the state. U.S. government employees are restricted from the municipality of Ocozocoautla and large areas in the southeastern region. Travelers to Chiapas should be aware of potential crime throughout the state and reconsider travel to the restricted areas in the southeast.
Chihuahua
Reconsider travel to Chihuahua state due to crime and kidnapping.
Chihuahua has high levels of violent crime and gang activity. Criminal groups frequently engage in territorial battles, leading to violence in public areas, including restaurants and malls. Bystanders have been injured or killed in shootings, and kidnapping is a risk. U.S. government employee travel is restricted to specific areas of Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua city, and certain highways. Tourists should reconsider travel to Chihuahua, particularly outside of the major cities and permitted travel routes for U.S. government employees, and be aware of the risk of being caught in violent incidents.
Guanajuato
Reconsider travel to Guanajuato state due to crime.
Guanajuato is experiencing increasing gang violence, often linked to fuel theft. The southern region of the state has a particularly high murder rate due to cartel-related violence. Kidnapping is also a concern. U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling south of Federal Highway 45D, including Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato. Travelers to Guanajuato should reconsider travel to the southern areas, including Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato. Tourist areas like San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City, while not restricted for US employees, still warrant increased caution due to the general crime situation in the state.
Jalisco
Reconsider travel to Jalisco state due to crime and kidnapping.
Jalisco faces violent crime and gang activity, including territorial battles in tourist areas of Guadalajara. Innocent bystanders have been injured or killed in shootings, and kidnapping is 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. Travelers to Jalisco should reconsider travel to the restricted border areas and highways. While major tourist areas like Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Ajijic are not restricted for US employees, increased caution is advised due to crime.
Morelos
Reconsider travel to Morelos state due to crime and kidnapping.
Morelos experiences violent crime and gang activity in parts of the state. Kidnapping is a risk for U.S. citizens and residents. There are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Morelos. Travelers to Morelos should reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping risks, despite no specific restrictions for US employees.
Sonora
Reconsider travel to Sonora state due to crime and kidnapping.
Sonora is a key area for drug trafficking and human smuggling. Violent crime is widespread, and kidnapping is a significant risk. Security incidents can occur anywhere in Sonora. U.S. government employees face numerous travel restrictions across the state, particularly concerning transportation methods and routes, and are prohibited from large areas, especially in eastern and southern Sonora. Travelers to Sonora should reconsider travel due to widespread violent crime and kidnapping risks and adhere to heightened awareness throughout the state. Exercise extreme caution when traveling on highways and avoid restricted areas.
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To These Mexican States
These states have increased risks of crime, and travelers should be more vigilant and take extra precautions.
Aguascalientes
Exercise increased caution in Aguascalientes state due to crime.
Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Aguascalientes. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees. Travelers should exercise increased caution throughout Aguascalientes due to general crime risks.
Baja California Sur
Exercise increased caution in Baja California Sur state due to crime.
Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Baja California Sur. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees. Travelers should exercise increased caution throughout Baja California Sur due to general crime risks. This includes popular tourist destinations like Cabo San Lucas and La Paz.
Coahuila
Exercise increased caution in Coahuila state due to crime.
Parts of Coahuila experience violent crime and gang activity. U.S. government employees are restricted from certain municipalities (Zaragoza, Morelos, Allende, Nava, Jimenez, Villa Union, Guerrero, and Hidalgo) and face curfews in Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña. Travelers should exercise increased caution, particularly in the restricted municipalities and observe heightened vigilance in Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña, considering the curfew for US employees as a general indicator of increased night-time risk.
Durango
Exercise increased caution in Durango state due to crime.
Parts of Durango state have common violent crime and gang activity. U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling west and south of Federal Highway 45. Travelers should exercise increased caution, particularly in the restricted western and southern regions of Durango.
Hidalgo
Exercise increased caution in Hidalgo state due to crime.
Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Hidalgo state. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees. Travelers should exercise increased caution throughout Hidalgo due to general crime risks.
Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico)
Exercise increased caution in Mexico City due to crime.
Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico City. Travelers should be especially cautious at night and outside of tourist areas. Petty crime is frequent in both tourist and non-tourist areas. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Mexico City. Travelers should exercise increased caution throughout Mexico City, especially at night and outside of well-patrolled tourist zones, and be aware of petty crime risks.
Mexico State (Estado de Mexico)
Exercise increased caution in Mexico State due to crime and kidnapping.
Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico State. Caution is advised outside of tourist areas, though petty crime is common even in tourist zones. Kidnapping is a risk. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Mexico State. Travelers should exercise increased caution throughout Mexico State due to crime and kidnapping risks, particularly outside of typical tourist areas.
Nayarit
Exercise increased caution in Nayarit state due to crime.
Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Nayarit state. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees. Travelers should exercise increased caution throughout Nayarit due to general crime risks. This includes tourist areas like Riviera Nayarit and Sayulita.
Nuevo Leon
Exercise increased caution in Nuevo Leon state due to crime.
Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Nuevo Leon state. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees. Travelers should exercise increased caution throughout Nuevo Leon due to general crime risks. This includes the major city of Monterrey.
Oaxaca
Exercise increased caution in Oaxaca state due to crime.
Criminal activity and violence occur throughout Oaxaca state. U.S. government employees are restricted from the Isthmus region and Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa. Travelers should exercise increased caution throughout Oaxaca, and reconsider travel to the Isthmus region and areas along Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa. Tourist areas like Oaxaca City, Monte Alban, Puerto Escondido, and Huatulco are not restricted for US employees, but still warrant caution.
Puebla
Exercise increased caution in Puebla state due to crime and kidnapping.
Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Puebla state. Kidnapping is a risk. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Puebla state. Travelers should exercise increased caution throughout Puebla due to crime and kidnapping risks.
Queretaro
Exercise increased caution in Queretaro state due to crime.
Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Queretaro state. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Queretaro state. Travelers should exercise increased caution throughout Queretaro due to general crime risks. This includes the city of San Miguel de Allende, which is also located in Guanajuato (which has a higher advisory). Travelers should check the specific advisory for their destination within Queretaro.
Quintana Roo
Exercise increased caution in Quintana Roo state due to crime.
Criminal activity and violence can occur anywhere in Quintana Roo, including popular tourist destinations. Shootings between gangs have injured and killed bystanders, including tourists, in places like Tulum. Violent crime is increasing in Tulum. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo. Travelers should exercise increased caution throughout Quintana Roo, including major tourist areas like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, particularly after dark. Remain in well-lit tourist zones and pedestrian streets.
San Luis Potosi
Exercise increased caution in San Luis Potosi state due to crime and kidnapping.
Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout San Luis Potosi state. Kidnapping is a risk. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in San Luis Potosi state. Travelers should exercise increased caution throughout San Luis Potosi due to crime and kidnapping risks.
Tabasco
Exercise increased caution in Tabasco state due to crime.
Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Tabasco state. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Tabasco state. Travelers should exercise increased caution throughout Tabasco due to general crime risks.
Tlaxcala
Exercise increased caution in Tlaxcala state due to crime.
Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Tlaxcala state. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Tlaxcala state. Travelers should exercise increased caution throughout Tlaxcala due to general crime risks.
Veracruz
Exercise increased caution in Veracruz state due to crime.
Veracruz is experiencing increasing violent crime and gang activity, particularly in the central and southern regions near Cordoba and Coatzacoalcos. Bystanders can be affected by gang violence. Impromptu roadblocks and demands for payment are common. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Veracruz state. Travelers should exercise increased caution throughout Veracruz, especially in central and southern areas, and be aware of potential roadblocks.
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To These Mexican States
These states are considered the safest in Mexico, where travelers can generally exercise normal precautions.
Campeche
Exercise normal precautions in Campeche state.
There are no significant safety concerns indicated for Campeche. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Campeche state. Travelers can generally exercise normal precautions in Campeche.
Yucatan
Exercise normal precautions in Yucatan state.
Yucatan is generally considered safe for travel. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Yucatan state. Travelers can generally exercise normal precautions in Yucatan, including popular tourist areas like Chichen Itza, Merida, Uxmal, and Valladolid.
General Safety Tips for Traveling in Mexico
Regardless of the state you plan to visit in Mexico, it’s wise to take general safety precautions. Here are some key tips based on the U.S. Department of State advisory and general travel safety best practices:
- Stay Informed: Continuously check for updated travel advisories and news regarding safety and security in your specific destinations right before and during your trip.
- Share Your Plans: Inform family and friends of your travel itinerary. If traveling in a group, ensure someone always knows your location, especially if separating from the group. Share your GPS location with a friend if going solo.
- Transportation Safety:
- Use toll roads whenever possible, as they are generally safer and better maintained.
- Avoid driving alone, especially at night.
- If using taxis, avoid hailing them on the street. Use dispatched vehicles, app-based services (like Uber where available and deemed safe), or regulated taxi stands.
- If taking a taxi alone, photograph the taxi number or license plate and text it to a contact.
- U.S. government employees are prohibited from driving from the U.S.-Mexico border to the interior of Mexico, except for specific routes and daytime travel in certain areas. Consider this a strong caution against long drives from the border into the interior.
- Be Discreet: Avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as expensive jewelry or watches, which can make you a target for petty crime or more serious offenses.
- ATM and Bank Vigilance: Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs, as these can be locations for robberies. Try to use ATMs inside banks during daylight hours if possible.
- Exercise Caution in Entertainment Venues: Be more cautious when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos, as these can sometimes be associated with higher crime rates or be targeted by criminal elements.
- Emergency Preparedness:
- 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.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations, including knowing who to contact and what to do in different scenarios.
- Review the Traveler’s Checklist provided by the Department of State for comprehensive preparation.
- Health Precautions: Consult the CDC page for the latest travel health information related to Mexico and your specific travel plans.
- Local Laws and Customs: Be aware of and respect local laws and customs. What might be acceptable in your home country could be illegal or offensive in Mexico.
- Trust Your Instincts: If a situation feels unsafe, remove yourself from it immediately.
Conclusion: Traveling to Mexico with Awareness and Caution
Mexico offers incredible travel experiences, but it’s crucial to be informed about the travel warning for Mexico and understand the risks. By staying updated on the advisories, understanding the specific risks in your chosen destinations, and practicing diligent safety measures, you can significantly enhance your safety and enjoy your trip to this beautiful and complex country. Always prioritize your personal safety and be prepared to adjust your plans based on the evolving security situation. Remember to check the U.S. Department of State website for the most up-to-date travel advisories before and during your travels. Safe travels!
