Mexico, a land of vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and rich history, remains a top travel destination for many United States citizens. However, it’s essential for prospective travelers to be aware of the safety concerns that exist in certain areas. The United States Department of State has issued a travel warning for Mexico, highlighting the risks of crime and violence throughout the country. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the current United States travel warning for Mexico, offering a detailed state-by-state analysis to help you plan your trip with safety and awareness in mind.
The U.S. government’s travel advisory for Mexico indicates that violent crime, including homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery, is widespread. Due to security concerns, the U.S. government’s ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens is limited in many parts of Mexico. In numerous states, particularly outside of major cities, local emergency services may also be limited.
U.S. citizens are strongly advised to heed the restrictions placed on U.S. government employee travel within Mexico. These restrictions vary by state and are detailed in the state-specific advisories below. Generally, U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling between cities after dark, hailing taxis on the street, and are instructed to use dispatched vehicles, including app-based services or regulated taxi stands. Traveling alone, especially in remote areas, is discouraged. Driving from the U.S.-Mexico border to the interior of Mexico is restricted, with exceptions for daytime travel within Baja California, between Nogales and Hermosillo on Mexican Federal Highway 15D, between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Highway 85D, and between Ciudad Juarez and interior cities as specified for Chihuahua.
For more in-depth information, U.S. citizens are encouraged to consult the country information page provided by the U.S. Department of State.
Mexico Travel Warnings: Levels of Caution
The U.S. Department of State categorizes states in Mexico into different advisory levels to guide travelers on the degree of caution needed:
Do Not Travel To:
- Colima state
- Guerrero state
- Michoacan state
- Sinaloa state
- Tamaulipas state
- Zacatecas state
Reconsider Travel To:
- Baja California state
- Chiapas state
- Chihuahua state
- Guanajuato state
- Jalisco state
- Morelos state
- Sonora state
Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To:
- Aguascalientes state
- Baja California Sur state
- Durango state
- Hidalgo state
- Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico)
- Mexico State (Estado de Mexico)
- Nayarit state
- Nuevo Leon state
- Oaxaca state
- Puebla state
- Queretaro state
- Quintana Roo state
- San Luis Potosi state
- Tabasco state
- Tlaxcala state
- Veracruz state
Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To:
- Campeche state
- Yucatan state
For further details on travel to high-risk areas, visit the Travel to High-Risk Areas section on the Department of State website.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Mexico
If you decide to travel to Mexico despite the travel warnings, taking precautions is crucial. Here are some essential safety tips:
- Share Your Itinerary: Keep your travel companions and family informed about your detailed travel plans. If you are separating from your group, send a friend your GPS location. When taking a taxi alone, photograph the taxi number or license plate and text it to a trusted contact.
- Prefer Toll Roads & Daylight Travel: Utilize toll roads whenever possible, as they are generally safer and better maintained. Avoid driving alone or during nighttime, especially outside major urban centers where police presence and emergency services are often limited.
- Exercise Caution in Entertainment Venues: Be particularly cautious when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos, where crime rates can be higher.
- Minimize Displays of Wealth: Refrain from displaying signs of affluence, such as expensive jewelry or watches, which can make you a target for criminals.
- Be Vigilant at Banks and ATMs: Exercise extra vigilance when using banks or ATMs, as these can be locations for robberies and scams.
- Enroll in STEP: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive travel alerts and facilitate your location in case of an emergency.
- Stay Informed: Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X/Twitter for updates and alerts. Also, follow the U.S. Embassy in Mexico on Facebook and X/Twitter.
- Review Security Reports: Consult the Country Security Report for Mexico to gain a deeper understanding of the security situation.
- Mariners’ Advisory: Mariners traveling to Mexico should review U.S. maritime advisories and alerts for instructions on reporting suspicious activities to Mexican naval authorities.
- Emergency Plan: Prepare a contingency plan for potential emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist for guidance.
- Health Information: Visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information relevant to your trip.
State-by-State Mexico Travel Advisory
Below is a detailed breakdown of the travel advisory for each state in Mexico, as per the U.S. Department of State.
Aguascalientes State – Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory Level: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime.
Summary: Criminal activity and violence are potential risks throughout Aguascalientes.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: No travel restrictions are in place for U.S. government employees in Aguascalientes state.
Baja California State – Reconsider Travel
Advisory Level: Reconsider Travel due to crime and kidnapping.
Summary: Baja California, particularly the border region, sees intense competition between transnational criminal organizations involved in drug and human smuggling. Violent crime and gang activity are prevalent. Tijuana’s non-tourist areas have a high homicide rate. Kidnapping is a risk for U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs).
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions:
- Mexicali Valley Restriction: U.S. government employees should avoid the Mexicali Valley due to high cartel violence. Specific boundaries are defined and available on the U.S. Embassy website.
- Permitted Transit Routes: Highways 2, 2D, 1, and 8 can be used during daylight for transit between certain locations like Mexicali, Los Algodones, San Luis Rio Colorado, and Mexicali Airport. Highway 5 is permitted during daylight.
- Tourist Areas: High-traffic tourist areas like Tijuana, Ensenada, and Rosarito are not under travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
For a detailed map of restricted areas, refer to: https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas
Baja California Sur State – Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory Level: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime.
Summary: Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Baja California Sur.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Baja California Sur state, which includes popular tourist destinations like Cabo San Lucas and La Paz.
Campeche State – Exercise Normal Precautions
Advisory Level: Exercise Normal Precautions.
Summary: Campeche is considered relatively safe for travel.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Campeche state.
Chiapas State – Reconsider Travel
Advisory Level: Reconsider Travel due to crime.
Summary: Criminal activity and violence are risks throughout Chiapas.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions:
- Ocozocoautla and Southeastern Region Restriction: U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to the municipality of Ocozocoautla and a defined southeastern region. Detailed boundary descriptions and maps are available on the U.S. Embassy website.
- Permitted Travel: Travel to Tapachula city limits and Highway 225 from Port Chiapas to Tapachula (including Tapachula Airport) is permitted.
For a detailed map of restricted areas, refer to: https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas
Chihuahua State – Reconsider Travel
Advisory Level: Reconsider Travel due to crime and kidnapping.
Summary: Violent crime and gang activity are common in Chihuahua. While most homicides target criminal organization members, territorial disputes can endanger bystanders in public areas. Kidnapping is a risk for U.S. citizens and LPRs.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions:
- Ciudad Juarez Restrictions: Travel is limited to a specific area of Ciudad Juarez, with boundaries defined. Travel to the airport and factories along certain boulevards is permitted. Travel to San Jerónimo via the Santa Teresa U.S. Port of Entry is allowed, but Anapra is prohibited.
- Ciudad Juarez to Chihuahua City Travel: Daylight travel only via Federal Highway 45 with limited stops.
- Other Permitted Travel: Travel between Ciudad Juarez and Ascension via Highway 2, to Nuevo Casas Grandes area (daylight hours), within specified areas of Chihuahua City, to Ojinaga (via Presidio, Texas), and Palomas (via Columbus, New Mexico or Highway 2 in Mexico) are permitted under specific conditions.
- Copper Canyon Restriction: U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to Copper Canyon and other areas outside of the specified permitted zones.
For a detailed map of restricted areas, refer to: https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas
Coahuila State – Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory Level: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime.
Summary: Violent crime and gang activity occur in parts of Coahuila.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions:
- Restricted Municipalities: Travel to Zaragoza, Morelos, Allende, Nava, Jimenez, Villa Union, Guerrero, and Hidalgo municipalities is prohibited for U.S. government employees.
- Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña: Travel is permitted directly from the U.S. with a curfew from midnight to 6:00 a.m. in both cities.
For a detailed map of restricted areas, refer to: https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas
Colima State – Do Not Travel
Advisory Level: Do Not Travel due to crime and kidnapping.
Summary: Colima experiences widespread violent crime and gang activity. Homicides are often targeted assassinations, but bystanders can be caught in the crossfire. Kidnapping is a risk for U.S. citizens and LPRs.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions:
- Manzanillo Restriction: Travel is limited to tourist and port areas of Manzanillo.
- Guadalajara to Manzanillo Travel: Employees traveling from Guadalajara to Manzanillo must use Federal Toll Road 54D during daylight hours.
- Other Areas Prohibited: U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to other areas of Colima state.
For a detailed map of restricted areas, refer to: https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas
Durango State – Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory Level: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime.
Summary: Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Durango.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions:
- Western and Southern Durango Restriction: U.S. government employees may not travel to the region of Durango state west and south of Federal Highway 45.
For a detailed map of restricted areas, refer to: https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas
Guanajuato State – Reconsider Travel
Advisory Level: Reconsider Travel due to crime.
Summary: Guanajuato experiences gang violence, often linked to fuel theft. The southern and central areas are particularly affected, with high murder rates due to cartel violence. Kidnapping is a risk for U.S. citizens and LPRs.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions:
- Southern Guanajuato Restriction: U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to areas south of and including Federal Highway 45D, Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato.
- Tourist Areas: Tourist areas like San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City are not under travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
For a detailed map of restricted areas, refer to: https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas
Guerrero State – Do Not Travel
Advisory Level: Do Not Travel due to crime.
Summary: Crime and violence are widespread in Guerrero. Armed groups operate independently, frequently setting up roadblocks and using violence against travelers. Kidnapping has been a recurring issue for U.S. citizens and LPRs.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to any area in Guerrero state, including tourist hotspots like Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Taxco, and Ixtapa.
Hidalgo State – Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory Level: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime.
Summary: Criminal activity and violence are potential risks throughout Hidalgo.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: No travel restrictions are in place for U.S. government employees in Hidalgo state.
Jalisco State – Reconsider Travel
Advisory Level: Reconsider Travel due to crime and kidnapping.
Summary: Parts of Jalisco state experience violent crime and gang activity. Guadalajara sees territorial disputes between criminal groups, sometimes impacting tourist areas with shooting incidents that can harm bystanders. Kidnapping is a risk for U.S. citizens and LPRs.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions:
- Jalisco-Michoacan Border and Highway 110 Restriction: U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling between Federal Highway 110 and the Jalisco-Michoacan border, and on Federal Highway 110 between Tuxpan, Jalisco, and the Michoacan border.
- Highway 80 Restriction: Travel on Federal Highway 80 south of Cocula is prohibited.
- Tourist Areas: Tourist areas including Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, Puerto Vallarta (and Riviera Nayarit), Chapala, and Ajijic are not under travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
For a detailed map of restricted areas, refer to: https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas
Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory Level: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime.
Summary: Both violent and non-violent crime are present throughout Mexico City. Exercise increased caution, especially at night and outside tourist areas. Petty crime is frequent in both tourist and non-tourist zones.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Mexico City.
Mexico State (Estado de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory Level: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime and kidnapping.
Summary: Both violent and non-violent crime are risks in Mexico State. Exercise caution outside tourist areas, although petty crime occurs even in tourist zones. Kidnapping is a risk for U.S. citizens and LPRs.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Mexico State.
Michoacan State – Do Not Travel
Advisory Level: Do Not Travel due to crime and kidnapping.
Summary: Crime and violence are widespread in Michoacan.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions:
- Highway 15D Transit Allowed: U.S. government employees can use Federal Highway 15D to transit between Mexico City and Guadalajara.
- Morelia and Lazaro Cardenas Travel: Travel to Morelia is allowed by air and land via Federal Highways 43 or 48D from Highway 15D. Travel to Lazaro Cardenas is restricted to air travel and limited to the city center or port areas.
- Monarch Butterfly Reserve Restriction: U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to other areas of Michoacan, including the Michoacan portions of the Monarch Butterfly Reserve.
For a detailed map of restricted areas, refer to: https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas
Morelos State – Reconsider Travel
Advisory Level: Reconsider Travel due to crime and kidnapping.
Summary: Parts of Morelos state experience violent crime and gang activity. Kidnapping is a risk for U.S. citizens and LPRs.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Morelos state, which includes the popular tourist city of Cuernavaca.
Nayarit State – Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory Level: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime.
Summary: Criminal activity and violence are potential risks throughout Nayarit.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Nayarit state, including tourist areas like Riviera Nayarit (shared with Jalisco) and San Blas.
Nuevo Leon State – Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory Level: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime.
Summary: Criminal activity and violence are potential risks throughout Nuevo Leon.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Nuevo Leon state, which includes the major city of Monterrey.
Oaxaca State – Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory Level: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime.
Summary: Criminal activity and violence occur throughout Oaxaca.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions:
- Isthmus Region Restriction: U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to the Isthmus region, bounded by Federal Highways 185D, 190, and the Oaxaca-Chiapas border, including cities like Juchitan de Zaragoza and Salina Cruz.
- Highway 200 Restriction: Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa is prohibited between Pinotepa and the Oaxaca-Guerrero border.
- Tourist Areas: Tourist areas such as Oaxaca City, Monte Alban, Puerto Escondido, and Huatulco are not under travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
For a detailed map of restricted areas, refer to: https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas
Puebla State – Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory Level: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime and kidnapping.
Summary: Criminal activity and violence are potential risks throughout Puebla. Kidnapping is a risk for U.S. citizens and LPRs.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Puebla state, which includes the historical city of Puebla.
Queretaro State – Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory Level: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime.
Summary: Criminal activity and violence are potential risks throughout Queretaro.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Queretaro state, including the city of Queretaro and San Juan del Rio.
Quintana Roo State – Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory Level: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime.
Summary: Criminal activity and violence can occur anywhere, including tourist hotspots in Quintana Roo. Gang shootings, though not targeted at tourists, have resulted in bystander injuries and deaths, including U.S. citizens. Violent crime is increasing in Tulum.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo state. Increased caution is advised after dark in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, staying within well-lit tourist zones.
San Luis Potosi State – Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory Level: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime and kidnapping.
Summary: Criminal activity and violence are potential risks throughout San Luis Potosi. Kidnapping is a risk for U.S. citizens and LPRs.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in San Luis Potosi state, including the city of San Luis Potosi and the surreal gardens of Xilitla.
Sinaloa State – Do Not Travel
Advisory Level: Do Not Travel due to crime.
Summary: Violent crime is widespread in Sinaloa, a base of operations for criminal organizations.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions:
- Mazatlan Restriction: U.S. government employees can travel to Mazatlan by air or sea only, limited to the Zona Dorada and historic town center, using direct routes to/from the airport and sea terminal.
- Los Mochis and Topolobampo Restriction: Travel to Los Mochis and Topolobampo is allowed by air or sea only, restricted to the city and port, with direct routes to/from the airport.
- Other Areas Prohibited: U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to other areas of Sinaloa state, including Culiacan.
For a detailed map of restricted areas, refer to: https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas
Sonora State – Reconsider Travel
Advisory Level: Reconsider Travel due to crime and kidnapping.
Summary: Sonora is a key 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 aware of their surroundings throughout Sonora.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions:
- Hermosillo-Nogales Highway Restriction: Travel between Hermosillo and Nogales is permitted during daylight only via Federal Highway 15. Taxis, public buses, and ride-share services are prohibited. Caution is advised due to reported carjackings and shootings.
- Nogales Restricted Area: A specific triangular area in Nogales is off-limits to U.S. government employees. Taxis, public buses, and ride-share services are prohibited in Nogales.
- Puerto Peñasco Highway Restriction: Travel to Puerto Peñasco is allowed during daylight only via Federal Highway 8 from the Lukeville-Sonoyta U.S. Port of Entry. Other routes are prohibited. Taxis, public buses, and ride-share services are prohibited in Puerto Peñasco.
- Mariposa Port of Entry Region Restriction: A triangular region near the Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry is prohibited.
- San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea, and Agua Prieta Restrictions: Direct travel from the U.S. Ports of Entry to these cities is permitted during daylight only, within city limits. Travel between Nogales and Cananea via Imuris is prohibited. Taxis, public buses, and ride-share services are prohibited in these cities.
- Eastern and Southern Sonora Restriction: Areas east of Federal Highway 17, and south of Federal Highway 16 and Guaymas are prohibited. Travel to Alamos is permitted by air only and within city limits. Taxis, public buses, and ride-share services are prohibited in these areas.
- Tourist Areas: Tourist areas like Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino, and Puerto Penasco are accessible under the listed restrictions.
For a detailed map of restricted areas, refer to: https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas
Tabasco State – Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory Level: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime.
Summary: Criminal activity and violence are potential risks throughout Tabasco.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Tabasco state, including the city of Villahermosa and archaeological sites.
Tamaulipas State – Do Not Travel
Advisory Level: Do Not Travel due to crime and kidnapping.
Summary: Organized crime is rampant in Tamaulipas, with frequent gun battles, murder, robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, extortion, and sexual assault, especially along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. Criminal groups target buses and private vehicles, often kidnapping passengers for ransom. Heavily armed groups operate with impunity, particularly in the border region.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions:
- Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo Restrictions: Travel is limited to a small radius around the U.S. Consulates, residences, U.S. Ports of Entry, and limited downtown areas, with an overnight curfew.
- Overland Travel Restriction: Intercity travel within Tamaulipas via interior highways is prohibited. Travel between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey is limited to Federal Highway 85D during daylight hours with prior authorization.
- All Other Areas Prohibited: U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to other parts of Tamaulipas state.
For a detailed map of restricted areas, refer to: https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas
Tlaxcala State – Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory Level: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime.
Summary: Criminal activity and violence are potential risks throughout Tlaxcala.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Tlaxcala state, one of Mexico’s smallest states known for its historical sites.
Veracruz State – Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory Level: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime.
Summary: Veracruz experiences increasing violent crime and gang activity, particularly in the central and southern regions near Cordoba and Coatzacoalcos. While gang violence is mainly targeted, bystanders can be affected. Impromptu roadblocks for payment are common.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Veracruz state, including the port city of Veracruz and historical Xalapa.
Yucatan State – Exercise Normal Precautions
Advisory Level: Exercise Normal Precautions.
Summary: Yucatan is generally considered safe for travel.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Yucatan state, which includes major tourist attractions like Chichen Itza, Merida, Uxmal, and Valladolid.
Zacatecas State – Do Not Travel
Advisory Level: Do Not Travel due to crime and kidnapping.
Summary: Zacatecas is highly dangerous due to widespread violent crime, extortion, and gang activity. Kidnapping is a significant risk for U.S. citizens and LPRs.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions:
- Zacatecas City Restriction: U.S. government employee travel is limited to Zacatecas City proper, with air travel as the only permitted mode of transport to reach the city. Overland travel to Zacatecas City is prohibited.
- All Other Areas Prohibited: U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to other areas of Zacatecas state, including popular “Pueblos Magicos” like Jerez.
Disclaimer: This information is based on the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory as of the latest update. Travel advisories are subject to change. Always check the official U.S. Department of State website for the most current information before making travel plans. This document is for informational purposes and should not be considered as absolute travel advice. Personal safety decisions are ultimately the responsibility of the traveler.
