Mexico Travel Advisory: Staying Safe with US Department of State Guidance

Planning a trip to Mexico? It’s essential to stay informed about safety conditions. The U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory provides crucial information for U.S. citizens traveling abroad, and Mexico is a country where these advisories should be carefully considered. This guide breaks down the current travel advisory for Mexico, offering a detailed look at safety recommendations across different states and providing essential travel tips to ensure a safer trip.

Mexico, a vibrant country known for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, also faces significant challenges with crime, particularly violent crime. The U.S. government’s ability to assist U.S. citizens in emergencies is limited in certain areas due to security concerns, making it vital for travelers to be well-informed and prepared. This advisory is reissued after a periodic review to ensure the information is current and reflects the latest conditions on the ground.

Understanding the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory Levels for Mexico

The U.S. Department of State uses a level-based system to advise U.S. citizens about safety and security risks in countries around the world. For Mexico, these levels range from exercising normal precautions to not traveling at all, depending on the specific risks present in each state. Understanding these levels is the first step in planning a safe trip.

Here’s a breakdown of what each advisory level means in the context of traveling to Mexico:

Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions (Blue): This is the lowest advisory level. It indicates that while there are some risks, they are similar to those you might experience in your home country. For Mexico, only a few states currently fall into this category.
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution (Yellow): This level suggests that there are heightened risks to safety and security. Travelers should be more aware of their surroundings, especially in areas known for crime. Many states in Mexico are currently under this advisory.
Level 3: Reconsider Travel (Orange): This advisory level means there are serious risks to your safety and security. The Department of State advises travelers to reconsider their plans to visit these areas due to significant crime levels or other dangers.
Level 4: Do Not Travel (Red): This is the highest advisory level. It indicates extreme risks to safety and security, and the U.S. Department of State advises U.S. citizens not to travel to these areas. The dangers could include violent crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health emergencies, or kidnapping.

It’s important to note 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 planning to travel to Mexico.

Mexico Travel Advisory: State-by-State Breakdown

The travel advisory for Mexico is not uniform across the country. Different states have different risk levels, primarily due to varying levels of criminal activity. Below is a state-by-state guide based on the latest U.S. Department of State advisory, categorized by advisory level to help you quickly assess the safety situation in your intended destination.

Level 4: Do Not Travel to These Mexican States

The U.S. Department of State currently advises U.S. citizens not to travel to the following states in Mexico due to extremely high levels of crime and/or kidnapping:

Colima: Widespread violent crime and gang activity make Colima exceptionally dangerous. Homicides and kidnappings are rampant, with bystanders frequently caught in the crossfire of cartel violence. 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 to reach them.
Guerrero: Crime and violence are widespread throughout Guerrero. Armed groups operate with impunity, 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, emphasizing the severity of the risks. U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to any area in Guerrero.
Michoacan: Similar to Colima and Guerrero, Michoacan suffers from widespread crime and violence. U.S. government employees’ travel is significantly restricted, only allowing transit on Federal Highway 15D, travel to Morelia by air and specific highways, and limited access to Lazaro Cardenas by air. Even parts of the Monarch Butterfly Reserve located in Michoacan are off-limits for U.S. government employees.
Sinaloa: Home to powerful criminal organizations, Sinaloa experiences widespread violent crime. Travel for U.S. government employees is extremely limited, confined to Mazatlan’s Zona Dorada and historic center, and specific areas in Los Mochis and Topolobampo, accessed only by air or sea via direct routes.
Tamaulipas: Organized crime is rampant in Tamaulipas, especially along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. Gun battles, murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, and extortion are common. Criminal groups frequently target buses and private vehicles. Heavily armed groups operate with impunity, and local law enforcement has limited capacity. U.S. government employees are severely restricted to limited areas around U.S. Consulates in Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo and face curfews. Overland travel between cities is prohibited.
Zacatecas: Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread in Zacatecas. Kidnapping is a significant concern. U.S. government employee travel is limited to Zacatecas City proper, accessible only by air, with overland travel forbidden.

Level 3: Reconsider Travel to These Mexican States

The U.S. Department of State advises U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to the following states due to high levels of crime and/or kidnapping:

Baja California: Crime and kidnapping are significant concerns in Baja California, particularly in the border area where transnational criminal organizations operate. Tijuana, especially non-tourist areas, has a high homicide rate. While tourist areas like Tijuana, Ensenada, and Rosarito are within the “Reconsider Travel” advisory, travelers should be highly vigilant. U.S. government employees face restrictions, particularly in the Mexicali Valley.

Alt Text: Vehicle lanes crossing the US-Mexico border at Tijuana, highlighting the busy border area where increased caution is advised due to crime and kidnapping.
Chiapas: While known for its beautiful landscapes and indigenous culture, Chiapas 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 certain municipalities and regions, particularly in the southeastern part of the state and the municipality of Ocozocoautla.
Chihuahua: Crime and kidnapping are reasons to reconsider travel to Chihuahua. Violent crime and gang activity are common, with territorial disputes leading to violence in public areas. Ciudad Juarez and Copper Canyon are areas of particular concern. U.S. government employee travel is limited to specific areas within major cities like Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua City, and certain highways during daylight hours. Copper Canyon is off-limits for U.S. government employees.
Guanajuato: Gang violence, often linked to fuel theft, is prevalent in Guanajuato, especially in the south and central areas. High murder rates due to cartel violence are a major concern. Tourist areas like San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City are within the “Reconsider Travel” advisory, although U.S. government employees face restrictions only south of Federal Highway 45D.
Jalisco: Crime and kidnapping necessitate reconsidering travel to Jalisco. Violent crime and gang activity are common, with territorial battles in tourist areas of Guadalajara. Innocent bystanders have been injured or killed in shooting incidents. Tourist areas like Guadalajara Metropolitan Area and Puerto Vallarta (including Riviera Nayarit) are included. U.S. government employees are restricted from the Jalisco-Michoacan border region and certain federal highways.
Morelos: Crime and kidnapping are reasons to reconsider travel to Morelos. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of the state. U.S. government employees have no specific travel restrictions within Morelos, but general caution is advised.
Sonora: Sonora is a key area for drug trade and human trafficking, leading to widespread violent crime and kidnapping. Travelers should be highly aware of their surroundings throughout Sonora. U.S. government employees face numerous travel restrictions, especially in areas bordering Arizona, and are advised against using public transportation or ride-sharing services in many cities due to security concerns. Popular tourist destinations like Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino, and Puerto Penasco are within the advisory, but U.S. government employees have specific travel routes and restrictions even in these areas.

Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To

The U.S. Department of State advises U.S. citizens to exercise increased caution when traveling to the following states in Mexico due to crime and potential kidnapping risks:

Aguascalientes: Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Aguascalientes. No specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, but increased caution is advised.
Baja California Sur: Criminal activity and violence are concerns throughout Baja California Sur. No specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, but increased caution is recommended.
Coahuila: Parts of Coahuila experience violent crime and gang activity. U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to certain municipalities and face curfews in Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña.
Durango: Parts of Durango are affected by violent crime and gang activity. U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling west and south of Federal Highway 45.
Hidalgo: Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Hidalgo. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, but increased caution is advised.
Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico): Both violent and non-violent crime are present in Mexico City. Increased caution is advised, especially at night and outside tourist areas. Petty crime is frequent. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Mexico State (Estado de Mexico): Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico State, with kidnapping being a concern. Increased caution is advised, particularly outside tourist areas. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Nayarit: Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout Nayarit. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, but increased caution is advised.
Nuevo Leon: Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Nuevo Leon. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, but increased caution is recommended.
Oaxaca: Criminal activity and violence are present throughout Oaxaca. U.S. government employees are restricted from the Isthmus region and certain sections of Federal Highway 200. Tourist areas like Oaxaca City, Monte Alban, Puerto Escondido, and Huatulco are within the “Exercise Increased Caution” advisory, but no specific restrictions apply to U.S. government employees in these areas.

Alt Text: A vibrant street scene in Oaxaca City center, a popular tourist destination where increased caution is advised due to potential criminal activity.
Puebla: Crime and kidnapping are concerns in Puebla. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, but increased caution is recommended.
Queretaro: Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout Queretaro. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, but increased caution is advised.
Quintana Roo: Criminal activity and violence, including shootings between rival gangs, can occur in tourist destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Bystanders, including U.S. citizens, have been injured or killed. Increased caution is advised, especially after dark in these areas. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
San Luis Potosi: Crime and kidnapping are concerns in San Luis Potosi. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, but increased caution is advised.
Tabasco: Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout Tabasco. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, but increased caution is advised.
Tlaxcala: Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout Tlaxcala. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, but increased caution is advised.
Veracruz: Violent crime and gang activity are increasing in Veracruz, particularly in the central and southern parts. Roadblocks requiring payment are common. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, but increased caution is advised.

Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To

The U.S. Department of State advises U.S. citizens to exercise normal precautions when traveling to the following states in Mexico, the lowest advisory level:

Campeche: Exercise normal precautions in Campeche. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Yucatan: Exercise normal precautions in Yucatan. Tourist areas like Chichen Itza, Merida, Uxmal, and Valladolid are included in this lowest advisory level. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.

Alt Text: The iconic pyramid of Chichen Itza in Yucatan, a state where normal precautions are advised for travelers, indicating it is generally safe for tourists.

General Safety Tips for Traveling in Mexico

Regardless of the state you plan to visit, the U.S. Department of State provides general safety guidelines for all travelers in Mexico:

Stay Informed: Keep family and travel companions updated on your itinerary. Share your GPS location with a friend if separating from your group. If taking a taxi alone, photograph the taxi number or license plate and send it to a friend.
Road Travel Safety: Utilize toll roads whenever possible. Avoid driving alone, especially at night. Be aware that police and emergency services may be limited outside major cities.
Exercise Caution in Entertainment Venues: Be extra cautious when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos, where crime can be more prevalent.
Minimize Displays of Wealth: Avoid showing signs of wealth, such as expensive jewelry or watches, which can make you a target for criminals.
ATM and Bank Vigilance: Be particularly vigilant when using banks or ATMs, as these can be hotspots for theft.
Enroll in STEP: 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 with Official Channels: Follow the Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico on social media (Facebook and X/Twitter) for up-to-date information and alerts.
Review Security Reports: Consult the Country Security Report for Mexico for a comprehensive understanding of security conditions.
Maritime Travelers: Mariners should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts.
Emergency Planning: Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations and review the Traveler’s Checklist.
Health Information: Visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information related to Mexico.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety When Traveling to Mexico

The U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory for Mexico is an indispensable resource for anyone planning a trip. By understanding the advisory levels and state-specific warnings, travelers can make informed decisions about their destinations and take necessary precautions. While Mexico offers incredible travel experiences, being aware of the safety landscape and following recommended guidelines is crucial for a safer and more enjoyable journey. Always prioritize your safety, stay informed, and enroll in STEP before you travel. For the most current and detailed information, always refer directly to the official U.S. Department of State website.