US Travel Warnings Map: Your Essential Guide to Safe Mexico Travel

Planning a trip to Mexico? Ensuring your safety should be a top priority. The U.S. Department of State provides travel advisories for every country, and Mexico, with its diverse landscapes and vibrant culture, requires careful consideration. Understanding the Us Travel Warnings Map is crucial for informed travel planning. This guide breaks down the current travel warnings for Mexico, offering a state-by-state overview to help you navigate your journey safely.

Mexico is a vast and varied country, and safety levels can differ significantly from region to region. While some areas are generally safe for tourists, others pose considerable risks due to crime, including violent crime. The U.S. government actively monitors the security situation in Mexico and issues travel advisories to inform U.S. citizens about potential dangers. These advisories are not meant to deter travel entirely but to empower travelers with the knowledge needed to make safe decisions.

This article, based on the latest U.S. State Department travel advisory, serves as your guide to understanding the US travel warnings map for Mexico. We’ll delve into each advisory level, from “Do Not Travel” areas to regions where “Normal Precautions” are advised. By understanding these warnings and the specific risks associated with each state, you can plan your Mexican adventure with greater confidence and peace of mind. Remember to always consult the official US travel warnings map and resources for the most up-to-date information before and during your travels.

Understanding the US Travel Advisory Levels for Mexico

The U.S. Department of State uses a four-level advisory system to inform citizens about safety and security risks in different countries. For Mexico, these levels are clearly defined and crucial to understand:

Level 4: Do Not Travel

This is the highest advisory level, recommending U.S. citizens to avoid travel to these areas due to extremely high risk. For Mexico, states under this advisory are facing severe safety concerns, often involving widespread violent crime and kidnapping.

States Under “Do Not Travel” Advisory:

Colima State: Do not travel to Colima due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are widespread throughout Colima. Homicides are frequently targeted assassinations, and bystanders can be caught in the crossfire. Kidnapping is also a serious concern. US government employees are restricted to tourist and port areas of Manzanillo, traveling only on Federal Toll Road 54D during daylight hours from Guadalajara. All other areas of Colima are off-limits for US government employees.
Guerrero State: Do not travel to Guerrero state due to crime. Crime and violence are widespread, with armed groups operating independently in many areas. Roadblocks and violence against travelers are common. Kidnapping remains a significant risk. This advisory includes major tourist destinations such as Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Taxco, and Ixtapa, which are all off-limits for US government employees.
Michoacan State: Do not travel to Michoacan state due to crime and kidnapping. Crime and violence are widespread. US government employees are only permitted to travel on Federal Highway 15D to transit between Mexico City and Guadalajara, by air or land using Federal Highways 43 or 48D from Highway 15D to Morelia, and by air to Lazaro Cardenas, limited to the city center or port areas. All other areas, including the Monarch Butterfly Reserve in Michoacan, are off-limits.
Sinaloa State: Do not travel to Sinaloa state due to crime. Violent crime is widespread, and criminal organizations are heavily active. US government employees are restricted to Mazatlan (Zona Dorada and historic center, accessible by air or sea), and Los Mochis and Topolobampo (city and port areas, accessible by air or sea). Travel must be via direct routes between these limited areas and airports/sea terminals. All other areas of Sinaloa are off-limits.
Tamaulipas State: Do not travel to Tamaulipas state due to crime and kidnapping. Organized crime is rampant, with gun battles, murder, robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault common, especially along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. Criminal groups frequently target buses and private vehicles for passenger abduction and ransom. US government employees are severely restricted to limited areas around the consulates in Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo, with curfews and limitations on intercity travel. Overland travel on interior highways is prohibited, except for daylight travel between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Federal Highway 85D with prior authorization. All other areas of Tamaulipas are off-limits.
Zacatecas State: Do not travel to Zacatecas state due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread. Kidnapping is a significant risk. US government employees are only allowed to travel to Zacatecas City proper, accessible only by air, and overland travel to Zacatecas City is prohibited. All other areas of Zacatecas are off-limits.

Level 3: Reconsider Travel

This level advises travelers to reconsider their plans due to serious risks. In Mexico, states under “Reconsider Travel” face significant crime issues, potentially impacting tourist safety.

States Under “Reconsider Travel” Advisory:

Baja California State: Reconsider travel to Baja California state due to crime and kidnapping. Transnational criminal organizations are highly active, leading to violent crime and gang activity, particularly in border areas. Tijuana’s non-tourist areas have a high homicide rate. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens is a concern. US government employees face restrictions, especially in the Mexicali Valley region. However, major tourist areas like Tijuana, Ensenada, and Rosarito are still accessible with caution.
Chiapas State: Reconsider travel to Chiapas state due to crime. Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state. US government employees are prohibited from traveling to the municipality of Ocozocoautla and specific southeastern regions of Chiapas, bordering Guatemala. However, travel to Tapachula city limits and Highway 225 from Port Chiapas to Tapachula (including the airport) is permitted.
Chihuahua State: Reconsider travel to Chihuahua state due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common. Ciudad Juarez and other areas experience territorial disputes between criminal groups, leading to violence in public places. Bystanders have been injured or killed in shootings. Kidnapping is a risk for U.S. citizens. US government employee travel is restricted to certain areas of Ciudad Juarez, the city of Chihuahua, and routes between specific locations like Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua City, Nuevo Casas Grandes, Ojinaga, and Palomas, with daylight travel advised and specific route restrictions. Copper Canyon and other areas are off-limits to US government employees.
Guanajuato State: Reconsider travel to Guanajuato state due to crime. Gang violence related to fuel theft is prevalent, especially in the south and central areas. High murder rates due to cartel violence are a major concern. Kidnapping is also a risk. US government employees are restricted from traveling south of Federal Highway 45D, including Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato. Tourist areas like San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City remain accessible.
Jalisco State: Reconsider travel to Jalisco state due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common. Guadalajara sees territorial battles in tourist areas, with bystanders injured in shootings. Kidnapping is a risk. US government employees are restricted from the Jalisco-Michoacan border region, Federal Highway 110 between Tuxpan and the Michoacan border, and Federal Highway 80 south of Cocula. Tourist areas including Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Ajijic remain accessible.
Morelos State: Reconsider travel to Morelos state due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are prevalent in parts of Morelos. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens is a concern. There are no specific travel restrictions for US government employees in Morelos state.
Sonora State: Reconsider travel to Sonora state due to crime and kidnapping. Sonora is a key area for drug and human trafficking. Violent crime is widespread, and kidnapping is a risk for U.S. citizens. Travelers should be highly aware of their surroundings throughout Sonora. US government employees face numerous travel restrictions, particularly in areas bordering Arizona, certain parts of Nogales, Puerto Peñasco, regions near the Mariposa Port of Entry, and eastern and southern Sonora, including major cities like Guaymas, Empalme, Obregon and Navojoa. Travel between Hermosillo and Nogales is restricted to daylight hours on Federal Highway 15 only, with strict limitations on transportation methods. Tourist areas like Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino, and Puerto Penasco are accessible with adherence to restrictions.

Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

This advisory level suggests travelers be extra vigilant due to heightened risks. Many states in Mexico fall under this category, indicating a need for caution, especially in certain areas or at certain times.

States Under “Exercise Increased Caution” Advisory:

Aguascalientes State: Exercise increased caution in Aguascalientes state due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. There are no specific travel restrictions for US government employees in Aguascalientes.
Baja California Sur State: Exercise increased caution in Baja California Sur state due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. There are no specific travel restrictions for US government employees in Baja California Sur state.
Coahuila State: Exercise increased caution in Coahuila state due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity occur in parts of Coahuila. US government employees are prohibited from traveling to the municipalities of Zaragoza, Morelos, Allende, Nava, Jimenez, Villa Union, Guerrero, and Hidalgo. In Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña, travel is permitted directly from the US with a curfew from midnight to 6:00 a.m.
Durango State: Exercise increased caution in Durango state due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Durango. US government employees are restricted from traveling west and south of Federal Highway 45 in Durango.
Hidalgo State: Exercise increased caution in Hidalgo state due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. There are no specific travel restrictions for US government employees in Hidalgo state.
Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico): Exercise increased caution in Mexico City due to crime. Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico City. Exercise extra caution at night and outside tourist areas. Petty crime is frequent in both tourist and non-tourist zones. There are no specific travel restrictions for US government employees in Mexico City.
Mexico State (Estado de Mexico): Exercise increased caution in Mexico State due to crime and kidnapping. Both violent and non-violent crime are present throughout Mexico State. Exercise caution outside tourist areas, though petty crime is common even in tourist zones. Kidnapping is a risk. There are no specific travel restrictions for US government employees in Mexico State.
Nayarit State: Exercise increased caution in Nayarit state due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout Nayarit state. There are no specific travel restrictions for US government employees in Nayarit state.
Nuevo Leon State: Exercise increased caution in Nuevo Leon state due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. There are no specific travel restrictions for US government employees in Nuevo Leon state.
Oaxaca State: Exercise increased caution in Oaxaca state due to crime. Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state. US government employees are restricted from the Isthmus region (bounded by Federal Highways 185D, 190, and the Oaxaca-Chiapas border) and Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa. Tourist areas like Oaxaca City, Monte Alban, Puerto Escondido, and Huatulco remain accessible.
Puebla State: Exercise increased caution in Puebla state due to crime and kidnapping. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. Kidnapping is a risk. There are no specific travel restrictions for US government employees in Puebla state.
Queretaro State: Exercise increased caution in Queretaro state due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. There are no specific travel restrictions for US government employees in Queretaro state.
Quintana Roo State: Exercise increased caution in Quintana Roo state due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur anywhere, including tourist destinations. Gang shootings have injured bystanders, including U.S. citizens, even in tourist zones. Violent crime, including homicides, has risen in Tulum. Exercise increased caution at night in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, staying in well-lit tourist areas. There are no specific travel restrictions for US government employees in Quintana Roo state.
San Luis Potosi State: Exercise increased caution in San Luis Potosi state due to crime and kidnapping. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. Kidnapping is a risk. There are no specific travel restrictions for US government employees in San Luis Potosi state.
Tabasco State: Exercise increased caution in Tabasco state due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. There are no specific travel restrictions for US government employees in Tabasco state.
Tlaxcala State: Exercise increased caution in Tlaxcala state due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. There are no specific travel restrictions for US government employees in Tlaxcala state.
Veracruz State: Exercise increased caution in Veracruz state due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity are increasingly frequent, especially in central and southern Veracruz near Cordoba and Coatzacoalcos. Roadblocks requiring payment are common. There are no specific travel restrictions for US government employees in Veracruz state.

Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

This is the lowest advisory level, indicating the area is generally safe, but travelers should still be aware of their surroundings and take standard safety measures.

States Under “Exercise Normal Precautions” Advisory:

Campeche State: Exercise normal precautions in Campeche state. There are no specific safety concerns highlighted for Campeche, and no travel restrictions for US government employees.
Yucatan State: Exercise normal precautions in Yucatan state. Yucatan is generally considered one of the safest states in Mexico. Tourist areas like Chichen Itza, Merida, Uxmal, and Valladolid are included in this advisory level. There are no travel restrictions for US government employees in Yucatan state.

General Safety Recommendations for Travel to Mexico

Regardless of the specific advisory level for your destination in Mexico, the U.S. State Department provides general safety recommendations for all travelers:

Stay Informed: Keep family and travel companions updated on your plans. Share your GPS location if separating from your group. If taking a taxi alone, send a photo of the taxi number to a friend.
Road Travel: Use toll roads when possible. Avoid driving alone or at night, as police and emergency services may be limited outside major cities.
Vigilance in Public Areas: Exercise increased caution in local bars, nightclubs, and casinos. Avoid displaying wealth, such as expensive jewelry. Be extra cautious at banks and ATMs.
Enroll in STEP: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and facilitate location in emergencies.
Follow Social Media: Follow the Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico on social media for updates.
Review Security Reports: Consult the Country Security Report for Mexico for detailed information.
Mariners: Mariners should check for maritime advisories and alerts.
Emergency Planning: Prepare a contingency plan for emergencies and review the Traveler’s Checklist.
Health Information: Visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information.

Staying Updated on US Travel Warnings for Mexico

Travel advisories can change, and it’s essential to stay informed both before and during your trip to Mexico. Here’s how to keep up-to-date:

Official Website: Regularly check the U.S. Department of State’s travel website for the most current travel advisories and US travel warnings map.
Embassy Website: Consult the U.S. Embassy in Mexico’s website for specific updates and information related to Mexico.
STEP Enrollment: Enrolling in STEP ensures you receive automatic alerts about travel advisories and safety concerns.
Travel Insurance: Consider travel insurance that covers disruptions and emergencies related to safety and security.

By staying informed and understanding the US travel warnings map, you can make informed decisions and travel more safely in Mexico. Remember, preparation and awareness are key to a positive and secure travel experience.

Disclaimer: This information is based on the U.S. State Department travel advisory as of the last update of the original document. Travel advisories are subject to change. Always refer to the official U.S. Department of State website for the most current information before making travel decisions.