Planning a trip for United States Mexico Travel requires careful consideration of safety and security. Mexico, a vibrant and diverse country, attracts millions of U.S. visitors annually. However, it’s essential to be informed about the current travel advisories to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. This guide, based on the latest U.S. Department of State information, provides a comprehensive overview of safety concerns and travel recommendations for different states in Mexico, helping you make informed decisions for your United States Mexico travel plans.
General Safety Tips for United States Mexico Travel
Before delving into state-specific advisories, it’s crucial to understand general safety precautions applicable throughout Mexico. While many areas are safe to visit, exercising vigilance and adhering to safety guidelines can significantly minimize risks during your United States Mexico travel.
- Stay Informed: Keep abreast of the latest travel advisories and news regarding your destination in Mexico. The U.S. Department of State website is an excellent resource for up-to-date information.
- Share Your Plans: Inform family or friends about your detailed travel itinerary. Share GPS locations if you are separating from your group and send taxi details to a contact if traveling alone.
- Road Travel Awareness: Utilize toll roads whenever feasible. Avoid driving alone or during nighttime, particularly in less familiar areas. Remember that police and emergency services might be limited outside major urban centers.
- Exercise Caution in Social Settings: Be extra cautious when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos, where risks might be elevated, especially at night.
- Avoid Displaying Wealth: Refrain from showing signs of affluence like expensive jewelry or watches, which could make you a target for petty crime or theft.
- ATM and Bank Vigilance: Be particularly alert when using ATMs or visiting banks. These can be hotspots for criminal activity.
- Enroll in STEP: Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This service from the U.S. Department of State sends alerts and helps the embassy locate you in emergencies.
- Follow Official Channels: Stay connected with travel updates by following the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico on social media platforms like Facebook and X/Twitter.
- Review Security Reports: Familiarize yourself with the Country Security Report for Mexico to gain deeper insights into potential risks and security landscapes.
- Maritime Travelers Take Note: Mariners should check for maritime advisories and alerts from the U.S. government, which provide instructions on reporting suspicious activities to Mexican naval authorities.
- Emergency Preparedness: Create a contingency plan for emergencies. Review the Traveler’s Checklist provided by the State Department to ensure you are well-prepared for unexpected situations.
- Health Precautions: Consult the CDC website for the most recent travel health information and guidelines relevant to your destinations in Mexico.
States in Mexico to Avoid: “Do Not Travel” Advisory
Certain states in Mexico are under a “Do Not Travel” advisory due to extremely high levels of crime and safety risks. For United States Mexico travel, it is strongly recommended to avoid these states to ensure your personal safety.
Colima State
Do Not Travel to Colima state due to rampant crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are widespread, with frequent assassinations and shootings affecting even bystanders. Kidnapping is also a significant threat to travelers. U.S. government employees’ travel is severely restricted, limited only to tourist and port areas of Manzanillo and specific routes to reach them.
Guerrero State
Do Not Travel to Guerrero state due to widespread crime. Crime and violence are pervasive, with armed groups operating extensively, setting up roadblocks and posing threats to travelers. Kidnapping remains a serious concern. U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to any area in Guerrero, including major tourist destinations like Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Taxco, and Ixtapa, underscoring the extreme danger throughout the state.
Michoacan State
Do Not Travel to Michoacan state due to high risks of crime and kidnapping. Crime and violence are widespread. U.S. government employees’ travel is significantly restricted, permitted only on Federal Highway 15D to transit the state, to Morelia (by air or specific highways from 15D), and Lazaro Cardenas (by air to limited areas). The advisory explicitly warns against traveling to other areas, including parts of the Monarch Butterfly Reserve located in Michoacan.
Sinaloa State
Do Not Travel to Sinaloa state due to extensive crime. Violent crime is widespread, as Sinaloa is a base of operations for major criminal organizations. U.S. government employees can only travel to Mazatlan (by air or sea, limited to Zona Dorada and historic center) and Los Mochis/Topolobampo (by air or sea, restricted to city and port), using direct routes to and from airports or sea terminals. All other areas of Sinaloa are off-limits for U.S. government personnel.
Tamaulipas State
Do Not Travel to Tamaulipas state because of extremely high crime and kidnapping rates. Organized crime is rampant, leading to frequent gun battles, murders, robberies, carjackings, kidnappings, and extortion, particularly along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. Criminal groups often target buses and private vehicles, frequently kidnapping passengers for ransom. U.S. government employees’ travel is severely restricted to limited areas around U.S. Consulates in Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo and essential travel routes, with strict curfews and prohibitions on intercity travel on interior highways.
Zacatecas State
Do Not Travel to Zacatecas state due to widespread violent crime, extortion, and gang activity, coupled with a high risk of kidnapping. U.S. government employees are restricted to Zacatecas City proper and must arrive by air, with no overland travel permitted to the city or travel to any other areas within Zacatecas state.
States in Mexico to Reconsider Travel
Several states in Mexico are under a “Reconsider Travel” advisory, indicating significant risks that require travelers to carefully weigh their options and take enhanced precautions during their United States Mexico travel.
Baja California State
Reconsider Travel to Baja California state due to high crime and kidnapping risks. Transnational criminal organizations are active, especially in border areas, leading to frequent violent crime and gang activity. Tijuana is particularly concerning due to high homicide rates in non-tourist zones. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents is a risk. U.S. government employees face specific restrictions, particularly in the Mexicali Valley, and are advised to use caution even in tourist areas like Tijuana, Ensenada, and Rosarito.
Chiapas State
Reconsider Travel to Chiapas state due to crime concerns. Criminal activity and violence are present throughout the state. U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to the municipality of Ocozocoautla and specific southeastern regions, although travel to Tapachula city limits and Highway 225 to Tapachula Airport is permitted.
Chihuahua State
Reconsider Travel to Chihuahua state due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common, with territorial disputes leading to violence in public areas. Bystanders can be harmed, and kidnapping of U.S. citizens is a risk. U.S. government employee travel is limited to specific areas within major cities like Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua City, along certain highways, and to a few designated towns, with strict limitations on other areas, including Copper Canyon.
Guanajuato State
Reconsider Travel to Guanajuato state due to crime. Gang violence, often related to fuel theft, is prevalent, especially in the south and central parts of the state. High murder rates due to cartel violence are a major concern in the southern region, and kidnapping of U.S. citizens is a risk. U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling south of Federal Highway 45D, including cities like Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato, but tourist areas such as San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City are not under these restrictions.
Jalisco State
Reconsider Travel to Jalisco state due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Jalisco. Guadalajara sees territorial battles in tourist zones, and innocent bystanders have been injured in gang-related shootings. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens 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. However, major tourist areas like Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Ajijic are not under these restrictions.
Morelos State
Reconsider Travel to Morelos state due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Morelos state. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs has been reported. There are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Morelos state, but travelers should be aware of the general risks.
Sonora State
Reconsider Travel to Sonora state due to crime and kidnapping. Sonora is a key area for drug and human trafficking, leading to widespread violent crime. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens is a risk, and security incidents can occur anywhere. U.S. government employees face numerous travel restrictions, including limitations on routes between cities like Hermosillo and Nogales, restricted areas within Nogales and Puerto Peñasco, and prohibitions on travel to eastern and southern Sonora, including popular destinations like San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos (except air travel to Alamos city limits).
States in Mexico to Exercise Increased Caution
A significant number of states in Mexico fall under the “Exercise Increased Caution” advisory. While these states may not be as dangerous as those with “Do Not Travel” or “Reconsider Travel” advisories, travelers should still be vigilant and take extra precautions during their United States Mexico travel.
Aguascalientes State
Exercise Increased Caution in Aguascalientes state due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. There are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, but travelers should be aware of general safety risks.
Baja California Sur State
Exercise Increased Caution in Baja California Sur state due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. No travel restrictions are in place for U.S. government employees, but caution is advised for all travelers.
Coahuila State
Exercise Increased Caution in Coahuila state due to crime. Parts of Coahuila experience violent crime and gang activity. U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to several municipalities (Zaragoza, Morelos, Allende, Nava, Jimenez, Villa Union, Guerrero, and Hidalgo) and face curfews in Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña.
Durango State
Exercise Increased Caution in Durango state due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Durango. U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling west and south of Federal Highway 45.
Hidalgo State
Exercise Increased Caution in Hidalgo state due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, but increased caution is advised.
Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico)
Exercise Increased Caution in Mexico City due to crime. Both violent and non-violent crime are present. Extra caution is advised, especially at night and outside tourist areas. Petty crime is frequent. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, but vigilance is necessary.
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 zones, though petty crime is common even in tourist areas. Kidnapping is a risk. No restrictions for U.S. government employees, but caution is recommended.
Nayarit State
Exercise Increased Caution in Nayarit state due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, but travelers should be cautious.
Nuevo Leon State
Exercise Increased Caution in Nuevo Leon state due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, but caution is advised.
Oaxaca State
Exercise Increased Caution in Oaxaca state due to crime. Criminal activity and violence are present throughout the state. U.S. government employees are restricted from the Isthmus region and Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa. However, tourist areas like Oaxaca City, Monte Alban, Puerto Escondido, and Huatulco are not under these restrictions.
Puebla State
Exercise Increased Caution in Puebla state due to crime and kidnapping. Criminal activity and violence can occur statewide. Kidnapping is a risk. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, but travelers should be cautious.
Queretaro State
Exercise Increased Caution in Queretaro state due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, but caution is advised.
Quintana Roo State
Exercise Increased Caution in Quintana Roo state due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur anywhere, including tourist hotspots. Gang-related shootings have injured bystanders, including tourists, particularly in Tulum where violent crime has increased. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, but increased caution is advised, especially after dark in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.
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. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, but caution is advised.
Tabasco State
Exercise Increased Caution in Tabasco state due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, but travelers should be cautious.
Tlaxcala State
Exercise Increased Caution in Tlaxcala state due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, but caution is advised.
Veracruz State
Exercise Increased Caution in Veracruz state due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity are increasing, especially in central and southern Veracruz. Bystanders can be affected by gang violence, and impromptu roadblocks are common. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, but increased caution is recommended.
States in Mexico with Normal Precautions
A few states in Mexico are considered relatively safe, allowing for “Exercise Normal Precautions.” While crime can still occur, these states generally pose lower risks for United States Mexico travel.
Campeche State
Exercise Normal Precautions in Campeche state. Crime levels are low enough to warrant only normal precautions. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, making it a generally safe destination.
Yucatan State
Exercise Normal Precautions in Yucatan state. Yucatan is generally considered one of the safest states in Mexico. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, and it includes popular tourist destinations like Chichen Itza, Merida, Uxmal, and Valladolid, making it ideal for safer United States Mexico travel.
Conclusion
United States Mexico travel offers incredible cultural and travel experiences, but it’s vital to stay informed about safety conditions. By understanding the varying risk levels across different Mexican states and adhering to general and state-specific safety advice, travelers can significantly enhance their safety and enjoyment. Always consult the latest U.S. Department of State travel advisories before planning your trip, and enroll in STEP to receive updates and facilitate assistance in emergencies. Safe travels!
