Mexico, a land of vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and rich history, is a dream destination for many travelers. However, the question of safety often looms large: Is It Safe To Travel To Mexico? It’s a valid concern, and the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. The safety situation in Mexico is nuanced and varies significantly depending on the specific region you plan to visit.
Understanding the realities of travel safety in Mexico is crucial for planning a secure and enjoyable trip. This guide provides a comprehensive overview, drawing from official travel advisories and expert insights, to help you make informed decisions about your Mexican adventure.
Decoding Mexico Travel Advisories: What You Need to Know
Travel advisories are issued by governments worldwide to inform their citizens about potential risks in foreign countries. For U.S. travelers, the U.S. Department of State provides detailed travel advisories for Mexico, categorizing states into different risk levels. These levels are:
- Exercise Normal Precautions (Level 1): This is the lowest advisory level, suggesting typical safety measures.
- Exercise Increased Caution (Level 2): Indicates a need for heightened awareness of safety and security risks.
- Reconsider Travel (Level 3): Advises travelers to reconsider their plans due to serious risks.
- Do Not Travel (Level 4): The highest level, recommending against any travel to the designated area due to extreme danger.
It’s important to understand that these advisories are primarily designed for U.S. government employees, who often have stricter safety protocols. However, they serve as valuable guidance for all travelers. The advisories are based on factors like crime rates, kidnapping risks, and the presence of organized crime.
Mexico, unfortunately, grapples with widespread crime, including violent crime like homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery. The capacity of local emergency services can also be limited, especially outside major urban centers. U.S. government employees face restrictions on travel to certain areas and are advised to take precautions like avoiding travel between cities after dark, using dispatched transport services, and avoiding solo travel, particularly in remote regions.
Mexico Safety State-by-State: Navigating Risk Levels
To provide a clearer picture of safety across Mexico, let’s break down the current U.S. Department of State advisories by state. This information is current as of the latest review and update, but it’s always recommended to check the most recent advisories before your trip, as situations can change.
States Where Travel is Not Recommended (Do Not Travel – Level 4)
These states are considered the most dangerous in Mexico and are areas the U.S. government advises citizens not to visit.
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Colima: Do not travel to Colima due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are widespread, with frequent targeted assassinations and shootings impacting bystanders. Kidnapping is a significant risk. U.S. government employees are severely restricted in their travel within the state, limited to tourist areas of Manzanillo and specific routes.
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Guerrero: Do not travel to Guerrero due to crime. Crime and violence are widespread, with armed groups operating outside government control. Roadblocks and violence against travelers are common, and kidnapping is a persistent threat. This advisory includes major tourist destinations like Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Taxco, and Ixtapa, which are off-limits for U.S. government employees.
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Michoacan: Do not travel to Michoacan due to crime and kidnapping. Crime and violence are rampant throughout the state. U.S. government employee travel is highly restricted, limited to specific highways for transit and certain areas of Morelia and Lazaro Cardenas. Even parts of the Monarch Butterfly Reserve located in Michoacan are off-limits.
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Sinaloa: Do not travel to Sinaloa due to crime. Violent crime is widespread, with criminal organizations deeply entrenched in the state. U.S. government employee travel is restricted to Mazatlan’s Zona Dorada and historic center, and limited areas of Los Mochis and Topolobampo, accessible only by air or sea and via direct routes.
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Tamaulipas: Do not travel to Tamaulipas due to crime and kidnapping. Organized crime is highly active, with frequent gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, extortion, and sexual assault, especially along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. Criminal groups target buses and private vehicles. U.S. government employee travel is severely limited to small radii around consulates in Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo and specific routes, with curfews in place.
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Zacatecas: Do not travel to Zacatecas due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread. Kidnapping is a serious concern. U.S. government employee travel is restricted to Zacatecas City proper, accessible only by air.
States Where Travel Should Be Reconsidered (Reconsider Travel – Level 3)
These states present significant risks, and travelers are advised to carefully weigh the necessity of travel and take extensive precautions.
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Baja California: Reconsider travel to Baja California due to crime and kidnapping. Transnational criminal organizations are active, leading to violent crime and gang activity, particularly in Tijuana. Homicides are high in non-tourist areas, and bystanders can be caught in the crossfire. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens is a risk. U.S. government employees face restrictions in the Mexicali Valley region. However, major tourist areas like Tijuana, Ensenada, and Rosarito are within the “Exercise Increased Caution” level for government employees.
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Chiapas: Reconsider travel to Chiapas due to crime. Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state. U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to the municipality of Ocozocoautla and specific southeastern regions, but can travel to Tapachula city limits and Highway 225 to Puerto Chiapas and Tapachula Airport.
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Chihuahua: Reconsider travel to Chihuahua due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common, with targeted assassinations and territorial disputes leading to violence in public areas. Bystanders have been injured or killed. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens is a risk. U.S. government employee travel is limited to specific zones within Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua City, and certain highways for transit. Copper Canyon is off-limits for government employees.
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Guanajuato: Reconsider travel to Guanajuato due to crime. Gang violence related to fuel theft is prevalent, especially in the south and central areas. High murder rates linked to cartel violence are a major concern in the southern region. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens is a risk. U.S. government employees are restricted from areas south of Federal Highway 45D, but tourist hotspots like San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City are within permitted areas.
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Jalisco: Reconsider travel to Jalisco due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common. Guadalajara sees territorial battles in tourist zones, and bystanders have been injured in shootings. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens is a risk. U.S. government employees are restricted from the Jalisco-Michoacan border region and parts of Federal Highway 80. However, Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Ajijic are within permitted areas for government employees.
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Morelos: Reconsider travel to Morelos due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Morelos. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens is a risk. There are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees within Morelos.
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Oaxaca: Reconsider travel to Oaxaca due to crime. Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state. U.S. government employees are restricted from the Isthmus region and parts of Federal Highway 200. However, Oaxaca City, Monte Alban, Puerto Escondido, and Huatulco are outside restricted zones for government employees.
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Sonora: Reconsider travel to Sonora 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. Travelers should be highly vigilant throughout Sonora. U.S. government employees face numerous travel restrictions across the state, including specific highway routes, areas within cities like Nogales and Puerto Peñasco, and large regions in eastern and southern Sonora. Tourist areas like Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino, and Puerto Penasco are accessible to government employees under specific conditions.
States Where Increased Caution is Advised (Exercise Increased Caution – Level 2)
These states require travelers to be more vigilant and aware of their surroundings due to increased risks of crime.
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Aguascalientes: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
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Baja California Sur: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
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Coahuila: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity occur in parts of Coahuila. U.S. government employees are restricted from specific municipalities (Zaragoza, Morelos, Allende, Nava, Jimenez, Villa Union, Guerrero, and Hidalgo) and face curfews in Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña.
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Durango: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Durango. U.S. government employees are restricted from areas west and south of Federal Highway 45.
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Hidalgo: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
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Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico): Exercise increased caution due to crime. Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico City. Increased caution is advised, especially at night and outside tourist areas. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
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Mexico State (Estado de Mexico): Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping. Both violent and non-violent crime are present. Kidnapping is a risk. Increased caution is advised outside tourist areas. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
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Nayarit: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Nayarit. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
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Nuevo Leon: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
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Puebla: Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. Kidnapping is a risk. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
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Queretaro: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
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Quintana Roo: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur anywhere, including tourist hotspots like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Shootings between gangs have injured bystanders. Increased caution is advised after dark, especially in tourist zones. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
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San Luis Potosi: Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. Kidnapping is a risk. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
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Tabasco: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
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Tlaxcala: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
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Veracruz: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity are increasing, particularly in central and southern Veracruz. Roadblocks for payment are common. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
States Where Normal Precautions Can Be Exercised (Exercise Normal Precautions – Level 1)
These states are considered the safest in Mexico, where normal travel precautions are generally sufficient.
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Campeche: Exercise normal precautions. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
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Yucatan: Exercise normal precautions. Tourist areas like Chichen Itza, Merida, Uxmal, and Valladolid are included. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Essential Safety Tips for Traveling to Mexico
Regardless of your destination in Mexico, adopting safe travel practices is crucial. Here are key recommendations:
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Stay Informed: Continuously check for updated travel advisories and news regarding safety in your specific destination. The situation can change rapidly.
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Share Your Plans: Keep family and friends informed about your itinerary. Share your GPS location if separating from your group and send taxi details to a contact if traveling alone in a cab.
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Use Secure Transportation: Opt for toll roads when driving, avoid driving alone or at night, and utilize dispatched vehicles or reputable taxi stands instead of hailing taxis on the street. App-based services like Uber can be helpful in certain areas but always verify the driver and car details.
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Be Discreet About Wealth: Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, watches, or gadgets that could make you a target for petty crime or robbery.
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Exercise Caution at Night and in Certain Venues: Be extra vigilant when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos, which can sometimes be hotspots for criminal activity. Exercise increased caution after dark, especially in less crowded areas.
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Be Vigilant at ATMs and Banks: Petty theft and more serious crimes can occur around financial institutions. Be aware of your surroundings when using ATMs or banks.
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Enroll in STEP: The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) allows you to receive alerts and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy to locate you in case of an emergency.
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Review Security Reports and Health Information: Familiarize yourself with the Country Security Report for Mexico and consult the CDC page for the latest travel health information.
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Prepare a Contingency Plan: Think ahead about potential emergency situations and have a plan in place. Review the Traveler’s Checklist provided by the U.S. Department of State.
Navigating Mexico Safely: A Balanced Perspective
Traveling to Mexico involves acknowledging and mitigating risks. While some regions of Mexico face serious safety challenges, many popular tourist destinations remain relatively safe when travelers are informed and cautious.
Is it safe to travel to Mexico? Yes, travel to certain parts of Mexico can be safe and incredibly rewarding, provided you:
- Choose your destination wisely: Opt for states and regions with lower travel advisory levels and exercise increased caution in areas with higher risk.
- Stay informed and updated: Monitor travel advisories and local news.
- Practice vigilance and common sense: Apply the safety tips mentioned above.
By being proactive, informed, and respectful of local conditions, you can significantly enhance your safety and enjoy the incredible experiences Mexico has to offer. Remember to always prioritize your personal safety and make informed decisions based on the latest available information.
For more detailed information on specific destinations in Mexico, explore our other regional travel guides on Family Circle Travel!
