Mexico Travel Advisory: Latest Updates from the U.S. Department of State

Traveling to Mexico can be an exciting adventure, offering rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. However, it’s essential for U.S. citizens to be well-informed about safety and security conditions before planning a trip. The U.S. Department of State regularly issues travel advisories to help travelers make informed decisions and stay safe abroad. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the current Dept Of State Travel Advisory for Mexico, ensuring you have the latest information for a safer journey.

The U.S. government’s ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in certain areas of Mexico is limited due to security concerns and restrictions on U.S. government employee travel. In many parts of Mexico, particularly outside major cities, local emergency services may also be limited. Therefore, understanding and adhering to the Dept of State travel advisory is crucial for anyone considering travel to Mexico.

Understanding the Mexico Travel Advisory Levels

The Department of State uses a level-based system to categorize travel advisories for countries around the world. For Mexico, these levels range from Exercise Normal Precautions to Do Not Travel, depending on the assessed risk level. Here’s a general breakdown of what each advisory level means in the context of traveling in Mexico:

• Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions: This is the lowest advisory level, suggesting that Mexico is generally safe for travel, but standard precautions should always be taken.
• Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution: This level indicates that there are heightened risks in certain areas of Mexico, and travelers should be more vigilant and aware of their surroundings. Crime, including violent crime, may be a concern.
• Level 3: Reconsider Travel: This advisory level suggests serious risks to safety and security. Travelers should reconsider their plans and avoid travel to specific areas or altogether due to significant crime levels or other dangers.
• Level 4: Do Not Travel: This is the highest advisory level, indicating extreme danger. The U.S. Department of State advises U.S. citizens not to travel to these areas of Mexico due to life-threatening risks.

It’s important to check the specific advisory level for each state or region within Mexico as the safety situation can vary significantly across the country.

General Safety Recommendations for Traveling in Mexico

Regardless of the specific advisory level for your destination in Mexico, the Dept of State provides several general recommendations for safe travel throughout the country:

• Stay Informed: Regularly check the U.S. Department of State’s Country Information page for Mexico for the most up-to-date travel advisories and information.
• 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.
• Share Your Plans: Keep family and travel companions informed of your itinerary. Share your GPS location with a friend if you are separating from your group.
• Transportation Safety: Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night. If using taxis, especially alone, take a photo of the taxi number or license plate and send it to a friend. Utilize dispatched vehicles or app-based services like Uber rather than hailing taxis on the street.
• Avoid Displays of Wealth: Do not wear expensive jewelry or watches, and be discreet with cash and valuables.
• ATM and Bank Vigilance: Exercise extra caution when visiting ATMs or banks, as these can be targets for crime.
• Local Establishments: Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
• Emergency Preparedness: 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.
• Follow Social Media: Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X/Twitter and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico on Facebook and X/Twitter for updates.
• Mariners’ Advisory: Mariners traveling to Mexico should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts.

Mexico State-Specific Travel Advisories

The Dept of State travel advisory provides specific guidance for each state in Mexico. Below is a summary of the current advisory levels and key concerns for each state. This information is based on the latest advisory and it’s crucial to consult the official Dept of State website for the most current details before traveling.

States to Avoid: Do Not Travel To

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

• Colima state: Widespread violent crime and gang activity, with frequent assassinations and violence affecting bystanders. Kidnapping is a significant risk. U.S. government employee travel is severely restricted.
• Guerrero state: Crime and violence are widespread, with armed groups operating independently and using violence against travelers. Kidnapping is a serious concern. This includes major tourist areas like Acapulco, Ixtapa, Taxco, and Zihuatanejo which are off-limits for U.S. government employees.
• Michoacan state: High levels of crime and violence are prevalent throughout Michoacan. U.S. government employee travel is limited to specific areas like Federal Highway 15D, Morelia (by air or specific highways), and Lazaro Cardenas (by air only). The Monarch Butterfly Reserve in Michoacan is among the areas U.S. government employees cannot visit.
• Sinaloa state: Violent crime is widespread, as Sinaloa is a base of operations for major criminal organizations. U.S. government employee travel is restricted to Mazatlan (by air or sea to specific zones), and Los Mochis/Topolobampo (by air or sea to city/port areas).
• Tamaulipas state: Organized crime is rampant, with gun battles, murder, robbery, kidnapping, disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault being common, particularly in the northern border region and Ciudad Victoria. Criminal groups frequently target buses and private vehicles. U.S. government employee travel is severely restricted, with overland travel between cities prohibited and limitations even in areas around U.S. consulates.
• Zacatecas state: Widespread violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are major concerns. Kidnapping is also a significant risk. U.S. government employee travel is limited to Zacatecas City proper and only accessible by air for them.

States Where Travel Should Be Reconsidered

The Dept of State advises U.S. citizens to Reconsider Travel To the following states due to significant risks of crime and/or kidnapping:

• Baja California state: Crime and kidnapping are reasons to reconsider travel, especially in the border area where transnational criminal organizations operate. Tijuana’s non-tourist areas have a high homicide rate. U.S. government employees face restrictions, particularly in the Mexicali Valley. However, major tourist areas like Tijuana, Ensenada, and Rosarito are not restricted for them, though caution is advised for all travelers.
• Chiapas state: Reconsider travel 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 certain southeastern regions.
• Chihuahua state: Crime and kidnapping are serious concerns. Violent crime and gang activity are common, with bystanders sometimes caught in the crossfire. U.S. government employee travel is limited to specific areas within cities like Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua, and certain highways during daylight hours. Copper Canyon is off-limits for U.S. government employees.
• Guanajuato state: Reconsider travel due to crime, particularly gang violence related to fuel theft, mainly in the south and central areas. High murder rates linked to cartel violence are a concern. U.S. government employees are restricted from areas south of Federal Highway 45D, including Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato. Popular tourist areas like San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City are not restricted for U.S. government employees, but travelers should still be vigilant.
• Jalisco state: Crime and kidnapping are reasons to reconsider travel. Violent crime and gang activity are common, even in tourist areas of Guadalajara. U.S. government employees are restricted from the Jalisco-Michoacan border area and parts of Federal Highway 80. Tourist areas like Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Ajijic are not restricted for U.S. government employees, but caution is advised.
• Morelos state: Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of the state. There are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Morelos, but general caution is advised for all travelers.
• Sonora state: Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping, as Sonora is a key area for drug and human trafficking. Violent crime is widespread, and security incidents can occur anywhere. U.S. government employees face numerous travel restrictions, especially in areas near the U.S. border, and in eastern and southern Sonora. Tourist areas like Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino, and Puerto Penasco are accessible with adherence to specific restrictions.

States Where Increased Caution Is Advised

The Dept of State recommends U.S. citizens Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To the following states due to crime and potential for violence:

• Aguascalientes state: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state.
• Baja California Sur state: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state.
• Coahuila state: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Parts of Coahuila experience violent crime and gang activity. U.S. government employees are restricted from certain municipalities and face a curfew in Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña.
• Durango state: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Parts of Durango experience violent crime and gang activity. U.S. government employees are restricted from areas west and south of Federal Highway 45.
• Hidalgo state: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state.
• Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico): Exercise increased caution due to crime. Both violent and non-violent crime are present, especially at night and outside tourist areas.
• Mexico State (Estado de Mexico): Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping. Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout the state.
• Nayarit state: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Nayarit.
• Nuevo Leon state: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state.
• Oaxaca state: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state. U.S. government employees face restrictions in the Isthmus region and on Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa. Tourist areas like Oaxaca City, Monte Alban, Puerto Escondido, and Huatulco are accessible without these restrictions for U.S. government employees.
• Puebla state: Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.
• Queretaro state: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state.
• Quintana Roo state: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur anywhere, including tourist destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. While tourists are not targeted, gang shootings have caused bystander injuries and deaths. Increased caution is advised after dark, especially in less illuminated areas.
• San Luis Potosi state: Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state.
• Tabasco state: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state.
• Tlaxcala state: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state.
• Veracruz state: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity are increasing, especially in central and southern Veracruz. Roadblocks requiring payment are common.

States with Normal Precautions

The U.S. Department of State advises U.S. citizens to Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To the following states, indicating they are considered the safest in Mexico:

• Campeche state: Exercise normal precautions.
• Yucatan state: Exercise normal precautions. This includes popular tourist destinations such as Chichen Itza, Merida, Uxmal, and Valladolid.

Conclusion: Staying Safe with Dept of State Travel Advisories

The Dept of State travel advisory for Mexico is an essential resource for any U.S. citizen planning to travel to the country. By understanding the advisory levels, heeding the general safety recommendations, and checking the specific advice for your intended destination state, you can significantly enhance your safety and have a more informed and secure travel experience. Always prioritize your personal safety and stay updated on the latest travel information from the U.S. Department of State before and during your trip to Mexico. Safe travels!