Mexican Travel Warnings: Is Mexico Safe for Tourists in 2024?

Mexico, a vibrant country known for its rich culture, stunning beaches, and delicious cuisine, remains a top travel destination for many. However, like any country, it’s essential to be aware of safety concerns before you go. Understanding the current Mexican Travel Warnings is crucial for planning a safe and enjoyable trip. This guide, based on the latest travel advisory information from the U.S. Department of State, provides a comprehensive overview of safety risks in Mexico, helping you make informed decisions about your travel plans.

Understanding the General Safety Situation in Mexico

Overall, Mexico is grappling with widespread violent crime, including homicides, kidnappings, carjackings, and robberies. The U.S. government’s ability to assist U.S. citizens in emergencies across many parts of Mexico is limited due to security restrictions on U.S. government employee travel in certain areas. Local emergency services in many states are also often strained, particularly outside of major cities and state capitals.

It is strongly advised that U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico familiarize themselves with and adhere to the same travel restrictions applied to U.S. government employees. These general precautions include:

Night Travel Restrictions: U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling between cities after dark.
Transportation Safety: Hailing taxis on the street is discouraged. Instead, reliance on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services like Uber, and regulated taxi stands is recommended.
Traveling Alone: Avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas, for increased personal safety.
Border Area Driving: Driving from the U.S.-Mexico border to the interior of Mexico is restricted to daytime travel within Baja California, between Nogales and Hermosillo on Mexican Federal Highway 15D, between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Highway 85D, and between Ciudad Juarez and interior cities (as detailed in the Chihuahua section below).

For more in-depth country-specific information, you can refer to the U.S. Department of State’s country information page on Mexico.

Mexican Travel Warnings by State: Risks and Recommendations

The U.S. Department of State categorizes Mexican states into different advisory levels based on safety risks. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand the specific concerns and recommendations for each region:

Do Not Travel To:

These states are considered the most dangerous, and travel is strongly discouraged for U.S. citizens.

Colima State: Due to high levels of crime and kidnapping, Colima is a “Do Not Travel” zone. Violent crime and gang activity are rampant, with frequent targeted killings and incidents where bystanders are harmed. U.S. government employee travel is severely restricted, only permitted in tourist and port areas of Manzanillo, and even then, travel from Guadalajara must be during daylight hours on Federal Toll Road 54D. All other areas of Colima are off-limits for U.S. government employees.
Guerrero State: Guerrero is another “Do Not Travel” state because of widespread crime. Armed groups operate outside government control, frequently setting up roadblocks and potentially using violence against travelers. Kidnapping is a significant concern. U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to any part of Guerrero, including major tourist destinations like Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Taxco, and Ixtapa.
Michoacan State: The advisory for Michoacan is “Do Not Travel” due to crime and kidnapping. Crime and violence are widespread. U.S. government employee travel is extremely limited, only allowed on Federal Highway 15D to transit between Mexico City and Guadalajara, by air or land to Morelia using specific federal highways, and by air to Lazaro Cardenas, restricted to the city center and port areas. The Monarch Butterfly Reserve areas within Michoacan are also off-limits to U.S. government employees.
Sinaloa State: Sinaloa carries a “Do Not Travel” advisory because of widespread crime. Criminal organizations are deeply rooted and active throughout the state. U.S. government employee travel is restricted to Mazatlan (Zona Dorada and historic center, accessible by air or sea), and Los Mochis and Topolobampo (city and port areas, also air or sea access only). All other areas of Sinaloa, including Culiacan, are off-limits to U.S. government employees.
Tamaulipas State: Tamaulipas is under a “Do Not Travel” warning due to high risks of crime and kidnapping. Organized crime is highly active, with frequent gun battles, murders, robberies, carjackings, kidnappings, disappearances, extortion, and sexual assaults, especially along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. Criminal groups often target buses and private vehicles for passenger kidnapping and ransom. Heavily armed groups operate with impunity, and local law enforcement response is limited, except in the Tampico-Ciudad Madero-Altamira tri-city area. U.S. government employee travel is severely restricted to limited areas around U.S. Consulates in Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo, with curfews, and overland travel between cities is prohibited except for daytime travel between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Federal Highway 85D with prior authorization.
Zacatecas State: Zacatecas is designated as “Do Not Travel” due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread. Kidnapping is a serious risk for both U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents. U.S. government employee travel is limited to Zacatecas City proper, accessible only by air, and overland travel to Zacatecas City is prohibited. All other areas of Zacatecas are off-limits.

Reconsider Travel To:

These states have significant safety risks, and travelers should carefully consider whether their trip is necessary.

Baja California State: The advisory is to “Reconsider Travel” to Baja California due to crime and kidnapping. Transnational criminal organizations are active in border areas, involved in drug and human smuggling. Violent crime and gang activity are common, particularly in non-tourist areas of Tijuana, which has a high homicide rate. Bystanders can be caught in the crossfire of cartel violence. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs is a risk. U.S. government employees face restrictions, especially in the Mexicali Valley area, which should be avoided due to cartel violence. However, major tourist areas like Tijuana, Ensenada, and Rosarito are not under specific travel restrictions for government employees beyond general caution.
Chiapas State: “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 of Chiapas. However, travel to Tapachula city limits and Highway 225 from Port Chiapas to Tapachula, including the Tapachula Airport, is permitted.
Chihuahua State: “Reconsider Travel” is advised for Chihuahua due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are prevalent, with targeted assassinations and territorial disputes leading to violence in public areas. Bystanders can be harmed. Kidnapping is a risk for U.S. citizens and LPRs. U.S. government employee travel is limited to specific areas within Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua City, and certain highways for travel between cities, including Federal Highway 45 between Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua City (daytime only, with specific permitted stops), Highway 2 between Ciudad Juarez and Ascension, and the Nuevo Casas Grandes area (daylight hours only, overnight stays permitted in Nuevo Casas Grandes and Casas Grandes cities only). Copper Canyon and other areas of Chihuahua are off-limits to U.S. government employees.
Guanajuato State: “Reconsider Travel” to Guanajuato due to crime. Gang violence related to fuel theft is a major issue, particularly in the south and central parts of the state. High murder rates linked to cartel violence are a serious concern in the southern region. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs has occurred. U.S. 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 and surrounding areas are not under specific restrictions for government employees.
Jalisco State: “Reconsider Travel” is recommended for Jalisco due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Jalisco. Guadalajara sees territorial battles between criminal groups even in tourist zones, with innocent bystanders injured or killed in shootings. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs is a risk. U.S. government employee travel is restricted in areas bordering Michoacan and along Federal Highway 110, and on Federal Highway 80 south of Cocula. Tourist areas in the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, Puerto Vallarta (including Riviera Nayarit), Chapala, and Ajijic are not under specific restrictions for government employees.
Morelos State: “Reconsider Travel” to Morelos due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are prevalent in parts of Morelos. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs is a risk. There are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Morelos state beyond general caution.
Sonora State: “Reconsider Travel” to Sonora due to crime and kidnapping. Sonora is a key area for drug and human trafficking. Violent crime is widespread. Kidnapping is a risk for U.S. citizens and LPRs. Travelers are advised to be highly aware of their surroundings throughout Sonora. U.S. government employees face numerous travel restrictions, including limited travel on Federal Highway 15 between Hermosillo and Nogales (daylight hours only, no public transport or ride-sharing), restricted areas in Nogales, limited travel to Puerto Peñasco (daylight hours via Federal Highway 8 only, no public transport/ride-sharing), restricted triangular region near Mariposa Port of Entry, and limited travel to San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea, and Agua Prieta (daylight hours only, no public transport/ride-sharing, within city limits only). Eastern and southern Sonora, including San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos (except air travel to Alamos city limits), are off-limits to U.S. government employees. Tourist areas like Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino, and Puerto Penasco are accessible to government employees within these restrictions.

Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To:

These states have some safety risks, and travelers should be more vigilant and aware of their surroundings.

Aguascalientes State: Exercise increased caution in Aguascalientes due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. There are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Aguascalientes.
Baja California Sur State: Exercise increased caution in Baja California Sur due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. There are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Baja California Sur.
Coahuila State: Exercise increased caution in Coahuila due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity occur in parts of the state. U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to Zaragoza, Morelos, Allende, Nava, Jimenez, Villa Union, Guerrero, and Hidalgo municipalities. In Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña, government employees must travel directly from the U.S. and observe a midnight to 6:00 a.m. curfew.
Durango State: Exercise increased caution in Durango due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of the state. U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling west and south of Federal Highway 45 in Durango.
Hidalgo State: Exercise increased caution in Hidalgo due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. There are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Hidalgo.
Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico): Exercise increased caution in Mexico City due to crime. Both violent and non-violent crime are present. Increased caution is advised, especially at night and outside tourist areas. Petty crime is frequent. There are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. 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 occur throughout the state. Caution is advised outside tourist areas, although petty crime is common in tourist areas. Kidnapping is a risk for U.S. citizens and LPRs. There are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Mexico State.
Nayarit State: Exercise increased caution in Nayarit due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. There are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Nayarit.
Nuevo Leon State: Exercise increased caution in Nuevo Leon due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. There are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Nuevo Leon.
Oaxaca State: Exercise increased caution in Oaxaca due to crime. Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state. U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to the Isthmus region of Oaxaca (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 are not under specific restrictions for government employees outside of these areas.
Puebla State: Exercise increased caution in Puebla due to crime and kidnapping. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. Kidnapping is a risk for U.S. citizens and LPRs. There are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Puebla.
Queretaro State: Exercise increased caution in Queretaro due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. There are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Queretaro.
Quintana Roo State: Exercise increased caution in Quintana Roo due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur anywhere, including tourist areas. Gang shootings have injured or killed bystanders, including U.S. citizens, particularly in Tulum where violent crime is rising. Increased caution is advised after dark in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, staying in well-lit tourist zones. There are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo.
San Luis Potosi State: Exercise increased caution in San Luis Potosi due to crime and kidnapping. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. Kidnapping is a risk for U.S. citizens and LPRs. There are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in San Luis Potosi.
Tabasco State: Exercise increased caution in Tabasco due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. There are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Tabasco.
Tlaxcala State: Exercise increased caution in Tlaxcala due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. There are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Tlaxcala.
Veracruz State: Exercise increased caution in Veracruz due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity are increasing, especially in central and southern Veracruz near Cordoba and Coatzacoalcos. Bystanders can be affected by gang violence. Impromptu roadblocks with payment demands are common. There are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Veracruz.

Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To:

These states are considered relatively safer, but travelers should still be aware and take standard safety measures.

Campeche State: Exercise normal precautions in Campeche. There are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Campeche.
Yucatan State: Exercise normal precautions in Yucatan. Tourist areas including Chichen Itza, Merida, Uxmal, and Valladolid are included in this advisory level. There are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Yucatan.

General Safety Tips for Traveling in Mexico

Regardless of your destination in Mexico, it’s wise to take these general safety precautions:

Stay Informed: Keep family and travel companions updated on your itinerary. Share your GPS location if separating from your group. If taking a taxi alone, send a photo of the taxi number or license plate to a friend.
Road Travel: Use toll roads whenever possible. Avoid driving alone or at night. Be aware that police presence and emergency services can be limited outside major cities.
Be Cautious in Entertainment Venues: Exercise increased caution at local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
Avoid Displaying Wealth: Do not wear expensive jewelry or watches that could make you a target for crime.
ATM and Bank Vigilance: Be extra vigilant when using ATMs or visiting banks, as these can be areas of increased risk.
Enroll in STEP: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and facilitate location in an emergency.
Follow Official Channels: Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X/Twitter, and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico on Facebook and X/Twitter for up-to-date information.
Review Security Reports: Consult the Country Security Report for Mexico.
Maritime Travelers: Mariners should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts.
Emergency Planning: Prepare a contingency plan for emergencies. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
Health Information: Check the CDC page for the latest travel health information related to Mexico.

Conclusion: Staying Safe While Traveling in Mexico

Mexico offers incredible travel experiences, but being informed about safety risks is paramount. By understanding the Mexican travel warnings, staying updated on the current situation, and taking appropriate precautions, you can significantly enhance your safety and enjoy your trip. Always check the latest travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State before your departure and during your travels, as situations can change. Safe travels!

Source: U.S. Department of State – Mexico International Travel Information