Mexico, a vibrant country rich in culture and history, attracts millions of tourists annually. However, it’s crucial for travelers to be aware of the current safety landscape. This comprehensive guide, based on the latest U.S. Department of State travel advisory, provides essential information to help you navigate your trip to Mexico safely. Understanding the Mexico Travel Alert system and specific state-level warnings is the first step in ensuring a secure and enjoyable visit.
Understanding the General Mexico Travel Alert
The U.S. government advises U.S. citizens that violent crime, including homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery, is widespread across Mexico. The ability of the U.S. government to provide emergency services to its citizens in many parts of Mexico is limited due to travel restrictions imposed on U.S. government employees in certain areas. In many states, particularly outside of state capitals and major cities, local emergency services may also be limited.
It is strongly recommended that U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico adhere to the same restrictions placed on U.S. government employees. These include avoiding travel between cities after dark, not hailing taxis on the street (instead using dispatched vehicles or regulated taxi stands), and avoiding solo travel, especially in remote areas. Driving from the U.S.-Mexico border to the interior of Mexico is also restricted, with exceptions for daytime travel within Baja California and specific highway corridors.
For more detailed country-specific information, refer to the U.S. Department of State’s country information page on Mexico.
Mexico Travel: Safety Guidelines
If you decide to travel to Mexico, prioritizing your safety is paramount. Here are key guidelines to follow:
- Inform others of your plans: Keep your travel companions and family at home informed about your itinerary. Share your GPS location with a friend if you are separating from your group. If taking a taxi alone, send a photo of the taxi number or license plate to a friend.
- Road travel precautions: Utilize toll roads whenever possible and avoid driving alone or at night. Remember that police presence and emergency services can be significantly limited outside major urban centers.
- Vigilance in public spaces: Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
- Minimize displays of wealth: Avoid drawing attention to yourself by not wearing expensive jewelry or watches.
- ATM and bank safety: Be extra vigilant when using banks or ATMs, as these can be targets for crime.
- Enroll in STEP: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and facilitate your location in case of an emergency.
- Stay informed: Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X/Twitter, and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico on Facebook and X/Twitter for updates and security information.
- Review security reports: Consult the Country Security Report for a deeper understanding of the security situation in Mexico.
- Maritime travel: Mariners should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts for guidance on reporting suspicious activities to Mexican naval authorities.
- Emergency preparedness: Develop a contingency plan for emergencies and review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- Health information: Check the CDC page for the latest travel health information relevant to your trip.
State-Specific Mexico Travel Advisories
The U.S. Department of State provides specific travel advisories for each Mexican state, categorized by risk level. It is crucial to review the advisory for each state you plan to visit as part of your mexico travel alert preparation.
Do Not Travel To:
These states are considered the most dangerous, and the U.S. government advises against any travel to these areas.
Colima State
Reason: Crime and Kidnapping.
Violent crime and gang activity are widespread throughout Colima. Homicides are frequently targeted assassinations by criminal organizations, and bystanders are often caught in the crossfire. Kidnapping is also a significant risk for U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs).
Restrictions for U.S. Government Employees: Travel is limited to the tourist and port areas of Manzanillo. When traveling to Manzanillo from Guadalajara, Federal Toll Road 54D must be used during daylight hours. All other areas of Colima state are off-limits.
Guerrero State
Reason: Crime.
Crime and violence are pervasive in Guerrero. Armed groups operate outside government control, frequently setting up roadblocks and using violence against travelers. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs has occurred in the past.
Restrictions for U.S. Government Employees: U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to any area of Guerrero, including popular tourist destinations like Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Taxco, and Ixtapa.
Michoacan State
Reason: Crime and Kidnapping.
Michoacan state is plagued by widespread crime and violence.
Restrictions for U.S. Government Employees: Travel is restricted to Federal Highway 15D for transit between Mexico City and Guadalajara, Morelia (accessible by air and land via Federal Highways 43 or 48D from Federal Highway 15D), and Lazaro Cardenas (accessible by air only, with activities limited to the city center or port areas). All other areas, including the Michoacan portion of the Monarch Butterfly Reserve, are off-limits to U.S. government employees.
Sinaloa State
Reason: Crime.
Violent crime is rampant in Sinaloa, a stronghold for criminal organizations.
Restrictions for U.S. Government Employees: Travel is limited to Mazatlan (accessible by air or sea, restricted to the Zona Dorada and historic town center), and Los Mochis and Topolobampo (accessible by air or sea, restricted to the city and port areas). Travel must be via direct routes between these limited areas and the airport or sea terminal. All other areas of Sinaloa state are prohibited.
Tamaulipas State
Reason: Crime and Kidnapping.
Organized crime is highly active in Tamaulipas, resulting in frequent gun battles, murders, armed robberies, carjackings, kidnappings, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assaults, particularly along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. Criminal groups often target buses and private vehicles, kidnapping passengers for ransom.
Restrictions for U.S. Government Employees: Travel is restricted to limited areas around the U.S. Consulates in Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo, their residences, U.S. Ports of Entry, and limited downtown areas, with an overnight curfew. Overland travel between cities in Tamaulipas is prohibited, except for daytime travel between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Federal Highway 85D with prior authorization. All other areas of Tamaulipas are off-limits.
Zacatecas State
Reason: Crime and Kidnapping.
Zacatecas is experiencing widespread violent crime, extortion, and gang activity. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs has occurred.
Restrictions for U.S. Government Employees: Travel is limited to Zacatecas City proper, accessible only by air. Overland travel to Zacatecas City and travel to all other areas of Zacatecas state are prohibited.
Reconsider Travel To:
These states present a high risk, and travelers should carefully consider the necessity of travel and take enhanced precautions.
Baja California State
Reason: Crime and Kidnapping.
Transnational criminal organizations are heavily active in Baja California, particularly in the border region, engaging in narco-trafficking and human smuggling. Violent crime and gang activity are common, especially in non-tourist areas of Tijuana, which has a high homicide rate. Bystanders can be harmed in criminal disputes, and kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs has occurred.
Restrictions for U.S. Government Employees: U.S. government employees must avoid the Mexicali Valley due to cartel violence. However, they can travel to high-traffic tourist areas like Tijuana, Ensenada, and Rosarito. Specific restrictions apply to travel in the Mexicali Valley area, detailed in the advisory.
Chiapas State
Reason: Crime.
Criminal activity and violence are present throughout Chiapas.
Restrictions for U.S. Government Employees: U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to the municipality of Ocozocoautla and specific southeastern regions of the state, as defined by detailed boundary descriptions in the advisory. Travel to Tapachula city limits and Highway 225 from Port Chiapas to Tapachula (including the Tapachula Airport) is permitted.
Chihuahua State
Reason: Crime and Kidnapping.
Violent crime and gang activity are common in Chihuahua. While most homicides are targeted, territorial disputes between criminal groups can lead to violence in public areas, including restaurants and malls, even during daylight hours. Bystanders have been injured or killed, and kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs has occurred.
Restrictions for U.S. Government Employees: Travel is limited to specific areas within Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua City, as defined by detailed boundary descriptions. Travel between Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua City is permitted during daylight hours only via Federal Highway 45, with limited stops allowed. Travel to Nuevo Casas Grandes area, Ojinaga, and Palomas is also permitted under specific conditions and routes. Copper Canyon and other areas of Chihuahua are off-limits.
Guanajuato State
Reason: Crime.
Gang violence, linked to fuel theft and cartel activity, is prevalent in Guanajuato, especially in the south and central areas. The southern region has a high murder rate due to cartel violence, and kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs has been reported.
Restrictions for U.S. Government Employees: U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to areas south of Federal Highway 45D, including Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato. Tourist areas like San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City remain accessible.
Jalisco State
Reason: Crime and Kidnapping.
Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Jalisco. Guadalajara has seen territorial battles between criminal groups in tourist zones, resulting in innocent bystanders being injured or killed. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs has occurred.
Restrictions for U.S. Government Employees: Travel is restricted in the Jalisco-Michoacan border area and on Federal Highway 110 between Tuxpan, Jalisco, and the Michoacan border, as well as on Federal Highway 80 south of Cocula. Tourist areas including Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, Puerto Vallarta (and Riviera Nayarit), Chapala, and Ajijic are not restricted.
Morelos State
Reason: Crime and Kidnapping.
Parts of Morelos state experience common violent crime and gang activity. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs has been reported.
Restrictions for U.S. Government Employees: There are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Morelos state.
Sonora State
Reason: Crime and Kidnapping.
Sonora is a key area for international drug trade and human trafficking, with widespread violent crime. Travelers should maintain high awareness throughout Sonora due to potential security incidents. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs has occurred.
Restrictions for U.S. Government Employees: Significant travel restrictions are in place, including specific routes and permitted areas in Hermosillo, Nogales, Puerto Peñasco, San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea, and Agua Prieta. Travel to eastern and southern Sonora, including San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos (except air travel to Alamos city limits), is prohibited. Use of taxis, public buses, and ride-share apps is restricted in many areas due to safety concerns.
Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To:
These states have elevated risks, and travelers should be more vigilant and aware of their surroundings.
- Aguascalientes State
- Baja California Sur State
- Coahuila State
- Durango State
- Hidalgo State
- Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico)
- Mexico State (Estado de Mexico)
- Nayarit State
- Nuevo Leon State
- Oaxaca State
- Puebla State
- Queretaro State
- Quintana Roo State
- San Luis Potosi State
- Tabasco State
- Tlaxcala State
- Veracruz State
Common Reasons for Increased Caution: Crime, Criminal Activity, and Gang Violence.
In these states, while the overall risk is not as severe as “Do Not Travel” or “Reconsider Travel” states, criminal activity and violence can still occur. Specific incidents, such as shootings between rival gangs in tourist areas like Tulum and Cancun in Quintana Roo, highlight the need for caution even in popular destinations. In Veracruz, gang activity is increasing, particularly in central and southern areas, with impromptu roadblocks being common.
Restrictions for U.S. Government Employees: For most of these states, there are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees beyond general safety guidelines. However, in Oaxaca, U.S. government employees are restricted from the Isthmus region and Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa. In Durango, they are restricted from areas west and south of Federal Highway 45. In Coahuila, restrictions apply to certain municipalities (Zaragoza, Morelos, Allende, Nava, Jimenez, Villa Union, Guerrero, and Hidalgo), and curfews are in place for Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña.
Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To:
These states are considered relatively safe, but travelers should still be aware of their surroundings and take standard safety precautions.
- Campeche State
- Yucatan State
Reason: General Safety.
These states are considered the safest in Mexico. Yucatan, home to popular tourist sites like Chichen Itza and Merida, is particularly noted for its safety.
Restrictions for U.S. Government Employees: There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Campeche and Yucatan states.
Conclusion: Traveling to Mexico with Awareness
Understanding the mexico travel alert system and the specific advisories for each state is crucial for safe travel planning. While Mexico offers incredible experiences, it is essential to stay informed about the security situation and take necessary precautions. By consulting the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisories, enrolling in STEP, and practicing heightened awareness, you can minimize risks and enjoy your trip to Mexico. Always remember that safety guidelines and alerts are subject to change, so continuous monitoring of travel information is recommended before and during your trip.
