Mexico, a vibrant neighbor to the south, attracts millions of tourists annually with its rich culture, stunning beaches, and historical sites. However, it’s crucial for travelers, especially those from the United States, to be aware of the safety landscape. The U.S. State Department regularly issues travel advisories for Mexico, providing essential information to help citizens make informed decisions about their travel plans. Understanding these warnings is the first step in ensuring a safe and enjoyable trip.
This guide delves into the current State Department Warnings On Travel To Mexico, offering a comprehensive overview of the risks and precautions to consider. It is based on the latest travel advisory information, aiming to provide clear, actionable insights for anyone planning a trip across the border.
Understanding the Levels of State Department Travel Advisories for Mexico
The State Department employs a tiered system to communicate travel risks, ranging from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel). For Mexico, these levels vary significantly from state to state, reflecting the diverse security situations across the country. It’s essential to understand these levels to gauge the potential risks associated with your intended destination.
- Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions: This is the lowest advisory level, indicating that while there are general safety concerns, the risks are no higher than those in many other parts of the world.
- Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution: This level suggests that travelers should be more vigilant due to heightened risks. It often points to specific types of crime or security issues that require extra awareness.
- Level 3: Reconsider Travel: This is a serious warning, advising travelers to reconsider their plans due to significant safety and security risks. It often involves widespread crime, violence, or instability.
- Level 4: Do Not Travel: This is the highest advisory level, recommending against any travel to the specified area due to extreme danger. Risks at this level could include life-threatening situations.
For Mexico, different states fall into each of these categories. Understanding which states carry which warning level is critical for safe travel planning.
States in Mexico to Avoid: “Do Not Travel” Destinations
Certain areas in Mexico are deemed extremely dangerous by the U.S. State Department, warranting a “Do Not Travel” advisory (Level 4). These states pose significant risks to travelers due to high levels of crime, violence, and kidnapping.
Colima State: High Crime and Kidnapping Rates
Colima state is currently under a “Do Not Travel” advisory due to crime and kidnapping. The State Department highlights that violent crime and gang activity are widespread throughout the state. Homicides are frequent, often targeted assassinations linked to criminal organizations. Furthermore, innocent bystanders can be caught in the crossfire of shootings between these groups. Kidnapping is also a serious concern for both U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents (LPRs).
Travel for U.S. government employees is severely restricted, limited only to the tourist and port areas of Manzanillo, and even then, travel must be undertaken with caution and during daylight hours when arriving from Guadalajara. All other areas of Colima state are off-limits for U.S. government personnel, a strong indicator of the elevated risk for all travelers.
Guerrero State: Widespread Crime and Armed Groups
Guerrero state is also designated as “Do Not Travel” due to crime. The advisory emphasizes that crime and violence are widespread across the state. A significant factor is the presence of armed groups operating independently of the government in many regions. These groups frequently set up roadblocks and are known to use violence against travelers. Kidnapping has been a persistent threat to U.S. citizens and LPRs in previous years.
Crucially, the “Do Not Travel” warning applies to the entire state of Guerrero, including popular tourist destinations like Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Taxco, and Ixtapa. This blanket warning underscores the severity of the security situation in Guerrero, making it essential for travelers to avoid this state entirely.
Michoacan State: Pervasive Crime and Violence
Michoacan state carries a “Do Not Travel” advisory due to crime and kidnapping. The State Department warns of widespread crime and violence throughout Michoacan. Travel for U.S. government employees is heavily restricted, permitted only on Federal Highway 15D for transit, to Morelia by air or specific highways from 15D, and to Lazaro Cardenas by air, limiting activities to the city center and port.
This advisory strongly suggests avoiding travel to Michoacan, even to areas known for tourism like the Monarch Butterfly Reserves located within the state, which are also off-limits for U.S. government employees.
Sinaloa State: Strong Criminal Organization Presence
Sinaloa state is under a “Do Not Travel” warning due to crime. The advisory points to widespread violent crime, driven by the significant presence and operations of criminal organizations within the state.
Travel for U.S. government employees is highly restricted to specific areas and modes of transport. They are permitted to travel to Mazatlan by air or sea, limited to the Zona Dorada and historic town center, and must use direct routes to and from the airport or sea terminal. Similarly, travel to Los Mochis and Topolobampo is only allowed by air or sea, restricted to the city and port areas, with direct routes to the airport. All other areas of Sinaloa are off-limits for U.S. government employees, highlighting the serious security concerns beyond these limited zones.
Tamaulipas State: Organized Crime and Kidnapping
Tamaulipas state is designated as “Do Not Travel” due to crime and kidnapping. The State Department describes organized crime activity as common, including gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault, particularly along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. Criminal groups often target buses and private vehicles, kidnapping passengers for ransom.
Heavily armed criminal groups operate with impunity, especially in the border region from Reynosa to Nuevo Laredo, where local law enforcement response is limited. While law enforcement is stronger in Tampico, Ciudad Madero, and Altamira, the overall risk remains very high. U.S. government employee travel is severely limited to small radii around the consulates in Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo, with curfews and restrictions on intercity travel. The broad “Do Not Travel” advisory for Tamaulipas underscores the extreme danger for all travelers.
Zacatecas State: Widespread Crime, Extortion, and Gang Activity
Zacatecas state is also under a “Do Not Travel” advisory due to crime and kidnapping. The State Department warns of widespread violent crime, extortion, and gang activity throughout the state. Kidnapping is a significant risk for U.S. citizens and LPRs.
U.S. government employee travel is restricted to Zacatecas City proper, and even travel to Zacatecas City overland is prohibited. All other areas of Zacatecas state are off-limits, reflecting the pervasive and severe security threats across the entire state.
States Where Travel Should Be Reconsidered: “Reconsider Travel” Destinations
Several states in Mexico are categorized under “Reconsider Travel” (Level 3). This advisory level indicates significant risks, urging travelers to carefully weigh their need to travel to these areas due to safety concerns.
Baja California State: Crime and Kidnapping Risks
Baja California state is under a “Reconsider Travel” advisory due to crime and kidnapping. The State Department highlights the presence of transnational criminal organizations competing for trafficking routes, leading to violent crime and gang activity, especially in the border area. Tijuana, particularly non-tourist areas, has a high homicide rate. While many homicides are targeted, bystanders can be harmed in criminal organization disputes. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs is also a concern.
U.S. government employees face specific restrictions, particularly in the Mexicali Valley, which is largely off-limits due to cartel violence. However, tourist areas like Tijuana, Ensenada, and Rosarito are not under these specific restrictions, though the “Reconsider Travel” advisory still applies to the entire state, urging caution even in these popular destinations.
Chiapas State: Crime and Civil Unrest
Chiapas state is under a “Reconsider Travel” advisory due to crime and potential civil unrest. The State Department notes that criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state.
U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to the municipality of Ocozocoautla and large areas in the southeastern region of the state due to security concerns. However, travel to Tapachula city limits and Highway 225 from Port Chiapas to Tapachula, including the airport, is permitted. The “Reconsider Travel” advisory suggests caution is needed throughout Chiapas, even in areas not specifically restricted for government employees.
Chihuahua State: High Crime and Gang Violence
Chihuahua state is under a “Reconsider Travel” advisory due to crime and kidnapping. The State Department points to common violent crime and gang activity. Most homicides are targeted assassinations among criminal organizations, but territorial disputes have led to violence in areas frequented by U.S. citizens, including restaurants and malls during daylight hours. Bystanders have been injured or killed in shootings, and kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs has occurred.
U.S. government employee travel is limited to specific areas within cities like Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua City, and certain highways for transit between these cities and to the US border. Areas like Copper Canyon are off-limits. The “Reconsider Travel” advisory reflects the elevated risk throughout Chihuahua, extending beyond the restricted zones for government personnel.
Guanajuato State: Gang Violence and High Murder Rates
Guanajuato state is under a “Reconsider Travel” advisory due to crime. The State Department highlights gang violence, often linked to fuel theft, particularly in the south and central areas. The southern region has a high number of murders related to cartel violence. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs has also been reported.
U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling south of Federal Highway 45D, including cities like Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato. Tourist areas like San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City, which are north of this highway, are not under these restrictions, but the “Reconsider Travel” advisory applies to the entire state, suggesting travelers should be cautious even in these popular locations.
Jalisco State: Crime and Gang Activity in Tourist Areas
Jalisco state is under a “Reconsider Travel” advisory due to crime and kidnapping. The State Department notes that violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Jalisco. Guadalajara has seen territorial battles between criminal groups even in tourist areas, resulting in bystanders injured or killed in shootings. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs has also been reported.
U.S. government employees are restricted from the Jalisco-Michoacan border area and certain federal highways. However, tourist areas like the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, Puerto Vallarta (including Riviera Nayarit), Chapala, and Ajijic are not under these specific restrictions. Despite this, the “Reconsider Travel” advisory applies to the entire state, urging increased caution even in these well-known tourist locales.
Morelos State: Crime and Gang Activity
Morelos state is under a “Reconsider Travel” advisory due to crime and kidnapping. The State Department indicates that 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 the “Reconsider Travel” advisory highlights the general safety concerns throughout the state for all travelers.
Sonora State: Drug Trade and Human Trafficking
Sonora state is under a “Reconsider Travel” advisory due to crime and kidnapping. The State Department emphasizes that Sonora is a key area for international drug trade and human trafficking. Violent crime is widespread, and kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs has occurred. Travelers are advised to be highly aware of their surroundings throughout Sonora, as security incidents can happen anywhere.
U.S. government employees face numerous travel restrictions, including limitations on travel between Hermosillo and Nogales, in Nogales itself, to Puerto Peñasco, near the Mariposa Port of Entry, and in cities like San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea, and Agua Prieta, as well as eastern and southern Sonora including San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos. Tourist areas like Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino, and Puerto Penasco are within permitted areas but still fall under the “Reconsider Travel” advisory, indicating a need for caution even in these locations.
States with Increased Caution: “Exercise Increased Caution” Destinations
A significant number of Mexican states are under a “Exercise Increased Caution” advisory (Level 2). This level suggests a need for heightened awareness of safety risks due to crime and potential violence.
Aguascalientes, Baja California Sur, Coahuila, Durango, Hidalgo, Mexico City, Mexico State, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosi, Tabasco, Tlaxcala, and Veracruz States
These states are all under a “Exercise Increased Caution” advisory due to crime, and in some cases, kidnapping. For these states, the State Department indicates that criminal activity and violence may occur throughout. Some states, like Baja California Sur, Coahuila, Durango, Oaxaca, San Luis Potosi, and Puebla, specifically mention kidnapping as a concern. Veracruz notes increasing violent crime and gang activity, particularly in the central and southern regions. Quintana Roo, home to popular tourist destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, highlights that criminal activity can occur anywhere, including tourist areas, with shootings between gangs sometimes injuring bystanders. Mexico City and Mexico State are noted for both violent and non-violent crime, with petty crime being frequent even in tourist areas.
While there are no broad travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in most of these “Exercise Increased Caution” states, specific localized restrictions exist in Oaxaca and Coahuila. In Oaxaca, the Isthmus region and Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa are off-limits. In Coahuila, certain municipalities and nighttime curfews in Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña apply to government personnel. For travelers, this widespread “Exercise Increased Caution” advisory means vigilance is necessary throughout many parts of Mexico, even in popular tourist destinations.
States with Normal Precautions: “Exercise Normal Precautions” Destinations
Only two states in Mexico currently fall under the lowest advisory level, “Exercise Normal Precautions” (Level 1), indicating the lowest risk level compared to other parts of Mexico.
Campeche and Yucatan States
Campeche and Yucatan states are advised at “Exercise Normal Precautions”. For both states, the State Department indicates there are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees. Yucatan state is home to major tourist attractions like Chichen Itza, Merida, Uxmal, and Valladolid, suggesting these areas are considered relatively safe for travel.
While “normal precautions” should always be exercised, these states are deemed to have a lower risk profile compared to the rest of Mexico based on the current State Department advisory.
General Safety Recommendations for Travel to Mexico
Regardless of the specific advisory level for your destination in Mexico, the State Department provides general safety recommendations for all travelers:
- Stay Informed: Keep travel companions and family updated on your plans. Share your GPS location with a friend if separating from your group and send taxi details if traveling alone.
- Road Travel: Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night. Be aware that police and emergency services may be limited outside major cities in many states.
- Exercise Caution in Public Venues: Be extra vigilant in 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 Awareness: Be extra cautious when visiting banks or ATMs, as these can be locations for petty and more serious crime.
- Enroll in STEP: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and facilitate location in emergencies.
- Follow Social Media: Follow the Department of State’s and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico’s social media accounts for updates and alerts.
- Review Security Reports: Consult the Country Security Report for detailed security information.
- Mariner Advisories: Mariners should check for maritime advisories and alerts.
- Emergency Planning: Prepare a contingency plan for emergencies and review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- Health Information: Visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information.
Conclusion: Informed Travel to Mexico
The U.S. State Department’s travel advisories are a critical resource for understanding the safety and security landscape in Mexico. By carefully reviewing these warnings, particularly the level assigned to your intended destination state, and following the recommended precautions, travelers can make informed decisions and mitigate potential risks.
It’s essential to remember that safety conditions can change, and it is always advisable to check the State Department’s website for the most up-to-date travel advisories before planning and undertaking any trip to Mexico. Being informed and prepared is the best way to ensure a safer travel experience.
