Mexico States Map: Understanding Travel Safety Levels

Mexico is a vibrant country with diverse landscapes and rich culture, attracting millions of visitors annually. However, safety concerns vary significantly across its 32 states. Utilizing a Mexico States Map to understand these regional differences is crucial for planning a safe and enjoyable trip. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the safety levels in each Mexican state, based on U.S. government travel advisories. Each state has been assigned one of four risk designations: “Do Not Travel,” “Reconsider Travel,” “Exercise Increased Caution,” and “Exercise Normal Precautions.”

Navigating Mexico’s Safety Landscape with a Mexico States Map

A Mexico states map color-coded with the four travel advisory levels provides a visual representation of safety across the country. This allows travelers to quickly identify high-risk areas and plan accordingly. While specific safety conditions can change, understanding these general designations is a critical first step in travel planning.

“Do Not Travel” Areas in Mexico

The U.S. Department of State advises against all travel to certain areas in Mexico due to extremely high crime and kidnapping risks. These areas, often marked in red on a Mexico states map, include:

Colima: Widespread violent crime and gang activity, including targeted assassinations and kidnappings.
Guerrero: Widespread crime and violence, with armed groups operating independently of the government. U.S. citizens are advised against traveling to tourist areas like Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, and Ixtapa.
Michoacan: Widespread crime and violence, including kidnapping. Limited travel is permitted for U.S. government employees on specific highways and to Morelia and Lazaro Cardenas with restrictions. The Monarch Butterfly Reserve located in Michoacan is also included in this advisory.
Sinaloa: Widespread violent crime and significant presence of criminal organizations. Limited travel is permitted for U.S. government employees to Mazatlan, Los Mochis, and Topolobampo with restrictions.
Tamaulipas: High risk of crime and kidnapping, particularly along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. Criminal groups frequently target passenger buses and private vehicles. Limited travel is permitted for U.S. government employees in Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo with restrictions.
Zacatecas: Widespread violent crime, extortion, and gang activity. U.S. government employee travel is restricted to Zacatecas City with limitations.

“Reconsider Travel” Areas in Mexico

These areas, often marked in orange on a Mexico states map, have elevated risks of crime and kidnapping. Travelers should carefully consider these risks before visiting:

Baja California: High risk of crime and kidnapping, particularly in non-tourist areas of Tijuana due to transnational criminal organization activity. Restrictions apply to travel in the Mexicali Valley for U.S. government employees.
Chiapas: Risk of crime and violence throughout the state. Specific restrictions apply to travel in the southeastern region and the municipality of Ocozocoautla for U.S. government employees.
Chihuahua: High risk of crime and kidnapping, with frequent gang activity and territorial battles. Restrictions apply to travel in various areas, including Ciudad Juarez, for U.S. government employees. Travel to Copper Canyon is prohibited for U.S. government employees.
Guanajuato: High risk of gang violence, primarily in the south and central areas, often linked to fuel theft. Restrictions apply to travel south of Federal Highway 45D for U.S. government employees. Popular tourist destinations like San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City are not subject to these restrictions.
Jalisco: Risk of violent crime and gang activity, including in tourist areas of Guadalajara. Restrictions apply to travel along the Jalisco-Michoacan border and certain highways for U.S. government employees. Popular tourist areas like Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, and Chapala are not subject to these restrictions.
Morelos: Risk of violent crime and gang activity.
Sonora: High risk of crime and kidnapping due to drug trade and human trafficking. Numerous restrictions apply to U.S. government employees, particularly regarding travel between cities and the use of taxis and ride-sharing services. Popular tourist areas like Hermosillo and Puerto Peñasco are open to U.S. government employees with restrictions.

“Exercise Increased Caution” Areas in Mexico

These areas, often marked in yellow on a Mexico states map, have a higher risk of crime than the United States. Travelers should remain vigilant and take precautions:

Aguascalientes: Risk of criminal activity and violence.
Baja California Sur: Risk of criminal activity and violence.
Coahuila: Risk of violent crime and gang activity in certain parts of the state. Restrictions apply to specific municipalities and cities for U.S. government employees.
Durango: Risk of violent crime and gang activity. Restrictions apply to travel west and south of Federal Highway 45 for U.S. government employees.
Hidalgo: Risk of criminal activity and violence.
Mexico City: Risk of both violent and non-violent crime, particularly at night outside tourist areas.
Mexico State: Risk of both violent and non-violent crime, and kidnapping.
Nayarit: Risk of criminal activity and violence.
Nuevo Leon: Risk of criminal activity and violence.
Oaxaca: Risk of criminal activity and violence. Restrictions apply to the Isthmus region and Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa for U.S. government employees. Popular tourist areas like Oaxaca City and Puerto Escondido are not subject to these restrictions.
Puebla: Risk of crime and kidnapping.
Queretaro: Risk of criminal activity and violence.
Quintana Roo: Risk of criminal activity and violence, including in tourist destinations. Increased caution advised after dark in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.
San Luis Potosi: Risk of crime and kidnapping.
Tabasco: Risk of criminal activity and violence.
Tlaxcala: Risk of criminal activity and violence.
Veracruz: Increasing frequency of violent crime and gang activity, particularly in central and southern areas.

“Exercise Normal Precautions” Areas in Mexico

These areas, often marked in green on a Mexico states map, have similar safety risks to the United States. Travelers should exercise normal precautions:

Campeche: No specific safety concerns mentioned.
Yucatan: No specific safety concerns mentioned. Popular tourist destinations like Chichen Itza and Merida are located in this state.

Conclusion: Using a Mexico States Map for Safe Travels

A Mexico states map illustrating safety levels is an invaluable tool for travel planning. By understanding the different risk designations and researching specific areas within each state, travelers can make informed decisions to mitigate potential safety concerns and enjoy a memorable trip to Mexico. Remember to consult up-to-date travel advisories before and during your trip.