Mexico, a vibrant country rich in culture, history, and natural beauty, attracts millions of tourists every year. From the ancient ruins of the Maya civilization to bustling modern cities and serene beaches, Mexico offers a diverse range of experiences. However, like any popular travel destination, it’s essential to be informed about safety and security to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. This guide provides a detailed, state-by-state overview of safety considerations for travelers in Mexico, drawing upon the latest travel advisory information to help you make informed decisions and travel with confidence. Understanding the nuances of safety across different Mexican states is crucial for planning your itinerary and staying safe during your visit. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive breakdown, empowering you with the knowledge to navigate Mexico responsibly.
States in Mexico: Travel Advisory Levels
Mexico is a large and diverse country, and safety levels can vary significantly from state to state. To provide clear guidance, the states are categorized based on the level of caution travelers should exercise. This categorization ranges from “Do Not Travel” to “Exercise Normal Precautions,” reflecting the varying degrees of risk present in each region. It’s important to note that these advisories are primarily based on assessments of crime and violence, and they are regularly updated to reflect the evolving security landscape. This guide breaks down each category and the states within them, offering insights into the specific concerns and providing practical advice for travelers.
Do Not Travel to These States
The “Do Not Travel” advisory is the highest level, indicating significant safety risks. These states are considered extremely dangerous for travel due to widespread crime, violence, and potential for kidnapping. Traveling to these states is strongly discouraged due to the high likelihood of encountering life-threatening situations.
Colima
Do Not Travel due to crime and kidnapping.
Colima is plagued by widespread violent crime and gang activity. Homicides are frequent, often targeted assassinations linked to criminal organizations, but innocent bystanders can easily be caught in the crossfire. Kidnapping is a significant threat to both locals and visitors.
Travel for U.S. government employees is severely restricted, limited only to the tourist and port areas of Manzanillo, and even then, travel from Guadalajara must be via Federal Toll Road 54D during daylight hours. All other areas of Colima state are off-limits for U.S. government personnel, underscoring the severity of the safety concerns throughout the state. For travelers, this translates to a very high risk of encountering dangerous situations, making Colima unsuitable for tourism at this time.
Guerrero
Do Not Travel due to crime.
Guerrero is marked by widespread crime and violence. Armed groups operate extensively, often independently of government control, setting up roadblocks and resorting to violence against travelers. Kidnapping has been a recurring issue, with U.S. citizens among the victims in the past.
U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to any area in Guerrero, including major tourist destinations such as Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Taxco, and Ixtapa. This blanket restriction highlights the extreme danger present throughout the entire state. For tourists, this advisory is a clear warning: Guerrero is currently too dangerous for travel, and safety cannot be assured even in popular resort areas.
Michoacan
Do Not Travel due to crime and kidnapping.
Michoacan is characterized by widespread crime and violence. Travel for U.S. government employees is extremely limited, permitted only on Federal Highway 15D when transiting between Mexico City and Guadalajara, by air and land to Morelia via specific highways, and by air only to Lazaro Cardenas, restricted to the city center and port areas.
All other areas of Michoacan, including parts of the Monarch Butterfly Reserve, are off-limits to U.S. government employees. This extensive restriction reflects the severe security situation across the majority of the state. For travelers, this means that much of Michoacan poses a significant risk, and even in areas with limited government employee access, caution is paramount. The pervasive nature of crime and violence makes Michoacan a highly risky destination.
Sinaloa
Do Not Travel due to crime.
Sinaloa is notorious for its high levels of violent crime, with criminal organizations deeply entrenched and operating throughout the state.
U.S. government employee travel is heavily restricted, allowed only in Mazatlan (Zona Dorada and historic center, via air or sea), and Los Mochis/Topolobampo (city and port areas, via air or sea). All other areas of Sinaloa are off-limits to U.S. government personnel. This limited access underscores the pervasive danger throughout Sinaloa, excluding very specific, monitored zones. For tourists, the risk of violent crime is widespread, making Sinaloa a “Do Not Travel” zone for safety-conscious individuals.
Tamaulipas
Do Not Travel due to crime and kidnapping.
Tamaulipas faces severe issues with organized crime, manifesting in frequent gun battles, murders, armed robberies, carjackings, kidnappings, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault. These activities are particularly prevalent along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. Criminal groups often target public and private transportation, kidnapping passengers for ransom.
U.S. government employees have extremely limited movement, confined to small radii around U.S. consulates in Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo, with curfews and restrictions on overland travel. Travel between cities via interior highways is prohibited, and even travel between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey is restricted to daytime hours on Federal Highway 85D with prior authorization. The vast majority of Tamaulipas is off-limits to U.S. government employees, reflecting the extreme danger and lack of security across the state. For travelers, Tamaulipas presents unacceptable risks due to the high probability of encountering violent crime and kidnapping.
Zacatecas
Do Not Travel due to crime and kidnapping.
Zacatecas is plagued by widespread violent crime, extortion, and gang activity. Kidnapping is a serious concern, with U.S. citizens among the victims.
U.S. government employee travel is severely limited to Zacatecas City proper, and even access to Zacatecas City overland is prohibited. All other areas of Zacatecas are off-limits to U.S. government personnel. This extreme restriction emphasizes the pervasive danger throughout Zacatecas state, making it highly unsafe for general travel. Tourists should avoid Zacatecas due to the high risk of violent crime and kidnapping.
Reconsider Travel to These States
The “Reconsider Travel” advisory level indicates that travelers should carefully evaluate the risks before visiting these states. These areas experience significant safety concerns, including crime and potential instability, requiring a heightened level of awareness and caution. While not as severely restricted as “Do Not Travel” states, these regions still pose considerable risks that should be thoroughly considered.
Baja California
Reconsider Travel due to crime and kidnapping.
Baja California, particularly the border area, is characterized by intense competition among transnational criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking and human smuggling. Violent crime and gang activity are common. While tourist areas like Tijuana, Ensenada, and Rosarito see high traffic, the non-tourist areas of Tijuana are particularly dangerous due to high homicide rates. Kidnapping is also a risk for U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents.
U.S. government employees face specific restrictions, especially in the Mexicali Valley, which is largely off-limits due to cartel violence. However, high-traffic tourist areas in border and coastal communities like Tijuana, Ensenada, and Rosarito do not have travel restrictions for government employees. Travelers to Baja California should exercise extreme caution, especially in non-tourist zones and be aware of the potential for violent crime and kidnapping, even in popular tourist destinations.
Chiapas
Reconsider Travel due to crime.
Chiapas experiences criminal activity and violence throughout the state. Certain regions, particularly the municipality of Ocozocoautla and southeastern areas, are especially risky.
U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to Ocozocoautla and large parts of southeastern Chiapas. However, travel to Tapachula city limits and Highway 225 from Port Chiapas to Tapachula, including the Tapachula Airport, is permitted. Despite these permitted areas, travelers should reconsider visiting Chiapas due to the general risk of crime and violence throughout the state, especially in restricted zones.
Chihuahua
Reconsider Travel due to crime and kidnapping.
Chihuahua is marked by frequent violent crime and gang activity. Homicides, often targeted assassinations by criminal organizations, are common, and territorial disputes between groups lead to violence even in areas frequented by U.S. citizens. Bystanders can be caught in shooting incidents, and kidnapping is a risk for U.S. citizens and LPRs.
U.S. government employee travel is limited to specific areas within cities like Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua City, and certain highways for transit. Areas like Copper Canyon are off-limits. While government employees can travel within defined zones, the broader state of Chihuahua carries significant risks of crime and violence. Travelers should reconsider visiting due to these pervasive dangers.
Guanajuato
Reconsider Travel due to crime.
Guanajuato experiences gang violence, often linked to fuel theft, particularly in the south and central regions. High murder rates in the southern part of the state are associated with cartel violence. Kidnapping is also a concern for U.S. citizens and LPRs.
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 these restrictions. However, the general advisory to reconsider travel highlights the risk of crime throughout Guanajuato, even in tourist-popular zones. Travelers should be vigilant and aware of potential dangers.
Jalisco
Reconsider Travel due to crime and kidnapping.
Jalisco faces violent crime and gang activity in parts of the state. Guadalajara sees territorial battles between criminal groups, even in tourist areas, with innocent bystanders injured or killed in shootings. Kidnapping is also a risk.
U.S. government employees are restricted from the Jalisco-Michoacan border area and parts of Federal Highways 110 and 80. Tourist areas in Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, Puerto Vallarta (including Riviera Nayarit), Chapala, and Ajijic are not restricted. Despite these tourist-friendly areas, the advisory to reconsider travel points to real risks of crime and violence in Jalisco, requiring travelers to be cautious and aware of their surroundings.
Morelos
Reconsider Travel due to crime and kidnapping.
Morelos experiences violent crime and gang activity in parts of the state. Kidnapping is a risk for U.S. citizens and LPRs.
There are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Morelos state. However, the “Reconsider Travel” advisory indicates an elevated risk of crime and kidnapping throughout the state. Travelers should be aware of these risks and exercise increased caution when visiting Morelos.
Sonora
Reconsider Travel due to crime and kidnapping.
Sonora is a critical area for international drug trade and human trafficking. Violent crime is widespread, and kidnapping is a significant risk for U.S. citizens and LPRs. Security incidents can occur anywhere in Sonora.
U.S. government employees face numerous travel restrictions, including limitations on highway travel, restricted areas in cities like Nogales and Puerto Peñasco, and prohibitions on travel to eastern and southern Sonora. Tourist areas like Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino, and Puerto Penasco are accessible under specific conditions. Despite access to some tourist zones, the extensive restrictions and the “Reconsider Travel” advisory underscore the high risks of crime and violence in Sonora. Travelers should maintain heightened awareness and caution throughout their visit.
Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To:
“Exercise Increased Caution” is an advisory level suggesting that travelers should be more vigilant and aware of their surroundings due to potential safety risks. These states experience notable levels of crime, and while not as dangerous as “Do Not Travel” or “Reconsider Travel” areas, they still require travelers to take extra precautions to ensure their safety.
- Aguascalientes
- Baja California Sur
- Coahuila
- Durango
- Hidalgo
- Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico)
- Mexico State (Estado de Mexico)
- Nayarit
- Nuevo Leon
- Oaxaca
- Puebla
- Queretaro
- Quintana Roo
- San Luis Potosi
- Tabasco
- Tlaxcala
- Veracruz
In these states, criminal activity and violence can occur. For specific states like Quintana Roo, while popular tourist destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum are generally considered safer, increased caution is still advised, especially at night and in less-patrolled areas. In states like Veracruz, violent crime and gang activity are increasing, particularly in central and southern areas. While U.S. government employees may travel freely in these states, the “Exercise Increased Caution” advisory serves as a reminder for all travelers to be vigilant, especially in unfamiliar areas, and to take basic safety precautions against crime.
Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To:
“Exercise Normal Precautions” is the lowest advisory level, indicating that these states are generally considered safe for travel. Travelers should still be aware of their surroundings and take standard safety measures, but the overall risk level is low compared to other States In Mexico.
- Campeche
- Yucatan
These states are generally considered the safest in Mexico. For example, Yucatan, home to popular tourist sites like Chichen Itza and Merida, is often cited as one of the safest states in the country. U.S. government employees face no travel restrictions in these states, reflecting the relatively low levels of crime and violence. Travelers can generally explore these states with confidence, while still practicing normal travel safety precautions.
General Safety Recommendations for Traveling in Mexico
Regardless of the state you plan to visit in Mexico, some general safety guidelines are essential for all travelers:
- Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest travel advisories and news regarding safety in your destination state.
- Share Your Plans: Inform family or friends about your travel itinerary, and share your GPS location if separating from your group.
- Use Safe Transportation: Utilize toll roads when possible, avoid driving alone or at night, and use dispatched transportation services like Uber or regulated taxis instead of hailing taxis on the street, especially after dark.
- Be Discreet: Avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as expensive jewelry or watches.
- ATM and Bank Vigilance: Exercise extra caution when using ATMs or visiting banks, as these can be targets for crime.
- Avoid Risky Areas: Be cautious when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
- Enroll in STEP: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and facilitate location in emergencies.
- Stay Connected: Follow the Department of State and U.S. Embassy on social media for updates.
- Review Security Reports: Check the Country Security Report for Mexico for detailed safety information.
- Prepare for Emergencies: Develop a contingency plan for emergency situations and review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- Health Precautions: Consult the CDC page for the latest travel health information.
Conclusion: Traveling Safely in Mexico
Mexico offers incredible experiences for travelers, but it’s crucial to be aware of and prepared for the varying safety conditions across its states. By understanding the different advisory levels and following general safety recommendations, you can mitigate risks and enjoy a safer and more rewarding trip. Always prioritize your safety by staying informed, being vigilant, and making responsible travel decisions based on the latest available information. Safe travels!
Alt text: Map of Mexico showing the different states, useful for identifying locations mentioned in the travel advisory.
