Navigating Mexico: A Comprehensive Safety Guide for Travelers

Mexico, a vibrant country rich in culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes, is a popular destination for travelers worldwide. From the bustling streets of Mexico City to the serene beaches of Tulum, Mexico offers a diverse range of experiences. However, like any international destination, it’s essential to be informed about safety and security. This guide provides a detailed overview of travel safety in Mexico, drawing from the latest advisories and offering practical tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Understanding Travel Advisories for Mexico

The U.S. State Department provides travel advisories for every country, categorizing them into levels based on safety and security risks. For Mexico, the advisory is complex, varying significantly by state. It’s crucial to understand these levels to make informed decisions about your travel plans within Mexico.

Here’s a breakdown of the advisory levels and what they mean for different states in Mexico:

States to Reconsider Travel To

Several states in Mexico are categorized under “Reconsider Travel,” indicating a higher risk level due to crime and potential safety concerns. These states include:

Baja California: Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping. While tourist areas like Tijuana, Ensenada, and Rosarito see high traffic, non-tourist areas, especially in Tijuana, experience high homicide rates linked to cartel violence. Travelers should stick to main highways and avoid remote areas.
Chiapas: Reconsider travel due to crime. Criminal activity and violence are present. Certain municipalities and southeastern regions have travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, indicating areas of concern.
Chihuahua: Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common, particularly in areas like Ciudad Juarez. Even in tourist-frequented spots, bystanders can be caught in violent incidents.
Guanajuato: Reconsider travel due to crime. Gang violence, often related to fuel theft, is prevalent, especially in the southern and central parts. Cities like Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato are areas of concern. However, tourist hotspots like San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City are generally considered safer.
Jalisco: Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common, even in tourist areas of Guadalajara. Border regions with Michoacan and certain federal highways should be avoided. Popular destinations like Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara Metropolitan Area require increased caution.
Morelos: Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping. Parts of Morelos experience violent crime and gang activity.
Sonora: Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping. Sonora is a key area for drug and human trafficking, leading to widespread violent crime. Travel between Hermosillo and Nogales, and certain areas near the U.S. border require heightened awareness and caution.

States Where Increased Caution is Advised

A significant portion of Mexico is under “Exercise Increased Caution,” signaling that travelers should be vigilant and aware of their surroundings due to crime. These states include:

Aguascalientes: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state.
Baja California Sur: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Similar to Baja California, criminal activity and violence are present, though tourist areas like Cabo San Lucas and La Paz are generally considered safer.
Coahuila: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Parts of Coahuila experience violent crime and gang activity. Certain municipalities have travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, particularly near the border.
Durango: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Durango, especially west and south of Federal Highway 45.
Hidalgo: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur.
Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico): Exercise increased caution due to crime. Both violent and non-violent crime occur, especially outside tourist zones and at night. Petty crime is frequent in tourist areas.
Mexico State (Estado de Mexico): Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping. Similar to Mexico City, both types of crime are present, particularly outside tourist areas.
Nayarit: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state, though areas like Riviera Nayarit (including Nuevo Vallarta and Sayulita) are popular and generally safer tourist destinations.
Nuevo Leon: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state, including Monterrey.
Oaxaca: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state. Certain regions like the Isthmus and parts of Federal Highway 200 have travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, indicating areas of concern. However, Oaxaca City and coastal tourist areas like Puerto Escondido and Huatulco are generally considered safer.
Puebla: Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping. Criminal activity and violence may occur.
Queretaro: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur.
Quintana Roo: Exercise increased caution due to crime. This includes major tourist destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. While tourist-targeted violence is less common, gang-related shootings have affected bystanders. Increased caution is advised, especially after dark.
San Luis Potosi: Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping. Criminal activity and violence may occur.
Tabasco: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state, but it is less prominent in major tourist routes.
Tlaxcala: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur.
Veracruz: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity are increasing, particularly in the central and southern areas. Roadblocks are also a concern.

States Where You Should Not Travel To

Certain states in Mexico carry a “Do Not Travel” advisory due to extremely high risks of crime and violence. These states are:

Colima: Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are widespread. Manzanillo has restricted travel zones even for U.S. government employees.
Guerrero: Do not travel due to crime. Crime and violence are widespread, with armed groups operating independently. Tourist areas like Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Taxco, and Ixtapa are included in this “Do Not Travel” advisory.
Michoacan: Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping. Crime and violence are widespread. Travel for U.S. government employees is severely restricted, even impacting parts of the Monarch Butterfly Reserve.
Sinaloa: Do not travel due to crime. Violent crime is widespread, and criminal organizations are heavily present. Mazatlan and Los Mochis have restricted travel zones.
Tamaulipas: Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping. Organized crime is rampant, including gun battles, kidnapping, and extortion, especially along the northern border.
Zacatecas: Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread. Zacatecas City has restricted travel zones.

States with Normal Precautions

Only two states are currently under “Exercise Normal Precautions,” indicating the lowest risk level in Mexico:

Campeche: Exercise normal precautions. Generally considered one of the safest states in Mexico.
Yucatan: Exercise normal precautions. Home to popular tourist destinations like Chichen Itza, Merida, and Valladolid, Yucatan is generally considered very safe for travel.

Staying Safe in Mexico: General Tips

Regardless of the state you plan to visit, adopting safe travel practices is crucial in Mexico. Here are some general safety tips:

Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest travel advisories and news regarding your destination in Mexico.
Share Your Plans: Inform family or friends about your travel itinerary and check in regularly. Share your GPS location if you are separating from your group.
Use Safe Transportation: Opt for toll roads when driving, avoid driving alone or at night if possible. When using taxis, especially alone, take a photo of the taxi number or license plate and send it to a friend. App-based services like Uber are generally recommended over hailing taxis on the street in larger cities.
Be Discreet: Avoid displaying signs of wealth like expensive jewelry or watches.
Exercise Caution in Public Places: Be extra vigilant in crowded areas, local bars, nightclubs, casinos, banks, and ATMs.
Enroll in STEP: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and facilitate location in emergencies.
Follow Local Advice: Heed advice from hotel staff, tour guides, and locals regarding safe areas and practices.
Emergency Preparedness: Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations and review the Traveler’s Checklist provided by the State Department.
Health Precautions: Check the CDC page for the latest travel health information and necessary vaccinations.

Safety Considerations for LGBTQ+ Travelers in Mexico

While Mexico is generally known for its warm hospitality, LGBTQ+ travelers should be aware of local attitudes and customs. Mexico is a diverse country with varying levels of acceptance towards the LGBTQ+ community. Major cities and tourist destinations like Mexico City, Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, and Cancun are generally more LGBTQ+-friendly, with established gay scenes and inclusive venues.

However, outside of these areas, particularly in more conservative or rural regions, public displays of affection might attract unwanted attention. It’s advisable to be mindful of local customs and err on the side of discretion, especially in states with higher crime rates where any form of perceived vulnerability could be exploited.

Specific Safety Tips for LGBTQ+ Travelers in Mexico:

Research LGBTQ+-Friendly Destinations: Focus your travel on areas known for their LGBTQ+ inclusivity, such as those mentioned above.
Utilize LGBTQ+ Travel Resources: Consult resources like gaymexico.net for up-to-date information on LGBTQ+ venues and events in your chosen destinations.
Exercise Street Smartness: Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas at night, similar to general safety advice for all travelers.
Discreetness in Public: Depending on the region, it might be wise to be discreet with public displays of affection, especially in more conservative areas.
Trust Your Instincts: If a situation feels unsafe or uncomfortable, remove yourself from it.

Conclusion: Enjoying Mexico Safely

Mexico offers incredible experiences for every type of traveler. By understanding the safety landscape, staying informed, and practicing common-sense safety measures, you can navigate Mexico confidently and enjoy all the beauty and excitement this country has to offer. Remember to tailor your travel plans to the specific advisories for each state and always prioritize your personal safety and well-being. With the right preparation and awareness, your trip to Mexico can be an unforgettable adventure.