Navigating Safety in Mexico: A Guide to Cities for Travel

Mexico, a vibrant country rich in culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes, attracts millions of tourists annually. From the bustling metropolis of Mexico City to the serene beaches of Cancun, the country offers a diverse range of experiences. However, like any popular travel destination, it’s essential to be informed about safety and security. This guide, drawing upon the latest travel advisories, aims to provide a detailed overview of safety considerations in various cities in Mexico, helping you make informed decisions for your travel plans.

Understanding the general safety landscape in Mexico is crucial before delving into specific cities. It’s widely acknowledged that violent crime, including homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery, is a significant concern across the nation. The U.S. government, for instance, operates under restricted travel for its employees in numerous areas due to these risks, highlighting the need for travelers to exercise caution. Limited emergency services in certain regions, particularly outside major urban centers, further underscore the importance of careful planning and awareness.

For U.S. citizens planning a trip, it’s recommended to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and facilitate location in emergencies. Staying connected with travel advisories from your home country’s government is also vital. General precautions applicable across Mexico include avoiding displays of wealth, exercising heightened vigilance at ATMs and banks, and being particularly cautious in local bars, nightclubs, and casinos. Utilizing toll roads when possible and avoiding nighttime driving, especially alone, are also strongly advised.

While the general safety advisory paints a broad picture, the reality varies significantly from state to state and city to city within Mexico. To provide a more nuanced understanding, let’s explore specific cities in Mexico, categorized by the level of caution advised by travel authorities. This categorization will help you understand which cities require increased vigilance and which might allow for more relaxed exploration.

Cities to Reconsider Travel To

Certain cities in Mexico warrant a “Reconsider Travel” advisory due to significant safety concerns. These are locations where crime, particularly violent crime and kidnapping, poses a considerable risk to travelers.

Tijuana, Baja California

Tijuana, a major border city in Baja California, is often in the spotlight due to its proximity to the United States and its vibrant, yet sometimes turbulent, atmosphere. The advisory for Baja California state urges travelers to reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping, and Tijuana is specifically mentioned as an area of concern, particularly in non-tourist zones where homicide rates are high. While much of the violence appears targeted, bystanders can be caught in the crossfire of gang-related activities. However, it’s important to note that tourist areas of Tijuana, along with Ensenada and Rosarito, are still visited by many, but increased caution is strongly recommended. Travelers are advised to stick to main highways and avoid remote areas, especially the Mexicali Valley region, which is particularly restricted for U.S. government employees due to cartel violence.

Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua

Ciudad Juarez, another significant border city, located in Chihuahua state, also falls under the “Reconsider Travel” advisory due to crime and kidnapping. Gang activity and violent crime are common, with territorial disputes between criminal groups leading to violence even in areas frequented by tourists. While U.S. government employees have restricted travel zones within Ciudad Juarez, travel is permitted within certain boundaries, including routes to the airport and industrial areas. Daytime travel to Chihuahua City is allowed on Federal Highway 45 with specific permitted stops. However, general travel to other areas of Chihuahua, including the popular Copper Canyon, is restricted for government employees, signaling a higher risk for all travelers.

Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, Jalisco

Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state and a major metropolitan area, is a significant cultural and economic hub. Despite its attractions, Jalisco state is under a “Reconsider Travel” advisory due to crime and kidnapping. In Guadalajara itself, territorial disputes between criminal groups spill into tourist areas, and innocent bystanders have been injured or killed in shooting incidents. While tourist hotspots like Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Ajijic are still visited, it’s crucial to exercise increased caution and be aware of your surroundings. Certain areas, especially the Jalisco-Michoacan border region and parts of Federal Highway 80, are restricted for U.S. government employees, indicating higher risk zones.

Guanajuato City and San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

Guanajuato state, despite being home to popular tourist cities like Guanajuato City and San Miguel de Allende, is under a “Reconsider Travel” advisory due to crime. Gang violence, often related to fuel theft, is prevalent, particularly in the southern and central regions of the state. The southern region has seen a high number of cartel-related murders. While tourist areas like San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City are not specifically restricted for U.S. government employees, the advisory for the state as a whole suggests a need for increased vigilance throughout the region. Travel south of Federal Highway 45D is restricted for government employees, indicating a higher risk in those areas.

Morelia, Michoacan

Michoacan state carries a “Do Not Travel” advisory for most areas, but Morelia, the state capital, is an exception where travel is reconsidered. Crime and violence are widespread in Michoacan, but U.S. government employees are permitted to travel to Morelia by air and by land using specific federal highways from Federal Highway 15D. This suggests that while still risky, Morelia is considered relatively safer than other parts of Michoacan. However, the overall “Do Not Travel” status for the state emphasizes the need for extreme caution even in permitted areas.

Oaxaca City, Puerto Escondido, and Huatulco, Oaxaca

Oaxaca state, while generally under “Exercise Increased Caution,” has areas where travel should be reconsidered. Criminal activity and violence are present throughout the state. However, tourist areas including Oaxaca City, Monte Alban, Puerto Escondido, and Huatulco are not under specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, suggesting a lower risk compared to restricted areas. The Isthmus region of Oaxaca and Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa are restricted for government employees, indicating areas to avoid or reconsider travel to for all visitors.

Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino, and Puerto Penasco, Sonora

Sonora state is under a “Reconsider Travel” advisory due to crime and kidnapping, being a key area for drug trade and human trafficking. Violent crime is widespread. However, tourist areas like Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino, and Puerto Penasco are accessible with caution. Travel between Hermosillo and Nogales is permitted only during daylight hours on Federal Highway 15, and specific restrictions apply to government employee travel in Nogales, Puerto Peñasco, and other regions within Sonora. This indicates a need for increased vigilance even in tourist areas and careful planning of routes and travel times.

Cities to Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To

A significant portion of Mexican cities fall under the “Exercise Increased Caution” category. These are locations where criminal activity and violence may occur, requiring travelers to be more alert and take extra precautions.

This category includes states and cities such as:

Aguascalientes state: Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state, but no specific travel restrictions for government employees.
Baja California Sur state: Similar to Aguascalientes, criminal activity and violence are possible, but no government employee restrictions.
Coahuila state: Violent crime and gang activity in parts, with specific municipalities restricted for government employee travel. Cities like Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña have curfews for government employees.
Durango state: Violent crime and gang activity in parts, with areas west and south of Federal Highway 45 restricted for government employee travel.
Hidalgo state: Criminal activity and violence possible throughout the state, no government employee restrictions.
Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico): Both violent and non-violent crime occur, especially at night and outside tourist areas. Petty crime is frequent. No government employee restrictions.
Mexico State (Estado de Mexico): Similar to Mexico City, both violent and non-violent crime, with kidnapping risks. No government employee restrictions.
Morelos state: Violent crime and gang activity in parts, with kidnapping risks. No government employee restrictions.
Nayarit state: Criminal activity and violence possible throughout the state, no government employee restrictions.
Nuevo Leon state: Criminal activity and violence possible throughout the state, no government employee restrictions.
Puebla state: Criminal activity and violence possible, with kidnapping risks. No government employee restrictions.
Queretaro state: Criminal activity and violence possible throughout the state, no government employee restrictions.
Quintana Roo state: Criminal activity and violence possible in tourist destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Increased caution advised after dark. No government employee restrictions.
San Luis Potosi state: Criminal activity and violence possible, with kidnapping risks. No government employee restrictions.
Tabasco state: Criminal activity and violence possible throughout the state, no government employee restrictions.
Tlaxcala state: Criminal activity and violence possible throughout the state, no government employee restrictions.
Veracruz state: Increasing violent crime and gang activity, particularly in central and southern areas. Impromptu roadblocks are common. No government employee restrictions.

For cities within these states, while no explicit “Do Not Travel” or “Reconsider Travel” advisories are in place, exercising increased caution is paramount. This means being more aware of your surroundings, especially in less frequented areas and during nighttime. Avoiding displays of wealth, using secure transportation options, and informing someone of your plans are prudent steps. In tourist hotspots like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum in Quintana Roo, or major urban centers like Mexico City, while risks are present, they are often manageable with heightened awareness and responsible behavior.

Cities to Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To

Finally, a few states and cities are designated as “Exercise Normal Precautions,” indicating the lowest level of risk among Mexican destinations.

Campeche state: Exercise normal precautions throughout the state. No travel restrictions for government employees.
Yucatan state: Exercise normal precautions, including tourist areas in Chichen Itza, Merida, Uxmal, and Valladolid. No travel restrictions for government employees.

These states, particularly Yucatan and Campeche in the Yucatan Peninsula, are generally considered the safest regions in Mexico for tourists. Popular destinations like Merida, Valladolid, Chichen Itza, and Uxmal in Yucatan offer rich cultural experiences with a lower risk of violent crime compared to other parts of the country. However, “normal precautions” still imply being mindful of petty crime and practicing general safety measures common to any tourist destination worldwide.

Cities to Avoid: Do Not Travel To

Certain cities and states in Mexico carry a “Do Not Travel” advisory, signifying extremely high levels of risk. These areas should be avoided entirely due to widespread crime, violence, and kidnapping.

Colima state: Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping. Widespread violent crime and gang activity. Only limited travel for government employees to tourist and port areas of Manzanillo.
Guerrero state: Do not travel due to crime. Widespread crime and violence, armed groups operating independently. No travel permitted for government employees, including tourist areas like Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Taxco, and Ixtapa.
Michoacan state (most areas): Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping. Widespread crime and violence. Limited travel for government employees to specific areas like Federal Highway 15D, Morelia (by air and specific highways), and Lazaro Cardenas (by air only). Most of the state, including Monarch Butterfly Reserves in Michoacan, are off-limits.
Sinaloa state: Do not travel due to crime. Widespread violent crime, criminal organizations based and operating in the state. Limited government employee travel to Mazatlan (by air/sea, specific zones), and Los Mochis/Topolobampo (by air/sea, city and port zones).
Tamaulipas state: Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping. Organized crime activity is rampant, especially along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. Extremely limited travel for government employees only within radii of U.S. Consulates in Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo and limited daytime travel between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Federal Highway 85D with authorization. Overland travel between cities in Tamaulipas is prohibited for government employees.
Zacatecas state: Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping. Widespread violent crime, extortion, and gang activity. Limited government employee travel only to Zacatecas City proper (by air only).

Cities within these “Do Not Travel” states pose significant risks to personal safety. The advisories highlight the severe and pervasive nature of crime, making these areas unsuitable for tourism. Even popular tourist destinations within these states, such as Acapulco in Guerrero, are explicitly included in the “Do Not Travel” warnings, emphasizing the extreme danger.

Conclusion: Informed Travel in Mexico

Traveling to any City In Mexico requires careful consideration of safety and security. While the country offers incredible cultural and travel experiences, it’s essential to be aware of the risks and take appropriate precautions. This guide, based on travel advisories, provides a starting point for understanding the safety landscape in various cities.

Before planning your trip, consult the most recent travel advisories from your government, as safety situations can change rapidly. Enroll in STEP or similar programs to stay informed and connected. When choosing your destination within Mexico, weigh the level of caution advised for specific cities and states. Opting for cities with “Exercise Normal Precautions” or “Exercise Increased Caution,” and avoiding “Do Not Travel” zones, can significantly enhance your safety.

Remember, even in relatively safer cities, vigilance and responsible travel practices are crucial. By staying informed, planning carefully, and exercising caution, you can navigate your travels in Mexico more safely and enjoy the many wonders this diverse country has to offer. Always prioritize your personal safety and make informed decisions based on the latest available information.