Mexico Travel Advisory: Safety Tips and State-by-State Guide for Tourists

Mexico, a vibrant country rich in culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes, is a popular destination for tourists worldwide. However, like any international travel, it’s essential to be informed and prepared to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. This guide provides an overview of the current safety situation in Mexico, drawing upon the latest travel advisory information to help you navigate your visit with confidence. While planning your trip, remember to secure essential travel documents such as your Mexico Tourist Card, and familiarize yourself with safety recommendations to make the most of your Mexican adventure.

Understanding Travel Advisories for Mexico

It’s crucial to understand that safety conditions can vary significantly across different regions of Mexico. The U.S. government, among others, issues travel advisories to inform citizens about potential risks in specific countries. These advisories are not meant to discourage travel entirely but rather to provide a realistic picture of the security landscape and recommend precautions.

Currently, Mexico faces challenges related to crime, including violent crime in certain areas. This advisory aims to break down the situation state-by-state, offering a clear understanding of the risks involved and providing actionable advice for safe travel. Keep in mind that travel advisories are dynamic and can change, so always check for the most up-to-date information before your trip.

General Safety Recommendations for Traveling in Mexico

Regardless of your destination within Mexico, certain safety measures are universally recommended:

Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest travel advisories and news concerning your destination.
Share Your Plans: Inform family or friends about your itinerary and check in regularly. Share your GPS location if separating from your group.
Transportation Safety: Utilize toll roads when possible, avoid driving alone or at night, and when using taxis, opt for dispatched services or regulated taxi stands rather than hailing on the street. If taking a taxi alone, photograph the taxi number and/or license plate and send it to a contact. App-based services like Uber are generally recommended in larger cities.
Exercise Caution in Public Spaces: Be vigilant in local bars, nightclubs, and casinos. Avoid displaying signs of wealth such as expensive jewelry. Be extra cautious at banks and ATMs.
Enroll in STEP: Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and facilitate location in emergencies.
Stay Connected: Follow the Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico on social media for updates.
Review Security Reports: Consult the Country Security Report for Mexico for detailed safety information.
Maritime Travelers: Mariners should check for maritime advisories and alerts.
Emergency Preparedness: Prepare a contingency plan for emergencies and review traveler checklists.
Health Precautions: Consult the CDC page for the latest travel health information.

State-by-State Travel Advisories

Below is a breakdown of travel advisories for each state in Mexico, categorized by the level of caution recommended by the U.S. government. Please note that these are general guidelines for U.S. government employees and are useful for all travelers to understand potential risks.

Do Not Travel To:

These states are considered extremely dangerous, and travel is strongly discouraged.

Colima State: Due to high levels of crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are widespread. U.S. government employees are restricted to tourist and port areas of Manzanillo.
Guerrero State: Due to widespread crime. Armed groups operate independently, and roadblocks and violence against travelers are frequent. This includes tourist areas like Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Taxco, and Ixtapa which are off-limits for US government employees.
Michoacan State: Due to widespread crime and kidnapping. Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to Federal Highway 15D, Morelia (by air or land via specific highways), and Lazaro Cardenas (by air only, limited to city center/port areas). This includes portions of the Monarch Butterfly Reserve located in Michoacan.
Sinaloa State: Due to widespread violent crime and the presence of criminal organizations. U.S. government employees are limited to Mazatlan (by air or sea, Zona Dorada and historic center), and Los Mochis/Topolobampo (by air or sea, city and port areas).
Tamaulipas State: Due to high crime and kidnapping rates. Organized crime activity is rampant, especially along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. U.S. government employees have severe travel restrictions, mainly limited to consular areas in Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo.
Zacatecas State: Due to widespread violent crime, extortion, and gang activity. U.S. government employee travel is restricted to Zacatecas City proper and by air only.

Reconsider Travel To:

These states have significant safety risks, and travelers should carefully reconsider plans and exercise extreme caution.

Baja California State: Due to crime and kidnapping, particularly in the border area where transnational criminal organizations operate. The non-tourist areas of Tijuana are of particular concern. U.S. government employees have restrictions, especially in the Mexicali Valley. Popular tourist areas like Tijuana, Ensenada, and Rosarito still require increased caution.
Chiapas State: Due to crime. Criminal activity and violence are present. U.S. government employees are restricted from the municipality of Ocozocoautla and specific southeastern regions. Tapachula city limits and Highway 225 to Puerto Chiapas are permitted.
Chihuahua State: Due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common, even in areas frequented by tourists. U.S. government employees have limited travel to specific areas within major cities like Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua City, and certain highways. Copper Canyon is off-limits.
Guanajuato State: Due to crime, particularly gang violence related to fuel theft, primarily in the south and central areas. High murder rates are associated with cartel violence. U.S. government employees are restricted from areas south of Federal Highway 45D, including Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato. Tourist areas like San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City require reconsideration of travel plans due to the overall state risk level.
Jalisco State: Due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common, with territorial battles in tourist areas of Guadalajara. U.S. government employees are restricted from the Jalisco-Michoacan border area, Federal Highway 110, and Federal Highway 80 south of Cocula. Tourist areas including Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Ajijic require increased caution.
Morelos State: Due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are present in parts of the state. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees in tourist areas like Cuernavaca, but travelers should reconsider travel due to the overall state risk level.
Sonora State: Due to crime and kidnapping. Sonora is a key area for drug and human trafficking, with widespread violent crime. U.S. government employees have significant travel restrictions across the state, including limitations in Hermosillo, Nogales, Puerto Peñasco and other areas. Travel between Hermosillo and Nogales on Federal Highway 15 is permitted during daylight with precautions.

Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To:

These states have elevated risks of crime, and travelers should be more vigilant and take extra precautions.

Aguascalientes State: Due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state.
Baja California Sur State: Due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. Tourist destinations like Cabo San Lucas and La Paz require increased caution.
Coahuila State: Due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity occur in parts of the state. U.S. government employees are restricted from certain municipalities and have curfews in Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña.
Durango State: Due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of the state. U.S. government employees are restricted from areas west and south of Federal Highway 45.
Hidalgo State: Due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.
Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico): Due to crime. Both violent and non-violent crime occur. Exercise caution, especially at night and outside tourist areas.
Mexico State (Estado de Mexico): Due to crime and kidnapping. Both violent and non-violent crime occur. Exercise caution outside tourist areas.
Nayarit State: Due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. Tourist areas like Sayulita and San Pancho require increased caution.
Nuevo Leon State: Due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. Monterrey and other urban areas require increased caution.
Oaxaca State: Due to crime. Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state. U.S. government employees are restricted from the Isthmus region and Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa. Tourist areas like Oaxaca City, Monte Alban, Puerto Escondido, and Huatulco require increased caution.
Puebla State: Due to crime and kidnapping. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.
Queretaro State: Due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. Cities like Queretaro City and San Juan del Rio require increased caution.
Quintana Roo State: Due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur anywhere, including tourist destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Exercise increased caution, especially after dark, and stay in well-lit tourist zones.
San Luis Potosi State: Due to crime and kidnapping. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.
Tabasco State: Due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. Villahermosa and Palenque require increased caution.
Tlaxcala State: Due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.
Veracruz State: Due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity are increasing, particularly in the central and southern regions. Impromptu roadblocks are common. Cities like Veracruz and Xalapa require increased caution.

Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To:

These states are considered relatively safe, and normal safety precautions are advised.

Campeche State: Exercise normal precautions.
Yucatan State: Exercise normal precautions. Tourist areas including Chichen Itza, Merida, Uxmal, and Valladolid are generally safe, but normal precautions should still be taken.

Conclusion

Traveling to Mexico can be an enriching experience. By staying informed about safety conditions and taking appropriate precautions, you can significantly minimize risks and enjoy your trip. Remember to consult the latest travel advisories before you go, and ensure you have all necessary documentation, including your Mexico Tourist Card, for a smooth and safe journey. Prioritize your safety, be aware of your surroundings, and have a wonderful time exploring the beauty and culture of Mexico.