Is It Ok to Travel to Mexico? A 2024 Safety Guide for Tourists

Mexico, a vibrant country known for its rich culture, stunning beaches, and delicious cuisine, is a dream destination for many. However, safety concerns often arise when planning a trip. If you’re wondering “Is It Ok To Travel To Mexico?”, you’re not alone. Understanding the current safety landscape is crucial for a worry-free vacation.

This guide, drawing on the latest travel advisory information, aims to provide a comprehensive overview of safety in Mexico in 2024, helping you make informed decisions about your travel plans. It’s important to note that safety conditions can vary significantly across different regions, and staying updated is key to a safe and enjoyable trip.

Understanding Travel Advisories for Mexico

Travel advisories are issued by governments to inform their citizens about the safety conditions in other countries. These advisories are not meant to discourage travel entirely but rather to provide information so travelers can assess risks and take necessary precautions.

According to the U.S. Department of State’s recent Mexico Travel Advisory, violent crime, including homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery, is a serious concern in many parts of Mexico. The advisory highlights that the U.S. government’s ability to assist citizens in emergencies is limited in certain areas due to safety restrictions for U.S. government employees. Local emergency services may also be limited, especially outside major cities.

It’s crucial to understand that the advisory levels are state-specific, meaning some areas are considered safer than others. The advisory categorizes Mexican states into different levels of caution:

Do Not Travel To: This is the highest advisory level, recommending against travel to these states due to extreme safety risks.
Reconsider Travel To: This level suggests travelers should carefully reconsider their plans due to significant safety concerns.
Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To: This advises travelers to be extra vigilant and aware of their surroundings due to potential risks.
Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To: This is the lowest advisory level, suggesting standard safety measures are sufficient.

Let’s break down the safety situation state by state, based on the advisory, to give you a clearer picture of where it is safe to travel in Mexico.

Mexico Travel Safety by State: 2024 Breakdown

The U.S. Department of State’s advisory provides specific guidance for each Mexican state. Here’s a summary to help you understand the varying risk levels across the country:

States to Avoid: Do Not Travel To

These states carry the highest risk level, and travel is strongly discouraged:

Colima: Do not travel to Colima state due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are widespread, with frequent targeted assassinations and shootings that can endanger bystanders. Kidnapping is also a serious risk for U.S. citizens. U.S. government employees are restricted to tourist and port areas of Manzanillo and specific routes to reach it.
Guerrero: Do not travel to Guerrero state due to crime. Crime and violence are widespread, with armed groups operating outside government control. Roadblocks and violence against travelers are common. Kidnapping remains a persistent threat. This includes major tourist destinations like Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Taxco, and Ixtapa, which are off-limits for U.S. government employees.
Michoacan: Do not travel to Michoacan state due to crime and kidnapping. Crime and violence are widespread. U.S. government employees’ travel is severely restricted, only allowed on Federal Highway 15D for transit, Morelia (by air or specific highways), and Lazaro Cardenas (by air, limited to city center/port). This excludes the Monarch Butterfly Reserve located in Michoacan.
Sinaloa: Do not travel to Sinaloa state due to crime. Violent crime is widespread as Sinaloa is a base of major criminal organizations. U.S. government employees can only travel to Mazatlan (by air/sea, Zona Dorada and historic center only) and Los Mochis/Topolobampo (by air/sea, city and port only).
Tamaulipas: Do not travel to Tamaulipas state due to crime and kidnapping. Organized crime is rampant, featuring gun battles, murder, robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault, especially along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. Criminal groups target buses and private vehicles for passenger kidnapping and ransom. U.S. government employee travel is extremely limited, mainly around consulates in Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo and specific routes.
Zacatecas: Do not travel to Zacatecas state due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread, and kidnapping of U.S. citizens is a risk. U.S. government employee travel is limited to Zacatecas City proper, accessible only by air.

States to Reconsider Travel To

These states have significant safety risks, urging travelers to carefully weigh their options:

Baja California: Reconsider travel to Baja California state due to crime and kidnapping. Transnational criminal organizations are active, leading to violent crime and gang activity, especially in border areas like Tijuana (high homicide rates in non-tourist zones). Kidnapping of U.S. citizens occurs. U.S. government employees face restrictions in the Mexicali Valley but can travel to major tourist areas like Tijuana, Ensenada, and Rosarito.
Chiapas: Reconsider travel to Chiapas state due to crime. Criminal activity and violence are present. U.S. government employees are restricted from Ocozocoautla municipality and certain southeastern regions, but can travel to Tapachula city and Highway 225 to Tapachula Airport.
Chihuahua: Reconsider travel to Chihuahua state due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common, with territorial disputes leading to violence in public areas. Bystanders are often caught in shooting incidents, and kidnapping of U.S. citizens is a concern. U.S. government employees have restricted travel zones in Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua city, and specific permitted travel routes and cities like Nuevo Casas Grandes and Palomas. Copper Canyon is off-limits.
Guanajuato: Reconsider travel to Guanajuato state due to crime. Gang violence related to fuel theft is prevalent, especially in the south and central areas, resulting in high murder rates. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens is a risk. U.S. government employees are restricted from areas south of Federal Highway 45D, including Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato, but tourist hotspots like San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City are permitted.
Jalisco: Reconsider travel to Jalisco state due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common, with cartel battles in tourist areas of Guadalajara. Bystander injuries and deaths in shootings occur, and kidnapping of U.S. citizens is a concern. U.S. government employees are restricted from the Jalisco-Michoacan border area and parts of Federal Highway 80, but Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Ajijic are accessible.
Morelos: Reconsider travel to Morelos state due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are present in parts of the state. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens is a risk. There are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Morelos.
Sonora: Reconsider travel to Sonora state due to crime and kidnapping. Sonora is a key area for drug and human trafficking, leading to widespread violent crime. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens is a risk. Travelers should be highly vigilant throughout Sonora. U.S. government employees face extensive travel restrictions, particularly in areas bordering Arizona, eastern and southern Sonora, and when using public transportation in certain cities. However, Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino, and Puerto Penasco are accessible with precautions.

States with Increased Caution

These states require extra vigilance and awareness due to potential safety risks:

Aguascalientes: Exercise increased caution in Aguascalientes state due to crime. Criminal activity and violence are possible throughout the state. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Baja California Sur: Exercise increased caution in Baja California Sur state due to crime. Criminal activity and violence are possible statewide. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Coahuila: Exercise increased caution in 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 (Zaragoza, Morelos, Allende, Nava, Jimenez, Villa Union, Guerrero, Hidalgo) and face curfews in Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña.
Durango: Exercise increased caution in Durango state due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Durango. U.S. government employees are restricted from areas west and south of Federal Highway 45.
Hidalgo: Exercise increased caution in Hidalgo state due to crime. Criminal activity and violence are possible throughout the state. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico): Exercise increased caution in Mexico City due to crime. Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout the city. Exercise extra caution at night and outside tourist areas. Petty crime is frequent. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Mexico State (Estado de Mexico): Exercise increased caution in Mexico State due to crime and kidnapping. Both violent and non-violent crime are present. Be cautious outside tourist zones, though petty crime affects tourist areas too. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens is a risk. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Nayarit: Exercise increased caution in Nayarit state due to crime. Criminal activity and violence are possible statewide. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Nuevo Leon: Exercise increased caution in Nuevo Leon state due to crime. Criminal activity and violence are possible statewide. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Oaxaca: Exercise increased caution in Oaxaca state due to crime. Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state. U.S. government employees are restricted from the Isthmus region and parts of Federal Highway 200, but tourist areas like Oaxaca City, Monte Alban, Puerto Escondido, and Huatulco are permitted.
Puebla: Exercise increased caution in Puebla state due to crime and kidnapping. Criminal activity and violence are possible statewide. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens is a risk. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Queretaro: Exercise increased caution in Queretaro state due to crime. Criminal activity and violence are possible statewide. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Quintana Roo: Exercise increased caution in Quintana Roo state due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur anywhere, including tourist areas. Gang shootings have injured bystanders, including tourists, particularly in Tulum. Increased caution advised after dark in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, staying in well-lit tourist zones. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
San Luis Potosi: Exercise increased caution in San Luis Potosi state due to crime and kidnapping. Criminal activity and violence are possible statewide. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens is a risk. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Tabasco: Exercise increased caution in Tabasco state due to crime. Criminal activity and violence are possible statewide. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Tlaxcala: Exercise increased caution in Tlaxcala state due to crime. Criminal activity and violence are possible statewide. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Veracruz: Exercise increased caution in Veracruz state due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity are increasingly frequent, especially in central and southern Veracruz. Bystanders can be affected by gang violence. Impromptu roadblocks for payment are common. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.

States with Normal Precautions

These states are considered relatively safe, requiring only standard safety measures:

Campeche: Exercise normal precautions in Campeche state. No specific safety concerns highlighted. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Yucatan: Exercise normal precautions in Yucatan state. No specific safety concerns highlighted. Tourist areas like Chichen Itza, Merida, Uxmal, and Valladolid are included. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.

General Safety Tips for Traveling to Mexico

Regardless of your destination in Mexico, following general safety guidelines can significantly enhance your safety and travel experience:

Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest travel advisories and news regarding your destination. Conditions can change, and being informed is your first line of defense.
Share Your Plans: Inform family or friends about your travel itinerary. If you are separating from your group, share your GPS location with a friend.
Transportation Safety:
- Use toll roads whenever possible, as they are generally safer and better maintained.
- Avoid driving alone, especially at night.
- In many states, police presence and emergency services are limited outside major cities.
- For taxis, especially alone, take a photo of the taxi number or license plate and send it to a friend.
- U.S. government employees are instructed to use dispatched vehicles, app-based services like Uber, or regulated taxi stands, and avoid hailing taxis on the street. This is a good practice for all travelers.
Be Discreet: Avoid displaying signs of wealth like expensive jewelry or watches, which can make you a target for petty theft or more serious crimes.
ATM and Bank Vigilance: Be extra cautious when using ATMs or visiting banks. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid using ATMs in secluded or poorly lit areas, especially at night.
Exercise Caution in Nightlife: Be extra vigilant when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos, as these can sometimes be hotspots for crime.
Enroll in STEP: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier for the U.S. embassy to locate you in case of an emergency.
Stay Connected: Follow the Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico on social media (Facebook and X/Twitter) for updates and alerts.
Review Security Reports: Check the Country Security Report for Mexico for detailed safety information.
Maritime Safety: Mariners should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts.
Emergency Preparedness: Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations and review the Traveler’s Checklist provided by the Department of State.
Health Precautions: Visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information related to Mexico.

Is Mexico Safe for Tourists? Making an Informed Decision

So, “is it ok to travel to mexico?” The answer is nuanced. While some areas of Mexico are undeniably dangerous and should be avoided, many popular tourist destinations remain relatively safe, especially if you exercise caution and common sense.

Millions of tourists visit Mexico every year and have wonderful, safe experiences. By understanding the risks, staying informed, and taking appropriate precautions, you can significantly minimize potential dangers and enjoy all the beauty and culture Mexico has to offer.

It’s essential to research your specific destination within Mexico, understand the current advisory level, and heed local advice. Traveling to states with “normal precautions” or “increased caution,” and sticking to well-known tourist areas, generally poses a manageable level of risk. However, it is crucial to avoid states with “reconsider travel” or “do not travel” advisories unless absolutely necessary and after extremely careful consideration of the risks involved.

Ultimately, the decision to travel to Mexico is personal. By weighing the information provided in travel advisories, understanding your comfort level with risk, and planning your trip carefully, you can make an informed choice and prepare for a safer and more enjoyable Mexican adventure.