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

Mexico, a vibrant country rich in culture, history, and stunning landscapes, is a dream destination for many travelers. From the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza to the bustling streets of Mexico City and the serene beaches of Cancun, Mexico offers a diverse range of experiences. However, a common question for prospective visitors, particularly those from English-speaking countries, is: Is It Safe To Travel To Mexico?

This comprehensive guide aims to provide an objective and informative overview of safety concerns in Mexico for 2024, drawing upon the latest travel advisory information to help you make informed decisions about your trip.

Understanding Travel Advisories for Mexico

It’s crucial to understand that safety levels can vary significantly across Mexico. The U.S. State Department, among other government agencies, issues travel advisories to inform citizens about potential risks in different countries. These advisories are regularly updated and categorized into levels of caution, ranging from “Exercise Normal Precautions” to “Do Not Travel.”

As of the latest update, Mexico is categorized with varying advisory levels across its states. This means that while some areas are considered relatively safe for tourists, others pose significant risks. It’s essential to check the specific advisory level for the states you plan to visit.

Here’s a general overview of the advisory levels and what they mean for Mexico:

Exercise Normal Precautions: This is the lowest advisory level, suggesting typical safety measures are sufficient.
Exercise Increased Caution: This level indicates that travelers should be more vigilant due to heightened risks of crime or other safety issues.
Reconsider Travel: This is a more serious warning, advising travelers to reconsider their plans due to significant safety risks.
Do Not Travel: This is the highest advisory level, strongly discouraging travel to specific areas due to extreme danger.

It’s important to note that these advisories are primarily based on risks to U.S. government employees, which may be more stringent than the risks faced by average tourists. However, they offer valuable insights into the general safety landscape of different regions.

General Safety Concerns in Mexico

Mexico, unfortunately, faces challenges with crime, including violent crime, in various parts of the country. According to the U.S. State Department, violent crime, such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery, is widespread and common in Mexico. This is often linked to the presence of transnational criminal organizations and gang activity.

Key safety concerns in Mexico include:

Violent Crime: Homicides, armed robberies, and carjackings are serious concerns in certain areas. These crimes are often linked to cartel activity and territorial disputes.
Kidnapping: Kidnapping, including express kidnapping for quick ransom, is a risk, and U.S. citizens have been victims.
Gang Activity: Gang violence and organized crime are prevalent in several states, leading to dangerous situations for bystanders.
Limited Law Enforcement in Some Areas: In many states, particularly outside major cities and tourist centers, local emergency services and police presence can be limited. This can impact the ability to receive timely assistance in case of an incident.

Despite these concerns, it’s vital to remember that millions of tourists visit Mexico safely each year. Many popular tourist destinations are relatively safe, especially when travelers take sensible precautions.

State-by-State Safety Breakdown: Navigating Mexico’s Regions

To provide a more detailed picture of safety across Mexico, let’s examine the advisory levels and specific concerns for each state, based on the latest information. This state-by-state guide will help you understand the varying levels of risk and make informed choices for your travel destinations.

States to Avoid: Do Not Travel

The U.S. State Department currently advises “Do Not Travel” to the following states due to extremely high levels of crime and risk:

Colima State: Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are widespread. Only limited travel is permitted for U.S. government employees to tourist and port areas of Manzanillo.
Guerrero State: Do not travel due to crime. Crime and violence are widespread, with armed groups operating independently. U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to any area, including tourist hotspots like Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Taxco, and Ixtapa.
Michoacan State: Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping. Crime and violence are widespread. U.S. government employees’ travel is severely restricted, mainly limited to Federal Highway 15D, Morelia (by air or specific highways), and Lazaro Cardenas (by air only). Other areas, including the Monarch Butterfly Reserve in Michoacan, are off-limits.
Sinaloa State: Do not travel due to crime. Violent crime is widespread, with criminal organizations operating throughout the state. U.S. government employees can only travel to Mazatlan (by air or sea, limited to Zona Dorada and historic center) and Los Mochis/Topolobampo (by air or sea, restricted to city and port).
Tamaulipas State: Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping. Organized crime is rampant, with gun battles, murder, and kidnapping common, especially along the northern border. U.S. government employee travel is extremely limited, mainly around consulates in Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo and specific routes with curfews.
Zacatecas State: Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread. U.S. government employee travel is limited to Zacatecas City proper (by air only).

States to Reconsider Travel

The following states are under a “Reconsider Travel” advisory, indicating significant risks and urging travelers to carefully weigh their decision:

Baja California State: Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common, especially in border areas like Tijuana. U.S. government employees face restrictions, particularly in the Mexicali Valley. Tourist areas like Tijuana, Ensenada, and Rosarito still require increased caution.
Chiapas State: Reconsider travel due to crime. Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state. U.S. government employees are restricted from certain southeastern municipalities and regions.
Chihuahua State: Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common, particularly in areas like Ciudad Juarez and Copper Canyon (which is off-limits to U.S. government employees).
Guanajuato State: Reconsider travel due to crime. Gang violence, especially related to fuel theft, is prevalent, particularly in the south and central areas, including cities like Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato (areas restricted for U.S. government employees). Tourist areas like San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City are within areas where U.S. government employees can travel, but caution is advised.
Jalisco State: Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common. Guadalajara sees territorial battles between criminal groups, even in tourist areas. Certain border areas and highways are restricted for U.S. government employees. Popular tourist areas like Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Ajijic require vigilance.
Morelos State: Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of the state.
Sonora State: Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping. Sonora is a key area for drug and human trafficking. Violent crime is widespread. U.S. government employees face numerous travel restrictions across the state, including areas around Nogales, Puerto Peñasco, and eastern/southern Sonora. Tourist areas like Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino, and Puerto Penasco require careful planning and adherence to safety guidelines.

States to Exercise Increased Caution

A large portion of Mexico is under an “Exercise Increased Caution” advisory. This means that while travel is not discouraged, heightened awareness and preventative measures are necessary due to potential risks:

Aguascalientes State: Exercise increased caution due to crime.
Baja California Sur State: Exercise increased caution due to crime.
Coahuila State: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Certain municipalities are off-limits to U.S. government employees, and curfews exist in Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña.
Durango State: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Areas west and south of Federal Highway 45 are restricted for U.S. government employees.
Hidalgo State: Exercise increased caution due to crime.
Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico): Exercise increased caution due to crime. Both violent and non-violent crime occur. Increased caution is advised, particularly at night and outside tourist areas.
Mexico State (Estado de Mexico): Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping. Both violent and non-violent crime occur. Increased caution is needed outside tourist areas.
Nayarit State: Exercise increased caution due to crime.
Nuevo Leon State: Exercise increased caution due to crime.
Oaxaca State: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Certain regions like the Isthmus region and parts of Federal Highway 200 are restricted for U.S. government employees. However, popular tourist areas like Oaxaca City, Monte Alban, Puerto Escondido, and Huatulco are in unrestricted areas but still warrant caution.
Puebla State: Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping.
Queretaro State: Exercise increased caution due to crime.
Quintana Roo State: Exercise increased caution due to crime. This includes major tourist destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. While tourists are not directly targeted, gang-related shootings have occurred, injuring bystanders. Increased caution is advised, especially after dark.
San Luis Potosi State: Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping.
Tabasco State: Exercise increased caution due to crime.
Tlaxcala State: Exercise increased caution due to crime.
Veracruz State: Exercise increased caution due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity are increasing, particularly in central and southern areas. Impromptu roadblocks are common.

States with Normal Precautions

There are only two states currently under the lowest advisory level of “Exercise Normal Precautions”:

Campeche State: Exercise normal precautions.
Yucatan State: Exercise normal precautions. This includes major tourist areas like Chichen Itza, Merida, Uxmal, and Valladolid, making Yucatan one of the safest states for tourism in Mexico.

Essential Safety Tips for Traveling in Mexico

Regardless of the specific region you plan to visit in Mexico, adopting proactive safety measures is crucial. Here are key safety tips, incorporating recommendations from travel advisories and general best practices:

Stay Informed: Continuously check for updated travel advisories and news regarding your destination before and during your trip. The U.S. State Department website is a valuable resource.
Share Your Plans: Inform family and friends about your travel itinerary. Share GPS locations if separating from your group.
Use Safe Transportation: Opt for toll roads when driving. Avoid driving alone or at night if possible. Utilize dispatched vehicles or app-based services like Uber or regulated taxi stands instead of hailing taxis on the street, especially in riskier areas.
Be Discreet: Avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as expensive jewelry or watches, which can make you a target for petty crime or robbery.
Exercise Caution at Night and in Crowds: Be extra vigilant in crowded areas, local bars, nightclubs, and casinos. Petty theft is more common in tourist hotspots and crowded places. Be particularly cautious at night.
ATM and Bank Awareness: Be extra vigilant when using ATMs or visiting banks, as these can be locations for robberies.
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 an emergency.
Follow Local Advice: Heed advice from hotel staff, tour guides, and locals regarding safe areas and practices.
Prepare a Contingency Plan: Have a plan for emergency situations, including knowing emergency contact numbers and having copies of important documents.
Health Precautions: Consult the CDC page for the latest travel health information and recommendations for Mexico.
Maritime Travelers: Mariners should check for maritime advisories and alerts if traveling by sea.

Conclusion: Informed Travel is Safer Travel

So, is it safe to travel to Mexico? The answer is nuanced. While Mexico does face significant safety challenges, particularly related to crime and cartel activity, it is still possible to travel safely to many parts of the country, especially popular tourist destinations.

The key to safe travel in Mexico lies in being informed and prepared. By understanding the varying safety levels across different states, staying updated on travel advisories, and practicing recommended safety precautions, you can significantly minimize risks and enjoy the incredible experiences Mexico has to offer.

Before planning your trip, thoroughly research the specific regions you intend to visit. Consider sticking to areas with lower advisory levels or those known for being tourist-friendly and relatively safe, such as Yucatan and Campeche. For other regions, especially those under “Reconsider Travel” or “Do Not Travel” advisories, carefully evaluate the risks and consider if the trip is essential.

By taking a proactive and informed approach to safety, you can increase your chances of a positive and memorable travel experience in Mexico. Always prioritize your safety and well-being, and remember that travel advisories are in place to help you make the most responsible decisions.