Navigating Mexico: Understanding the US-Mexico Travel Advisory Map

Mexico, a vibrant country south of the United States, beckons with its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. For U.S. citizens planning a trip, understanding the safety landscape is crucial. This guide, drawing upon the latest U.S. Department of State travel advisories, acts as your essential Map Of Us And Mexico travel safety, helping you navigate your journey with awareness and confidence.

It’s important to recognize that while Mexico offers incredible experiences, violent crime is widespread, and the U.S. government’s ability to assist citizens in emergencies is limited in certain areas. U.S. government employees themselves face travel restrictions in many Mexican states due to security concerns. This advisory system is designed to keep travelers informed and encourage safe travel practices.

Think of this article as your map of US and Mexico safety concerns. We’ll break down the advisory levels for each state, providing a clear picture of where increased caution is advised, where travel should be reconsidered, and which areas are deemed most dangerous. This detailed breakdown functions as a risk assessment map of US and Mexico, specifically tailored for travelers.

This information is derived from official sources to ensure accuracy and provide you with the most reliable guidance. Remember, this isn’t about deterring you from experiencing Mexico, but empowering you to make informed decisions and travel safely. Let’s explore this safety map of US and Mexico to help you plan your trip.

Understanding the Travel Advisory Levels: Your Mexico Safety Map Key

Before we delve into the state-by-state breakdown, it’s important to understand the different advisory levels issued by the U.S. Department of State. These levels are your key to interpreting the safety map of US and Mexico:

Exercise Normal Precautions: This is the lowest advisory level. It indicates that while there are some risks in any country, the level of crime and danger is similar to what you might experience in the United States.
Exercise Increased Caution: This level advises travelers to be more aware of their surroundings and take extra safety precautions due to increased risks of crime and violence.
Reconsider Travel: This is a more serious warning. It means there are significant safety risks, including high levels of crime or kidnapping, and travelers should carefully consider whether their trip is essential.
Do Not Travel: This is the highest advisory level. It is issued for areas where the risks are deemed extreme, often due to violent crime, terrorism, or civil unrest. Travel to these areas is strongly discouraged.

These advisory levels act as color-coded zones on our safety map of US and Mexico, helping you quickly assess the general risk level of different regions.

Mexico Travel Advisories: A State-by-State Map for US Travelers

Here’s a detailed look at the current travel advisories for each Mexican state, effectively creating a state-by-state safety map of US and Mexico:

States Where You Should Not Travel: Red Zones on the Map

These states are marked in red on our safety map of US and Mexico, indicating the highest level of risk. The U.S. government advises “Do Not Travel” to these areas:

Colima State: Due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are widespread. Bystanders have been injured or killed in shootings. U.S. citizens have been victims of kidnapping. U.S. government employee travel is severely restricted, even within tourist areas of Manzanillo.
Guerrero State: Due to crime. Crime and violence are widespread, with armed groups operating independently. Roadblocks and violence against travelers are common. U.S. citizens have been kidnapped in the past. U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to any area in Guerrero, including major tourist destinations like Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Taxco, and Ixtapa.
Michoacan State: Due to crime and kidnapping. Crime and violence are widespread. U.S. government employee travel is highly restricted, limited to major highways transiting the state and specific cities like Morelia and Lazaro Cardenas under specific conditions. The Monarch Butterfly Reserve in Michoacan is off-limits to U.S. government employees.
Sinaloa State: Due to crime. Violent crime is widespread, with criminal organizations based and operating throughout the state. U.S. government employee travel is limited to Mazatlan and Los Mochis/Topolobampo, accessible only by air or sea, and restricted to specific zones.
Tamaulipas State: Due to crime and kidnapping. Organized crime activity is rampant, including gun battles, murder, kidnapping, and extortion, especially along the northern border. Criminal groups target buses and private vehicles. U.S. government employees face severe travel limitations, confined to limited areas around consulates in Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo and subject to curfews. Overland travel between cities is prohibited.
Zacatecas State: Due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread. U.S. citizens have been victims of kidnapping. U.S. government employee travel is restricted to Zacatecas City proper, accessible only by air.

States Where You Should Reconsider Travel: Orange Zones on the Map

These states are marked in orange on our safety map of US and Mexico, signaling significant risks and advising travelers to “Reconsider Travel”:

Baja California State: Due to crime and kidnapping. Transnational criminal organizations are active, leading to violent crime and gang activity, particularly in border areas like Tijuana. U.S. citizens have been kidnapped. U.S. government employees have restrictions, especially in the Mexicali Valley. 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 traveling to the municipality of Ocozocoautla and specific southeastern regions. However, Tapachula and Highway 225 to Puerto Chiapas are permitted.
Chihuahua State: Due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common, including in areas frequented by tourists. Bystanders have been caught in shooting incidents. U.S. citizens have been kidnapped. U.S. government employee travel is limited to specific areas within major cities like Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua City, and certain highways during daylight hours. Copper Canyon is off-limits.
Guanajuato State: Due to crime. Gang violence related to fuel theft is prevalent, particularly in the south and central areas. High murder rates are linked to cartel violence. U.S. citizens have been kidnapped. 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, while within permitted zones, still warrant vigilance.
Jalisco State: Due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common. Guadalajara sees territorial battles between criminal groups, sometimes affecting tourist areas. Bystanders have been injured in shootings. U.S. citizens have been kidnapped. U.S. government employees are restricted from the Jalisco-Michoacan border region and parts of Federal Highway 80. Tourist areas like Guadalajara, 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. U.S. citizens have been kidnapped. There are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Morelos, but caution is advised.
Sonora State: Due to crime and kidnapping. Sonora is a hub for drug and human trafficking, leading to widespread violent crime. U.S. citizens have been kidnapped. Travelers should be highly aware throughout Sonora. U.S. government employee travel is significantly restricted, with limitations on routes, modes of transport, and areas within cities like Nogales, Puerto Peñasco, San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea, and Agua Prieta, as well as eastern and southern Sonora. Hermosillo and Bahia de Kino require adherence to restrictions.

States Where You Should Exercise Increased Caution: Yellow Zones on the Map

These states are marked in yellow on our safety map of US and Mexico, advising travelers to “Exercise Increased Caution” due to crime:

Aguascalientes State: Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Baja California Sur State: Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Coahuila State: 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, and Hidalgo) and face a midnight to 6:00 a.m. curfew in Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña.
Durango State: 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 State: Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico): Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout the city. Increased caution is advised, especially at night and outside tourist areas. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Mexico State (Estado de Mexico): Both violent and non-violent crime are present. Increased caution is needed outside tourist zones. U.S. citizens have been kidnapped. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Nayarit State: Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Nuevo Leon State: Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Oaxaca State: Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state. U.S. government employees are restricted from the Isthmus region and parts of Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa. Tourist areas like Oaxaca City, Monte Alban, Puerto Escondido, and Huatulco require increased caution.
Puebla State: Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. U.S. citizens have been kidnapped. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Queretaro State: Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Quintana Roo State: Criminal activity and violence can occur anywhere, including tourist destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Gang shootings have injured bystanders. Increased caution is advised, especially after dark in tourist zones. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
San Luis Potosi State: Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. U.S. citizens have been kidnapped. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Tabasco State: Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Tlaxcala State: Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Veracruz State: Violent crime and gang activity are increasing, especially in central and southern areas. Roadblocks are common. No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.

States Where You Should Exercise Normal Precautions: Green Zones on the Map

These states are marked in green on our safety map of US and Mexico, indicating the lowest advisory level: “Exercise Normal Precautions”:

Campeche State: No specific safety concerns beyond normal precautions. No restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Yucatan State: No specific safety concerns beyond normal precautions. Tourist areas like Chichen Itza, Merida, Uxmal, and Valladolid are generally safe. No restrictions for U.S. government employees.

General Safety Tips for Traveling in Mexico: Navigating Your Safety Map

Regardless of the state you plan to visit, these general safety tips, derived from the U.S. Department of State, are crucial for navigating your safety map of US and Mexico and ensuring a safer trip:

Stay Informed: Keep family and travel companions updated on your itinerary. Share your GPS location if separating from your group. If taking a taxi alone, send a photo of the taxi number to a friend.
Road Travel: Utilize toll roads whenever possible. Avoid driving alone or at night. Be aware that police and emergency services are limited outside major cities in many states.
Be Vigilant in Public Places: Exercise extra caution in local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
Minimize Displays of Wealth: Avoid showing expensive jewelry or watches.
ATM and Bank Awareness: Be extra vigilant when using ATMs or visiting banks.
Enroll in STEP: Register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and facilitate location in emergencies.
Follow Social Media: Monitor the Department of State and U.S. Embassy social media for updates and alerts.
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 Planning: Prepare a contingency plan for emergencies and review the Traveler’s Checklist.
Health Information: Consult the CDC page for the latest travel health information.

Conclusion: Mapping Your Safe Mexican Journey

Understanding the safety map of US and Mexico is the first step towards a secure and enjoyable trip. By being informed about the risks in different states and adhering to safety guidelines, you can experience the beauty and culture of Mexico with greater peace of mind. Always prioritize your safety, stay updated on the latest advisories, and enjoy your travels responsibly. Remember to consult the official U.S. Department of State travel advisories for the most current information before and during your trip. This guide serves as a starting point to help you visualize and navigate the safety landscape, but real-time conditions can change. Safe travels!