Exploring Mexico’s Diverse States: A Safety Guide for Travelers

Mexico, a land of vibrant culture and rich history, comprises 32 distinct states, each offering unique experiences for travelers. However, safety concerns vary significantly across these Mexican States, requiring careful consideration before planning a trip. This guide provides essential information on safety levels and travel restrictions across Mexico’s states, drawing from U.S. government advisories.

Understanding the Safety Levels in Mexican States

The U.S. Department of State issues travel advisories for each Mexican state, categorizing them into four levels:

• Do Not Travel: These areas present extreme safety risks due to widespread crime and violence, including kidnapping. Travel should be avoided entirely.
• Reconsider Travel: These states experience high levels of crime and/or kidnapping. Travelers should carefully weigh the risks before visiting.
• Exercise Increased Caution: These areas have elevated crime levels, requiring travelers to be more vigilant about their surroundings and take extra safety precautions.
• Exercise Normal Precautions: These states present typical safety concerns for travelers, requiring standard precautions as one would in any new environment.

Mexican States: Specific Safety Concerns and Restrictions

The following summarizes the safety levels and restrictions for each of Mexico’s states:

Do Not Travel:

• Colima: Widespread violent crime and gang activity, including targeted assassinations and kidnapping. Limited travel permitted for U.S. government employees in specific areas.
• Guerrero: Widespread crime and violence, with armed groups operating independently of the government. U.S. government employees prohibited from traveling to the state, including tourist areas like Acapulco.
• Michoacan: Widespread crime and violence, including kidnapping. Limited travel permitted for U.S. government employees on specific highways and to Morelia and Lazaro Cardenas with restrictions.
• Sinaloa: Widespread violent crime and significant presence of criminal organizations. Limited travel permitted for U.S. government employees to Mazatlan, Los Mochis, and Topolobampo with restrictions.
• Tamaulipas: High risk of crime and kidnapping, particularly along the northern border. Limited travel permitted for U.S. government employees around U.S. Consulates in Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo with curfews and restrictions on overland travel.
• Zacatecas: Widespread violent crime, extortion, and gang activity. Limited travel permitted for U.S. government employees within Zacatecas City with restrictions.

Reconsider Travel:

• Baja California: High crime and kidnapping risk, particularly in non-tourist areas of Tijuana. Restrictions for U.S. government employees in the Mexicali Valley.
• Chiapas: Risk of crime and violence throughout the state. U.S. government employees restricted from traveling to certain southeastern areas, including Ocozocoautla municipality. Travel to Tapachula permitted within city limits.
• Chihuahua: High crime and kidnapping risk. U.S. government employees restricted to specific areas in Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua with limitations. Travel to Copper Canyon prohibited.
• Guanajuato: High crime risk, particularly in the south and central areas due to gang violence. U.S. government employees restricted from areas south of Federal Highway 45D.
• Jalisco: High crime and kidnapping risk. Restrictions for U.S. government employees along the Jalisco-Michoacan border and certain highways.
• Morelos: High crime and kidnapping risk. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, but caution advised.
• Sonora: High crime and kidnapping risk due to drug trade and human trafficking. Several restrictions for U.S. government employees, including limitations on travel routes and transportation methods in certain areas.

Exercise Increased Caution:

• Aguascalientes: Elevated crime risk. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
• Baja California Sur: Elevated crime risk. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
• Coahuila: Elevated crime risk, particularly in certain municipalities. Restrictions for U.S. government employees in specific border areas.
• Durango: Elevated crime risk. U.S. government employees restricted from traveling west and south of Federal Highway 45.
• Hidalgo: Elevated crime risk. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
• Mexico City: Elevated crime risk, particularly at night outside tourist areas. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
• Mexico State: Elevated crime and kidnapping risk, particularly outside tourist areas. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
• Nayarit: Elevated crime risk. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
• Nuevo Leon: Elevated crime risk. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
• Oaxaca: Elevated crime risk. U.S. government employees restricted from traveling to the Isthmus region and on Federal Highway 200 between Pinotepa and the Oaxaca-Guerrero border.
• Puebla: Elevated crime and kidnapping risk. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
• Queretaro: Elevated crime risk. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
• Quintana Roo: Elevated crime risk, including in popular tourist destinations. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, but caution advised after dark in certain areas.
• San Luis Potosi: Elevated crime and kidnapping risk. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
• Tabasco: Elevated crime risk. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
• Tlaxcala: Elevated crime risk. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
• Veracruz: Elevated crime risk, particularly in central and southern areas. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.

Exercise Normal Precautions:

• Campeche: Typical safety concerns for travelers. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.
• Yucatan: Typical safety concerns for travelers. No travel restrictions for U.S. government employees.

Important Considerations for Travel to Mexican States

Travelers should consult the U.S. Department of State’s website for the most up-to-date information on travel advisories and restrictions. It’s crucial to remember that safety conditions can change rapidly, and even within states designated as relatively safe, certain areas may pose higher risks. Always prioritize personal safety, remain aware of your surroundings, and avoid displaying signs of wealth. Consider enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and assistance in case of an emergency. By understanding the specific risks associated with each Mexican state, travelers can make informed decisions and enhance their safety while experiencing the beauty and diversity of Mexico.