Mexico, a vibrant country known for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, unfortunately also grapples with significant safety challenges. For those considering travel south of the border, understanding the risks is paramount, and this is especially true when planning a visit to Zacatecas. While Zacatecas boasts colonial charm and historical significance, it’s essential for potential visitors to be aware of the current safety landscape. This advisory, drawing from the latest travel information, focuses specifically on Zacatecas, Mexico, to provide a comprehensive overview for English-speaking travelers.
Mexico is currently experiencing widespread violent crime, including homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery. The capacity of the U.S. government to provide emergency assistance to its citizens in many parts of Mexico is limited, with travel restrictions in place for U.S. government employees in numerous areas. Travelers are urged to exercise extreme caution and stay informed about the specific risks associated with their intended destinations.
For Zacatecas, the U.S. State Department currently issues a “Do Not Travel” advisory – the highest level of warning. This stark advisory is due to crime and kidnapping, highlighting a serious safety situation that potential tourists must consider.
Understanding the “Do Not Travel” Advisory for Zacatecas
The “Do Not Travel” designation for Zacatecas is not issued lightly. It reflects a high level of risk associated with visiting the state, primarily due to widespread violent crime, extortion, and gang activity. The advisory explicitly mentions that U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs) have been victims of kidnapping in Zacatecas state, underscoring the very real danger present.
The U.S. government’s ability to assist travelers in Zacatecas is severely limited due to these risks. U.S. government employees face significant restrictions on travel within the state, further illustrating the severity of the situation. For their safety, their travel is restricted to Zacatecas City proper, and even then, overland travel to Zacatecas City is prohibited. This means even official personnel are advised against most travel within Zacatecas.
Specific Safety Concerns in Zacatecas
The primary concerns in Zacatecas are centered around:
- Violent Crime: Zacatecas is experiencing a high incidence of violent crime. This includes homicides, armed robberies, and carjackings. The presence of organized crime groups contributes significantly to this violence, with turf wars and criminal activities impacting safety across the state.
- Extortion: Extortion is another serious issue in Zacatecas. Criminal groups often target businesses and individuals, demanding payments under threat of violence. This climate of extortion adds to the overall sense of insecurity.
- Gang Activity: Gang activity is widespread and a major driver of the violence and instability in Zacatecas. These groups operate with a degree of impunity, and their conflicts often spill over into public spaces, increasing the risk to bystanders.
- Kidnapping: The advisory specifically highlights kidnapping as a critical concern. The fact that U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims emphasizes that this is not a theoretical risk but a real threat to travelers.
Travel Restrictions for U.S. Government Employees in Zacatecas
The restrictions placed on U.S. government employees traveling to Zacatecas offer further insight into the danger level:
- Zacatecas City Limited Access: Even for official travel, U.S. government personnel are only permitted to visit Zacatecas City proper. This suggests that even the capital city, while relatively safer than other areas, still carries significant risks.
- No Overland Travel to Zacatecas City: The prohibition of overland travel to Zacatecas City is a strong indicator of the dangers on roads and highways throughout the state. This restriction likely stems from concerns about carjackings, roadblocks, and other highway-related crimes.
- No Travel to Other Areas of Zacatecas: Crucially, U.S. government employees are forbidden from traveling to any other areas within Zacatecas state beyond Zacatecas City. This blanket restriction underscores that the risks are not confined to specific regions but are pervasive across the entire state.
General Safety Advice for Traveling in Mexico (and Why it Matters for Zacatecas)
While Zacatecas is under a “Do Not Travel” advisory, the general safety recommendations for Mexico provided by the U.S. State Department are still relevant and worth noting, as they highlight the overall security challenges in the country and reinforce the heightened risks in Zacatecas. These recommendations include:
- Keep others informed: Share your travel plans with family and friends back home. If traveling in a group and separating, share your GPS location with a friend. This is crucial for any travel, but especially important in high-risk areas like Zacatecas where communication and tracking can be vital in emergencies.
- Taxi Safety: If taking a taxi alone, photograph the taxi number or license plate and text it to a friend. Opt for dispatched vehicles or app-based services like Uber, or regulated taxi stands, rather than hailing taxis on the street. This reduces the risk of opportunistic crime, especially in areas with security concerns.
- Road Travel Precautions: Use toll roads when possible, and avoid driving alone or at night. Police presence and emergency services can be limited outside major cities in many states. Given the “Do Not Travel” status for Zacatecas and the restriction on overland travel for U.S. government employees, road travel in Zacatecas is particularly risky and should be avoided entirely.
- Exercise Caution at Nightlife Venues: Be extra vigilant when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos. These can be areas where criminal activity is more prevalent.
- Avoid Displaying Wealth: Do not show signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive jewelry or watches. This can make you a target for theft or robbery.
- ATM and Bank Vigilance: Be extra cautious when visiting banks or ATMs. These are known locations for petty and more serious crimes.
- Enroll in STEP: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. This is a standard recommendation for all international travel but is particularly crucial when traveling to high-risk destinations.
- Stay Updated: Follow the Department of State and the U.S. Embassy on social media for up-to-date security information and alerts. Situations can change rapidly, so staying informed is essential.
- Review Security Reports: Review the Country Security Report for Mexico for a broader understanding of the security situation.
- Mariner Advice: Mariners traveling to Mexico should check for maritime advisories and alerts. While less relevant to general Zacatecas travel, it’s a reminder of the comprehensive safety concerns across different travel modes in Mexico.
- Emergency Planning: Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations and review the Traveler’s Checklist. Having a plan in place can be crucial if you encounter difficulties.
- Health Information: Consult the CDC page for the latest travel health information. While safety is the primary focus here, health is also a critical aspect of travel preparedness.
Conclusion: Reconsidering Travel to Zacatecas
The “Do Not Travel” advisory for Zacatecas, Mexico, is a serious warning that should not be ignored. The state faces significant challenges with violent crime, gang activity, extortion, and kidnapping, making it a high-risk destination for travelers. The restrictions on U.S. government employee travel further reinforce the severity of the safety concerns.
While Zacatecas may hold cultural and historical appeal, potential visitors must carefully weigh these attractions against the very real risks. It is strongly recommended to reconsider travel to Zacatecas at this time and explore safer destinations within Mexico or elsewhere. For those whose travel to Zacatecas is essential, exercising extreme caution, adhering to all safety guidelines, and staying meticulously informed about the current security situation are absolutely critical. Prioritizing personal safety is paramount when considering travel to regions with such significant security challenges.
