Mexico, a vibrant country rich in culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes, is a top destination for travelers worldwide. From the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan to the stunning beaches of Cancun and the bustling streets of Mexico City, Mexico offers a diverse range of experiences. However, like any international destination, it’s crucial to be informed about safety and security.
This guide, drawing upon the latest travel advisory information, aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of safety considerations when Traveling To Mexico in 2024. We will break down the current travel advisories by state, offering insights and recommendations to help you plan a safe and enjoyable trip.
Understanding Mexico Travel Advisories
Travel advisories are issued by governments to inform their citizens about potential safety and security risks in different countries. These advisories are not meant to deter travel entirely but rather to empower travelers with knowledge and encourage informed decision-making.
The U.S. Department of State uses a four-level advisory system:
- Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions: This is the lowest advisory level, indicating that the country is generally safe for travel, but travelers should still be aware of general safety risks.
- Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution: This level suggests that travelers should be more vigilant and aware of their surroundings due to heightened risks in certain areas or situations.
- Level 3 – Reconsider Travel: This advisory urges travelers to reconsider their plans due to serious risks, such as crime, terrorism, or civil unrest.
- Level 4 – Do Not Travel: This is the highest advisory level, recommending that citizens should not travel to the country due to extreme danger.
It’s important to understand that these advisories can change, and it’s always recommended to check the latest updates from your government before traveling. For U.S. citizens, the U.S. Department of State website is the official source for the most current information.
States to Avoid: “Do Not Travel”
Currently, the U.S. Department of State advises “Do Not Travel” to the following states in Mexico due to significant safety risks:
Colima
Reason: Crime and Kidnapping
Colima is facing severe issues with violent crime and gang activity, which are widespread throughout the state. Homicides are frequent, often targeted at criminal organization members, but innocent bystanders can be caught in the crossfire. Kidnapping is also a serious concern.
Travel Restrictions for U.S. Government Employees: U.S. government employees are only permitted to travel to the tourist and port areas of Manzanillo. Travel to Manzanillo from Guadalajara must be via Federal Toll Road 54D during daylight hours. All other areas of Colima are off-limits.
Guerrero
Reason: Crime
Guerrero is plagued by widespread crime and violence. Armed groups operate outside government control in many areas, frequently setting up roadblocks and posing a threat to travelers. Kidnappings have occurred in the past.
Travel Restrictions for U.S. Government Employees: U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to any part of Guerrero, including major tourist destinations like Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Taxco, and Ixtapa.
Michoacan
Reason: Crime and Kidnapping
Michoacan is experiencing high levels of crime and violence across the state.
Travel Restrictions for U.S. Government Employees: U.S. government employees are restricted to Federal Highway 15D for transit between Mexico City and Guadalajara, Morelia (accessible by air and via Federal Highways 43 or 48D from Federal Highway 15D), and Lazaro Cardenas (air travel only, limited to city center and port areas). Travel to other areas, including the Monarch Butterfly Reserve in Michoacan, is prohibited.
Sinaloa
Reason: Crime
Sinaloa is home to powerful criminal organizations, and violent crime is widespread.
Travel Restrictions for U.S. Government Employees: U.S. government employees can only travel to Mazatlan (by air or sea, limited to Zona Dorada and historic center), and Los Mochis and Topolobampo (by air or sea, restricted to the city and port areas). All other areas of Sinaloa are off-limits.
Tamaulipas
Reason: Crime and Kidnapping
Tamaulipas, particularly along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria, is highly dangerous due to organized crime activities including gun battles, murder, robbery, kidnapping, and extortion. Criminal groups frequently target buses and private vehicles, often kidnapping passengers for ransom.
Travel Restrictions for U.S. Government Employees: U.S. government employees are severely restricted, only allowed to travel within limited areas around the U.S. Consulates in Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo, and between these consulates and the U.S. ports of entry. Overland travel between cities is forbidden, except for daytime travel between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Federal Highway 85D with prior authorization. All other parts of Tamaulipas are off-limits.
Zacatecas
Reason: Crime and Kidnapping
Zacatecas is grappling with widespread violent crime, extortion, and gang activity. Kidnappings are also a significant concern.
Travel Restrictions for U.S. Government Employees: U.S. government employees are only permitted to travel to Zacatecas City proper and must arrive by air. Overland travel to Zacatecas City and travel to all other areas of the state are prohibited.
States to Reconsider Travel
The U.S. Department of State advises travelers to “Reconsider Travel” to the following states:
Baja California
Reason: Crime and Kidnapping
Baja California, especially the border region, is affected by transnational criminal organizations involved in drug and human smuggling. Violent crime and gang activity are common. Tijuana, in particular, has a high homicide rate in non-tourist areas.
Travel Recommendations: Stick to main highways and avoid remote areas. Be highly cautious in non-tourist areas of Tijuana.
Travel Restrictions for U.S. Government Employees: U.S. government employees are restricted from the Mexicali Valley area due to cartel violence. However, travel to major tourist areas like Tijuana, Ensenada, and Rosarito is permitted.
Chiapas
Reason: Crime
Chiapas is experiencing criminal activity and violence throughout the state.
Travel Restrictions for U.S. Government Employees: U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to the municipality of Ocozocoautla and certain southeastern regions. Travel to Tapachula city limits and Highway 225 from Port Chiapas to Tapachula (including the airport) is allowed.
Chihuahua
Reason: Crime and Kidnapping
Chihuahua faces common violent crime and gang activity. While homicides often target criminal organization members, bystanders can be caught in the violence. Kidnapping is also a risk.
Travel Recommendations: Be vigilant in areas frequented by tourists, including restaurants and malls, even during daylight hours.
Travel Restrictions for U.S. Government Employees: U.S. government employee travel is limited to specific areas within Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua City, certain highways between cities (daytime only), and areas around Nuevo Casas Grandes, Ojinaga, and Palomas. Travel to Copper Canyon and other areas is prohibited.
Guanajuato
Reason: Crime
Guanajuato is experiencing gang violence, often related to fuel theft, primarily in the south and central parts of the state. High murder rates in the southern region are linked to cartel violence.
Travel Recommendations: Be particularly cautious in the southern region of the state.
Travel Restrictions for U.S. Government Employees: 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 are not restricted.
Jalisco
Reason: Crime and Kidnapping
Jalisco sees common violent crime and gang activity. Guadalajara has seen territorial battles between criminal groups even in tourist zones. Bystanders have been injured or killed in shootings.
Travel Recommendations: Be aware of your surroundings, especially in Guadalajara and areas bordering Michoacan.
Travel Restrictions for U.S. Government Employees: U.S. government employees are restricted from the Jalisco-Michoacan border region and Federal Highway 110, as well as Federal Highway 80 south of Cocula. Tourist areas including Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Ajijic are not restricted.
Morelos
Reason: Crime and Kidnapping
Morelos is experiencing common violent crime and gang activity in parts of the state. Kidnapping is also a concern.
Travel Restrictions for U.S. Government Employees: There are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Morelos state.
Sonora
Reason: Crime and Kidnapping
Sonora is a key area for international drug trade and human trafficking, leading to widespread violent crime. Kidnapping is a risk, and security incidents can occur anywhere in the state.
Travel Recommendations: Maintain a heightened awareness of your surroundings throughout Sonora. Avoid unnecessary stops when driving.
Travel Restrictions for U.S. Government Employees: U.S. government employees face numerous restrictions, particularly regarding travel routes between cities, taxi and public transportation use in certain areas (Nogales, Puerto Peñasco, San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea, Agua Prieta, eastern and southern Sonora). Travel to eastern and southern Sonora (including San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos) is largely prohibited, with limited exceptions. Tourist areas like Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino, and Puerto Penasco are accessible with adherence to restrictions.
States with Increased Caution
The U.S. Department of State advises travelers to “Exercise Increased Caution” in the following states due to crime and/or kidnapping:
- Aguascalientes
- Baja California Sur
- Coahuila
- Durango
- Hidalgo
- Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico)
- Mexico State (Estado de Mexico)
- Nayarit
- Nuevo Leon
- Oaxaca
- Puebla
- Queretaro
- Quintana Roo
- San Luis Potosi
- Tabasco
- Tlaxcala
- Veracruz
General Recommendations for “Exercise Increased Caution” States:
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Avoid displaying signs of wealth.
- Exercise increased caution in local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
- Be extra vigilant at banks and ATMs.
- Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night.
- In many states, police presence and emergency services are limited outside major cities.
Specific State Notes:
- Baja California Sur: While popular tourist destinations like Cabo San Lucas and La Paz are included, exercise caution due to general criminal activity.
- Coahuila: Certain municipalities (Zaragoza, Morelos, Allende, Nava, Jimenez, Villa Union, Guerrero, and Hidalgo) are off-limits to U.S. government employees. Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña have curfews for U.S. government employees.
- Durango: Western and southern regions of Durango, west and south of Federal Highway 45, are off-limits to U.S. government employees.
- Mexico City & Mexico State: Both violent and non-violent crime are concerns. Exercise extra caution outside of tourist areas, especially at night.
- Oaxaca: The Isthmus region and Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa are restricted for U.S. government employees. Tourist areas like Oaxaca City, Monte Alban, Puerto Escondido, and Huatulco are not restricted.
- Quintana Roo: This includes popular tourist hotspots like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. While tourist areas are generally safer, shootings between gangs have occurred, injuring bystanders, including tourists. Exercise increased caution, especially after dark, and stay in well-lit tourist zones.
- Veracruz: Violent crime and gang activity are increasing, particularly in the central and southern regions near Cordoba and Coatzacoalcos. Impromptu roadblocks are common.
States with Normal Precautions
The safest states in Mexico, where the U.S. Department of State advises travelers to “Exercise Normal Precautions,” are:
- Campeche
- Yucatan
Travel Recommendations: These states are considered relatively safe for travel. However, it’s always wise to be aware of your surroundings and take basic safety precautions.
Specific State Notes:
- Yucatan: Home to major tourist attractions like Chichen Itza, Merida, Uxmal, and Valladolid, Yucatan is generally considered the safest state in Mexico for tourists.
General Safety Tips for Traveling to Mexico
Regardless of the state you plan to visit, these general safety tips are crucial for a safer trip to Mexico:
- Stay Informed: Continuously check for updated travel advisories and news related to your destination before and during your trip.
- Share Your Plans: Inform family and friends about your travel itinerary. Share your GPS location with a friend if separating from your group. If taking a taxi alone, photograph the taxi number/license plate and text it to a friend.
- Use Safe Transportation: Utilize toll roads when possible. Avoid driving alone or at night. Rely on dispatched vehicles or regulated taxi stands instead of hailing taxis on the street, especially at night. App-based services like Uber can be useful in some areas.
- Be Discreet: Avoid displaying signs of wealth like expensive jewelry or watches.
- ATM Awareness: Be extra vigilant when using ATMs or banks.
- Enroll in STEP: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in emergencies.
- Stay Connected: Follow the Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico on social media for updates and alerts.
- Review Security Reports: Check the Country Security Report for Mexico for more detailed information.
- Prepare for Emergencies: Develop a contingency plan for emergency situations and review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- Health Precautions: Visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information.
Conclusion: Traveling to Mexico with Awareness and Preparation
Mexico offers incredible travel experiences, but it’s essential to travel with awareness and preparation. By understanding the current travel advisories, staying informed, and practicing common-sense safety measures, you can significantly enhance your safety and enjoy all that Mexico has to offer. Remember to always prioritize your safety, be vigilant, and make informed decisions throughout your journey. Safe travels!
