Navigating Cities in Mexico: A Safety Guide for Travelers

Mexico, a vibrant country rich in culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes, attracts millions of tourists every year. From the bustling metropolis of Mexico City to the serene beaches of Cancun and the historical charm of San Miguel de Allende, Mexican cities offer diverse experiences. However, like any popular travel destination, it’s essential to be informed about safety and security to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of safety considerations in various cities across Mexico, drawing on the latest travel advisory information. Understanding the nuances of safety levels in different regions is crucial for planning your itinerary and making informed decisions. While some areas require increased caution, others welcome visitors with open arms and normal precautions.

This article aims to be your essential resource for navigating the beautiful cities of Mexico with confidence and awareness. We will delve into different states, highlighting specific cities and regions, and outline the safety levels as advised by travel experts. Whether you are planning a cultural city tour, a beach vacation, or an adventurous exploration, this guide will help you understand the landscape of safety across Mexico’s urban centers.

Understanding Safety Levels in Mexican Cities

It’s important to note that safety levels in Mexico can vary significantly from state to state and even city to city. The U.S. government, among other international bodies, provides travel advisories that categorize Mexican states based on risk levels. These categories range from “Exercise Normal Precautions” to “Do Not Travel,” reflecting the prevalence of crime and potential dangers.

We will organize our city guide based on these advisory levels to give you a clear picture of what to expect in different parts of the country. This categorization will help you quickly assess the safety profile of cities you plan to visit and understand the recommended precautions.

Cities to Avoid: “Do Not Travel” Zones

Certain areas in Mexico are designated as “Do Not Travel” zones due to extremely high levels of crime and violence. These states pose significant risks to travelers, and it is strongly advised to avoid them altogether. While these states may contain cities, travel to any urban or rural area within them is discouraged.

States Under “Do Not Travel” Advisory:

Colima: This Pacific coast state is plagued by widespread violent crime and gang activity. Kidnapping is a serious concern, and bystanders can be caught in the crossfire of criminal organization conflicts. Travel is highly restricted even for U.S. government employees, limited only to tourist areas of Manzanillo and specific routes. For general travelers, it is best to avoid all cities in Colima.
Guerrero: The state of Guerrero, home to once-popular tourist destinations like Acapulco, is now under a “Do Not Travel” advisory. Crime and violence are widespread, with armed groups operating independently and frequently setting up roadblocks. Kidnapping is a significant threat. All cities in Guerrero, including Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Taxco, and Ixtapa, are off-limits for U.S. government employees, and should be avoided by tourists.
Michoacan: Michoacan, despite its cultural richness and the famous Monarch Butterfly Reserves, is another state where travel is strongly discouraged. Crime and violence are rampant, and kidnapping is a major concern. While U.S. government employees are permitted to transit through certain highways and visit Morelia and Lazaro Cardenas under strict limitations, general travel to cities in Michoacan is highly risky. Even the Monarch Butterfly Reserve areas within Michoacan are considered unsafe.
Sinaloa: Sinaloa, notorious for its cartel presence, is under a “Do Not Travel” advisory due to widespread violent crime. Criminal organizations operate openly throughout the state. Even for U.S. government employees, travel is severely restricted to specific zones in Mazatlan and limited access to Los Mochis and Topolobampo. All other cities and regions in Sinaloa are considered extremely dangerous for travel.
Tamaulipas: Bordering the U.S., Tamaulipas is overwhelmed by organized crime, including gun battles, murder, kidnapping, and extortion. Criminal groups frequently target buses and private vehicles, and law enforcement response is limited, especially in the border region. U.S. government employees have extremely limited movement in Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo and are prohibited from intercity travel. All cities in Tamaulipas are exceedingly dangerous for general travel.
Zacatecas: Zacatecas is experiencing widespread violent crime, extortion, and gang activity. Kidnapping is a significant threat, and the overall security situation is highly volatile. U.S. government employees can only visit Zacatecas City under strict conditions and are barred from overland travel to the city and any other areas within the state. All cities outside of very limited areas of Zacatecas City are unsafe for travel.

Cities to Approach with Caution: “Reconsider Travel” Zones

The “Reconsider Travel” advisory level indicates areas with significant safety risks where travelers should carefully weigh their need to visit and take enhanced precautions. These states often have popular tourist cities, but it’s crucial to be aware of the specific dangers.

States Under “Reconsider Travel” Advisory:

Baja California: While Baja California includes popular tourist destinations like Tijuana, Ensenada, and Rosarito, it’s important to “Reconsider Travel” due to high crime and kidnapping risks, particularly in border areas. Transnational criminal organizations are active, leading to violent crime and gang activity. While tourist areas are generally safer, the non-tourist areas of Tijuana are particularly dangerous with high homicide rates. Travelers should stick to main highways and avoid remote locations.
Chiapas: Chiapas, known for its indigenous culture and natural beauty, requires travelers to “Reconsider Travel” due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to certain municipalities and southeastern regions. While areas like San Cristobal de las Casas and Palenque might attract tourists, it’s crucial to be aware of the risks and restricted zones.
Chihuahua: Chihuahua, home to the famous Copper Canyon, is under a “Reconsider Travel” advisory because of crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common, with frequent targeted assassinations and territorial disputes. Even areas frequented by tourists can experience violence, and bystanders can be harmed. While U.S. government employees have limited travel permissions to Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua City, and certain corridors, travel to areas like Copper Canyon and other parts of Chihuahua is not advised.
Guanajuato: Guanajuato, a culturally rich state with cities like San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City, requires travelers to “Reconsider Travel” due to crime. Gang violence, often linked to fuel theft, is prevalent, especially in the south and central regions. The southern part of the state has a high number of cartel-related murders. While tourist hubs like San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City are generally safer, it is essential to be aware of the overall risk in the state and avoid travel south of Federal Highway 45D.
Jalisco: Jalisco, home to Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, is another state where travelers should “Reconsider Travel” due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common, and territorial battles can spill into tourist areas of Guadalajara. Innocent bystanders have been injured in shooting incidents. While major tourist areas like Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Ajijic are frequently visited, it’s important to be vigilant and avoid areas near the Jalisco-Michoacan border and certain federal highways.
Morelos: Morelos, close to Mexico City and known for Cuernavaca, requires travelers to “Reconsider Travel” due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of the state. While there are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, the general advisory level suggests caution for all visitors to cities in Morelos.
Oaxaca: Oaxaca, famous for Oaxaca City, Monte Alban, and coastal resorts like Puerto Escondido and Huatulco, is under a “Reconsider Travel” advisory due to crime. Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state. U.S. government employees are restricted from the Isthmus region and certain highways. While tourist areas like Oaxaca City and coastal resorts are generally visited safely, it is important to be aware of the risks in other parts of the state and adhere to safety precautions.
Sonora: Sonora, bordering Arizona, is a key area for drug trade and human trafficking. Travelers are advised to “Reconsider Travel” due to high crime and kidnapping risks. Violent crime is widespread, and security incidents can occur anywhere. U.S. government employees face numerous travel restrictions, especially in areas bordering the U.S., eastern and southern Sonora, and when using public transportation in cities like Nogales and Puerto Peñasco. While Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino, and Puerto Peñasco are listed as tourist areas, enhanced caution is necessary throughout Sonora.

Cities Requiring Vigilance: “Exercise Increased Caution” Zones

“Exercise Increased Caution” is the advisory level for states where travelers should be more aware of their surroundings and take extra safety measures due to crime or other risks. Many popular tourist cities fall into this category.

States Under “Exercise Increased Caution” Advisory:

Aguascalientes: Exercise increased caution in Aguascalientes due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. There are no specific restrictions for U.S. government employees, but vigilance is advised in cities like Aguascalientes City.
Baja California Sur: Baja California Sur, home to Cabo San Lucas and La Paz, requires “Increased Caution” due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state. Despite being a major tourist destination, it’s important to be aware of the general risk level and exercise caution in cities like Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and La Paz.
Durango: Exercise increased caution in Durango due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of the state. U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling west and south of Federal Highway 45. While Durango City might be visited, it’s important to be aware of the risks and restrictions in other areas of the state.
Hidalgo: Exercise increased caution in Hidalgo due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, but increased vigilance is advised in cities like Pachuca and Tula.
Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico): Mexico City, the capital and a major tourist hub, requires “Increased Caution” due to crime. Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout the city. Petty crime is frequent in both tourist and non-tourist areas. Travelers should be particularly cautious at night and outside of heavily policed tourist zones. While there are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, exercising increased caution is essential in all parts of Mexico City.
Mexico State (Estado de Mexico): Mexico State, surrounding Mexico City, also requires “Increased Caution” due to crime and kidnapping. Both violent and non-violent crime are present, and kidnapping is a concern. Caution is advised even in tourist areas, as petty crime is common. While there are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, vigilance is needed in cities throughout Mexico State.
Nayarit: Exercise increased caution in Nayarit due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, but caution is advised in cities like Tepic and popular coastal areas like Sayulita and San Pancho.
Nuevo Leon: Exercise increased caution in Nuevo Leon due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. Despite being an economic powerhouse and home to Monterrey, vigilance is advised throughout Nuevo Leon.
Puebla: Exercise increased caution in Puebla due to crime and kidnapping. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. Kidnapping is a concern. While Puebla City and Cholula are popular for tourists, increased caution is advised throughout the state.
Queretaro: Exercise increased caution in Queretaro due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. Queretaro, known for its colonial architecture and wineries, requires increased caution, particularly in cities like Queretaro City and San Juan del Rio.
Quintana Roo: Quintana Roo, home to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, requires “Increased Caution” due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur anywhere, including tourist destinations. While violence is not typically targeted at tourists, gang-related shootings have resulted in bystander injuries, including U.S. citizens, especially in Tulum. Increased caution is particularly important after dark in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, staying within well-lit tourist zones.
San Luis Potosi: Exercise increased caution in San Luis Potosi due to crime and kidnapping. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state, and kidnapping is a concern. While San Luis Potosi City and the surreal gardens of Xilitla are tourist attractions, increased caution is advised throughout the state.
Tabasco: Exercise increased caution in Tabasco due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. Villahermosa, the state capital, and other cities in Tabasco require increased vigilance.
Tlaxcala: Exercise increased caution in Tlaxcala due to crime. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. Despite being one of Mexico’s smallest states, Tlaxcala requires increased caution in cities like Tlaxcala City and Huamantla.
Veracruz: Exercise increased caution in Veracruz due to crime. Violent crime and gang activity are increasing, particularly in central and southern Veracruz, near Cordoba and Coatzacoalcos. Impromptu roadblocks are common. While there are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, increased caution is advised throughout Veracruz, especially in cities like Veracruz, Xalapa, Cordoba, and Coatzacoalcos.

Cities with Standard Safety: “Exercise Normal Precautions” Zones

Only a few states in Mexico are currently under the “Exercise Normal Precautions” advisory, indicating a lower overall risk level compared to other parts of the country. These states are generally considered safer for travel.

States Under “Exercise Normal Precautions” Advisory:

Campeche: Campeche state is advised to “Exercise Normal Precautions.” This suggests that general safety risks are lower compared to much of Mexico. Campeche City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and other cities in Campeche are considered relatively safe for travel.
Yucatan: Yucatan state, home to popular tourist destinations like Chichen Itza, Merida, Uxmal, and Valladolid, is also under “Exercise Normal Precautions.” This makes Yucatan one of the safest states in Mexico for tourists. Cities like Merida, Valladolid, and the areas around Chichen Itza and Uxmal are generally considered very safe for visitors.

General Safety Tips for Traveling in Mexican Cities

Regardless of the safety advisory level of the city you are visiting, it’s always wise to take general safety precautions. These tips are crucial for ensuring a safer travel experience throughout Mexico:

Stay Informed: Keep family and travel companions updated on your plans. Share your GPS location with a friend if separating from your group. If taking a taxi alone, photograph the taxi number or license plate and send it to a friend.
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.
Exercise Caution in Entertainment Venues: Be extra vigilant when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos, as these can sometimes be areas of higher risk.
Avoid Displaying Wealth: Do not wear expensive jewelry or watches or openly display signs of wealth that could make you a target for petty crime or more serious offenses.
ATM and Bank Vigilance: Be extra cautious 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.
Stay Updated: Follow the Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico on social media for up-to-date security information and alerts.
Review Security Reports: Consult the Country Security Report for Mexico for detailed insights into safety and security conditions.
Maritime Travel Awareness: Mariners should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts for specific instructions on reporting suspicious activities.
Prepare a Contingency Plan: Have a plan in place for emergency situations and review the Traveler’s Checklist provided by the State Department.
Health Precautions: Visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information related to Mexico.

Conclusion: Traveling Smart in Mexican Cities

Mexico’s cities offer incredible experiences, from historical explorations to vibrant cultural immersions and relaxing beach getaways. While safety concerns exist in certain areas, being informed and prepared is key to enjoying your trip. By understanding the safety advisory levels for different states and cities, and by following general safety precautions, you can navigate Mexican cities with greater confidence.

Remember to stay updated on the latest travel advisories before and during your trip, and always prioritize your personal safety and awareness of your surroundings. With smart planning and informed decisions, your journey through the cities of Mexico can be both enriching and safe.

Enjoy the beauty, culture, and hospitality of Mexico, and travel safely!