Mexico, a vibrant country rich in culture, history, and stunning landscapes, attracts millions of tourists each year. From bustling cities to serene beaches and ancient ruins, Mexico offers a diverse range of experiences. However, like any travel destination, it’s essential to be informed and prepared, especially regarding safety. Understanding the geography and regional nuances of Mexico is crucial for planning a safe and enjoyable trip. This guide provides an in-depth look at a Map Of Mexican States, coupled with the latest travel advisories to help you navigate your journey with confidence.
Mexico is comprised of 32 federal entities: 31 states and Mexico City. Each state possesses its own unique character, attractions, and, importantly, varying levels of safety and travel considerations. For informed travel planning, it’s vital to move beyond a generalized view of Mexico and delve into the specifics of each state. This comprehensive guide, drawing from official travel advisory sources, will break down the safety landscape state by state, empowering you to make well-informed decisions.
Understanding the current safety recommendations across Mexico is paramount. The U.S. government, among others, provides travel advisories that categorize Mexican states based on risk levels. These levels range from “Exercise Normal Precautions” to “Do Not Travel,” reflecting the degree of safety and security concerns present in each region. These advisories are dynamic and updated regularly, responding to the evolving security situations on the ground.
For U.S. citizens, and indeed all international travelers, these advisories serve as an invaluable resource. They not only highlight potential risks like crime and kidnapping but also often outline specific restrictions and recommendations for U.S. government employees traveling within Mexico. While these restrictions are for government personnel, they offer a valuable perspective for all travelers seeking to understand risk levels in different areas.
This article will act as your essential guide, translating complex travel advisory information into actionable insights. We will explore a state-by-state breakdown, aligning each state with its corresponding advisory level. Furthermore, we’ll delve into the specifics of the risks in certain states, offering a nuanced understanding beyond simple categorizations. Armed with this knowledge, and a mental map of Mexican states, you can confidently plan your Mexican adventure, prioritizing safety and making the most of your travel experience.
Let’s explore the map of Mexican states and the corresponding safety considerations for each:
Mexican States and Safety Levels: A Detailed Overview
To provide a clear and actionable guide, we’ve categorized Mexican states based on the U.S. State Department’s Travel Advisory levels. Please remember that safety situations can change, and it’s always recommended to consult the most up-to-date official advisories before traveling.
Do Not Travel To:
These states pose the highest risk to travelers. The U.S. government advises citizens not to travel to these areas due to extremely dangerous conditions related to crime and kidnapping.
1. Colima
Colima is categorized as “Do Not Travel” due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are widespread throughout the state. The advisory highlights that most homicides are targeted assassinations between criminal organizations, but bystanders can be caught in the crossfire. Kidnapping is also a significant concern for both U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents (LPRs).
Travel for U.S. government employees is severely restricted, limited only to tourist and port areas of Manzanillo, and even then, travel from Guadalajara must be via Federal Toll Road 54D during daylight hours. All other areas of Colima state are off-limits for U.S. government personnel.
2. Guerrero
Guerrero state is also under a “Do Not Travel” advisory, primarily due to crime. The security situation in Guerrero is dire, with widespread crime and violence. Armed groups operate independently of the government in many regions, frequently setting up roadblocks and potentially using violence against travelers. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs has occurred in previous years.
Critically, the U.S. government prohibits its employees from traveling to any area in Guerrero, including major tourist destinations like Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Taxco, and Ixtapa. This blanket restriction underscores the extreme danger present throughout the state.
3. Michoacan
Michoacan is another state designated as “Do Not Travel” due to crime and kidnapping. Crime and violence are rampant across Michoacan. Similar to Colima and Guerrero, criminal organizations operate extensively, contributing to a high-risk environment for travelers.
U.S. government employee travel is severely limited. They are only permitted to transit the state via Federal Highway 15D (between Mexico City and Guadalajara), travel to Morelia by air or via specific highways connected to Federal Highway 15D, and travel by air to Lazaro Cardenas, restricting activities to the city center or port areas. The Monarch Butterfly Reserves within Michoacan are also off-limits to U.S. government employees, along with all other areas of the state.
4. Sinaloa
Sinaloa state carries a “Do Not Travel” advisory due to crime. Violent crime is widespread, with powerful criminal organizations based and operating within the state. Sinaloa is notorious as the home of the Sinaloa Cartel, contributing to a very high-risk security environment.
U.S. government employee travel is highly restricted to specific areas and modes of transport. They may only travel to Mazatlan by air or sea, limited to the Zona Dorada and historic town center, with direct routes to and from the airport and sea terminal. Similar restrictions apply to Los Mochis and Topolobampo, accessible only by air or sea and limited to the city and port areas. All other areas of Sinaloa are off-limits to U.S. government employees.
5. Tamaulipas
Tamaulipas state is under a “Do Not Travel” advisory because of crime and kidnapping. Organized crime activity is rampant, particularly along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. This includes gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault. Criminal groups frequently target public and private buses and private vehicles, often kidnapping passengers for ransom.
Heavily armed criminal groups operate with impunity, especially in the border region from Reynosa to Nuevo Laredo, where local law enforcement has limited response capacity. While law enforcement is stronger in the Tampico, Ciudad Madero, and Altamira tri-city area, the overall risk remains extremely high.
U.S. government employees are severely restricted, limited to a small radius around the U.S. Consulates in Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo, their residences, U.S. Ports of Entry, and limited downtown areas, subject to a curfew. Overland travel between cities within Tamaulipas is prohibited, except for daytime travel between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Federal Highway 85D with prior authorization. All other areas of Tamaulipas are off-limits.
6. Zacatecas
Zacatecas state is designated as “Do Not Travel” due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs is a serious concern.
U.S. government employee travel is restricted to Zacatecas City proper, accessible only by air travel. Overland travel to Zacatecas City is prohibited, and all other areas of Zacatecas state are off-limits for U.S. government personnel.
Reconsider Travel To:
These states present a significant risk to travelers, and the U.S. government advises citizens to reconsider travel due to crime and/or kidnapping.
7. Baja California
Baja California is advised as “Reconsider Travel” due to crime and kidnapping. Transnational criminal organizations are highly active in the border region, competing for narco-trafficking and human smuggling routes. Violent crime and gang activity are common, particularly in non-tourist areas of Tijuana, which has a high homicide rate. While homicides often target criminals, bystanders can be injured or killed. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs has been reported.
U.S. government employees face specific restrictions, particularly in the Mexicali Valley, which they are advised to avoid due to cartel violence. However, high-traffic tourist areas like Tijuana, Ensenada, and Rosarito are not under travel restrictions for government employees, though the general advisory to reconsider travel remains for all citizens.
8. Chiapas
Chiapas is under “Reconsider Travel” advisory due to crime. Criminal activity and violence are present throughout the state. Recent updates have highlighted specific areas of concern.
U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to the municipality of Ocozocoautla and to restricted areas in the southeastern region of the state, encompassing a significant portion of southeastern Chiapas bordering Guatemala. Travel to Tapachula city limits and Highway 225 (Port Chiapas to Tapachula) is permitted.
9. Chihuahua
Chihuahua state is designated as “Reconsider Travel” due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common. Most homicides are targeted assassinations among criminal organizations, but territorial disputes lead to violence in areas frequented by U.S. citizens, including restaurants and malls, even during daylight hours. Bystanders have been injured or killed in shootings, and kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs is a risk.
U.S. government employee travel is limited to specific areas like Ciudad Juarez (with defined boundaries), travel between Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua city (daytime only via Federal Highway 45 with limited stops), Nuevo Casas Grandes area, Chihuahua City (with defined boundaries), Ojinaga, and Palomas, all with specific route and timing restrictions. Areas like Copper Canyon are off-limits to U.S. government employees.
10. Guanajuato
Guanajuato is advised as “Reconsider Travel” due to crime. Gang violence, often linked to fuel theft, is prevalent, especially in the south and central areas. The southern region has a high number of cartel-related murders. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs has been reported.
U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to areas south of Federal Highway 45D, including Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato. However, tourist areas including San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City, and surrounding areas, are not under specific restrictions for government employees, although the overall “reconsider travel” advisory applies.
11. Jalisco
Jalisco state is under “Reconsider Travel” advisory due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Jalisco. In Guadalajara, cartel battles occur even in tourist zones. Bystanders have been injured or killed in shootings. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs is a risk.
U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to the Jalisco-Michoacan border region and Federal Highway 110 between Tuxpan, Jalisco, and the Michoacan border, as well as Federal Highway 80 south of Cocula. Tourist hotspots like Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, Puerto Vallarta (including Riviera Nayarit), Chapala, and Ajijic are not under specific U.S. government employee restrictions, though the “reconsider travel” advisory remains.
12. Morelos
Morelos state is advised as “Reconsider Travel” due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Morelos. Kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs has been reported.
Currently, there are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Morelos state, but the general advisory to reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping remains in effect for all citizens.
13. Oaxaca
Oaxaca state is designated as “Exercise Increased Caution” overall, but certain regions are under a “Reconsider Travel” advisory. The “Reconsider Travel” areas in Oaxaca are due to crime. Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state.
U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to the Isthmus region of Oaxaca (bounded by Federal Highways 185D, 190, and the Oaxaca-Chiapas border) and Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa. Tourist areas like Oaxaca City, Monte Alban, Puerto Escondido, and Huatulco are not under these restrictions for government employees.
14. Sonora
Sonora state is under “Reconsider Travel” advisory due to crime and kidnapping. Sonora is a key area for international drug trade and human trafficking. Violent crime is widespread, and kidnapping of U.S. citizens and LPRs is a significant concern. Travelers are advised to be highly aware of their surroundings throughout Sonora.
U.S. government employees face numerous travel restrictions in Sonora. These include restrictions on travel between Hermosillo and Nogales (daylight hours only, Federal Highway 15, no public transport/ride-shares), specific areas within Nogales, routes and transport in Puerto Peñasco, a triangular region near the Mariposa Port of Entry, and travel to San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea, and Agua Prieta (daylight hours only, city limits). Eastern and southern Sonora, including San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos (except air travel to Alamos city limits), are also off-limits. Tourist areas like Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino, and Puerto Penasco are accessible to U.S. government employees under specific, limited conditions.
Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To:
These states have elevated risks, and the U.S. government advises citizens to exercise increased caution due to crime and/or kidnapping.
15. Aguascalientes
16. Baja California Sur
17. Coahuila
18. Durango
19. Hidalgo
20. Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico)
21. Mexico State (Estado de Mexico)
22. Nayarit
23. Nuevo Leon
24. Puebla
25. Queretaro
26. Quintana Roo
27. San Luis Potosi
28. Tabasco
29. Tlaxcala
30. Veracruz
In these states, criminal activity and violence can occur. Some states in this category also cite kidnapping as a concern. For many of these “Exercise Increased Caution” states, there are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, but the general advisory to be more vigilant is in place for all travelers.
It’s important to note nuances within this category. For example:
- Quintana Roo (Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum): While under “Exercise Increased Caution,” Quintana Roo, home to major tourist destinations, has seen increased violent crime, including shootings in tourist areas. Travelers are advised to be especially cautious after dark in popular areas like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.
- Veracruz: Veracruz is experiencing increasing violent crime and gang activity, particularly in the central and southern regions. Impromptu roadblocks are also reported.
Even in states with no specific government employee restrictions, exercising increased caution means being more aware of your surroundings, avoiding displays of wealth, being vigilant at ATMs and banks, and using toll roads when possible, among other safety precautions.
Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To:
These states are considered the safest in Mexico, where the U.S. government advises citizens to exercise normal precautions. This is the lowest advisory level, indicating a similar level of safety as many destinations worldwide.
31. Campeche
32. Yucatan
In these states, normal safety precautions are generally sufficient. For U.S. government employees, there are no travel restrictions in Campeche and Yucatan. Yucatan, home to popular tourist sites like Chichen Itza, Merida, Uxmal, and Valladolid, is particularly noted for its safety.
General Safety Tips for Traveling in Mexico
Regardless of the state you plan to visit in Mexico, it is prudent to follow general safety guidelines:
- Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest travel advisories and news regarding your destination.
- Share Your Plans: Inform travel companions and family back home of your 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 send it to a contact.
- Travel Smart: Utilize toll roads when possible, avoid driving alone or at night, and exercise increased caution at local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
- Be Discreet: Avoid displaying signs of wealth like expensive jewelry. Be extra vigilant at banks and ATMs.
- Enroll in STEP: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and facilitate location in emergencies.
- Follow Local Advice: Heed advice from local authorities and your accommodation providers regarding safe areas and practices.
- Emergency Preparedness: Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations and review the Traveler’s Checklist from the State Department.
- Health Precautions: Consult the CDC page for the latest travel health information.
Conclusion: Map Your Safe Mexican Journey
Mexico offers incredible experiences, and by understanding the map of Mexican states and associated safety advisories, you can plan a trip that balances adventure with safety. While some areas require extreme caution and are best avoided, many parts of Mexico are welcoming and safe for tourists.
Utilize this guide as a starting point, always cross-referencing with the most current official travel advisories from your government. By staying informed, prepared, and aware of your surroundings, you can confidently explore the beauty and rich culture of Mexico. Remember to respect local customs, remain vigilant, and enjoy the incredible diversity Mexico has to offer.
Before you embark on your Mexican adventure, take a moment to visualize a map of Mexican states. Familiarize yourself with the regions, note the advisory levels, and tailor your itinerary accordingly. Safe travels!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is based on the latest available travel advisories at the time of writing. Travel advisories are subject to change. Always consult official government sources for the most up-to-date information before making travel decisions.
(Please note: As the original article did not contain images, and no specific images were provided, I have not included images in this response. In a real-world scenario, a map of Mexican states clearly delineating the advisory levels would be a highly valuable addition to this article, especially given the keyword focus. This map would ideally be placed near the beginning of the “Mexican States and Safety Levels” section to visually enhance the information.)
