Mexico, a land of vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and rich history, is a dream destination for many travelers. From the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan to the bustling streets of Mexico City and the serene coastlines of the Riviera Maya, Mexico offers a diverse range of experiences. However, like any international destination, it’s essential to be informed about safety and security. Understanding Mexico Travel Warnings is crucial for planning a safe and enjoyable trip.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of travel advisories for Mexico, drawing on official sources to give you the information you need to make informed decisions. We’ll break down the current safety recommendations state-by-state, highlight areas of concern, and offer practical tips to help you navigate your Mexican adventure with confidence.
Understanding Mexico Travel Warnings: A State-by-State Breakdown
The U.S. State Department issues travel advisories for Mexico, categorizing states into different risk levels based on crime and safety concerns. These levels range from “Exercise Normal Precautions” to “Do Not Travel,” providing a clear framework for understanding potential risks in different regions. It’s important to note that these warnings are primarily directed at U.S. government employees, but they serve as valuable guidance for all travelers.
Here’s a detailed look at the current travel advisories for each Mexican state:
Do Not Travel To:
These states are considered the most dangerous due to widespread crime, violence, and kidnapping risks. Travel is strongly discouraged.
Colima state – Do Not Travel
Risk Level: Do Not Travel
Key Concerns: Crime and Kidnapping
Colima is categorized as a “Do Not Travel” state due to widespread violent crime and gang activity. Homicides are frequent, often targeted assassinations by criminal organizations, but bystanders can be caught in the crossfire. Kidnapping is also a significant concern.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: Travel is restricted to the tourist and port areas of Manzanillo. Even within Manzanillo, caution is advised. Travel to other areas of Colima state is prohibited for U.S. government employees.
Guerrero state – Do Not Travel
Risk Level: Do Not Travel
Key Concerns: Crime
Guerrero is another “Do Not Travel” state primarily due to widespread crime and violence. Armed groups operate outside government control, frequently setting up roadblocks and posing a threat to travelers. Kidnapping has been a recurring issue in previous years.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to any area in Guerrero, including popular tourist destinations like Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Taxco, and Ixtapa.
Michoacan state – Do Not Travel
Risk Level: Do Not Travel
Key Concerns: Crime and Kidnapping
Michoacan is designated as “Do Not Travel” due to high levels of crime and violence.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: Travel is limited to Federal Highway 15D for transit, Morelia (by air or land via Federal Highways 43 or 48D from 15D), and Lazaro Cardenas (by air only, limited to city center and port areas). All other areas, including the Monarch Butterfly Reserve in Michoacan, are off-limits to U.S. government employees.
Sinaloa state – Do Not Travel
Risk Level: Do Not Travel
Key Concerns: Crime
Sinaloa is a “Do Not Travel” state due to widespread violent crime. Major criminal organizations are based and operate within the state.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: Travel is limited to Mazatlan (by air or sea, Zona Dorada and historic center only), and Los Mochis and Topolobampo (by air or sea, city and port areas only). All other areas of Sinaloa are prohibited for U.S. government employees.
Tamaulipas state – Do Not Travel
Risk Level: Do Not Travel
Key Concerns: Crime and Kidnapping
Tamaulipas is a “Do Not Travel” state due to extremely high risks of crime and kidnapping. Organized crime is rampant, including gun battles, murder, robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault, particularly along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. Criminal groups frequently target buses and private vehicles for passenger kidnapping and ransom.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: Travel is severely restricted to limited areas around U.S. Consulates in Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo, with curfews. Overland travel between cities is prohibited. Travel between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey is limited to daylight hours on Federal Highway 85D with prior authorization. All other areas of Tamaulipas are off-limits.
Zacatecas state – Do Not Travel
Risk Level: Do Not Travel
Key Concerns: Crime and Kidnapping
Zacatecas is a “Do Not Travel” state due to widespread violent crime, extortion, and gang activity. Kidnapping is a significant threat.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: Travel is limited to Zacatecas City proper, accessible only by air. Overland travel to Zacatecas City and travel to all other areas of Zacatecas state are prohibited.
Reconsider Travel To:
These states have significant safety risks, and travelers should carefully consider the necessity of travel and take enhanced precautions.
Baja California state – Reconsider Travel
Risk Level: Reconsider Travel
Key Concerns: Crime and Kidnapping
Baja California, despite being a popular tourist destination bordering California, carries a “Reconsider Travel” advisory due to crime and kidnapping. Transnational criminal organizations are active, particularly in border areas like Tijuana and Mexicali, involved in drug and human smuggling. Violent crime and gang activity are common, with homicides being a major concern in non-tourist areas of Tijuana.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: Restrictions are in place for the Mexicali Valley due to cartel violence. However, major tourist areas like Tijuana, Ensenada, and Rosarito are not under these specific restrictions, though increased caution is still advised.
Chiapas state – Reconsider Travel
Risk Level: Reconsider Travel
Key Concerns: Crime
Chiapas, known for its indigenous cultures and natural beauty, is under a “Reconsider Travel” advisory due to crime. Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout the state.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to the municipality of Ocozocoautla and specific southeastern regions. Tapachula city limits and Highway 225 from Port Chiapas to Tapachula (including the airport) are permitted.
Chihuahua state – Reconsider Travel
Risk Level: Reconsider Travel
Key Concerns: Crime and Kidnapping
Chihuahua, home to the famous Copper Canyon, is designated as “Reconsider Travel” due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common, with territorial disputes between criminal groups leading to violence even in areas frequented by tourists. Bystanders have been injured or killed in shooting incidents, and kidnapping is a risk for U.S. citizens and LPRs.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: Travel is limited to specific areas within Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua City, and certain highways for transit between them and to other specified locations like Nuevo Casas Grandes, Ojinaga, and Palomas, often with daylight-only travel restrictions. Copper Canyon and other areas are off-limits.
Guanajuato state – Reconsider Travel
Risk Level: Reconsider Travel
Key Concerns: Crime
Guanajuato, a cultural hub with cities like San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City, is under a “Reconsider Travel” advisory due to crime. Gang violence, often related to fuel theft, is prevalent, particularly in the south and central areas. High murder rates linked to cartel violence are a concern in the southern region.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: 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 outside these restricted zones, but caution is still recommended.
Jalisco state – Reconsider Travel
Risk Level: Reconsider Travel
Key Concerns: Crime and Kidnapping
Jalisco, home to Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, is under a “Reconsider Travel” advisory due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of the state. Guadalajara sees territorial disputes between criminal groups, sometimes affecting tourist areas.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: Restrictions apply to the Jalisco-Michoacan border region and Federal Highway 110, and Federal Highway 80 south of Cocula. Tourist areas including Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta (and Riviera Nayarit), Chapala, and Ajijic are not under specific restrictions, but travelers should exercise increased caution.
Morelos state – Reconsider Travel
Risk Level: Reconsider Travel
Key Concerns: Crime and Kidnapping
Morelos is under a “Reconsider Travel” advisory due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of the state.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: There are no specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Morelos state, but the general advisory to reconsider travel still applies to all visitors.
Sonora state – Reconsider Travel
Risk Level: Reconsider Travel
Key Concerns: Crime and Kidnapping
Sonora, bordering Arizona, is under a “Reconsider Travel” advisory due to crime and kidnapping. It’s a key area for drug trade and human trafficking. Violent crime is widespread, and kidnapping is a risk.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: Significant travel restrictions are in place, including limitations on routes between Hermosillo and Nogales, restrictions within Nogales, Puerto Peñasco, areas near the Mariposa Port of Entry, San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea, Agua Prieta, and eastern/southern Sonora. Even in permitted areas like Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino, and Puerto Penasco, government employees face restrictions on transportation methods and movement.
Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To:
These states have elevated risks of crime or other safety issues. Travelers should be vigilant and take extra precautions.
Aguascalientes state – Exercise Increased Caution
Risk Level: Exercise Increased Caution
Key Concerns: Crime
Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Aguascalientes.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Baja California Sur state – Exercise Increased Caution
Risk Level: Exercise Increased Caution
Key Concerns: Crime
Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Baja California Sur, which includes popular destinations like Cabo San Lucas and La Paz.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Coahuila state – Exercise Increased Caution
Risk Level: Exercise Increased Caution
Key Concerns: Crime
Violent crime and gang activity occur in parts of Coahuila.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to the municipalities of Zaragoza, Morelos, Allende, Nava, Jimenez, Villa Union, Guerrero, and Hidalgo. Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña have curfews for government employees (midnight to 6:00 a.m.).
Durango state – Exercise Increased Caution
Risk Level: Exercise Increased Caution
Key Concerns: Crime
Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Durango.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling west and south of Federal Highway 45 in Durango state.
Hidalgo state – Exercise Increased Caution
Risk Level: Exercise Increased Caution
Key Concerns: Crime
Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Hidalgo.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution
Risk Level: Exercise Increased Caution
Key Concerns: Crime
Both violent and non-violent crime are present in Mexico City. Petty crime is common, and caution is advised, especially at night and outside tourist areas.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Mexico State (Estado de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution
Risk Level: Exercise Increased Caution
Key Concerns: Crime and Kidnapping
Both violent and non-violent crime occur in Mexico State, surrounding Mexico City. Kidnapping is a risk, and caution is advised outside tourist areas.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Nayarit state – Exercise Increased Caution
Risk Level: Exercise Increased Caution
Key Concerns: Crime
Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Nayarit.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Nuevo Leon state – Exercise Increased Caution
Risk Level: Exercise Increased Caution
Key Concerns: Crime
Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Nuevo Leon.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Oaxaca state – Exercise Increased Caution
Risk Level: Exercise Increased Caution
Key Concerns: Crime
Criminal activity and violence occur throughout Oaxaca.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: U.S. government employees are restricted from the Isthmus region and Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa. However, tourist areas like Oaxaca City, Monte Alban, Puerto Escondido, and Huatulco are not under these restrictions.
Puebla state – Exercise Increased Caution
Risk Level: Exercise Increased Caution
Key Concerns: Crime and Kidnapping
Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Puebla. Kidnapping is a risk.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Queretaro state – Exercise Increased Caution
Risk Level: Exercise Increased Caution
Key Concerns: Crime
Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Queretaro.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Quintana Roo state – Exercise Increased Caution
Risk Level: Exercise Increased Caution
Key Concerns: Crime
Quintana Roo, home to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, is under “Exercise Increased Caution” due to crime. While not targeted at tourists, gang-related shootings have affected bystanders. Violent crime has increased in Tulum.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees, but increased caution is advised after dark, especially in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.
San Luis Potosi state – Exercise Increased Caution
Risk Level: Exercise Increased Caution
Key Concerns: Crime and Kidnapping
Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout San Luis Potosi. Kidnapping is a risk.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Tabasco state – Exercise Increased Caution
Risk Level: Exercise Increased Caution
Key Concerns: Crime
Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Tabasco.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Tlaxcala state – Exercise Increased Caution
Risk Level: Exercise Increased Caution
Key Concerns: Crime
Criminal activity and violence can occur throughout Tlaxcala.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Veracruz state – Exercise Increased Caution
Risk Level: Exercise Increased Caution
Key Concerns: Crime
Violent crime and gang activity are increasing in Veracruz, particularly in the central and southern regions. Roadblocks for payment are common.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To:
These states are considered relatively safe, but travelers should still be aware of their surroundings and take standard safety measures.
Campeche state – Exercise Normal Precautions
Risk Level: Exercise Normal Precautions
Key Concerns: None specified.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees.
Yucatan state – Exercise Normal Precautions
Risk Level: Exercise Normal Precautions
Key Concerns: None specified.
Yucatan, home to Chichen Itza, Merida, and Valladolid, is considered generally safe for travel.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions: No specific restrictions for U.S. government employees, making it easier to enjoy tourist areas in Chichen Itza, Merida, Uxmal, and Valladolid.
General Safety Tips for Traveling in Mexico
Regardless of the specific state you plan to visit, these general safety tips can help enhance your safety and security throughout your trip to Mexico:
- Stay Informed: Continuously check for updated travel advisories and news related to your destination before and during your trip. The situation can change rapidly.
- Share Your Plans: Keep friends and family informed of your itinerary, including travel dates, locations, and accommodation details. Share your GPS location with a friend if you are separating from your group.
- Transportation Safety:
- Toll Roads: Utilize toll roads whenever possible as they are generally safer and better maintained than free highways.
- Avoid Night Travel: Refrain from driving alone or at night, especially in less secure states.
- Dispatch Services: Rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services like Uber or regulated taxi stands, instead of hailing taxis on the street. If taking a taxi alone, photograph the taxi number/license plate and text it to a friend.
- Border Travel: Avoid driving from the U.S.-Mexico border to the interior of Mexico, except for daytime travel in specific Baja California corridors, between Nogales and Hermosillo, Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey, and Ciudad Juarez and certain interior cities as specifically allowed.
- Be Discreet: Avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as expensive jewelry or watches, which can make you a target for petty crime or more serious offenses.
- ATM and Bank Vigilance: Exercise extra caution when using ATMs or visiting banks, as these can be areas of increased criminal activity.
- Local Bars and Nightclubs: Be particularly cautious when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos, where risks can be elevated, especially at night.
- Emergency Preparedness: Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Know the location of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and how to contact them.
- 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.
- Follow Official Channels: Stay updated by following the Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico on social media for real-time alerts and information.
- Review Security Reports: Familiarize yourself with the Country Security Report for Mexico for in-depth information on safety and security concerns.
- Health Precautions: Check the CDC page for the latest travel health information and recommendations for Mexico.
- Maritime Travel: Mariners should check for specific maritime advisories and alerts.
Conclusion: Traveling to Mexico with Awareness and Caution
Mexico offers incredible experiences for travelers. By staying informed about Mexico travel warnings and taking appropriate precautions, you can significantly enhance your safety and enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer. Remember to consult official sources for the most up-to-date information before and during your trip, and always prioritize your personal safety and security. With careful planning and awareness, your Mexican adventure can be both memorable and safe.
[Image of a map of Mexico highlighting different states and safety levels. Placeholder URL: https://via.placeholder.com/800x600.png?text=Map+of+Mexico+Travel+Warnings]
[Image of a person looking at a travel safety app on their phone. Placeholder URL: https://via.placeholder.com/400x300.png?text=Travel+Safety+App]
