Latest US Travel Advisory for Mexico

U.S. Travel Advisory for Mexico

The U.S. government has issued a travel advisory for Mexico due to the widespread presence of violent crime, including homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery. Travelers are advised to exercise caution when visiting Mexico, as crime levels can vary significantly across different regions. In some areas, local emergency services are limited, particularly outside major cities or state capitals, making it challenging for authorities to provide timely assistance in emergencies.

Specific Travel Restrictions for U.S. Government Employees

U.S. government employees are subject to strict travel restrictions while in Mexico. They are prohibited from traveling between cities after dark and are advised to use only app-based transportation services like Uber or regulated taxi stands, rather than hailing taxis on the street. Employees are also required to avoid traveling alone, especially in remote or rural areas where security is a greater concern. Furthermore, driving from the U.S.-Mexico border to the interior of Mexico is generally prohibited for U.S. government employees, with exceptions for specific highways and routes during daylight hours in regions like Baja California, Sonora, and Chihuahua.

States with Specific Travel Warnings

Do Not Travel:

• Colima: Due to high levels of crime and frequent incidents of kidnapping.
• Guerrero: Known for its dangerous conditions and high crime rates.
• Michoacan: Faces ongoing issues with organized crime and violence.
• Sinaloa: A key area for drug trafficking and cartel activity.
• Tamaulipas: High rates of violent crime, kidnapping, and cartel presence.
• Zacatecas: Widespread criminal activity and violent incidents are common.

Reconsider Travel:

• Baja California: Violent crime, particularly in non-tourist areas like Tijuana.
• Chiapas: Criminal groups are active, especially near the Guatemalan border.
• Chihuahua: Organized crime and gang violence are significant concerns.
• Guanajuato: Gang-related violence linked to fuel theft and other criminal activities.
• Jalisco: High levels of violence and criminal activity, particularly in Guadalajara.
• Morelos: Known for gang activities and a high rate of kidnappings.
• Sonora: A critical region for drug trafficking with a high risk of violence.

Areas with Increased Caution:

Travelers are advised to exercise increased caution in the following states due to varying degrees of crime and safety concerns:

• Aguascalientes, Baja California Sur, Coahuila, Durango, Hidalgo, Mexico City, Mexico State, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosi, Tabasco, Tlaxcala, Veracruz.

Exercise Normal Precautions:

Certain areas in Mexico are considered relatively safer, and travelers can follow standard safety precautions:

• Campeche and Yucatan states, including popular tourist destinations like Merida, Chichen Itza, and Uxmal.

General Safety Recommendations for Travelers

Visitors to Mexico are strongly encouraged to follow these safety guidelines:

• Stay Connected: Keep your family and friends informed of your travel itinerary and whereabouts at all times. If you are traveling alone, share your GPS location with someone you trust.
• Use Toll Roads: Whenever possible, use toll roads, also known as “cuotas,” to minimize risks while driving. Avoid driving at night, especially in areas known for limited police presence.
• Be Discreet: Avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as expensive jewelry, watches, or electronic devices. Pickpocketing and theft are more common in crowded places like public transportation, markets, and tourist hotspots.
• Stay Vigilant: Exercise caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos. Avoid withdrawing large amounts of cash from ATMs in public places, and always be aware of your surroundings.
• Health and Emergency Protocols: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and updates on travel conditions. This will also help the U.S. Embassy locate you in case of an emergency.

Region-Specific Advisories

Baja California:

• Crime: Violent crime, including homicides and gang-related violence, is prevalent, particularly in non-tourist areas of Tijuana.
• Travel Restrictions: U.S. government employees must avoid the Mexicali Valley due to heightened risks of cartel-related violence and may only use specific highways during daylight hours.

Chiapas:

• Crime: Criminal activities are prevalent, especially in areas bordering Guatemala. Restrictions apply to travel in certain municipalities due to safety concerns.
• Advisory: U.S. government employees must adhere to designated routes and avoid remote areas.

Chihuahua:

• Violence: Gang activity and violent crime are widespread in cities like Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua. Daylight travel on major highways is recommended for safety.
• Curfews: U.S. government employees are subject to curfews and restricted travel areas within these cities.

Safer Areas with Precautions

While most regions of Mexico require caution, states like Campeche and Yucatan are considered relatively safe. These areas boast well-known tourist attractions such as the historic city of Merida, the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza, and the coastal beauty of Uxmal, where standard safety measures suffice.

Health and Safety Protocols

Travelers are advised to follow the latest health guidelines as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Staying updated on vaccinations and taking preventive measures against COVID-19 and other health risks is essential. Additionally, it’s crucial to have a contingency plan in place for emergencies, including knowing the locations of nearby medical facilities and having a list of emergency contacts.

Maritime and Coastal Travel

For those planning to travel by sea, mariners should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. It is important to follow guidelines on reporting suspicious activities to Mexican naval authorities to ensure safe passage in coastal areas.