The U.S. Department of State has issued an updated Travel Advisory for Mexico, cautioning U.S. citizens against traveling to various regions due to escalating violent crime, including homicides, kidnappings, carjackings, and robberies. The advisory emphasizes the U.S. government’s limited ability to provide emergency services in certain areas, particularly where travel by U.S. government employees is restricted. The latest advisory offers state-specific guidance, noting the elevated risks in regions across the country.
Key Updates to the Advisory
The advisory stresses that violent crime is prevalent throughout Mexico, with some states being especially dangerous due to the activities of organized crime syndicates. U.S. government employees face strict travel limitations, such as avoiding travel between cities after dark and only using dispatched vehicles like app-based services (e.g., Uber) and regulated taxi stands. Certain roads, regions, and cities across Mexico are marked as high-risk, with U.S. government employees barred from driving between the U.S.-Mexico border and interior regions of Mexico, except in specific daytime conditions in Baja California, Chihuahua, and along certain highways.
“Do Not Travel” Warnings
The U.S. State Department has marked six states as “Do Not Travel” zones due to high levels of violent crime and kidnapping risks. These states include:
- Colima
- Guerrero
- Michoacán
- Sinaloa
- Tamaulipas
- Zacatecas
In these regions, violent crime, including assassinations linked to organized crime, has resulted in bystanders being injured or killed. Kidnappings are a particular concern in Tamaulipas, where U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs) have been frequent victims. Additionally, organized crime activities in these states often occur with impunity, further endangering public safety.
“Reconsider Travel” States
In several other states, the advisory recommends that U.S. citizens reconsider their travel plans due to ongoing crime and kidnapping risks. These states include:
- Baja California
- Chiapas
- Chihuahua
- Guanajuato
- Jalisco
- Morelos
- Sonora
Transnational criminal organizations are particularly active in border states such as Baja California, where competition for drug trafficking routes has resulted in widespread violence. The advisory notes that in non-tourist areas, such as Tijuana, many homicides are targeted assassinations, but bystanders can be caught in the crossfire.
“Exercise Increased Caution” Areas
States listed under the “Exercise Increased Caution” category include regions where crime and violence are still significant, though not as severe as in the previously mentioned zones. These states include:
- Mexico City
- Oaxaca
- Quintana Roo
- Nuevo Leon
- Veracruz
- Puebla
- San Luis Potosí
While tourist destinations such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum in Quintana Roo remain popular, visitors are advised to exercise caution after dark due to increasing gang-related violence that has occasionally affected tourists.
“Exercise Normal Precautions” States
Finally, some states remain relatively safe compared to other regions. The advisory suggests that travelers exercise normal precautions when visiting the states of Campeche and Yucatán, where popular tourist destinations like Merida, Chichen Itza, and Valladolid are located. There are currently no restrictions for U.S. government employees traveling to these areas.
U.S. Government Employee Travel Restrictions
The U.S. State Department outlines specific travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, who are prohibited from traveling in certain regions without authorization. These restrictions aim to mitigate risks associated with the country’s most dangerous areas. Government employees are also advised to avoid hailing taxis on the street, traveling alone in remote areas, and driving after dark.
Safety Recommendations for U.S. Citizens
For U.S. citizens who choose to travel to Mexico despite the risks, the U.S. State Department provides several important safety recommendations:
- Keep traveling companions and family members informed of travel plans and locations.
- Avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive jewelry or watches.
- Use toll roads and avoid driving alone or after dark.
- Stay extra vigilant when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and ATMs.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and facilitate location tracking in emergencies.
- Review maps of restricted areas and understand which locations are subject to heightened risk.
The advisory also recommends that travelers visiting coastal regions or planning to engage in maritime activities should check for U.S. maritime advisories and report suspicious activity to Mexican authorities.
Travelers Urged to Exercise Caution
The updated advisory emphasizes that while many tourist destinations remain open and safe for travel, visitors should remain cautious, particularly in regions where crime and violence are more frequent. Popular tourist areas, such as Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, have seen isolated incidents of violence, though they remain comparatively safer than non-tourist regions. U.S. citizens are encouraged to monitor local news, follow updates from the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, and stay informed of the security situation.
Impact on Tourism and Business
The updated travel advisory could impact tourism and business in Mexico, particularly in regions heavily dependent on international visitors. Popular destinations like Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, and Los Cabos have taken measures to enhance security in tourist zones, but the advisory may still raise concerns among travelers. Additionally, businesses operating in high-risk areas may face challenges in ensuring the safety of their employees and customers.