Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – The U.S. Department of State has updated its travel advisory for Mexico, urging U.S. citizens to exercise caution and, in some cases, reconsider travel to various states across the country. The advisory, issued as part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of American travelers, highlights widespread violent crime, including homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery in many regions of Mexico. The State Department notes that the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services in certain areas due to restrictions on the movement of its employees.
Key Changes in the Advisory
The updated advisory divides Mexican states into different risk levels, with warnings ranging from “Do Not Travel” to “Exercise Normal Precautions.” It also outlines travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, whose movements are often used as a guideline for the safety of tourists.
Do Not Travel
Six states have been classified under the highest risk category, Do Not Travel, due to significant crime and kidnapping threats:
- Colima
- Guerrero
- Michoacan
- Sinaloa
- Tamaulipas
- Zacatecas
Violence in these states is often linked to organized criminal groups that are deeply entrenched, making even major tourist areas unsafe. U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to these states, and the State Department strongly urges American citizens to avoid all non-essential travel.
Reconsider Travel
Eight states fall under the Reconsider Travel category:
- Baja California
- Chiapas
- Chihuahua
- Guanajuato
- Jalisco
- Morelos
- Sonora
- San Luis Potosi
Violent crime, including kidnappings, is prevalent in these regions, particularly in areas frequented by tourists. For example, in Baja California, the advisory highlights the high number of homicides in non-tourist areas of Tijuana, a popular destination for U.S. visitors. Likewise, Jalisco, home to the resort city of Puerto Vallarta, faces ongoing territorial disputes between criminal groups.
Exercise Increased Caution
Travelers to another 17 states are advised to Exercise Increased Caution due to crime risks. These states include popular tourist destinations such as:
- Mexico City
- Baja California Sur
- Oaxaca
- Quintana Roo (which includes Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum)
While these areas may appear relatively safe, crime remains a concern, particularly outside of heavily monitored tourist zones. The advisory stresses that travelers should remain vigilant and avoid showing signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
Exercise Normal Precautions
The states of Campeche and Yucatan are deemed the safest, where travelers are advised to Exercise Normal Precautions. These areas, which include the popular tourist cities of Merida and Chichen Itza, have lower rates of violent crime compared to other parts of Mexico.
U.S. Government Employee Restrictions
In addition to advising travelers, the State Department has imposed specific restrictions on the travel of U.S. government employees within Mexico. These limitations serve as an indicator of the severity of security risks in certain regions. For example:
- U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling between cities after dark.
- Hailing taxis on the street is banned; they must use regulated services, including ride-sharing apps like Uber or authorized taxi stands.
- Travel from the U.S.-Mexico border to the interior is generally not allowed, with the exception of specific routes such as Federal Highways 15D, 85D, and 45D during daylight hours.
- In high-risk states like Baja California, U.S. government employees face additional restrictions, including avoiding the Mexicali Valley due to cartel violence and only traveling on certain highways during daylight hours.
Advice for U.S. Travelers
The State Department encourages travelers to adhere to the same safety precautions as U.S. government employees. Americans should avoid traveling alone, particularly in remote areas, and always use toll roads when driving. Travelers are also urged to:
- Share their travel plans with family and friends back home.
- Use tracking features on smartphones to allow family or friends to monitor their locations.
- Avoid displaying signs of wealth and be particularly cautious when visiting banks or using ATMs.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety updates and help the U.S. Embassy locate them in an emergency.
Mexico’s Tourism Industry Impacted
This latest travel advisory comes at a time when Mexico’s tourism industry, which contributes significantly to the country’s economy, is still recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Popular destinations like Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cabos, which had been experiencing a resurgence in tourist numbers, could be impacted by the advisory, particularly as American tourists represent a large portion of visitors.
Despite the advisory, Mexico remains a favorite destination for millions of U.S. travelers each year. However, the State Department’s updates reflect growing concerns about the safety of certain regions, especially given the increasing number of violent incidents involving U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs). The advisory emphasizes that many of these crimes occur in areas frequented by tourists, and while not necessarily targeted, innocent bystanders have been injured or killed in clashes between criminal organizations.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The U.S. Department of State has updated its travel advisory for Mexico, urging U.S. citizens to exercise caution and, in some cases, reconsider travel to various states across the country. The advisory, issued as part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of American travelers, highlights widespread violent crime, including homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery in many regions of Mexico. The State Department notes that the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services in certain areas due to restrictions on the movement of its employees.
