Some places in Mexico, such as Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, are very popular destinations for Americans traveling during spring break and Easter.
However, in recent weeks, the U.S. State Department has issued several advisories for U.S. citizens traveling to various Mexican states. Now, with rates of violent crime and kidnappings rising across Mexico, the State Department warns that Americans considering traveling to all but two Mexican states should heed new and enhanced warnings.
“Violent crimes, including murder, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery, are widespread and commonplace in Mexico,” the State Department explains. “Due to travel bans or restrictions on U.S. government personnel to certain areas, the U.S. government is limited in its ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many parts of Mexico. Many states have limited local emergency services outside of state capitals and major cities.”
Is Mexico dangerous for tourists?
Mexico has a lot to offer, but drug cartels and violent crime have been back in the news in recent years, which leaves many people concerned about their safety when planning a trip to Mexico.
Generally speaking, Mexican drug cartels do not want to harm American tourists, but it is true that armed groups do operate independently. When visiting popular tourist destinations, it is common to be offered illegal drugs by passersby. These people are almost always connected to major drug cartels, so you should always refuse.
Foreigners have a negative idea of how dangerous Mexico is because the U.S. State Department has high standards when it comes to risk avoidance and travel warnings about Mexico can feel like fear-mongering. However, this doesn’t apply to the places in Mexico that are truly dangerous and should be avoided.
U.S. nationals, Europeans, Canadians, and other non-Latin American tourists are usually very safe in Mexico as long as they do not engage in illegal activities. Popular tourist destinations are generally not the most dangerous areas in Mexico.
Places to avoid in Mexico, according to the U.S. State Department
The State Department’s recommendations for U.S. citizens considering traveling to Mexico are as follows:
Do not travel
The State Department has advised Americans to avoid traveling to five Mexican states due to an increase in crime and kidnappings.
These states are Colima (where Manzanillo is located), Michoacan, Sinaloa (where Mazatlán is located), Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas (where the city of Zacatecas is located).
The state of Guerrero, home to Acapulco, Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa, is also on the State Department’s “no travel” list due to rampant crime.
Rethinking travel
The State Department has advised US citizens to reconsider traveling to five Mexican states due to the possibility of crime and kidnapping.
These states are Baja California (where Tijuana is located), Chihuahua, Guanajuato (where the city of Guanajuato is located), Jalisco (where Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta are located), and Sonora.
The states of Durango and Morelos are also on the State Department’s “travel review” list due to high crime rates.
Take extra precautions when traveling
The State Department has advised Americans to exercise extra caution when traveling through 17 regions of Mexico, mainly due to high crime rates and the risk of kidnapping in some areas.
These states are Aguascalientes, Baja California Sur (home to Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo and La Paz), Chiapas, Coahuila, Hidalgo, State of Mexico, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca (home to Oaxaca City and Huatulco), Puebla, Querétaro, Quintana Roo (home to Cancun, Cozumel, Tulum and the Riviera Maya), San Luis Potosi, Tabasco, Tlaxcala and Veracruz.
Mexico City also makes the list due to its high crime rate.
Please take normal precautions when traveling
The State Department advises Americans to exercise normal caution when traveling to Campeche and Yucatan states, where Chichen Itza and Mérida are located.
Things to know before you go
If you decide to travel to Mexico, the State Department offers some guidelines.
“Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs and casinos,” the State Department advises. “Avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry. Exercise particular caution when visiting banks and ATMs.”
The State Department also encourages travelers to Mexico to keep both their traveling companions and friends and family back home updated about their travel plans.
Finally, if you’re traveling alone using a taxi or Uber, be sure to take a photo of the taxi’s number or license plate and text it to a friend or family member, the State Department recommends, especially if you’re a woman, as Mexico is one of the top five most dangerous countries for women.
A detailed description of the threat in each Mexican state, as well as details about traveling safely within Mexico, can be found in the State Department’s Mexico Travel Advisory .
FAQ
What is the most dangerous city in Mexico?
The most dangerous places in Mexico are Tijuana and Acapulco, followed by Ciudad Victoria and
Coming in third is Ciudad Juarez. Mexico’s northern border and central Mexico are some of the least safe places in Mexico. Tijuana is even considered the most dangerous city in the world.
Are Mexico’s popular tourist destinations dangerous?
Major destinations popular with American tourists, such as San Miguel de Allende and the coastal city of Mazatlán, are not the most dangerous places in Mexico, but even safer destinations in the southern region can still be criminally treacherous.
Are Mexico’s beaches safe?
Mexico’s most popular beaches, such as Playa del Carmen, are considered low risk, and while reports of gang activity and drug cartel-related violence in the media have scared people, Washington and Mexican authorities have tried to keep security standards high in popular tourist destinations.
Is the Mexican government doing enough to combat organized crime?
Mexican authorities insist they are doing all they can to fight organized crime, and many local authorities say they are, but high crime rates and a lack of prosecutions are further eroding public trust in the state and its institutions.
Is Mexico City dangerous for tourists?
While there are safety concerns in some areas of Mexico City, many tourist destinations remain generally safe. Please exercise caution, stay in well-traveled areas and follow local advice. Take the usual precautions and enjoy Mexico City’s rich culture and historical sites.
How can I stay safe in Mexico?
Mexican drug cartels don’t intend to harm tourists, but you should exercise extreme caution anyway. Reconsider the need to travel to violent cities or remote areas, as criminal groups frequently set up roadblocks. Also, avoid using ATMs in public places or during the day.
