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The State Department Updates Warnings for Mexico: Which Cities Are Safe?

As of October 1, 2024, the U.S. State Department has revised its travel warnings for various cities in Mexico, indicating a mixed landscape of safety levels across the country.

Understanding the Levels of Caution

Several major tourist cities have received Level 1 and Level 2 ratings, suggesting they are relatively safe. However, Chiapas has been rated Level 3 (Reconsider Travel), while Durango is rated Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution), largely due to concerns regarding violent crime and gang activities.

Generally, tourists are not the primary targets; nonetheless, there have been unfortunate incidents involving bystanders caught in the crossfire. Notably, these states are not major tourist destinations for U.S. travelers, and Mexico's vast landscape presents varying degrees of travel advisories.

State Ratings and Recommendations

Chiapas and Durango's ratings stem from reported crime levels, but other regions also have varying advisories. For instance, Campeche and Yucatan have a Level 1 rating allowing normal precautions, highlighting their popularity among visitors.

Quintana Roo, which includes Cancun and nearby attractions, is classified as Level 2, prompting visitors to stay vigilant after dark and stick to well-lit areas. Similarly, states like Baja California Sur and Mexico City are also rated Level 2.

Areas to Avoid

Warnings against travel have been issued for Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas due to high rates of crime. Guerrero, in particular, is flagged as dangerous; ongoing violence from armed groups is prevalent, especially outside of tourist zones.

While resorts exist in some prohibited areas, such as Manzanillo in Colima, caution is advised, particularly in Guerrero, where armed groups operate with little government oversight.

International Perspectives on Travel Safety

Travel advisories from other nations align closely with those of the U.S. Canada echoes similar concerns but allows travel to certain regions if arriving by air. The UK Foreign Office does not discourage essential travel to any areas but advises caution in crime-heavy zones.

Advice for Travelers

It's recommended for travelers in Mexico to join the State Department's STEP program to receive updates and locate the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate during their travels.