U.S. Issues New Travel Alerts for Mexico Amid Rising Violent Crime

The U.S. State Department has issued updated travel advisories for Mexico, highlighting escalating dangers in various regions.

Heightened Risks in Mexico

With an alarming increase in violent crimes such as homicide, kidnapping, and robbery, several areas have received a "do not travel" warning, representing the highest alert level. Currently, Campeche and Yucatan appear safe for normal travel, while Quintana Roo—famous for Cancun—is under an "increased caution" advisory due to rising criminal activity.

Crucial Safety Information

The advisory indicates that violent crimes are rampant across the country. The U.S. government can only provide limited assistance in many regions due to restrictions on officials' travel. Emergency services are notably scarce outside major urban centers.

To protect U.S. personnel, strict guidelines are enforced, which include avoiding travel between cities after dark and steering clear of street taxis.

State-Specific Travel Warnings

Do Not Travel

Tamaulipas: High crime and frequent kidnappings.
Zacatecas: Violent crimes and kidnappings.
Guerrero: Elevated crime rates.
Sinaloa: Notorious crime spots.
Michoacán: Ongoing criminal activity.
Colima: Concerns regarding crime and kidnappings.

Reconsider Travel

Guanajuato: Increased crime rates.
Baja California: Risks of crime and kidnapping.
Morelos: Ongoing criminal activity and kidnappings.
Sonora: Crime and kidnapping reports.
Chihuahua: Elevated crime and kidnapping.
Jalisco: Incidents of crime and kidnappings.
Chiapas: Increasing crime levels.

Exercise Increased Caution

Mexico City: Raised crime rates.
Mexico State: Crime and kidnapping threats.
Durango: Reports of criminal activity.
Hidalgo: Rising crime concerns.
Aguascalientes: Continued criminal activity.
Nayarit: Ongoing criminal reports.
Nuevo León: Heightened crime awareness.
Oaxaca: Increasing crime levels.
Tlaxcala: Reports of criminal incidents.
Veracruz: Crime concerns persisting.
Puebla: Risks of crime and kidnapping.
Querétaro: Notable criminal activity.
Quintana Roo: Rising rates of crime.
San Luis Potosí: Issues with crime and kidnappings.
Tabasco: Crime increasing.
Baja California Sur: Heightened crime risk.
Coahuila: Increased crime rates noted.

These advisories reflect the latest evaluations of safety conditions in Mexico. Travelers should remain informed and vigilant in regions under advisories.

In summary, the U.S. State Department’s updated travel advisories for Mexico underline the growing threats due to widespread violent crime. While areas like Campeche and Yucatan are safer, many states pose significant travel risks, necessitating caution from visitors.