US travel advisory for Mexico updated due to violent crime

US Travel Advisory for Mexico Updated Due to Violent Crime

The State Department has issued a travel advisory discouraging American citizens from visiting all but two locations in Mexico.

Natasha Decker, Sep 25, 2024

The United States’ latest travel advisory for Mexico lists only two states—Campeche and Yucatan—as places where Americans can visit with "normal precautions." Elsewhere in Mexico, travelers are advised to exercise increased caution, reconsider travel plans, or avoid travel entirely due to rising violence in popular tourist destinations.

The advisory includes updated information for Chiapas and Durango. Chiapas is in the "reconsider travel" category due to potential crime and violence, while Durango is classified as "exercise increased caution" due to crime and gang activity.

Travel risk levels range from Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).

Overview of Current Travel Advisory

Mexico consists of 32 states, with areas like Jalisco (home to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara), Quintana Roo (Cancun, Playa del Carmen), Baja California Sur (Cabo San Lucas), and Nayarit under "exercise increased caution." The U.S. government explicitly advises against travel to six states: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas due to crime and kidnapping risks.

Reported violent crimes include homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery, alongside limited emergency services in some regions. The advisory urges American citizens to follow U.S. government rules, which include avoiding travel after dark, refraining from taxi use, and not going to certain areas during specific times. It is also recommended to avoid traveling alone in remote locations.

Stay informed and cautious while planning your trip to Mexico, especially considering the current travel advisory.

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