If you’re traveling to Mexico anytime soon, you might want to take extra precautions before you go, and take note that there are several areas of the country where you shouldn’t travel.
The U.S. State Department issued a travel advisory to Mexico, warning tourists to exercise increased caution in the country due to terrorism, crime and kidnapping.
The agency also warned tourists to avoid traveling in six areas, including the states of Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas, due to a combination of crime, terrorism and kidnapping from cartels, terrorist groups, gangs and other criminal organizations, according to the advisory.
U.S. government employees are required to “not travel between cities after dark, avoid waving down taxis in the street, rely on dispatched vehicles from regulated taxi stands or app-based services like Uber or Cabify, avoid traveling alone and don’t drive between Mexican border cities.” The State Department advises U.S. citizens to do the same.
Here is what you need to know about the travel advisory.
What does the latest travel advisory to Mexico?
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Start Date | Aug. 12, 2025 |
| What’s changing | Updated travel advisory warning tourists to exercise increased caution in the country due to terrorism, crime and kidnapping and avoid traveling in six areas, including the states of Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas |
| What will happen? | Travelers are strongly encouraged to “not travel between cities after dark, avoid waving down taxis in the street, rely on dispatched vehicles from regulated taxi stands or app-based services like Uber or Cabify, avoid traveling alone and don’t drive between Mexican border cities.” |
| Who will it affect? | Travelers to Mexico and U.S. government employees |
The State Department gave a “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” travel advisory to Mexico due to terrorism, crime and kidnapping nationwide.
However, there are several areas ranging from Level 1 to Level 4 travel advisories throughout the country.
The regions of Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas are on the State Department’s highest travel advisory, Level 4, due to a combination of crime, terrorism and kidnapping from cartels, terrorist groups, gangs and other criminal organizations.
Meanwhile, people should reconsider travel to the following eight states that are within a Level 3 zone due to terrorism, crime and kidnapping:
- Baja California
- Chiapas
- Chihuahua
- Coahuila
- Guanajuato
- Jalisco
- Morelos
- Sonora
Sixteen states fall within a Level 2 advisory urging travelers to exercise increased caution, and they include:
- Aguascalientes
- Baja California Sur
- Durango
- Hidalgo
- Mexico City
- State of Mexico
- Nayarit
- Nuevo Leon
- Oaxaca
- Pueblo
- Queretaro
- Quintana Roo
- San Luis Potosi
- Tabasco
- Tlaxcala
- Veracruz
Finally, two states — Campeche and Yucatan — fall under the Level 1 advisory urging American tourists to exercise normal precautions.
What is the highest travel advisory?
There are four levels of travel advisory, Level 1 through Level 4.
When planning a vacation, you should check the current travel advisory for that destination. So, which level is the most concerning?
- Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions – This is the lowest level of advisory; it is advised that there is some risk in that area, and travelers should take precautions while on their visit.
- Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution – There is a heightened risk for safety and security in that area, and travelers need to take extra caution.
- Level 3: Reconsider Travel – There are serious risks to safety, and travelers are advised to reconsider their travel plans to this destination.
- Level 4: Do Not Travel – This is the highest level of advisory, and it is strongly recommended not to travel to any destinations with a Level 4 advisory, due to many factors, one of which is that the U.S. government might not be able to provide travelers any assistance in the event of an emergency.
What should travelers to Mexico do in light of this travel advisory?
Travelers to Mexico should heed the following instructions for their safety:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
- If you come across a road checkpoint, you should comply.
- Buy travel insuranc that includes evacuation assistance, medical insurance and trip cancelation coverage before arriving in Mexico.
- Review the country security report for Mexico.
You can find more details about the travel advisory and how to remain safe while traveling here.
Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.
Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
