travel issues in mexico

Search Please fill out this field.
Manage Your Subscription
Give a Gift Subscription
Newsletters
Sweepstakes

U.S. Issues Travel Warning for Mexico Ahead of Spring Break

The warning is asking travelers to “travel smart” and “be informed."

marako85/Getty Images

The United States is warning travelers heading to Mexico to be aware of their surroundings ahead of the spring break holiday season.

The warning , which was issued this week by the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico, reminds travelers to “travel smart” and “be informed” as “thousands of U.S. citizens visit Mexico during spring break” each year. The embassy continued that “while the vast majority travel safely,” visitors should be aware of issues with crime, drugs, unregulated alcohol, drownings, and more.

“Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations. Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations,” the embassy warned. “U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in the downtown areas of popular spring break locations including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum, especially after dark.”

The warning also reminded American travelers that drug possession and use is illegal in Mexico, including medical marijuana. It also advised that unregulated alcohol may be contaminated, that counterfeit medication is common, and that guns are illegal in Mexico.

When it comes to the country’s popular beaches, the embassy reminded travelers some beaches may have strong rip tides and “may lack lifeguards, warnings, or signs of unsafe conditions.”

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico issued a similar spring break warning last year .

The U.S. Department of State classifies different states in Mexico under different warning levels. While travelers can “exercise normal precautions” when traveling to the Campeche and Yucatan states, the State Department warns them to “exercise increased caution” when heading to places like Baja California Sur (where Los Cabos is), Mexico City, and Quintana Roo (where Cancun is) due to crime.

The State Department also asks American travelers to “reconsider” going to the state of Jalisco, which is home to popular destination Puerto Vallarta , due to the danger of crime and kidnapping.

The State Department recommends Americans who do travel to Mexico keep people at home informed of their travel plans and enroll in the department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to both receive alerts and make it easier to locate them if an emergency occurs.

Travelers heading to international destinations can view all current travel advisories on the State Department's website at travel.state.gov .

Share full article

Supported by

Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico? Here’s What You Need to Know.

A spate of incidents, including a kidnapping and the death of two Americans near the border, have prompted travel warnings from the U.S. government.

By Elisabeth Malkin and Isabella Kwai

Two Americans found dead after they were attacked and kidnapped near the border. Airports shuttered amid gang violence in Sinaloa. Turmoil among taxi drivers in Cancún.

A number of recent security incidents have raised concerns about the risks of traveling to Mexico, where more than 20 million tourists flew last year to visit the country’s beaches, cities and archaeological sites, or to obtain health care .

Ahead of the spring break holiday, a popular time for American tourists to visit the country, the U.S. Embassy issued a travel alert , urging visitors to exercise caution by avoiding dangerous situations and drinking responsibly, among other recommendations. “Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations,” the alert said. And the State Department has warned tourists to steer clear of six states, including the state of Tamaulipas, where the recent kidnapping occurred — and to exercise increased precautions in other popular destinations like Playa del Carmen, Cancún, Tulum and Mexico City.

An overwhelming majority of visitors enjoy a safe vacation in Mexico, and tourists are largely sheltered from the violence that grips local communities. But the attack and kidnapping of four Americans in the border city of Matamoros, two of whom were later found dead, along with recent disorder in Cancún and violence in early January that forced the closure of three airports in northwest Mexico, is prompting questions about whether the country’s broader unrest is spilling into other destinations.

What happened on the border?

On March 3, four Americans from South Carolina traveling in a white minivan crossed the border from Brownsville, Texas, into the city of Matamoros, in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. One of the Americans was scheduled for cosmetic surgery.

Soon after the Americans crossed the border, gunmen fired on their vehicle and then abducted the group in a pickup truck. Officials later said that two of the group were found dead at a rural location alongside the other two, who had survived.

The Americans were attacked as a result of “confusion,” according to Irving Barrios, the state prosecutor in Tamaulipas. Matamoros has a long history of violence and highway shootouts, though that reputation has partially subsided in recent years. Then, in late February, one gang moved into the city to wrest control of drug sales from another, said Eduardo Guerrero, the director of Lantia Intelligence , a security consulting company in Mexico City.

“There are places in the country where the situation can change abruptly from one week to another,” he said. While the motives in the attack remain unclear, the Americans had “very bad luck,” Mr. Guerrero said, because they likely stumbled into a battle between the two gangs.

What happened earlier this year in Cancún?

Uber has been challenging the taxi unions for the right to operate in Cancún and won a court decision in its favor on Jan. 11. The ruling infuriated the powerful unions, which are believed to have links to local organized crime figures and former governors. Taxi drivers then began harassing and threatening Uber drivers.

The conflict generated widespread attention after a video of taxi drivers forcing a Russian-speaking family out of their rideshare car went viral, and after unions blocked the main road leading to Cancún’s hotel zone. That prompted the U.S. Embassy in Mexico to issue a security alert .

Mr. Guerrero said that the authorities will try to negotiate some kind of compromise, but there was a probability of more violence ahead.

Have authorities curbed violence that might affect tourists?

As a rule, criminals in Mexico are careful not to kill tourists, Mr. Guerrero explained, because doing so “can set in motion a persecution that can last years,” the consequences of which can be “very dissuasive,” he said.

But the rule doesn’t always hold. And in two popular destinations for foreign tourists — Los Cabos , at the tip of the Baja California peninsula, and the Caribbean coast — local and state officials have recently sought help from the United States to take on organized crime that threatened to drive off tourists.

A spasm of violence at the end of 2021 and early 2022 rattled the tourist industry along the Riviera Maya, the 80-mile strip of Caribbean resorts south of Cancún. Two visitors were killed in crossfire between local gangs in Tulum; a gunfight on a beach in Puerto Morelos sent tourists running for cover into a nearby hotel; a hit man gained entry to a luxury hotel in Playa del Carmen and killed two Canadian tourists believed to have links to organized crime.

The federal government sent National Guard units to patrol the beaches, and Quintana Roo state authorities asked U.S. law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration, to provide intelligence, Mr. Guerrero said. Local authorities, flush with tourism revenues, invested in the police, which is typically the weakest link in Mexican law enforcement.

The joint approach led to a lull in gangland gun battles in Quintana Roo’s tourist areas, and experts say that drug sales to meet foreign demand no longer take place on the street, although they are continuing more discreetly.

The success in tamping down drug violence in Quintana Roo follows a similar improvement in Los Cabos a couple of years ago when U.S. authorities also collaborated with local officials in the state of Baja California Sur. The murder rate soared in Los Cabos in 2017 amid cartel wars, and although tourists were not targeted, that year police chased gunmen into the lobby of a luxury hotel in San José del Cabo, and a cooler containing two heads was left in a tourist area.

What about tourist areas in other states?

Even in states where crime is very high, tourist areas have generally been spared. San Miguel de Allende, a haven for U.S. retirees, is an island of relative peace in a state, Guanajuato, that has been riddled with cartel violence .

The Pacific Coast state of Jalisco, home to the resort of Puerto Vallarta, picturesque tequila country and the cultural and gastronomic attractions of the state capital, Guadalajara , is also the center of operations of the extremely violent Jalisco New Generation Cartel . The cartel’s focus of violence is in the countryside; Puerto Vallarta and the beaches to its north, including the exclusive peninsula of Punta Mita and the surfers’ hangout of Sayulita, are all booming — and, despite drug sales, the cartel’s control seems to limit open conflict.

Mexico City has become a magnet for digital nomads and shorter term visitors , and concerns about violence there have receded. The city’s police force has been successful in reducing violent crime, particularly homicides, and the number of killings has been cut almost in half over the past three years.

Are there any other safety concerns?

Street crime is still a problem almost everywhere, especially in bigger cities and crowded spaces. Kidnapping and carjacking are a risk in certain regions and many businesses that cater to tourists operate under extortion threats. While tourists may not be aware of underlying criminal forces, their power sometimes spills out into the open in spectacular shows of violence.

The attack in Matamoros is only the most recent example. Mexican border cities, which have long endured waves of violence, are not typically tourist destinations, although Americans often cross the border to visit family, seek out cheaper health care or dine at restaurants.

Three airports in the state of Sinaloa, including the beach destination Mazatlán, were closed on Jan. 5 amid gang violence after Mexican security forces arrested Ovidio Guzmán López, a son of Joaquín Guzmán Loera, the crime lord known as El Chapo, who is serving a life sentence in the United States. A stray bullet fired by cartel gunmen shooting at a Mexican military plane as it landed at the airport in the state capital, Culiacán, clipped an Aeromexico plane preparing to take off for Mexico City. Nobody was hurt and the plane returned to the terminal.

In August, gunmen positioned burning cars and buses to block roads around Guadalajara in response to a military raid on a meeting of criminal bosses. In October, a local politician was shot and killed in an upscale steakhouse in suburban Guadalajara as terrified diners crawled to safety.

Pierre de Hail, the president of Janus Group Mexico, a risk management company in Monterrey, is skeptical that security has improved. “There is too much random risk,” he said. “It’s all about being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

What precautions should tourists take?

Mr. de Hail recommends researching the resort and news from the area you’re visiting. The U.S. State Department provides state-by-state information about travel risks in Mexico. As of early March, the department had issued its strongest possible warning — Level 4: Do Not Travel — for six states, including Tamaulipas and Sinaloa. Quintana Roo and Baja California Sur are at Level 2, indicating that visitors should exercise increased caution. (By comparison, the same Level 2 advisory is applied to France and Spain.)

The Matamoros incident shows how violence can flare up in places that have been quiet recently. Mr. Guerrero suggests searching on the internet before traveling for news of recent outbreaks.

Mr. de Hail also suggests buying travel insurance in case of a medical emergency or theft, and recommends that tourists keep a low profile to avoid attracting attention, he said, warning that it is easy to misread situations.

As anywhere, common sense should prevail, Mr. de Hail said: Don’t wear expensive watches or jewelry, and avoid dark and deserted places. He recommends making a copy of your passport, remaining alert while walking home at night and not leaving your drinks unattended. “I have had numerous cases of people asking for help because they were extorted coming back from bars,” he said.

He added: “If you’re staying in a place that has a report of strikes or demonstrations, don’t go there. You’re a fish out of water.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2023 .

Isabella Kwai is a Times reporter based in London, covering breaking news and other trends. More about Isabella Kwai

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places: Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

D enver, Colo.: The city is undergoing a rebirth , with a newly refreshed Union Station and the gradual reopening of the mile-long, pedestrian-friendly 16th Street Mall to go along with views of the snow-capped Front Range.

La Rioja, Spain: A drive through rolling vineyards will take you to 5 family-run restaurants where you’ll find flavorful, affordable dishes you can linger over for hours.

Seattle, Wash.: Today’s Seattle is ever evolving, filled with colorful neighborhoods that are emblematic of the Emerald City’s natural beauty, vibrant street life , and commitment to both preservation and progress .

Stockholm-Helsinki Ferry: The 16-hour trip between the two northern European cities is a festive summer ritual , with plenty of singing, gambling, limbo contests and maybe a bit too much to drink.

Swim in the Wild: Looking to take a dip in or near a city center? Here are some European urban areas that have successfully opened up waterways for swimmers .

Skip to main content
Skip to "About this site"

Language selection

Search travel.gc.ca.

Help us to improve our website. Take our survey !

COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Mexico travel advice

Latest updates: Need help? – removed information on the temporary closure of the Consular Agency of Canada to Mexico, in Acapulco

Last updated: August 30, 2024 16:44 ET

Regional Advisory - Avoid non-essential travel

Chiapas, excluding the cities of Palenque via highway 186 from Villahermosa, San Cristobal de las Casas and Tuxtla Gutiérrez
Chihuahua, excluding Chihuahua City
Colima, excluding the city of Manzanillo if accessed by air
Guerrero, excluding the cities of Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo if accessed by air
Jalisco, within 50 km of the border with Michoacán state
the Lagunas de Zempoala National Park in Morelos
Michoacán, excluding the cities of Morelia and Patzcuaro
Nayarit, within 20 km of the border with the states of Sinaloa and Durango
Nuevo León, excluding the city of Monterrey
Sinaloa, excluding the cities of Los Mochis and Mazatlán
Sonora, excluding the cities of Hermosillo, Guaymas/San Carlos and Puerto Peñasco
Tamaulipas, excluding the city of Tampico
Zacatecas, excluding Zacatecas City

Levels of crime, particularly violent crime, are high throughout Mexico.

If you’re a victim of a crime, you must report it immediately to local authorities. Criminal investigations require that a formal complaint be made in person. You should hire a local lawyer to represent your interests and follow up on your case after you return to Canada. Failure to do so may result in incomplete investigations or long delays in bringing cases to trial.

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common in Mexico. Remain vigilant in airports, bus stations, buses and the Mexico City metro system.

Be aware of your surroundings at all times,
Keep your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place
Don’t show signs of affluence or wear expensive jewellery

Organized crime

Criminal groups, including drug cartels, are very active. ‎Clashes between cartels or gangs over territory, drugs and smuggling routes are common. Armed clashes between security forces and drug cartels can occur without warning.

In some parts of the country, the military, the navy and federal police forces have been deployed to maintain a visible presence and combat organized crime to improve security conditions. They maintain a visible presence and:

If you plan on travelling to Mexico:

be vigilant
don’t show signs of affluence
stay in tourist areas
be very cautious on the roads, including major highways
avoid travelling at night
research your destination thoroughly
monitor local media for the latest information

Tourist areas

Mexican authorities have made efforts to protect major tourist destinations, resulting in lower levels of gang-related violence in these areas. However, incidents of violent crime still occur in major cities, popular tourist areas and resorts. Fighting between criminal gangs and cartels has taken place in:

restaurants

Innocent bystanders have been injured or killed. You may be in the wrong place at the wrong time and become a victim of violent crime.

Border areas

Criminal activity and violence occur regularly in border areas. Confrontations between organized criminal groups and Mexican security forces continue to pose a risk. Shootouts, attacks and illegal roadblocks may occur without warning.

The situation is tense in the border area between:

Mexico and the United States
Mexico and Guatemala

You should travel to Mexico by air to avoid criminal incidents at international land border crossings.

If you plan to cross an international land border:

remain extremely vigilant
use only official border crossings

Armed robbery

Armed robbery occurs frequently. Criminals sometimes follow a victim after they exchange or withdraw money.

Criminals on motorcycles often rob other motorists and pedestrians on the roads.

Don’t show signs of affluence
Stay in hotels and resorts with good security
Don't resist an attack
Rent cars without stickers or other advertisements for the rental company
Ensure that you only stop in major centres, at reputable hotels or at secure campsites
Avoid withdrawing or exchanging money in public areas of the airport
Don’t leave valuables in the vehicle

Canadian travellers have been physically and sexually assaulted. In some cases, hotel employees, taxi drivers and security personnel at popular tourist destinations were involved. Sometimes, hotel staff are not helpful and try to dissuade victims from reporting the incident to the police.

There are reports of individuals posing as police officers and driving cars resembling police vehicles committing:

physical assault
sexual assault

If you are in Mexico:

avoid walking after dark
avoid deserted streets at night and isolated areas

Are you a victim of sexual violence? – Government of Canada and British Embassy in Mexico City

Carjackings

Carjacking is common on roads along the Pacific coast and northern borders. Criminals mainly target:

camper vans
sport utility vehicles
pickup trucks

If you believe that you’re being followed, go directly to a police station.

Kidnappings

Kidnappings, including express kidnappings, occur frequently throughout Mexico. Kidnappers have targeted foreigners, including Canadians.

If you're kidnapped:

comply with the kidnappers’ requests
don’t resist

Express kidnappings may occur in large urban areas. Criminals kidnap the victim from the street or a taxi and force the person to withdraw funds from an ATM. Victims may be held overnight to make a second withdrawal after midnight. Thieves often work in cooperation with or pose as taxi drivers.

Only use reputable cab companies or ride-sharing apps
Avoid hailing taxis on the street
If you're threatened by armed criminals, stay calm and don’t resist

Home break-ins

Tourists staying in private and rental homes have been the victims of break-ins and burglaries. Make sure you lock windows and doors securely.

Disputes over timeshare arrangements occur. Timeshare sales representatives may be very persistent and often use pressure tactics to make a sale.

Members of criminal groups often pose as real estate representatives offering to buy your property for large amounts for use as a timeshare. They may never pay for the property or charge high administrative fees.

You're legally entitled to cancel a timeshare contract without penalty within 5 working days. It's illegal for timeshare companies to ask you to sign a waiver that prevents you from cancelling a contract. To cancel your contract, you must write directly to the timeshare company.

Before purchasing a timeshare:

carefully review the contract
consult a Mexican attorney
only provide your credit card number if you are sure you want to make the purchase
keep copies of all correspondence

If you suspect fraud in the real estate procedures, contact the Federal Attorney’s Office of Consumer immediately.

Federal Attorney’s Office of Consumer (PROFECO) – Mexican Government (in Spanish)
Should I buy a timeshare in Mexico? – Embassy of Mexico in Canada
Should I sell my timeshare in Mexico? – Embassy of Mexico in Canada

Online scams

Travellers fall victim to online scams, including phishing emails and romance scams. Certain scams target senior citizens.

Scam victims are subject to:

coercion into acting as a drug or money courier for criminal groups
forced money transfers and withdrawals of funds

Before travelling to Mexico to visit someone you met online:

be wary of individuals who ask you to carry a package from Mexico on their behalf
beware of people who show a keen interest in you online

Useful links:

Alcohol, drug and travel
Warning to Canadian Seniors Targeted by International Drug Smuggling Scams
Overseas fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud

Credit and debit card as well as ATM fraud occurs frequently.

When using your debit or credit card:

cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
don't withdraw large sums of cash
pay careful attention when others are handling your cards
avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overcharging

Certain establishments, such as bars or nightclubs, may try to overcharge you.

Discussions about overcharging have turned violent. Tourists have been threatened and forced to pay the bill.

Always confirm the price of an item before ordering
Do not leave an open tab
Avoid giving your credit card to bar or restaurant staff
Check your bill for accuracy before paying

Extortion schemes are common in Mexico. Incidences of virtual kidnappings are increasing and are more common than traditional forms of kidnapping.

Virtual kidnappings

Virtual kidnappings are a form of extortion. Victims are neither captured nor detained. Criminals use threats and knowledge of their victim’s personal information to create the impression of a kidnapping and demand ransom from the victim’s friends and family.

Criminals gather information on their victims from a variety of sources, including:

social media
watching and eavesdropping on conversations
phone theft or hacking

Criminals use many tactics in virtual kidnapping. Many of these tactics involve criminals calling potential victims in their hotel rooms, posing as their friends or family members in distress, posing as government officials or claiming to represent criminal gangs.

Always protect your personal information, both in person and over communications networks.

When you answer the phone, wait for the caller to speak
If the caller asks who is speaking, you're threatened on the phone or hear screams, hang up immediately and report the call to the authorities
Don't discuss travel plans, your room number or any other personal information with strangers
Never leave your cell phone unattended
Ensure your cellphone is password protected and enable two-step verification for your applications
Don't share personal details to strangers in person, over the phone or on social media, especially when using hotel phones
Don’t admit visitors to your room

If you believe a friend or family member is the victim of a virtual kidnapping, you should contact the Government of Canada to verify if the kidnapping is legitimate before taking any action or sending ransom money.

Police corruption

Legitimate police officers have demanded money from tourists or arrested tourists for minor offences such as:

drinking alcohol on the street
public urination
traffic violations

They have requested immediate cash payment in exchange for their release. This practice is common in tourist areas.

If this occurs:

don’t hand over your money or your passport
ask for the officer’s name, badge and patrol car number
ask for a copy of the written fine, which is payable at a later date, or insist on going to the nearest police station

Useful links

Payment of traffic violations – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Some incidents of assault, rape and sexual assault against Canadian women have occurred, including at beach resorts and on public buses.

Always remain vigilant
Do not accept offers of transportation from strangers
Avoid walking alone at night

Advice for women travellers

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Mexican law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality is not widely accepted in Mexican society, particularly in rural areas.

2SLGBTQI+ persons could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics. Transgender and gender non-conforming individuals are disproportionately targeted for violence and can face discrimination.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Spiked food and drinks

There are reports of criminals adding drugs into items that could put you at risk of sexual assault or robbery.

Items include:

food and drinks

Incidents are most likely to occur:

in nightclubs
in bars and restaurants
on public transportation, including taxis on the street

While you’re in Mexico

be wary of accepting these items from new acquaintances
never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers
order drinks in sealed bottles or cans instead of in plastic cups

Unregulated alcohol

Some bars, restaurants and resorts have served unregulated alcohol. Some travellers have reported getting sick or blacking out after drinking alcohol.

Buy alcohol from reputable establishments
Seek medical assistance if you begin to feel sick

Alcohol, drugs and travel

Mexico's standards for the height of balcony railings are considerably lower than those in Canada. Falls have resulted in deaths and injuries. Exercise caution when standing close to balcony railings.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations occur frequently and roadblocks are common during demonstrations. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation, as well as airport closures.

It’s illegal for foreigners to conduct political activity in Mexico, including participating in demonstrations. If you participate in demonstrations as a foreigner, you may face detention, deportation, and the denial of future entry into Mexico.

Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
Follow the instructions of local authorities
Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Water activities

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Riptides are common and powerful waves make swimming and water sports dangerous. Several drownings occur each year.

Many beaches don’t have warning flags to indicate unsafe conditions and they don’t always have lifeguards on duty.

Lifeguard services do not always meet Canadian standards.

Consult local residents and tour operators for information on possible hazards and safe swimming areas
Respect the areas reserved for swimming

Water sports

Tour operators do not always comply with Canadian standards, and many don’t conduct regular safety checks on their equipment.

Canadians have been involved in accidents where operators of recreational vehicles demand compensation exceeding the value of the damage caused to the vehicle or equipment.

If you undertake water sports:

use a reputable company
make sure that your travel insurance covers incidents related to this type of recreational activity
wear appropriate safety equipment, such as helmets and life jackets
do not use the equipment if you are unsure of its safety
do not dive if you have been drinking alcohol or using other substances

Water safety abroad

Adventure tourism

Outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, scuba diving, and other extreme sports can be dangerous.

Tour operators may not meet Canadian safety standards.

If you intend to participate in adventure tourism activities:

share your itinerary with a friend or family member if you’re alone
stay on marked trails and consider hiring an experienced guide from a reputable company
buy travel insurance that covers incidents related to this type of recreational activity
ensure that your physical condition is good enough to tackle the challenges of your activity
ensure that you have proper equipment and bring sufficient water
monitor weather conditions and other possible hazards
refrain from using equipment if you are unsure of its condition or safety

Power outages

Mexico sometimes experiences power shortages.

Power outages could impact essential services, such as:

public transportation, including flights
medical services
the public water supply
telecommunications
banking transactions
the supply of basic necessities

Telecommunications

The telecommunications network is not reliable in rural areas.

Canadian cell phones generally work in major cities.

Using data plans outside Canada

Road safety

Fatal accidents are frequent.

Police don’t strictly enforce traffic laws, including for drinking and driving. Police don’t regularly patrol the highways. Crime is common on highways, especially in rural areas.

Toll highways are typically better maintained than secondary highways.

Only use frequented rest areas and gas stations
Avoid travelling after dark
Only use toll roads and highways
Fill your gas tank before you travel
Always keep doors and windows closed and locked
Don’t hitchhike or pick up hitchhikers
Road alerts – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)
Information on roadside assistance – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)
Pre-paid toll card (in Spanish)

Road conditions

Road conditions vary greatly throughout the country. Many common hazards, including construction and speed bumps, are unmarked and many roads or exits are unsigned.

Road conditions can be dangerous, especially on rural roads, due to:

abandoned vehicles blocking the road
sharp curves
slow-moving vehicles
stray livestock

Driving habits

Drivers don’t always respect traffic laws and often:

drive at excessive speeds
drive aggressive or reckless
don’t use signals to indicate turns or lane changes
don’t routinely stop at pedestrian crosswalks

Vehicles and bicycles often operate without sufficient lights and reflectors.

Illegal Roadblocks

Illegal roadblocks are common. Heavily armed gangs have attacked travellers on intercity highways who fail to stop or pay a ‘toll’.

If you are threatened by criminals, stay calm and don’t resist.

Checkpoints

The military and federal police search for drugs and firearms at checkpoints throughout the country.

Public transportation

Some public and private vehicles are poorly maintained.

The Mexico City metro is often very crowded and a popular place for pickpocketing. During rush hour, there are metro cars reserved for women and children at the front of the trains.

The Metrobus in Mexico City is generally reliable. There are sections reserved for women and children at the front of the buses.

Crime is common on intercity buses.

Don’t use mini buses
Take direct bus routes
Only use bus companies that offer VIP or executive class transportation travelling on toll roads
Travel only during daylight hours
Do not carry large sums of cash
Exercise caution at bus stations

In Mexico City, all government-authorized taxis have licence plates starting with “A” or “B.” Taxis from designated stands have a company logo and icence plate number on the side of the car.

Official taxis in Mexico City are pink and white. Users can reserve these taxis on the CDMX app.

Only use officially marked taxis
Never share a cab with strangers

When arriving at an airport in Mexico, pre-pay the taxi fare at the airport inside or outside the terminal and ask to see the driver’s official identification.

My taxi – CDMX app (in Spanish)

Ridesharing services

Ridesharing apps are available at some airports.

Disputes between taxi and ride-share service drivers may occur. Although tourists have not been targeted, you may be caught up in these incidents and be harassed or injured.

If you use a ride-sharing app:

confirm the driver’s identity and license plate before getting in the car
use the security features in rideshare apps

Pirates commit attacks and armed robberies against ships in coastal waters in the Bay of Campeche. Travellers should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Mexican authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for the expected duration of your stay in Mexico.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Activities requiring a visa

You may not be able to undertake the following activities while visiting as a tourist:

volunteer work
religious/missionary work
certain types of eco-tourism

For information on the type of visa required for these activities, contact the Mexican Embassy or the closest Mexican consulate.

Travelling to Mexico by Land – Embassy of Mexico in Canada

Tourist card

When you enter Mexico for a stay of less than 180 days, you are required to have a Multiple Immigration Form (FMM) or Tourist Card.

If you enter Mexico by air:

the immigration official will stamp your passport and note the number of days you are allowed to spend in Mexico, or
if you are a tourist, you will go through an E-gate kiosk where you will scan your passport and self-register your entry. You will receive a receipt and have 60 days to download your e-tourist card

If you enter Mexico by land:

You must present a completed tourist card unless you stay in Mexico for less than 72 hours within the northern border zone. You can complete the tourist card form online before your arrival. However, you must print the form and present it to the migration official at the port of entry. You can also obtain a tourist card at the immigration office located at the border.

If you don’t obtain a tourist card upon arrival, you may face:

You should keep your tourist card with you at all times as proof of your legal stay in Mexico. You may be asked to show it to Mexican officials when exiting the country or if you are stopped at an immigration checkpoint. If you are unable to show your tourist card or digital tourist card upon departure, you will have to pay for a replacement.

Portal access for digital tourist card – Government of Mexico
Multiple Immigration Form – Government of Mexico

Length of stay

An immigration official will determine the number of days you can remain in Mexico and note it:

on your tourist card if you’re entering by land
in your passport if you’re entering by air

You may not automatically be allowed to stay in Mexico for a maximum period of 180 days. If you're seeking the maximum number of days, you may be required to:

explain the purpose of your trip to the immigration official
provide details about your trip (accommodations, funds, return flight, etc.)
provide a letter of invitation, if staying in someone’s home

You won’t be able to request an extension or change the condition of your stay from inside the country.

Tourism tax

Most visitors must pay a tourism tax.

This tax is normally included in airline ticket prices. Visitors arriving by road or sea will have to pay this tax at a bank following entry. The bank receipt must be attached to the tourist card for submission at departure.

You don't have to pay this tax if:

you're entering by land for tourism purposes, and your stay will not exceed 7 days
you're travelling to the northern border zone for less than 72 hours
you're travelling to Mexico on a cruise ship

Other entry requirements

Immigration officials may ask you to show them:

a return or onward ticket
proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay
proof of accommodations

Dual citizenship

If you enter and leave Mexico as a dual citizen, you must identify yourself as a Mexican citizen and carry valid passports for both countries.

Laws about dual citizenship

Criminal records

Canadians with a criminal record or a warrant for arrest may be refused entry and returned to Canada or to a third country on the next available flight.

Children and travel

To leave Mexico, children under 18 who are a citizen or resident of Mexico must carry:

a Mexican Minor Travel Consent Form; or
a notarized consent form if travelling without a legal guardian
Mexican minor travel consent form – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
Dengue: Advice for travellers - 26 August, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary.

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.

The flu occurs worldwide.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to April.
In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and October.
In the tropics, there is flu activity year round.

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes. There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination.

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving. Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times: • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin. • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area. • Wear permethrin-treated clothing. If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living.

In this destination, rabies is carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. Rabies treatment is often available in this destination.

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals).

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs.

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.

Salmonellosis is a common illness among travellers to this country. It can be spread through contaminated food or beverages, such as raw or undercooked poultry and eggs, as well as fruits or vegetables.

Practice safe food and water precautions . This includes only eating food that is properly cooked and still hot when served.

Pregnant women, children under 5 years of age, those over 60 years of age, and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill.

Cases of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella have been reported among Canadian travellers returning from Mexico. These strains of Salmonella do not respond to some of the recommended antibiotics if treatment is needed.

Most people recover on their own without medical treatment and from proper rehydration (drinking lots of fluids).

Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Travellers with severe symptoms should consult a health care professional as soon as possible.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
Minimize exposure to insects
Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. The level of risk may vary by:

The virus that causes chikungunya is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times.

Learn more:

Insect bite and pest prevention Chikungunya

In this country, dengue is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country.

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel.

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) is a risk in this country. It is caused by a parasite spread by infected triatomine bugs. The infection can be inactive for decades, but humans can eventually develop complications causing disability and even death.

Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from triatomine bugs, which are active at night, by using mosquito nets if staying in poorly-constructed housing. There is no vaccine available for Chagas disease.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Human cases of avian influenza have been reported in this destination. Avian influenza is a viral infection that can spread quickly and easily among birds and in rare cases it can infect mammals, including people. The risk is low for most travellers.

Avoid contact with birds, including wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead) and surfaces that may have bird droppings on them. Ensure all poultry dishes, including eggs and wild game, are properly cooked.

Travellers with a higher risk of exposure include those:

visiting live bird/animal markets or poultry farms
working with poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks)
hunting, de-feathering, field dressing and butchering wild birds and wild mammals
working with wild birds for activities such as research, conservation, or rehabilitation
working with wild mammals, especially those that eat wild birds (e.g., foxes)

All eligible people are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza shot, which will protect them against human influenza viruses. While the seasonal influenza shot does not prevent infection with avian influenza, it can reduce the chance of getting sick with human and avian influenza viruses at the same time.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

washing your hands often
avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.

Medical services and facilities

The quality of care varies greatly throughout the country. Good health care is available in private hospitals and clinics in major cities, but health care services are limited in rural areas.

Health care from private hospitals and clinics is generally expensive. Most private facilities don’t deal directly with medical insurance companies and will require payment with a credit card in advance or a bank transfer/direct deposit.

Mental health services are extremely limited in Mexico, particularly outside of Mexico City. Services and treatment standards may differ substantially from those in Canada.

Most healthcare providers speak Spanish.

Emergency and ambulance services are widely available. Response times vary widely depending on traffic and availability of services and may be slow in rural areas.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive, and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Contaminated beaches

Storm run-off, sewage or oil may affect the water quality at some beaches. Water can contain bacteria, parasites and viruses and cause illness.

Avoid swimming in polluted water
Avoid swallowing water while swimming

Medical tourism

Canadian travellers have had serious health complications following cosmetic or other elective surgeries abroad.

Before leaving for medical travel, you should do your research, considering:

the health and financial risks
the medical facility
language barriers
travel insurance coverage

You should discuss your medical plans with your primary healthcare provider in Canada before travelling. Most provincial and territorial health care programs are extremely limited in their coverage offered abroad.

Ensure that the healthcare providers you choose are authorized by the Mexican health authorities
Ask to see the credentials of the healthcare providers
Obtain a written agreement detailing the proposed treatment or procedure
Travelling outside Canada to receive medical care
If you become sick or injured while travelling outside Canada or after your return
Medical tourism – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)

Some prescription medications may not be available in Mexico.

If you take prescription medication, you’re responsible for determining its legality in Mexico.

Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you
Always keep your medication in the original container
Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage
Carry a copy of your prescriptions

Medication cannot be sent to Mexico from Canada via courier services.

Many types of medication, both over the counter and prescription, are readily available with little oversight. Counterfeit medication is common in certain parts of Mexico.

If you purchase medication in Mexico:

obtain a local prescription
exercise caution
purchase from a reputable location

Air quality

You may experience health problems caused by air pollution in major cities. In Mexico City, air pollution peaks between December to March.

Consult your doctor before booking your trip if you have lung, heart or respiratory problems.

Altitude sickness

Mexico City is 2240 metres above sea level. In some parts of the country, you may experience health problems due to high altitudes.

Altitude sickness can be life-threatening. It may require immediate medical evacuation.

Know about the symptoms of altitude sickness
Find out how to prevent or reduce the effects of altitude sickness

Death abroad

If you plan to retire or spend long periods of time in Mexico, or travel there for medical procedures, you should:

share your plans or wishes with relatives
make sure important documents can easily be located
make arrangements in case of your death while in the country
What if I Die in Mexico?
Death outside Canada

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Penalties for breaking the law in Mexico can be more severe than in Canada, even for similar offences.

Foreign nationals are often held in pre-trial detention and there can be lengthy delays before a trial.

Police may detain you for up to 72 hours for many petty crimes including:

failure to pay a bill
disorderly behaviour

Detention conditions are below the standards of Canadian prisons.

The Mexican criminal law system
Arrest and detention

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and Mexico are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Mexico to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Mexican authorities.

This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy prison sentences.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Imports and exports

The Mexican government enforces strict laws on the possession, importation and trafficking of firearms and ammunition.

Anyone entering Mexico with a firearm or ammunition without prior written authorization from Mexican authorities is subject to imprisonment.

It is illegal to enter the country with knives with blades longer than 6cm.

Vehicles and boats

Mexico has very strict rules on importing foreign vehicles and boats.

You must enter Mexico with the proper import permit and insurance since it cannot be obtained once you are in Mexico. If you fail to provide the proper permit and insurance, you could:

face a fine
have your vehicle seized

You must present a paper document of your vehicle registration to obtain a vehicle importation permit from Mexican authorities. If you present a digital document of your vehicle registration, your vehicle may be refused entry into Mexico.

Importing foreign vehicles – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)
Temporary vehicle import application system – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)
Travelling to Mexico by land – Embassy of Mexico in Canada

Cigarettes and alcohol

If you are over 18, you can bring into Mexico up to:

10 packs of cigarettes
25 cigars or 200 grams of tobacco
3 litres of alcohol
6 litres of wine

If you bring more than the allowed quantities, even if you declare or hand them over to authorities, you will have to pay a hefty import tax.

It’s illegal to remove archaeological artifacts or to export such items from Mexico.

What is included in your luggage? – Government of Mexico
Restricted goods – Government of Mexico

Smoking and vaping

Smoking and vaping are prohibited in all public places except for clearly marked designated smoking areas. This includes the following places:

beaches
hotels
markets
parks
restaurants

You may be fined or arrested if you’re caught smoking in public.

Electronic cigarettes

It’s illegal to bring, sell or distribute:

electronic cigarettes
vaping devices
vaping solutions

Customs officials could confiscate these items if you have them in your possession upon arrival. You could also be fined or detained.

Merchandise that you cannot bring into Mexico – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Mexico.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Mexico, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Mexico.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Mexico, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Mexican court.

If you are in this situation:

act as quickly as you can
contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
consult a lawyer in Canada and in Mexico to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
The Hague Convention – Hague Conference on Private International Law
Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
Request emergency assistance

Identification

Authorities may request to see your identification at any time, including your, tourist card or proof of your legal status in Mexico. Carry your original identification at all times.

Identity documents

The names on your identification must match those on your birth certificate to obtain official Mexican documents, including:

marriage certificates
immigration documents

Middle names are often not included in Canadian identity documents. This has caused significant difficulties for many Canadians planning to move to Mexico or dealing with the Mexican Civil Registry. Obtain a Canadian passport that will meet Mexican requirements prior to applying for residency.

Investments

Mexican real estate agents are not licensed or regulated. Disputes related to property acquisition or other investments are costly and take time to resolve.

If you plan to buy property or make other investments in Mexico:

seek legal advice in Canada and in Mexico before making commitments
choose your own lawyer
avoid hiring a lawyer recommended by a seller

Rental accommodations

Rental agreements between two individuals in Mexico are considered a private matter and are not regulated by the government.

If you encounter difficulties with a rental agreement, you must obtain the services of a local lawyer.

You should carry an International Driving Permit.

International Driving Permit

Auto insurance

Mexican liability insurance is mandatory. Canadian automobile insurance is not valid in Mexico.

You can obtain insurance at the Mexican border. You should obtain full coverage, including coverage for legal assistance.

If you’re involved in a traffic accident, you may face serious legal problems, including imprisonment. If you don’t have Mexican liability insurance, you could be prevented from leaving the country until all parties agree that adequate financial satisfaction has been received. If you’re found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of an accident, or if you don’t have a valid driver’s licence, your insurance will be considered invalid.

You could be taken into custody and have your vehicle seized until responsibility for the accident is determined and all fines are paid. You must report any accident you’re involved to the police.

Criminals may deliberately cause traffic accidents and threaten you with violence in order to make insurance claims or request cash from the other party.

Driving restrictions in Mexico City

To reduce air pollution, the Hoy No Circula (No Driving Today) program restricts some cars from driving in Mexico City from Monday to Saturday between 5 am to 10 pm.

Additional driving restrictions apply between February and June when pollution levels are high.

You will face driving restrictions depending on:

the last digit of your license plate
where your license plate was issued
your car’s emission sticker

Hoy No Circula program is strictly enforced. You may face heavy fines and temporary confiscation of your vehicle if you don’t comply. Consult the Hoy No Circula calendar before driving.

Electric and hybrid cars are exempted from these restrictions. Gas-fueled cars of a 2008 model or later may obtain a tourist pass valid for selected drive days.

Driving restrictions calendar for Mexico City – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)
Tourist pass – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)
Ministry of Environment – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)

Buying or selling a vehicle

You can only buy a car in Mexico if you are a temporary or permanent resident.

Selling your imported vehicle is illegal in Mexico and is subject to penalties including:

car seizure
deportation

The currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso (MXN).

You must declare upon arrival and departure if you carry more than $10,000 USD or equivalent in other currencies in:

money orders
any other receivable document

Failure to make this declaration is against Mexican law and often results in detention.

There is a limit to the amount of U.S. dollars that residents and foreigners can exchange in Mexico, depending on your immigration status. The rule doesn’t apply to Canadian dollars, but some financial institutions, hotels and currency exchange bureaus don’t make the distinction.

Money declaration – Government of Mexico

Mexico is subject to various natural disasters, which can occur at any time.

In the event of a natural disaster:

monitor local news to stay informed on the evolving situation
follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders
Secretary of Integrated Risk Management and Civil Protection – Government of Mexico City (in Spanish)
Get prepared

Climate change

Climate change is affecting Mexico. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans. Monitor local media for the latest information.

Hurricane season

Hurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.

These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services. You could face serious safety risks during a hurricane.

If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season:

be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
Severe storms outside Canada
Large-scale emergencies outside Canada
Active storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings – U.S. National Hurricane Center

Severe heat waves occur during the hot season, from April to May in the south, and from July to September along the Pacific Coast.

Know the symptoms of dehydration and heatstroke, which can both be fatal.

Sun and heat safety tips for travellers

Flooding and landslides

Heavy rains can cause flooding and landslides, especially between June and November. They can hamper overland travel, especially in rural areas. Roads may become impassable and infrastructure damaged.

Landslides — Get Prepared

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Mexico is located in an active seismic zone and there is a risk of earthquakes, aftershocks and landslides.

Earthquakes occur, particularly in Mexico City and the following states:

A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. However, the risk of a tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor. If you’re staying on the coast, familiarize yourself with the region’s evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami warning.

Latest earthquakes - U.S. Geological Survey
Tsunami alerts - U.S. Tsunami Warning System

Forest fires

Forest fires may occur, particularly during the dry season from:

January to June in the centre, north, northeast, south and southeast
May to September in the northwest

The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

In case of a major fire:

stay away from the affected area, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments

Daily report on wildfires – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)

Mexican authorities are closely monitoring multiple active volcanoes including:

Popocatepetl

Access to national parks in these areas could be restricted at any time without notice.

Eruptions could occur at any time. They sometimes lead to short-notice evacuations of surrounding areas, and ash clouds may also disrupt domestic and international flights.

Exposure to falling ash and toxic fumes from active volcanoes can affect your health.

If you are planning to travel near active volcanoes:

consult a physician in advance to determine associated health risks if you suffer from respiratory ailments
familiarize yourself with local emergency plans
avoid restricted areas
be prepared to modify your travel arrangements or even evacuate the area on short notice

In the event of a volcanic eruption:

Popocatepetl volcano updates – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)
Colima Volcano – University of Colima (in Spanish)

Local services

In case of an emergency, dial 911.

Roadside assistance

The Angeles Verdes is a highway patrol service that provides free assistance on all major toll highways from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

You can download the App on your mobile device.

In case of an emergency, you can also dial 078 or 800 006 8839 (toll-free in Mexico) to reach them.

Consular assistance

Aguascalientes, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Estado de Mexico, Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Michoacán, Morelos, Mexico City, Oaxaca, Puebla, Querétaro, San Luís Potosí, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Tlaxcala, Veracruz, Zacatecas.

Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo north of the municipality of Solidaridad, including Puerto Morelos, Isla Mujeres and Holbox

Baja California, Sonora

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Mexico, in Mexico City, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

clock This article was published more than 1 year ago

U.S. Embassy issues Mexico travel warnings to spring breakers

The State Department is also warning against visiting six states

U.S. authorities are sending an array of warnings to Mexico-bound spring break travelers: Be alert against criminal activity, watch out for counterfeit medication, avoid unregulated alcohol, don’t possess or use drugs.

But for the most part, officials are not telling people to stay away from the country, noting that “thousands” of Americans spend spring break in Mexico every year and that “the vast majority travel safely.”

The information comes from a spring break travel alert issued this week by the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico — and it follows several high-profile eruptions of disorder or violence around the country this year. Most recently, four Americans who crossed from Brownsville, Tex., to Matamoros were kidnapped earlier this month; two were killed and a third was injured.

Is it safe to travel to Mexico? Here's what to know.

“Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations,” the recent travel alert says, echoing a similar one put out last year. “Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations.”

The embassy’s alert directs travelers to the U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for Mexico, which is broken down by state and was last updated in October. Tamaulipas , where the Americans were kidnapped, is one of six states that carry a “Do Not Travel” warning.

6 Mexico vacations that check every travel style

Most Mexican states — including those with tourist hot spots such as Cancún, Cozumel, Cabo San Lucas and Oaxaca — fall under the lower Level 2 category, where travelers are urged to “exercise increased caution.” But the alert warns visitors not to let their guard down, even in those less-risky areas.

“U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in the downtown areas of popular spring break locations including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum, especially after dark,” it says.

In addition to crime, the travel alert warns of the risks of unknown substances or drinks, cautioning that unregulated alcohol could be tainted, counterfeit medication could contain dangerous ingredients and drug use could result in arrest, illness or worse.

“U.S. citizens have become seriously ill or died in Mexico after using synthetic drugs or adulterated prescription pills,” the warning says.

Travelers should limit the amount of cash they carry, be careful when withdrawing money, stick to regulated taxi services or app-based ride-shares, and stay with a group in clubs and bars or when getting around at night, the embassy says. The alert recommends participating in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, which provides information on safety conditions and contact information to the U.S. government.

Understanding the State Department's travel advisories

Another U.S. jurisdiction put out a much stronger warning last week, when the Texas Department of Public Safety urged Texans to avoid trips to Mexico altogether during spring break and after.

“Drug cartel violence and other criminal activity represent a significant safety threat to anyone who crosses into Mexico right now,” the department’s director, Steven McCraw, said in a statement. “We have a duty to inform the public about safety, travel risks and threats. Based on the volatile nature of cartel activity and the violence we are seeing there, we are urging individuals to avoid travel to Mexico at this time.”

The department wrote that “many people do travel to Mexico without incident” but said that “the serious risks cannot be ignored.”

Dale Buckner, CEO of security services firm Global Guardian , told The Washington Post last month that resort destinations are typically in “somewhat of a bubble” where the government has placed extra security and violence is not usually directed at visitors.

“If you’re at one of these hubs and you’re at a high-end resort, you’re going to see security and guys with guns on the beach,” he said. “They’re intentionally creating a safer environment; for the most part, it works.”

He urged travelers to take the kind of preparation they should make before they go anywhere in the world: planning for illness or injury and the need to return home in an emergency; knowing how to get out of a natural disaster; and anticipating what to do if they were hacked or kidnapped. And he said tourists also need to plan their activities with safety in mind, avoiding unnecessary risks.

“We highly encourage people to go to Mexico and enjoy it,” he said last month. “You just need to do a little bit of homework.”

Those who work in the travel industry in Mexico say the country is vast and cannot be painted with a single brush. Zachary Rabinor, founder and CEO of travel planning company Journey Mexico , said in an email last month that his staff monitors safety situations and operates where there are no travel restrictions.

“We are confident that with proper preparation and information, travel to and within Mexico continues to be a great option,” he said last month. “While there is no 100% guarantee of complete safety when traveling anywhere, even within the U.S. and Europe, working with a trusted and professional destination specialist minimizes risk and keeps travelers in the right places at the right time.”

More travel news

How we travel now: More people are taking booze-free trips — and airlines and hotels are taking note. Some couples are ditching the traditional honeymoon for a “buddymoon” with their pals. Interested? Here are the best tools for making a group trip work.

Bad behavior: Entitled tourists are running amok, defacing the Colosseum , getting rowdy in Bali and messing with wild animals in national parks. Some destinations are fighting back with public awareness campaigns — or just by telling out-of-control visitors to stay away .

Safety concerns: A door blew off an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 jet, leaving passengers traumatized — but without serious injuries. The ordeal led to widespread flight cancellations after the jet was grounded, and some travelers have taken steps to avoid the plane in the future. The incident has also sparked a fresh discussion about whether it’s safe to fly with a baby on your lap .

U.S. Issues Warning For All Travelers Headed To Cancun & Mexican Caribbean This Spring

By: Author James Henry Currie

Posted on Published: February 27, 2024

Share The Article

Last Updated 6 months ago

The U.S. Embassy & Consulates In Mexico department has issued a warning for all U.S. travelers visiting Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean this spring.

This is done in the spirit of protecting every American while on vacation and with the express purpose of providing useful and up-to-date information that empowers U.S. citizens to enjoy the Mexican Caribbean safely during spring break and easter.

Tourists at Playa Marlin, in the Hotel Zone of Cancun.

The Warnings

Many of the warnings put out by the U.S. Embassy & Consulates In Mexico center around situations that are useful for Americans to be aware of year-round.

So, even if you are not traveling during the spring period, the following information remains super helpful and important.

travelers dancing on a beach with a sunset in the background

Presence of Crime

While Cancun has made big strides since the pandemic to improve security, there still remain issues that travelers should be aware of.

It will come as no surprise that the majority of instances of crime that travelers come into contact with revolve around narcotics.

For travelers who don’t partake in the consumption of narcotics, there is little to worry about, but getting involved in the purchase of these substances places travelers in a potentially dangerous situation.

mexican police with a narcotics detection dog

Personal Responsibility

Some of the other big safety issues highlighted by the U.S. Embassy & Consulates In Mexico aren’t related to crime and are easily avoided with a responsible approach to personal safety. They include:

Water safety – Always obey lifeguards and the beach flag system to stay safe while swimming.
Medical Emergencies – Medical facilities in Cancun are of a good standard, and travelers should take full advantage of this if the need arises. In an emergency, dial 911.
Drink Responsibly – Travelers go to Cancun to let loose and enjoy life, but even in these moments it’s important to drink alcohol responsibly. It isn’t uncommon for highly intoxicated travelers to be arrested for being drunk and disorderly. Equally, public urination is also illegal.
Firearms – These are strictly controlled in Mexico, and the importation of either firearms or ammunition can lead to serious repercussions, including incarceration and deportation.
Pharmaceuticals – Over the past year there have been reports of counterfeit medication being sold within Mexico. Travelers should only seek out prescription medication under the advisement of a doctor, and only from reputable big-box pharmacies.

Big-box pharmacy chain Farmacia Guadalajara

Tips To Stay Safe

The warning from the U.S. Embassy & Consulates In Mexico also came with stellar advice on staying safe while on vacation in the Mexican Caribbean.

One piece of advice was to enroll in the State Department Smart Traveler Enrollment Program , this helpful service keeps American travelers up to date on the current safety situation in all areas of Mexico, and also allows the U.S. Embassy to directly contact citizens in emergencies.

seal of the embassy of the united states of america

Additionally, it is advised travelers download the Guest Assist application on their smartphones. This is a fantastic initiative from the government of Quintana Roo that lays out all the services available to Americans while in the Mexican Caribbean.

This information is invaluable to travelers when in need of assistance and includes all emergency services, as well as information on consumer rights and how to exercise them.

Furthermore, the importance of regularly monitoring both credit and debit card transactions is highlighted. In the past, there have been instances of cards being cloned or swapped and travelers incurring large charges.

To avoid this, it is best to pay for most goods and services in the Mexican Caribbean using cash. When withdrawing cash from an ATM, it is best to use in-bank ATMs that are guarded by security.

This is due to a trend in Mexico of less public and unguarded ATMs being the target of organized criminals either cloning credit cards or committing robbery to relieve travelers of freshly withdrawn cash.

Nothing New, But All Important

Thankfully, this latest warning to U.S. travelers doesn’t highlight any new issues to deal with. And instead, it is a timely reminder of the important basics of having a safe and enjoyable vacation in the Mexican Caribbean.

Plan Your Next Cancun Vacation:

Traveler Alert: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!

Choose From Thousands of Cancun and Riviera Maya Hotels, Resorts and Hostels with Free Cancellation On Most Properties

↓ Join the community ↓

The Cancun Sun Community FB group has all the latest travel news, conversations and tourism Q&A’s for the Mexican Caribbean

Subscribe to our Latest Posts

Enter your email address to subscribe to The Cancun Sun’s latest breaking news affecting travelers, straight to your inbox.

Enter your email address

Search Smartraveller

Latest update

Exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico overall due to the threat of violent crime.

Higher levels apply in some areas.

Mexico (PDF 1007.79 KB)

Americas (PDF 3.29 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies.

Call 911 or go to the hospital.

Call 911 or go to the local police station.

Advice levels

Exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico overall.

Reconsider your need to travel to Michoacán (except Morelia and Lázaro Cardenas and the Monarch butterfly reserves), Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains in southern Chihuahua and the states of Guerrero (including Acapulco), North-eastern Sinaloa, North-western Durango, South-eastern Sonora (except for the Chihuahua-Pacific Railway), Tamaulipas and Zacatecas.

Reconsider your need to travel to:

Michoacán (except Morelia and Lázaro Cardenas and the Monarch butterfly reserves)
Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains in southern Chihuahua
Guerrero State (including Acapulco)
North-eastern Sinaloa State
North-western Durango State
South-eastern Sonora State (except for the Chihuahua-Pacific Railway)
Tamaulipas State and
Zacatecas State

due to high levels of violent crime (including kidnapping and extortion) and their volatile security situation.

Avoid protests and large public gatherings. These can become violent. It's against the law for foreigners to participate in political activity.
Mexico has a high risk of violent crime, including murder, armed robbery, sexual assault and kidnapping. Don't travel at night outside major cities. Drug-related violence is widespread.
Kidnapping and extortion are serious risks. Don't draw attention to your money or business affairs. Only use ATMs in public spaces and during the daytime.
Stop at all roadblocks, or you risk getting killed.
Hurricanes and earthquakes are common in Mexico. Local authorities will direct you to your nearest shelter in the event of a hurricane. Know the earthquake safety measures where you're staying.

Full travel advice: Safety

Malaria and Zika virus are risks in Mexico. If you're pregnant, ask your doctor about the risk of Zika virus before you travel.
Mexico has insect-borne diseases, including dengue fever, chikungunya, Chagas disease and leishmaniasis. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. Use insect repellent.
Parts of Mexico are at high altitudes. Air pollution can also cause health issues, particularly over winter (December to February). Talk to your doctor before you travel if you have heart, lung or breathing issues.

Full travel advice: Health

Smoking, including vaping, is banned in all public places in Mexico, including beaches, parks, hotels and restaurants. Importing electronic cigarettes and vaping devices is also prohibited. You may be fined or arrested.
Some activities are illegal for foreigners in Mexico. These include political activity, driving without insurance, and failing to report a road accident. Ensure you understand and follow local laws.
Possessing or exporting ancient Mexican artefacts and carrying firearms or ammunition without a permit are also illegal. Apply for a firearm permit at a Mexican embassy or consulate before you arrive.
Although same-sex marriage is legal in Mexico, some parts of the country are conservative. LGBTI travellers should consider limiting public displays of affection.

Full travel advice: Local laws

If you're visiting for 180 days or less as a tourist, you'll receive a visa on arrival for the duration of your planned stay. You can't extend your visa if you plan to stay longer than advised to the immigration officer on arrival. Mexican authorities advise to avoid being detained or deported, you must complete an online Multiple Immigration Form (FMM) and obtain a QR code.
Make sure immigration officials stamp your passport on arrival, as this will state the number of days your visa will be valid. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Mexico for the latest details.
To cross the land border between Mexico and the US, you must provide a verbal attestation for your reason for travel. Make sure you receive an entry stamp in your passport.
Periodic closures of Mexico's land borders with Guatemala and Belize may occur. Check with local authorities before crossing the border or taking a flight.
If you're taking public transport or taxis, use only first-class buses and official registered taxis. Use ride-share services where possible instead of taxis. Crime levels on intercity buses are high, especially after dark.

Full travel advice: Travel

Local contacts

The Consular Services Charter tells you what the Australian Government can and can't do to help when you're overseas.
To stay up to date with local information, follow the Embassy's social media accounts: ( Facebook ), ( X ).
The Australian Embassy in Mexico City can provide consular assistance by email, phone, or appointment.
You can also contact the Australian Consulate in Cancún for limited consular assistance.

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Full advice

Violent crime, violent crime.

Mexico has a high risk of violent crime, especially after dark.

Murder, armed robbery , sexual assault and kidnapping are high risks. These crimes can occur at tourist spots and resorts.

Criminals posing as police officers have committed sexual assault, extortion and robbery. They may drive fake police cars.

Gangs have attacked travellers after they've changed money at airports.

To protect yourself from violent crime:

avoid travelling at night outside major cities, including on major highways
monitor the media for new safety risks
don't change large amounts of money at the airport

Crime on intercity buses and highways is common in Mexico.

Thieves have robbed tourists on buses along the Pacific Highway, including from Acapulco to Ixtapa and Huatulco.

Violent carjackings have increased. The northern borders and along the Pacific coast are high-risk areas.

Criminals have attacked tourists on toll roads and highways. The Sonora, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and border regions are high-risk areas.

Organised crime groups have targeted large campervans and SUVs travelling in and out of the United States.

To reduce the risk of crime when travelling by road:

use ride-share services where possible instead of taxis
use official taxis from airports and pre-pay your fare at an official taxi company booth in the airport terminal
use radio taxis or taxis at assigned stands (sitios), especially in Mexico City
use first-class buses
only travel during daylight hours and allow enough time to get to your destination before dark
drive via toll roads (cuota)

Watch out for drink and food spiking, which can occur in bars, clubs and restaurants. You're at higher risk of sexual assault and theft if you get drugged.

Drug and gang violence

Violent crimes related to the drug trade are widespread in Mexico.

Shoot-outs, grenade attacks and car bombings have occurred in public places.

Targeted attacks have increased on the military, government officials and journalists.

You may become a victim of violence directed against someone else.

Federal police and the military use roadblocks and random vehicle checks to deal with drug-related violence.

Drug cartels set up unofficial roadblocks in the northern areas of Mexico to obstruct military and police movement.

Stop at all roadblocks, or you risk getting killed. Comply with the instructions given.

Risks are higher in those areas most affected by drug-related and gang violence, including:

Northern border states – Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas
Pacific coast states – Colima, Guerrero, Jalisco, Michoacán, Nayarit and Sinaloa
Central region states – Guanajuato, Durango, San Luis Potosi and Zacatecas
State of Mexico and the State of Veracruz on the Gulf coast
Major cities along Mexico's border with the United States – Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, Nogales, Piedras Negras and Reynosa

State of Guanajuato

Violence and drug cartel activity are on the rise across the State.

Gang members are known to erect roadblocks on major highways. Murders, including mass killings, occur regularly.

Even as a tourist, you risk getting caught up in violence inadvertently.

Avoid known hot spots such as Acámbaro, Celaya, Irapuato, León, Salamanca, Silao and Santiago.

State of Guerrero

The violent crime rate remains high, and the security situation is volatile.

Violent criminal gangs are more active in rural areas than cities.

Acapulco has high levels of violent crime, such as murder and shootings. The resort city is unsafe, especially outside tourist areas. Due to the precarious security situation following damage by Hurricane Otis, there's a threat of armed violence, banditry, and looting in cities and on roads.

Crime risks are lower in the tourist areas of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo and Taxco and on the toll road to Taxco than in other parts of Guerrero.

Protesters can disrupt toll booths along the road to Taxco, causing delays.

State of Michoacán

Many 'self-defence' groups have formed in the State. They are unpredictable, and the security situation is volatile.

Security near the Monarch butterfly reserves, including on the border with the State of Mexico, has deteriorated due to cartel activity.

Crime is lower in Morelia city.

State of Tamaulipas

Tamaulipas has widespread criminal activity linked to drug trafficking. Kidnapping and extortion are also common.

State of Quintana Roo

Violent crimes related to the drug trade have occurred in tourist areas of Quintana Roo, such as Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Shoot-outs have occurred in public places, injuring or killing tourists.

State of Zacatecas

Zacatecas has widespread criminal activity linked to drug trafficking. Violence is increasing due to clashes between competing drug cartels. Kidnapping and extortion are common.

Other violent areas

High levels of violent crime and lawlessness occur in:

the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains in southern Chihuahua State
north-eastern Sinaloa State
north-western Durango State
south-eastern Sonora State

Organised crime gangs operate in these regions. The Chihuahua-Pacific Railway is less affected.

The State of Mexico has a high level of violent crime. Murder, assault , armed robbery, extortion and kidnapping are common.

According to Mexican Government statistics, Baja California Sur and Quintana Roo have reported significant increases in drug-related violence, particularly murder. The states with the highest homicide rates are Baja California Sur, Colima, Quintana Roo, Morelos, Zacatecas, Guanajuato, Baja California, Chihuahua, Michoacan and Sonora.

To reduce your risks if travelling to violent areas, stay in:

tourist areas
well-known and well-frequented public areas with good access to safe transport in the evenings

To protect yourself from crime in violent areas:

avoid road travel, especially at night
avoid isolated locations
pay close attention to your personal security
stay alert to possible threats around you
follow the advice of local authorities
monitor the media for safety or security risks

Other crime risks

Petty crime.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching, is common. Take care on public transport, at tourist spots, airports, hotels and bus stations.

Thieves often work with or pose as taxi drivers. Be aware travellers have been robbed when using taxis hailed from the street.

More information:

Preventing crime and petty theft

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

Cyber security when travelling overseas

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.

Kidnapping is a serious risk in Mexico. Kidnapping occurs throughout the country, with the highest number of cases recorded in and around Mexico City, along the Gulf Coast from Tamaulipas to Tabasco states, and in other large cities. Kidnappers target a broad demographic, including foreigners and expatriates. Victims of traditional kidnappings are physically abducted and held captive until a ransom is paid. In some cases, the captors receive a ransom and kill the victim.

Some victims claim police officers are involved in their kidnapping.

Virtual kidnappings target people over the phone to extort money. Kidnappers pose as officials or cartel members and demand payments for the release of a family member they have allegedly detained. If you receive a call or message, contact local police.

Express kidnappings are also regularly reported in Mexico. Kidnappers force victims to withdraw funds from ATMs before they are released.

If, despite our advice, you travel to an area with a high risk of kidnapping, our ability to provide consular assistance in these destinations will be limited.

To reduce the risk of kidnapping:

always be alert to your personal security and surroundings
get professional security advice for travel in locations with a heightened kidnap risk
check your accommodation has appropriate security measures
avoid isolated locations, particularly when travelling alone
notify family or friends of planned travel and share your location
avoid talking about your money or business affairs
use ATMs in public places and during daylight hours
avoid giving personal details to strangers online or over the phone

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Paying a ransom to terrorist groups will likely break Australian counter-terrorism financing laws.

More information:

Civil unrest and political tension

Demonstrations and protests.

It's illegal for foreigners to take part in political activity in Mexico.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. They're common and often:

disrupt public services
cause traffic delays
stop movement around affected areas

Protesters may blockade roads.

Public protests in Mexico City are common. Expect protests and potential roadblocks in the states of Oaxaca, Chiapas, Guerrero and Michoacán.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

check local sources for details of possible strikes or unrest
follow advice from local authorities
change your travel plans in case of disruptions

Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Swimming safety

Even strong swimmers can be at risk from undertows and currents on both coasts of Mexico. Obey the beach warning flags.

Climate and natural disasters

Mexico experiences natural disasters and severe weather , such as:

earthquakes
volcanic activity

If you're involved in a natural disaster:

secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
keep in contact with your friends and family
monitor local media and other sources
contact your tour operator or airline

Hurricanes and severe weather

Severe weather occurs in Mexico.

The hurricane season is from June to November. The direction and strength of hurricanes can change with little warning.

Landslides, mudslides and flash flooding can also occur, including in Mexico City.

If there's a hurricane or severe storm:

you may get stuck in the area
flights could be delayed or suspended
flights out may fill quickly
adequate shelter may not be available
electricity supply, communication networks and transport options may be disrupted.

To protect yourself if a hurricane is approaching:

listen to the instructions of local authorities
know the evacuation plan for your hotel or cruise ship
identify your local shelter
monitor alerts and advice from the US National Hurricane Center and local authorities

Earthquakes

Mexico experiences earthquakes and tremors each year. Aftershocks are common and can damage already weakened structures.

Earthquakes can disrupt power and communication systems.

Get to know the earthquake safety measures for each place you stay and visit.

Tsunamis may occur in Mexico.

Receive tsunami alerts by registering with the following:

Global Disaster Alert and Co-ordination System
Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre

If you're near the coast, move immediately to high ground if advised by local authorities or if you:

feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings, such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, check local media.

Active volcanoes include the Popocatepetl and Colima volcanoes.

Volcanic ash from eruptions of these volcanoes can disrupt domestic and international flights and cause airport closures. Exposure to falling ash and toxic fumes from active volcanoes can also affect your health, especially if you suffer from respiratory ailments.

Avoid the affected areas
Monitor local media to remain informed
Contact your travel agent or airline regarding airport and flight status
Be prepared to change your travel arrangements or evacuate the area on short notice
Follow the advice of local authorities, including evacuation orders

The Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System can give you general volcano alerts.

Travel Insurance

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won’t pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

what activities and care your policy covers
that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

have a basic health check-up
ask if your travel plans may affect your health
plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of someone you know, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location

General health advice
Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Mexico. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

what the medication is
your required dosage
that it's for personal use

Health risks

Insect-borne diseases.

Malaria is a risk in Mexico, particularly in:

the State of Chiapas
rural areas of Nayarit, Oaxaca and Sinaloa
some parts of Chihuahua, Durango and Sonora.

Zika virus is widespread in Mexico. There's no vaccination for Zika virus.

Read the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care page on Zika virus for advice on how to reduce your risk.

If you're pregnant, the department recommends that you:

discuss travel plans with your doctor
consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas.

In Mexico, there's also a risk of:

chikungunya
chagas disease
leishmaniasis

To protect yourself from disease:

make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
use insect repellent
wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
consider medication to prevent malaria

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

Other health risks

High altitude and air pollution can cause health issues in some regions. Pollution peaks in winter from December to February.

If you have heart, lung or respiratory problems, ask your doctor for advice before you travel.

Foodborne, waterborne and other diseases are widespread. These include:

tuberculosis
cyclosporiasis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
avoid ice cubes
avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
get vaccinated before you travel
avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Infectious diseases

Medical care

Medical facilities.

Private hospitals in Mexico City and other major cities provide a reasonable standard of care. Services are limited in rural areas.

Treatment at private clinics and hospitals is very expensive.

Doctors and hospitals are unlikely to work with your overseas travel insurer. You'll need to pay before they'll treat you, even for emergency care.

You can find hyperbaric chambers in major cities and resort towns where scuba diving is popular.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Smoking, including vaping, has been banned in all public places, including beaches, parks, hotels and restaurants. You may be fined or arrested.

Property laws

Property laws and time-share agreements can be complex.

Before you buy or invest in property, do your research and get legal advice.

In Mexico, it's illegal to:

conduct political activity, including demonstrations
possess ancient Mexican artefacts or export them from Mexico
carry firearms or ammunition without a permit, including in Mexican waters
drive a car without insurance
fail to report a road accident.

If you need a firearm permit, apply at a Mexican Embassy or Consulate before you arrive.

You're responsible for any illegal items found in rented or borrowed vehicles. This applies even if you don't know they're there.

If you're the victim of a crime and want to report the incident, do so immediately to the nearest branch of the state prosecutor’s office (Agencia del Ministerio Público). A criminal investigation is not possible without a formal complaint to Mexican authorities. Complaints must be made in person before leaving Mexico.

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

Check if being an Australian-Mexican dual citizen may affect your travel.

Always travel on your Australian passport .

Dual nationals

Local customs

Although same sex marriage is legal in Mexico, some parts of the country are conservative.

LGBTQIA+ travellers should consider limiting public displays of affection.

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.

If you visit for 180 days or less as a tourist, you can get a visa on arrival. Be aware of the date that's stamped in your passport on arrival, as you may not receive the full 180 days. Your visa will expire on the entry stamp date. This is usually for the amount of time you indicate to the immigration officer that you are staying in Mexico.

To avoid being detained or deported, you'll need to:

fill in an online Multiple Immigration Form (FMM) and obtain a QR code
make sure your passport is stamped by immigration officials on arrival

You can complete the FMM online before you arrive or on arrival.

If you're entering by road, make sure you get the stamp on your passport at the immigration office (Instituto Nacional de Migración: Spanish) . These are usually located near, but not directly at, a border crossing.

Present your completed FMM for inspection at immigration if entering by air. You'll need to show it when you leave Mexico.

Border measures

To cross the land border between Mexico and the US, you'll need to verbally provide the reason for your travel.

Periodic closures of Mexico's land borders with Guatemala and Belize may occur. Check with local authorities before crossing the border or travelling by plane.

Confirm your travel and transit arrangements directly with your airline or travel agent.

Travel via the United States or Canada

If you're travelling through the US , ensure you meet all current US entry or transit requirements, including if you're transiting through Hawaii.

If you travel through Canada , ensure you meet all entry and transit requirements.

Other formalities

Mexico charges all visitors an immigration fee.

If you arrive on a commercial flight, the cost of your ticket includes the fee.

If you enter by land, the immigration office will arrange for you to pay the fee at a nearby bank. There's no exit tax.

A child under 18 years who's also a citizen or resident of Mexico must carry a Mexican Minor Travel Consent Form (Spanish) or a notarised consent if travelling with anyone other than their parent or legal guardian.

You may need a permit if you arrive in Mexico by motor vehicle. Check with the Embassy of Mexico before you travel.

Advice for people travelling with children

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This may apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport isn't valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service .
If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian Embassy or Consulate .

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

LGBTQIA+ travellers

Mexico's official currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN).

Declare amounts over US$10,000 or foreign currency equivalent. Do this on arrival and departure. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

US dollars are widely accepted in holiday resort areas. You can't generally exchange Australian currency and traveller's cheques in Mexico.

ATMs are widely available in cities and towns. Take care as credit card fraud occurs.

Carry cash if you're travelling to rural areas.

Most international hotels and tourist facilities accept credit and debit cards.

Ask your bank whether your ATM card will work in Mexico.

Local travel

Driving permit.

You can use your valid Australian driver's licence to drive in Mexico.

Road travel

Vehicles generally don't stop for pedestrians or indicate when they're turning. Intersections can be confusing, with vehicles coming from unexpected directions.

Strict laws cover insurance and reporting of accidents.

If you drive in Mexico:

learn local road use and driving rules
keep doors locked and windows up, even when moving
use toll roads (cuota) to reduce the risk of crime

If you're a victim of roadside robbery or stopped at a roadblock, do as you're asked.

Driving on rural roads in Mexico is dangerous due to:

poor road conditions.
pedestrians and livestock on roads
inadequate street lighting and signage

Criminals target vehicles, including campervans and SUVs, especially in rural areas.

Driving or riding

Use ride-share services, where possible, instead of taxis. If this isn't an option, it's best to use registered official taxis and limousines, preferably arranged through your hotel. To avoid issues:

use official taxis from airports
pre-pay your fare at an official taxi company booth at the airport
use radio taxis or taxis waiting at assigned stands (sitios), especially in Mexico City

Public transport

Crime levels on intercity buses and highways are high, and the risks increase after dark. See Safety

Use first-class buses.

Women travelling on public transport should be cautious.

Transport and getting around safely
Advice for women

Check Mexico's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

family and friends
travel agent
insurance provider

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the Consular Services Charter . It details what the Australian Government can and can’t do to help you overseas.

Australian Embassy, Mexico City

Ruben Dario #55 Corner of Campos Eliseos, Polanco Colonia Bosque de Chapultepec 11580 CDMX Mexico Phone: +52 55 1101 2200 Email: [email protected] Website: mexico.embassy.gov.au Facebook: Australian Embassy, Mexico City X: Australian Embassy, Mexico City

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

Australian Consulate, Cancún

EDIFICIO GRUPO VIVO Calle Luciernaga esquina con Avenida Politécnico Región 501, Manzana 13, Lote 7 Cancún, Quintana Roo C.P. 77535, México Email: [email protected]

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
1300 555 135 in Australia

Travelling to Mexico?

Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.

Brilliant Maps

Making Sense Of The World, One Map At A Time

Mexico Safety Travel Advisories From The US Department of State (2024)

Last Updated: June 25, 2024 Leave a Comment

Mexico Safety Travel Advisories Us Department Of State V0 8L1Cohnkem7D1

Map created by reddit user 33Sharpies The map displays the US Department of State’s travel advisories for Mexico , indicating safety levels for different regions.

The colors represent different levels of caution:

Green: Normal Caution
Yellow: Increased Caution
Orange: Reconsider Travel
Red: Do Not Travel

It was accurate at the time of publication (June 2024), but advisories may have since changed. For the latest visit the official Mexico Travel Advisory page here .

Here’s what the Department of State has to say about their reasons:

Do Not Travel To:

Colima state due to crime and kidnapping .
Guerrero state due to crime .
Michoacan state due to crime and kidnapping .
Sinaloa state due to crime and kidnapping
Tamaulipas state due to crime and kidnapping.
Zacatecas state due to crime and kidnapping .

Reconsider Travel To:

Baja California state due to crime and kidnapping .
Chihuahua state due to crime and kidnapping .
Durango state due to crime .
Guanajuato state due to crime and kidnapping .
Jalisco state due to crime and kidnapping .
Morelos state due to crime .
Sonora state due to crime and kidnapping .

Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To:

Aguascalientes state due to crime .
Baja California Sur state due to crime .
Chiapas state due to crime .
Coahuila state due to crime .
Hidalgo state due to crime .
Mexico City due to crime .
Mexico State due to crime .
Nayarit state due to crime.
Nuevo Leon state due to crime and kidnapping .
Oaxaca state due to crime .
Puebla state due to crime and kidnapping .
Queretaro state due to crime .
Quintana Roo state due to crime .
San Luis Potosi state due to crime and kidnapping .
Tabasco state due to crime .
Tlaxcala state due to crime .
Veracruz state due to crime .

Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To:

Campeche state
Yucatan state

And here are their tips if you do decide to travel to Mexico:

If you decide to travel to Mexico:

Keep traveling companions and family back home informed of your travel plans. If separating from your travel group, send a friend your GPS location. If taking a taxi alone, take a photo of the taxi number and/or license plate and text it to a friend.
Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night. In many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital or major cities.
Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
Follow the U.S. Embassy on Facebook and Twitter .
Review the Country Security Report for Mexico.
Mariners planning travel to Mexico should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts , which include instructions on reporting suspicious activities and attacks to Mexican naval authorities.
Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
Visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information related to your travel.

And finally here are the full reasoning and restrictions for states listed as Do Not Travel To.

Colima state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Violent crime and gang activity are widespread. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with noted restrictions:

Manzanillo: U.S. government employee travel is limited to the tourist and port areas of Manzanillo.
Employees traveling to Manzanillo from Guadalajara must use Federal Toll Road 54D during daylight hours.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Colima state.

Guerrero state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime.

Crime and violence are widespread. Armed groups operate independently of the government in many areas of Guerrero. Members of these groups frequently maintain roadblocks and may use violence towards travelers. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping in previous years.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following area with the noted restrictions:

Taxco: U.S. government employees must use Federal Highway 95D, which passes through Cuernavaca, Morelos, and stay within downtown tourist areas of Taxco. Employees may visit Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park during the day with a licensed tour operator.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Guerrero, including to tourist areas in Acapulco , Zihuatanejo , and Ixtapa .

Michoacan state – Do Not Travel

Crime and violence are widespread in Michoacan state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

Federal Highway 15D: U.S. government employees may travel on Federal Highway 15D to transit the state between Mexico City and Guadalajara.
Morelia: U.S. government employees may travel by air and by land using Federal Highways 43 or 48D from Federal Highway 15D.
Lazaro Cardenas: U.S. government employees must travel by air only and limit activities to the city center or port areas.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Michoacan, including the portions of the Monarch Butterfly Reserve located in Michoacan.

Sinaloa state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime is widespread. Criminal organizations are based in and operating in Sinaloa. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

Mazatlan: U.S. government employees may travel to Mazatlan by air or sea only, are limited to the Zona Dorada and historic town center, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport and sea terminal.
Los Mochis and Topolobampo: U.S. government employees may travel to Los Mochis and Topolobampo by air or sea only, are restricted to the city and the port, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Sinaloa state.

Tamaulipas state – Do Not Travel

Organized crime activity – including gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault – is common along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. Criminal groups target public and private passenger buses, as well as private automobiles traveling through Tamaulipas, often taking passengers and demanding ransom payments.

Heavily armed members of criminal groups often patrol areas of the state and operate with impunity particularly along the border region from Reynosa to Nuevo Laredo. In these areas, local law enforcement has limited capacity to respond to incidents of crime. Law enforcement capacity is greater in the tri-city area of Tampico, Ciudad Madero, and Altamira, which has a lower rate of violent criminal activity compared to the rest of the state.

U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo: U.S. government employees may only travel within a limited radius around and between the U.S. Consulates in Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros, their homes, the respective U.S. Ports of Entry, and limited downtown sites, subject to an overnight curfew.
Overland travel in Tamaulipas: U.S. government employees may not travel between cities in Tamaulipas using interior Mexican highways. Travel between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey is limited to Federal Highway 85D during daylight hours with prior authorization.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other parts of Tamaulipas state.

Zacatecas state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread in Zacatecas state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

Zacatecas City : U.S. government employee travel is limited to Zacatecas City proper, and employees may not travel overland to Zacatecas City.
U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Zacatecas state.

Have you traveled to Mexico? Did you feel safe? Leave a comment in the comment section below:

Click To Get My 10 Best Brilliant Maps For Free:

Other popular maps.

European & North American Cities Transposed Onto The Opposite Continent At The Same Latitude

Syrian Refugees Per Capita: Who’s Been The Most & Least Generous

Blagoveshchensk-Heihe: The World’s Most Unusual Conurbation?

Pluto vs Alaska Size Comparison

How The Nile Has Changed Course Over The Past 5,000 Years

How Bad Are STDs In Your City? The Interactive Unsafe Sex Map of America

Most Popular Lullaby From Every Country In The World

Countries Where The Capital Is Not The Largest City

Travel Experiences

Trip planning, travel destinations, destination highlights, mexico lifestyles, living & lifestyle, lifestyle planning, real estate, healthcare & wellbeing, leisure assistance, lifestyle assistance, insurance coverages, property assistance, about mexperience, mexico essentials, discover more, safety in mexico: situational updates and practical tips.

This guide to safety in Mexico provides situational updates and practical advice for visitors to, and foreign residents living in, Mexico

Keep abreast about safety issues in Mexico with our guide which offers practical and sensible advice based on currently-reported situations.

Last Updated: December 2021

Safety in Mexico: current situations

Drug-related violence.

Turf wars between major Mexican drug cartels vying for control of trade routes to U.S. as well Mexican narcotic retail markets can spark waves of drug-related violence in some areas of Mexico and, during flare-ups, this creates a flow of dramatic news headlines. This type of violence tends to be concentrated in specific areas while other regions remain virtually unaffected .

Government consulates are advising travelers to exercise caution when traveling in northern states of Baja California, Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Sonora, Coahuila, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, Tampico, Durango, Zacatecas where drug-related flare-ups continue to be prevalent on occasions.

It’s worth noting that popular tourist centers in affected states are usually safe to visit: for examples, Mazatlán in the state of Sinaloa; Morelia, Patzcuaro and the Monarch Butterfly sanctuaries in the state of Michoacán; and Taxco, Acapulco and Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo in the state of Guerrero.

Proportional perspective

Most of the violence is played out between drug gangs in only a small fraction of Mexico’s 2,438 Municipalities with foreign residents and tourists by-and-large unaffected .

Visitors to Mexico

Mexico continues to be one of the most visited countries in the world and the US-Mexico border is the world’s busiest and most transited land border in the world.

The majority of visits to Mexico pass-by trouble-free and the violence brought about by the ongoing drug cartel activity has left tourists, foreign business visitors and foreign residents mostly unaffected.

Violent crime in Mexico

Violent crime committed against visitors and foreign residents is rare in Mexico. Petty crime, e.g. pick-pocketing and bag grabbing, can be an issue in some areas; see section below on Petty Crime in Mexico for details. Common sense and being alert to your surroundings will minimize any risks.

Published statistics

Notwithstanding the media headlines which sometimes have a tendency to portray Mexico in a less-than-ideal light, published statistics and shared experiences from foreign residents and visitors demonstrate that most of Mexico remains a relatively safe place for tourists, visitors, business travelers, and foreign residents.

See also: 6 Reasons Why Mexico Is Safer Than You Think

Drug-related violence in Mexico

The drug-related violence that began a few years ago continues to attract news headlines nationally and internationally during event flare-ups.

It is estimated that 9 out of every 10 homicides committed in Mexico comprise of gang members fighting each other in the violent drug-turf disputes taking place.

Most of the violence currently happening in Mexico is concentrated in small areas of the country. Although news stories have a tendency to present drug-violence as a “Mexico wide” issue, studies have shown that the majority of homicides take place in a small fraction of the country’s 2,438 municipalities.

Places Affected

Of late, waves of drug-related violence flare-ups have been in the states of Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Sonora, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, Durango, Baja California, Zacatecas in the north of the country. Not all areas in all these states are affected and popular tourist places are generally safe to visit, but caution should be exercised on your travels in these states to minimize any risks .

Sensible safety precautions

Taxi travel: only use authorized “ Sitio ” (taxi ranks) in Mexico City— avoid hailing a taxi from the street in the capital, or use a tele-cab or use internet-cab service like Uber or Cabify for your taxi rides. See the complete guide to Traveling by Taxi Mexico for full details.

Dress down: don’t walk around dripping gold or wearing clothes and jewelry which might bring undue attention to you or others with you.

Beware of scammers: scams and scammers targeted at tourists and foreign residents appear to be on the increase. See “Avoiding Scams” below.

Cash machines (ATMs): a void withdrawing cash from ATMs at night; be vigilant when you are withdrawing cash; use ATMs in well-populated areas or inside shopping malls. See “Cash and Valuables” below.

Bank-card cloning / skimming: bank card (Debit or Credit Cards) cloning (or skimming) is an issue in Mexico. Never leave bank cards out of your sight. If your card has a “chip and pin” ask waiters at bars and restaurants to bring the payment terminal to your table and cover your hand as you enter your PIN. If the terminal is not portable, or your card does not have “chip and pin” technology, take your card to the cashier to pay: do not allow attendants to take it out of your sight . If you are paying for fuel at gas stations with a card, we recommend you only use a credit card (not a debit card) and be extra vigilant as gasoline stations are rife with skimmers .

Mexico City’s bus terminals: Mexico City’s bus terminals are situated in less than ideal neighborhoods of the capital; however, the terminals themselves are safe , you just have to look out for potential pick-pockets and scammers who may approach you. See Also: Traveling by bus in Mexico

Pickpockets: every city in the world has its organized gangs of pickpockets; be alert especially in crowded places which are prime territory for pick-pockets and bag-snatchers; exercise extra vigilance at bus stations, on the Mexico City metro, at airports, busy shopping precincts, concerts, festivals, etc.

Active and extreme sports safety in Mexico

Active outdoor activities including ‘extreme sports’ are becoming popular travel experiences. We recommend readers check suppliers carefully and ensure that any extreme sports operators they use are properly qualified, insured and that the equipment they use is up-to-date and adequate . Reports of injury and death have been reported by foreign consulates whose nationals have partaken in extreme sports using operators that did not meet good quality or safety standards.

Sports and aquatic equipment: take additional care when hiring local services involving sports aquatic equipment in Mexico, especially SCUBA diving, parasailing and jet skis. With SCUBA Diving, ensure that the firm your are dealing with is fully qualified, certified, established, and has a good reputation locally.

Parasailing and jet-ski caution: some parasailing units move from beach to beach, selling services to people sunbathing and relaxing on the sands. Beware, as they may not be safe. Some hotels are beginning to warn-off their guests from these services due to previous accidents. Ask locally for advice and check the reputation of the supplier(s) —also ask locally if you are unsure about any jet-ski rental outfits.

Mexico business traveler safety

Despite the recent media coverage of drug-related violence, businesses continue to operate as normal in Mexico and thousands of foreign business travelers arrive to and depart from Mexico safely every day. Here are some sensible precautions if you are traveling on business in Mexico:

Business equipment: Don’t leave expensive business equipment (e.g. laptops, smart phones, cameras, etc.) unattended at any time. Computers and smart phones are particularly interesting to opportunist thieves as they are easy to port and very easy to sell-on.

Briefcases are sometimes targeted by opportunist thieves as they know they may port valuable equipment, wallets, etc. Be extra vigilant when you are traveling with a briefcase or consider using instead a satchel or other bag that is less obviously a “business accessory.”

Taxi cab travel: We recommend that you always use taxi cab ranks, App-cabs (like Uber or Cabify) or hotel cabs when using taxis in Mexico. See Traveling by Taxi Mexico .

Backup data: Backup your important data online (‘in the cloud’ is best) or at least keep key data on a separate disc/memory chip left away from your belongings. This is salient advice whether you are traveling in Mexico or anywhere else with your business equipment and important data.

Keeping cash and valuables safe in Mexico

Here are some key tips to keep your money and valuables safe in Mexico:

Withdrawing cash: Use ATMs in daylight hours and choose ATMs located in areas where there are plenty of other people around, or use ATMs situated inside shopping malls.

Carrying cash: Don’t carry large amounts of cash on your person. If you see something you want to buy and you don’t have the cash, a small deposit will always secure the item . Leave excess cash credit/debit cards you don’t expect to need at the hotel.

Bank-card cloning / skimming: Bank card (Debit or Credit Cards) cloning (or skimming) is an issue in Mexico. Never leave bank cards out of your sight. If your card has a “chip and pin” ask waiters at bars and restaurants to bring the payment terminal to your table and cover your hand as you enter your PIN. If the terminal is not portable, or your card does not have “chip and pin” technology, take your card to the cashier to pay: do not allow attendants to take it out of your sight . If you are paying for fuel at gas stations with a card, we recommend you only use a credit card (not a debit card) and be extra vigilant as gasoline stations are rife with skimmers .

Valuable documents: Keep your valuable travel documents (especially your passport) safe; passport theft is one the rise world-wide, including in Mexico . Store cash and other valuables in your hotel room’s safe or at the hotel’s safety deposit box.

Dress down: avoid walking around dripping jewelry, showing-off expensive watches, and other expensive fashion items.

ATM refills: When stand-alone ATMs are being re-filled, you might see armed guards surrounding it. We recommend you find another ATM instead of waiting around for it to be filled: it can take up to an hour for a machine to be re-filled and tested before it becomes operational again.

Petty crime in Mexico

Pick-pockets, bag-snatchers and opportunist thieves operate everywhere, and especially in crowded places. Here are some tips to avoid becoming a victim of petty crime in Mexico:

Transport terminals: Bus stations and airports always have pick-pockets operating. Be alert and keep your valuables close to you. Mexico’s authorities are deploying additional security personnel at bus stations and airports to mitigate petty-criminal activity, but pick-pockets continue to cause upset, nonetheless.

Pick-pockets: Pick-pockets and bag snatchers also operate on local buses and microbuses , and at some tourist sites and museums, as well as busy local markets. Keep personal items to a minimum when your are touring, and carry only small amounts of cash.

Long distance buses: If you are traveling by bus over long distances, we recommend your use only first and executive class buses as second class buses are more susceptible to petty crime. Read our extensive guide to Bus Travel in Mexico for more details about security on long distance buses.

Metro metro trains and metro buses: If you are traveling a Metro system in Mexico keep your wallet, mobile phone, etc. out of sight and well secured, especially during rush-hour when these transport systems are most crowded.

Passport safety: There appears to have been a rise in passport thefts of late. Don’t carry your passport on your person when you’re visiting or touring unless you have specific reason for doing so, e.g. identification for money exchange. Most good quality hotels today offer in-room safety deposit boxes which you can use to store your valuable documentation, or a safety deposit box at the front desk.

Money exchange: Exchange money and use ATMs only in daylight hours and in areas frequented by others. See also Money in Mexico .

Scams and scam artists in Mexico

Be mindful of potential scams

Scam artists operate worldwide and Mexico is not immune from them. There have been reports of some scams aimed at foreigners; we’ve detailed these below. Exercise caution if someone unexpectedly approaches you.

Fake surveys: Some scammers pose as survey agents, and proceed to ask you personal questions , including your name, address and phone numbers. The questions are posed in such a way that you don’t necessarily realize what you are revealing. They may try to use this information to compromise your identity or wrongly inform your family back home that you are in trouble (extortion). Never divulge any personal information to strangers.

Fake officials: Be wary of any “official” that approaches you unexpectedly and asks you to pay fines or official fees, or insisting that you must go somewhere you had not planned: never accompany a stranger unexpectedly in this way.

Confidence tricksters: Exercise caution if strangers approach you for “financial help,” however well-dressed they may be, and however convincing their story may sound. Some tricksters use dramatic emotional blackmail to try and get you to give them some money or do their bidding. Never go someplace, nor board a vehicle (car, taxi, metro etc.) you did not intend to.

Fake immigration officers: There have been reports of scammers posing as immigration officers, especially at some Mexican airports. Tourists needing to replace lost tourist cards are usually targeted in the scam. If you need immigration assistance, or are in doubt about your immigration documents, go directly to the official immigration kiosk or office and do not deal with anyone who may approach you claiming to be an immigration officer.

Food and drink, bars: Don’t accept any food or drink from strangers . If any food samples are offered to you in the street or away from somewhere you’d expect to be offered a food sample, e.g. a reputable market or fair, refuse. If you are out at busy bar or night clubs, always keep your beverage with you —leave it with a trusted friend if you have to leave it unattended e.g. when you use the restroom.

Fake rides: Only use official taxis in Mexico City. When you phone a cab in Mexico, the receptionist will quote you the license plate number of the vehicle going to fetch you—check it matches. NEVER accept a ride from unofficial operators at airports or bus stations. When you arrive from your flight, buy a taxi ticket from one of the official kiosks, use a Uber of Cabify service, or book your airport transfer in advance and follow the ‘meet and greet’ instructions they give you.

Money transfer scams: Foreign residents and some tourists might get encouraged to transfer funds to Mexican or foreign bank accounts to fund “investment opportunities”. Exercise extreme caution . If you are purchasing real estate in Mexico do so only using a qualified lawyer and through a Notary Public .

Safety on Mexico’s roads

Driving a car is a great way to see Mexico. Mexico has an extensive and well-developed road network and traveling by road in Mexico is generally safe. Read our extensive Guide to Driving in Mexico for full details including safety advice.

Government travel advice web sites

In addition to our local contacts, we monitor government web sites, as local consulates have extensive local intelligence networks and first-hand reports of safety and crime issues experienced by foreign nationals in Mexico. Here are the links to the U.S., Canadian, British and Australian travel advisory sites:

U.S. State Department
Canadian Foreign Affairs Office
British Foreign Office

Mexico in your inbox

Our free newsletter about Mexico brings you a monthly round-up of recently published stories and opportunities, as well as gems from our archives.

Safety in Mexico

6 Reasons Why Mexico is Safer than You Think

These things don't make headlines, but they are the real-life experiences of people visiting and living safely in Mexico

Mexico Travel Health

Mexico Travel Health Guide

Guide to staying well and healthy while you visit and travel in Mexico, as well as how to access...

Mexico Essentials Guide

The guide for the essential things you need to know as you make your plans for travel, lifestyle and...

55 Mexico Safety Tips & Important Travel Advice for 2024

The U.S. Department of State regularly cautions travel to Mexico due to safety concerns.

While incidents of petty theft, and violent crimes do happen – it varies greatly depending where you’re going.

By taking the below Mexico travel safety precautions and having the right gear, you will minimize the risk of anything going wrong and protect yourself in case of emergencies.

Mexico travel safety must-haves

1. use a concealable neck wallet to avoid pickpockets.

Pickpocketing and robbery are common in larger cities. Use a neck wallet to store all of your valuables in one place, including your phone, cash, credit cards, and important documents. It can be worn discretely under your shirt so you’re not flashing your wealth or having to pull out your wallet as often, which makes you less of a target. This one also has RFID-blocking technology so that e-thieves can’t steal your credit card details.

View on Amazon.com ➜

2. Get travel insurance for Mexico

Your domestic insurance provider does not cover you in foreign countries. Our friend had over $6,000 in medical bills when he broke both his wrists falling from a bike while traveling in Mexico; thankfully, this was completely covered by travel insurance, and he was able to focus on the more important task of getting well. In fact, travel insurance is now required for those visiting Puerta Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, and other parts of Mexico.

Faye Travel Insurance is our go-to provider because they are the only company that makes claims super easy via their mobile app, which means you can be reimbursed quickly for common travel issues like theft, flight delays, baggage loss, trip cancelation, international hospital bills, or emergency evacuations. They even have coverage for vacation rentals and the option to “cancel for any reason.” With custom quotes for each person and trip, it’s too affordable to travel without. And it offers you tangible peace of mind even if nothing goes amiss.

Get a quote in less than 60 seconds with Faye ➜

3. Secure your valuables with luggage locks

Mexico requires TSA-approved luggage locks when entering and leaving the country. Luggage locks can be useful for a variety of purposes, like securing your checked luggage, carry-on bags, and backpacks in crowded areas where pickpockets are particularly stealthy. These combination locks are also great for lockers at hostels or tourist attractions.

4. Thwart online hackers with a Virtual Private Network

Mexico is in the top 10 countries most affected by cybercrime in the world! According to an investigation by SurfShark , their cybercrime density is ranked very high and phishing is the most common form of attack. Your financial data, passwords, and private identity are not areas to take lightly. We learned this the hard way after my credit card number was stolen at (what I thought was a secure) Airbnb in Paris.

Not all connections are created equal, but a good VPN gives you a secure network when joining Wi-Fi in public areas like hotels, Airbnbs, cafes, restaurants, airports, and more. It will also limit any online censorship that can hinder you from being able to stream Netflix, use your PayPal account, and more. NordVPN is the fastest provider we’ve tried and offers 6,000 servers in 60 countries, which means there’s very little in the internet landscape that you won’t have access to. Once you try it, you’ll never go back!

View NordVPN.com Options ➜

5. Don’t drink tap water – bring a Grayl

The tap water in Mexico is definitely NOT safe to drink and can only be consumed if boiled. Even most locals will only drink properly filtered water or use plastic bottled water, which is bad for the environment and over time, can get costly. Bring this Grayl filtration system that will offer you autonomy over your water supply. It’s guaranteed to remove all pathogens including: rotavirus, norovirus, hepatitis, E. Coli, salmonella, dysentery, giardia, cryptosporidium, and amoebae. It also has the ability to filter particulates like heavy metals, pesticides, microplastics, and sediments. It’s a small investment to protect your health.

6. Avoid Montezuma’s revenge with activated charcoal

Sadly, it’s fairly common to get dysentery (Montezuma’s revenge) while traveling in Mexico. Since water, ice, or food can cause food poisoning, you’ll want to have a preventative plan to adjust to the local cuisine with activated charcoal. This supplement works as a magnet in your system to quickly absorb toxins and bacteria so that they can be expelled from your gastrointestinal tract. It will help mitigate any days and nights spent on the toilet so you can keep making the most of your trip (without the diarrhea, nausea, and distress!).

7. Keep your phone safe with this nifty waterproof pouch

Your phone is arguably your most important piece of safety equipment since you can easily make emergency calls and verify information etc. Therefore, you’ll want to keep it safe from water damage with a waterproof phone pouch when exploring cenotes, lounging by the pool, having a beach day, snorkeling, boating, and all the other water activities that come with a trip to Mexico. This universal pouch can be used up to 75ft underwater for epic photos and videos when swimming, snorkeling, or diving. Attach the case to a floating wrist strap so that you won’t lose your phone to the depths of the ocean if it goes overboard.

8. Wear these mosquito repelling wristbands to ward off disease carrying insects

Mosquito-borne illness is still prevalent in Mexico, including Zika and Dengue fever. Some less common conditions are Chikungunya, leishmaniasis, and Chagas disease. Pack smart with these mosquito-repellent wristbands – they are wearable and safe for kids, which is super useful for staying on-the-go with a reusable and waterproof option. In certain jungle-dense areas, you may want to double up with mosquito spray for full coverage (just check that it’s deet-free and non-toxic).

9. Use a well-reviewed tour guide to avoid scams & tourist traps

Instead of winging it with no plans – use a reputable platform so you’re always being guided by trustworthy hosts with thousands of reviews from fellow travelers. We use Get Your Guide because they offer the most authentic worldwide tours, often at a discounted rate compared to local services. This is also a way to meet new friends, so join a group tour instead of opting for private!

Some of the most popular tours include visiting the Mayan ruin of Chichén Itzá , taking a hot air balloon ride over the Teotihuacan Valley , cruising on a catamaran near Cancún , and experiencing the unique culture of Mexico City .

See all Mexico attractions at GetYourGuide.com ➜

10. Beat heatstroke with these cooling towels

The Mexican sun shines a little brighter! Being close to the equator makes the UV rays noticeably stronger, and on top of the humidity, you’ll want a sure way to beat the heat. This magical cooling towel is a game-changer! Simply add water, wring it out, and voila – you have a soothing towel that drops 20-30 degrees lower than the outside air temp for up to an hour! When you’re ready for more relief, just add more water. It’s perfect for beach days, afternoon hikes, Mayan ruin climbs, or outdoor adventures that can be a bit draining without this secret weapon.

11. Luggage Straps

More than 26-million pieces of luggage were lost, delayed, or damaged in 2022. If you’ve seen the way bags are handled by airport and cruise staff, then you know the importance of luggage straps. These heavy-duty, adjustable belts reinforce your bag and take the pressure off your zippers by centralizing the weight. Able to support 700+ pounds of force tension, it’s a small security blanket that keeps everything from flying open and out onto the carousel!

My favorite bonus is that the bright colors help my bags to stand out at the arrivals terminal, so I can easily distinguish which cases are mine – rather than pushing in front of the crowds and checking every case that almost resembles mine. These straps also have a built-in identification card, so it’s less likely that someone will mistakenly take your bag, AND they’re TSA-friendly in case you’re selected for a random search.

Health & Hygiene Safety

1. get your gut ready with probiotics & electrolytes.

Before your travels, fortify your gut with probiotics and electrolytes. The probiotics will strengthen your digestive system and reduce sugars that pathogens love to feed on. If you do get food poisoning, the electrolytes will supercharge your water, helping to replace your body’s fluids so you don’t enter a state of dehydration. Avoid rich foods for 24-48 hours and eat bland things like apples, bananas, crackers, and toast until you’re feeling better. Just rest and let the charcoal do its thing.

2. Be selective with street vendors

With this in mind, be conscientious of the food choices you make. Avoid street food or open-air markets where the food looks badly stored. You will be looking for food that is on ice, heated, or preserved in a way that inhibits bacteria growth. If it seems like it’s been left out in the sun for hours, skip it. I also look for places with long lines and where the locals appear drawn to.

The sad thing is, my wife got food poisoning from a fancy Michelin-star restaurant once, so you really can get sick no matter how high the quality is. Use your discernment and it will reduce the likelihood of any sickness or nausea.

3. Don’t forget about the ice!

It’s obvious, yet not. While you’re doing the work to purify your water, don’t neglect to forgo the ice machine, which is usually made with the same contaminated water supply. This concept also applies to using purified water to brush your teeth. And keeping your mouth closed in the shower.

4. Wash raw fruits and vegetables

The same goes for washing your produce before consuming it. Use a ratio of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water and soak your food for 3-5 minutes. Scrub off any griminess or dirt; it will go a long way to keeping your body healthy.

5. Ask your doctor about vaccinations before traveling

There are certain vaccination requirements to stay up-to-date on before traveling. For Mexico, the CDC advises vaccine protection against Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, COVID-19, rabies, polio, measles, chickenpox, shingles, influenza, pneumonia, measles, meningitis, cholera, typhoid, and mumps.

6. Bring hand sanitizer

I always bring a compact bottle of hand sanitizer when I’m exploring in case of any sticky situations! Be sure to wash your hands regularly with soap, especially around meal times.

7. Know the local medical options

If you are in a medical emergency, know your local medical providers and the nearest clinic to your accommodation. If you are dehydrated, in an accident, or need to see a doctor, have your international health plan information on hand.

8. Opt for Reef-safe sunscreen (mandated in some areas)

In areas like Cozumel and the Riviera Maya (Cancun and Playa Del Carmen), it is actually required by law to use reef-friendly sunscreen that protects the nearby coral reefs. Pack a brand that is made with non-toxic products that won’t harm marine life or cause unfixable harm to underwater ecosystems.

Preventing Theft

1. don't fall for common tourist scams.

Since millions of newcomers visit Mexico each year, there are plenty of tourist-targeted scams that the locals use to pull-one-over on those that are less aware of common customs. Some scams to look out for are fake taxis, airport timeshare workers, higher dinner bills, fake alcohol, and laced substances. Avoid the cartels at all costs and choose vendors that look officially authorized. Read the reviews and do your research to find the most trustworthy restaurants and establishments.

2. Exercise caution at ATMS and banks

One of the many clever scams in Mexico is related to ATM machines. Be conscientious about using authentic machines that are attached to legitimate financial institutions. If you stumble across a random street ATM, it could easily have fake skimmers that process your credit card information when you swipe. You also may not even get your card back, or worse, it could be an area targeted by kidnappers or extortionists.

I also advise you to convert more cash to pesos early on so you do not have to make as many stops at the bank or any at all. Carry minimal amounts of cash with you at a time and leave the rest at your hotel, secured in the safe.

3. Don’t keep valuables in your pocket

As mentioned above, we recommend using an RFID-blocking neck wallet to ensure your essentials are out of your pocket where sticky fingers can easily grab them. Especially in crowded places like tourist attractions or public transit stations, the anti-RFID material will come in handy to prevent any modern e-thieves from scanning your credit cards or passport information. In the age where scan readers are becoming the norm, RFID protection is more necessary than ever.

4. Don’t wear flashy jewelry

In a place where crime and corruption do exist, it’s wise not to make yourself look like an auspicious target. Avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourself by leaving the flashy jewelry at home. Even if it’s fake or costume jewelry, it can draw in curious eyes and hinder you from blending in as well as you should.

5. Document what you have with pictures and receipts

If you do decide to bring a few valuable items (like your phone, camera, laptop, or jewelry etc.), you should also take a picture of everything and keep your receipts. This way, if anything is taken, it will simplify the claims process through Faye Travel Insurance .

Faye covers up to $2,000 of any lost, stolen, or damaged luggage, including clothing, personal items, and professional equipment like a phone or laptop. This is another huge benefit of getting travel insurance and is the most common type of claim. Faye makes it super easy and fast to make claims through their mobile app. Having documentation will help you get reimbursed quickly for anything that does get lost, stolen, or damaged.

6. Be aware of major Mexican holidays

This is when cities will be at their busiest and crime at its highest. Some specific times to be aware of are:

Semana Santa (7 days leading up to Easter)
Cinco de Mayo (May 5th)
Independence Day (September 15/16th)
The Day of the Dead (November 1st and 2nd)
Christmas (December 24/25th).

If visiting around these timeframes, don’t cancel any plans, just proceed with a bit more caution and heightened awareness of your surroundings.

7. Don’t try to be a knight in shining armor

You may hate this, but… If someone is robbing you, just give them the cash and hand over what they want. In most cases, you will not be harmed; they only want your valuables.

It is unlikely it will happen, but if it does, being cooperative can make all the difference. Do not try to be a hero, but rather, put your well-being ahead of material items that can be replaced.

Solo-Female Travel Safety

1. choose a safe city and neighborhood.

The single most important step you can take as a solo female traveler is to set yourself up for success in a safe area. Tourist areas are protected by the police because tourism is the largest economic driver in the country, so popular destinations will usually warrant lower crime rates – cities like Puerta Vallarta, Playa Del Carmen, Cabo San Lucas, Tulum, Sayulita, Mexico City, and Oaxaca City.

Note that some of the least safe cities that commonly see crime are Juarez, Tijuana, and Cuilacan. Whichever city you decide to visit, research the safest neighborhoods where you’ll have easy access to the main activities you are interested in.

2. Don’t walk alone at night

While it may seem like a common enough thing, walking alone at night can be like asking for trouble. It depends on the city and neighborhood you are staying in, but generally, it’s best to avoid walking long distances after 10 p.m., especially in isolated areas.

Be careful when immersing yourself in the Mexican nightlife, and know that the metro stops running at midnight. Regardless of your gender or group size, it’s smarter to opt for an authorized taxi or Uber. In fact, Uber is generally safer here than the taxi companies.

3. Cover your beverage while drinking

When traveling solo, you should be cautious not to overdrink. But if you have a cocktail or two, cover it with a disposable drink cover to make sure no one is slipping anything funny in your drink! You can’t keep an eye on your drink at all times, so this will add an extra layer of defense. Again, it’s not wise to get inebriated in a foreign country, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with the language.

4. Dress more conservatively in certain cities

In coastal towns, shorts are common and people will be wearing beach cover-ups as everyday attire. But this is not the case all over Mexico. You won’t typically see bare shoulders or legs in the more inland towns like Mexico City. Wearing long skirts or pants can help you to blend in and not look like a tacky tourist. This will also help you be less of a target to cat callers. If you are being harassed, ignore them and don’t indulge them.

Note that some temples and sacred sites may also require a more modest attire like a shawl wrapped around exposed arms as a sign of respect.

Dress more conservatively in certain cities

5. Share your location with loved ones

Someone should always know of your plans before you jet off to Mexico, so share a copy of your itinerary with family before you depart. Keep loved ones updated on any changes to your schedule so that if things go awry, people know your location at all times. You can use apps like Find My Friends to stay connected. But have contingency plans like itinerary sharing that is available offline.

6. Join Facebook meet-up groups

There is safety in numbers and you are far less likely to be bothered if you are surrounded by other people. Use this as an opportunity to meet new people and join a group. Facebook and other social platforms have great networking opportunities so you can connect with locals or other wanderlusters that are heading to Mexico. Like the “ New Friends Club of Mexico City .”

7. Take your license out, not your passport

When exploring the town or enjoying the vibrant nightlife, bring your domestic I.D. card and NOT your passport. It’s too risky. If you lose your passport, you will not be able to get home easily (at least not without an emergency trip to the local embassy or consulate). But if you lose the I.D. card, it can easily be replaced once you return home and it won’t cause any issues at airport security.

Don’t Forget These Other Items

1. quick-dry travel towel.

Another must-have for water-centered activities is a fast-drying travel towel. It’s made from super-soft microfiber that dries 10x faster than a standard cotton towel, meaning you won’t have to lug around a soggy, smelly towel all day. It comes with a compact carrying case that’s easy to throw into any daybag. It’s odor-resistant, sand-repelling, and comes in a variety of cute colors!

2. Lipstick-sized Portable Charger

We rely on our phones for boarding passes, directions, transportation, photos, and more when traveling, so it’s likely we’ll run out of battery before the day is over, which can really throw a wrench in your plans. Instead of going back to the hotel to recharge your phone midday, pack a lightweight, portable charger so you can keep your devices charged on the go!

3. Hanging Toiletry Bag

To seamlessly maintain your routine, you’ll need a hanging toiletry organizer that is spacious enough for all of your sunscreen, aloe, skincare, makeup, and hair products. After years of searching for the perfect bag, we’ve been blown away by this one! The 360-swivel hook makes it easy to hang anywhere, and the 4 large plastic compartments fit your beauty routine while containing any leaks that may happen during transit. Plus, the 3 external pockets are thoughtfully placed for easy access without having to unzip the whole thing.

Designed with love in Hawaii by Eco Sun, a company that strives to do more in the world, each sale gives back to women’s education in underserved communities. This company designs with sustainability in mind, and backs all of their products with a lifetime happiness guarantee. So you have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

4. Mesh Water Shoes

Prevent any slips or falls and keep your feet comfortable with a pair of mesh water shoes. The extra-grippy traction on the soles will keep you from slipping and getting hurt on wet boat decks, slippery waterfall hikes, or wobbly paddleboards. Plus, the mesh material actually allows your feet to breathe and dry quickly instead of getting waterlogged like a pair of tennis shoes would.

5. Beach Bag with Cooler

For pool, beach, and snorkeling days, a beach bag with a built-in cooler will carry all of your essentials like travel towels, cover-ups, and sunscreen, and the insulated bottom compartment will keep snacks and drinks cold! It’s waterproof, sandproof, and has nine pockets to keep things organized and easy to reach. It’s perfect to bring on any adventure because it’s lightweight and super easy to clean!

6. Windproof Travel Umbrella

The rainy season in Mexico is May-September so if you plan to visit during this time, an umbrella is essential. Afternoon showers are a daily occurrence, but luckily they usually don’t last long. Be prepared with an umbrella and expect rain anytime between 2-6 p.m. Packing a quality travel umbrella will make all the difference. This one is extremely sturdy, has a waterproof coating, and even comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee, so you can count on it for many trips to come!

7. Motion Sickness Prevention

For winding roads and rocky boats, be sure to bring some form of motion sickness prevention. We prefer these natural patches over drugs like Dramamine because they don’t have the drowsy effect that leaves you feeling like a zombie when you should be busy having a blast. I’m super prone to motion sickness and these patches are the only ones that don’t leave me feeling green!

8. Packing Cubes

If you’re tired of living out of a disorganized suitcase when you’re on vacation, then you have to try packing cubes. You can have a cube designated for tops, bottoms, beachwear, eveningwear, whatever works for you! Each of these packing cubes has a thoughtful space for an index card so you can label what’s inside each one and not waste time digging through your whole luggage for that one tank top. This set even comes with two bonus laundry bags perfect for keeping dirty clothes or shoes separate.

9. Hangover Prevention

If you’ve had one too many piña coladas on the beach or margaritas by the pool, this hangover aid will save you a lot of headache (literally). The main reason you feel terrible after a night of drinking is because minerals are being depleted and your liver is overworked. These supplements contain essential vitamins and minerals and they support your liver to help your body detox the alcohol – leaving you feeling so much better the next morning. Cheers was featured on Shark Tank and is guaranteed to ease any hangover!

10. Luggage Straps

General mexico travel safety tips, 1. ensure your passport is up-to-date (make copies).

While Mexico only requires that you have a valid passport when visiting, the United States requires your passport to be valid for 6 months past your planned trip date. Make sure yours meets this requirement, and if not, be sure to renew it or apply for one at least 3 months before your trip so there’s plenty of time for it to arrive. Don’t forget to make copies of your passport in case it gets lost or stolen!

2. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

For a newcomer or repeat visitor to Mexico, it’s advised to join STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) . This is a free service created by the Department of State for U.S. citizens who are venturing abroad. The program allows you to enter your whereabouts so the government knows your general location during your trip. This will make it easier in an emergency since the embassies and local consulates will be more informed on how and where to help you.

3. Consider staying at a resort

If you’re feeling extra cautious, consider staying at an all-inclusive resort that will be gated and safer. This is generally where people stay when visiting coastal cities because it’s considerably safer than staying in an unknown Airbnb. A resort can schedule secure taxis or private transfers, offer in-house dining so you don’t have to go out after dark and give you recommendations for safe areas to explore or tours to take.

4. Be aware of natural disaster protocols

Hurricanes are common along the coast, and earthquakes are prevalent across the country. Be sure to ask your hotel what the evacuation protocol is in case of a natural disaster. For example, in the case of an earthquake, you most likely will need to evacuate the building and look for official “meeting points” that are indicated with signs and painted on the streets and sidewalks outside.

5. Know your emergency phone numbers

In most large cities across Mexico, 9-1-1 is used in case of an emergency. If you’re driving on a highway and need emergency assistance, look out for signs that say a 3-digit number to call if you need help. Ambulances and first responders can also be reached at 066 and 080. In addition, it would be wise to save the phone number of your embassy and hotel in case you need to reach them in a dire situation.

Driving Safety

1. be aware of taxi scams.

The best way to avoid being ripped off by taxis is by booking a taxi through your hotel or a pre-paid taxi booth at the airport. However, when you need to hail a cab on the street, be sure to negotiate the price beforehand or have a general idea of how much the ride should cost, and make sure the meter starts from zero.

Another taxi scam, while very rare, is a thief poses as a taxi driver and holds the rider hostage until they hand over their valuables or withdraw money from an ATM. It’s important to never resist a robbery and hand over whatever cash or valuables you have.

Utilize authorized taxis because anything else is unregulated and illegal. Uber is another great option, and sometimes safer than the competitive nature of local taxi drivers.

2. Negotiate your taxi fair before the ride

To avoid being taken on a wild goose chase, ask your driver what the estimated ride rate will be prior to the journey. This prevents them from overcharging you or taking the long way.

Other scams to keep in mind are choosing an authorized taxi vehicle (it’s smart to have your resort call a local business on your behalf to request rides), or utilizing local ride-share apps like Uber and Cabify . And don’t let them convince you of the imaginary “airport tax” – it doesn’t exist!

3. Skip the rental car

The leading cause of tourist deaths in Mexico isn’t due to the cartel, gun violence, or kidnapping– it’s traffic accidents. If you’re not used to the way of driving in Mexico, it can be quite dangerous. Knowing the rules of the road and how the locals drive is extremely important for staying safe, but if you don’t want to risk and see if your driving skills are up to par, we recommend opting for public transport.

You can easily (and cheaply) get around all Mexican cities by using a taxi or Uber – meaning a rental car is unnecessary unless you want to drive yourself from one city to another.

4. If you do get a rental car, insure it

If you’re confident driving abroad, don’t make the mistake of being too confident and forgoing rental car insurance. Your personal auto insurance won’t cover your rental car in Mexico, but Faye’s Rental Car Care add-on will. It covers any damage to your rental (up to $50k) and even includes rental car theft coverage, which is a must for Mexico as car theft is a problem across the country (even in tourist hot spots).

With their easy-to-use mobile app, Faye offers 24/7 assistance so that you can make a claim and get reimbursed at any time, especially when you’re in a pinch (like if your vehicle breaks down). Everything from making claims to reimbursements is done straight from their app on your phone. Insurance with Faye is so much better and significantly cheaper than any insurance the rental agency will try and upsell you!

5. Don’t drive at night

Your chances of encountering crime while on the road significantly increase at night; don’t risk it. Thieves will intentionally set hazardous items like rocks or nails in the middle of the roads and highways at night, forcing you to stop where they can then catch you off-guard and rob you.

What is even more common and also very dangerous is running into animals on the road after dark. Cows, goats, sheep, and dogs are known to get loose and find themselves in the middle of a busy highway. You often can’t see them until it’s too late. Crashing into a full-grown bull at 60mph would be catastrophic.

6. Use toll roads when feasible

Toll roads are more secure and have fewer incidents of crime than freeways. The toll fees can add up, but your safety is not worth saving a few bucks. Plus, the toll fees go towards emergency roadside assistance in case you get into an accident. It doesn’t replace travel or car insurance, but it does help cover the cost of emergency first responders.

7. Don’t carry excessive amounts of cash

Military checkpoints, unofficial roadblocks, police stops, and even bandits are not uncommon occurrences on the road in Mexico. If you get stopped, they will likely want to search your car for drugs, weapons, and cash. If they find you have anything more than a few hundred dollars on you, they may want to question you further or even expect a bribe from you to let you go. Don’t risk having your cash stolen. Bring as little as possible. Keep some in your wallet and hide any extra out of sight.

Asher Fergusson

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Warnings and insurance

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel

State of baja california.

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the city of Tijuana, except:

airside transit through Tijuana airport
the Cross Border Xpress bridge from the airport linking terminals across the Mexican-US border
the federal toll road 1D and Via Rápida through Tijuana to the border

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the city of Tecate in Baja California, including roads between Tijuana and Tecate.

There is another state called Baja California Sur that is unaffected by these warnings.

State of Chihuahua

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Chihuahua, except:

the city of Chihuahua
the border crossing in Ciudad Juárez (accessed by federal toll road 45)
federal toll road 45D connecting the cities of Chihuahua and Ciudad Juárez
the Copper Canyon rail route to and from Chihuahua and towns immediately on this route including Creel
the road from Creel via San Juanito to San Pedro
state highway 16 from San Pedro to Chihuahua

State of Sinaloa

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Sinaloa, except:

the cities of Los Mochis and Mazatlán
road 32 that runs between El Fuerte and Los Mochis
the 15D federal toll road that runs the length of the state
the Copper Canyon rail route to and from Los Mochis, El Fuerte and the towns immediately on this route

State of Tamaulipas

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Tamaulipas, except:

the border crossing at Nuevo Laredo accessed by federal toll road 85D from Monterrey
federal highways 80, 81 and 85 between Tampico, Ciudad de Victoria and Magueyes, and the entire area of Tamaulipas south of these highways

State of Zacatecas

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Zacatecas.

State of Guanajuato

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the areas south-west of road 45D.

State of Michoacán

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Michoacán, except the:

city of Morelia accessed by federal toll roads 15D, 126 and 43; and the federal toll road 48D between the city of Morelia and the General Francisco Mujica airport
town of Pátzcuaro accessed by federal toll roads 14D and 15 from Morelia, and boat trips out to islands on Lake Pátzcuaro
Federal Highway 15D

State of Jalisco

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the areas south and south-west of Lake Chapala to the border with the state of Colima.

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the northern municipalities of:

Chimaltitán
Hostotipaquillo
Huequilla el Alto
San Martin de Bolaños
Santa Maria de los Ángeles
Villa Guerrero

State of Colima

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Colima, except the city of Manzanillo accessed by sea or air via the Manzanillo-Costalegre International Airport, and direct travel via road 200 from the airport to Manzanillo.

State of Guerrero

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Guerrero, except the town of Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa accessed by air.

State of Chiapas

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 40km of the Guatemalan border between the Pacific Coast up to and including the border crossing at Gracias a Dio.

FCDO advises against all but essential travel on Federal Highway 199 (Carretera Federal 199) between Rancho Nuevo (just outside San Cristobal de las Casas) and the Chancalá junction just outside Palenque (where Federal Highway 199 meets Federal Highway 307).

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel to these areas .

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

see general advice for women travellers
read our guide on disability and travel abroad
see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
read about safety for solo and independent travel
see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab) .

Humans in Space

Earth & climate, the solar system, the universe, aeronautics, learning resources, news & events.

$There are three images. The top right is Cassiopeia A. This image of Cassiopeia A resembles a disk of electric light with red clouds, glowing white streaks, red and orange flames, and an area near the center of the remnant resembling a somewhat circular region of green lightning. X-rays from Chandra are blue and reveal hot gas, mostly from supernova debris from the destroyed star, and include elements like silicon and iron. X-rays are also present as thin arcs in the outer regions of the remnant. Infrared data from Webb is red, green, and blue. Webb highlights infrared emission from dust that is warmed up because it is embedded in the hot gas seen by Chandra, and from much cooler supernova debris. Hubble data shows a multitude of stars that permeate the field of view. The image on the bottom is 30 Doradus. This release features a composite image of 30 Doradus, otherwise known as the Tarantula Nebula, a region of active star formation in a neighboring galaxy. In the image, royal blue and purple gas clouds interact with red and orange gas clouds. Specks of light and large gleaming stars peek through the colourful clouds. The patches of royal blue and purple gas clouds represent X-ray data collected by the Chandra Observatory. The brightest and most prominent blue cloud appears at the center of the image, roughly shaped like an upward pointing triangle. Darker X-ray clouds can be found near the right and left edges of the image. The red and orange gas clouds represent infrared data from the James Webb Space Telescope. These patches resemble clouds of roiling fire. The brightest and most prominent infrared cloud appears at our upper left, roughly shaped like a downward pointing triangle. Wispy white clouds outline the upward pointing bright blue triangle in the center of the image. Inside this frame is a brilliant gleaming star with six long, thin, diffraction spikes. Beside it is a cluster of smaller bright specks showing young stars in the nebula. The final image is NGC 6872. In this composite image, a large spiral galaxy has some of its superheated gas stolen by a smaller, nearby neighbor. Centered in the frame, NGC 6872 is a large spiral galaxy with two elongated arms that stretch toward our upper right and lower left. Near the white dot at the heart of the galaxy, a cloud of neon purple tints the arms, which appear steel blue at the tips. The purple represents hot gas detected by Chandra. Just to the upper left of NGC 6872 is a second spiral galaxy. Its spiraling arms are much smaller, but the bright white dot at its core is quite large, suggesting a supermassive black hole. Some of the steel blue matter and gas from NGC 6872’s lower arm appears to be floating toward the smaller galaxy, likely pulled toward the supermassive black hole.$

New NASA Sonifications Listen to the Universe’s Past

What’s Up: September 2024 Skywatching Tips from NASA

NASA Mission Gets Its First Snapshot of Polar Heat Emissions

Search All NASA Missions
A to Z List of Missions
Upcoming Launches and Landings
Spaceships and Rockets
Communicating with Missions
James Webb Space Telescope
Hubble Space Telescope
Why Go to Space
Commercial Space
Destinations
Living in Space
Explore Earth Science
Earth, Our Planet
Earth Science in Action
Earth Multimedia
Earth Science Researchers
Pluto & Dwarf Planets
Asteroids, Comets & Meteors
The Kuiper Belt
The Oort Cloud
Skywatching
The Search for Life in the Universe
Black Holes
The Big Bang
Dark Energy & Dark Matter
Earth Science
Planetary Science
Astrophysics & Space Science
The Sun & Heliophysics
Biological & Physical Sciences
Lunar Science
Citizen Science
Astromaterials
Aeronautics Research
Human Space Travel Research
Science in the Air
NASA Aircraft
Flight Innovation
Supersonic Flight
Air Traffic Solutions
Green Aviation Tech
Drones & You
Technology Transfer & Spinoffs
Space Travel Technology
Technology Living in Space
Manufacturing and Materials
Science Instruments
For Kids and Students
For Educators
For Colleges and Universities
For Professionals
Science for Everyone
Requests for Exhibits, Artifacts, or Speakers
STEM Engagement at NASA
NASA's Impacts
Centers and Facilities
Directorates
Organizations
People of NASA
Internships
Our History
Doing Business with NASA
Get Involved

NASA en Español

Aeronáutica
Ciencias Terrestres
Sistema Solar
All NASA News
Video Series on NASA+
Newsletters
Social Media
Media Resources
Upcoming Launches & Landings
Virtual Guest Program
Image of the Day
Sounds and Ringtones
Interactives
STEM Multimedia

NASA Invites Social Creators to Experience Launch of Europa Clipper Mission

NASA’s Mini BurstCube Mission Detects Mega Blast

NASA Astronaut Don Pettit’s Science of Opportunity on Space Station

Technicians are building tooling in High Bay 2 at NASA Kennedy that will allow NASA and Boeing, the SLS core stage lead contractor, to vertically integrate the core stage.

NASA, Boeing Optimizing Vehicle Assembly Building High Bay for Future SLS Stage Production

NASA Seeks Input for Astrobee Free-flying Space Robots

An aircraft is centered in the image facing the left. It is on a runway of dark gray concrete and the surroundings are primarily dry grass, with another runway at the top of the image.

NASA Earth Scientists Take Flight, Set Sail to Verify PACE Satellite Data

A green forested island sits in bright blue water, that turns teal as it touches land. IN the tip left of the picture, a white haze shows where rain is coming down.

Proyecto de la NASA en Puerto Rico capacita a estudiantes en biología marina

The image shows a compact, handheld water dispenser device placed on a table, with several vacuum-sealed packets of food arranged in front of it. The device is white with yellow tape and has various labels and instructions on its surface. It includes a large, graduated syringe-like component marked in milliliters, used for precise water measurement. The food packets in front of the device contain different types of rehydratable meals in various colors and textures, indicating the preparation of food for consumption in a space environment. The background features a white grid pattern, enhancing the focus on the device and food packets.

Artemis IV: Gateway Gadget Fuels Deep Space Dining

NASA, ESA Missions Help Scientists Uncover How Solar Wind Gets Energy

NASA’s Webb Reveals Distorted Galaxy Forming Cosmic Question Mark

Hubble Zooms into the Rosy Tendrils of Andromeda

Leveraging Teacher Leaders to Share the Joy of NASA Heliophysics

A four-engine turboprop aircraft in a red and white livery takes off from a runway on its way to be modified into a hybrid electric aircraft. Other airplanes can be seen in the distance.

Research Plane Dons New Colors for NASA Hybrid Electric Flight Tests

NASA G-IV Plane Will Carry Next-Generation Science Instrument

NASA Develops Pod to Help Autonomous Aircraft Operators

A prototype of a robot built to access underwater areas where Antarctic ice shelves meet land is lowered through the ice during a field test north of Alaska in March.

NASA JPL Developing Underwater Robots to Venture Deep Below Polar Ice

First NASA-Supported Researcher to Fly on Suborbital Rocket

Madyson Knox experiments with UV-sensitive beads.

How Do I Navigate NASA Learning Resources and Opportunities?

Carbon Nanotubes and the Search for Life on Other Planets

Portrait (1785) of William Herschel by Lemuel Francis Abbott

235 Years Ago: Herschel Discovers Saturn’s Moon Enceladus

A close up image of a set of massive solar arrays measuring about 46.5 feet (14.2 meters) long and about 13.5 feet (4.1 meters) high on NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft inside the agency’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

La NASA invita a los medios al lanzamiento de Europa Clipper

A man supporting the installation of the X-59 ejection seat.

El X-59 de la NASA avanza en las pruebas de preparación para volar

Technicians tested deploying a set of massive solar arrays

La NASA invita a creadores de las redes sociales al lanzamiento de la misión Europa Clipper

Nasa decides to bring starliner spacecraft back to earth without crew .

Jessica Taveau

Nasa headquarters.

A group of NASA leaders sit at a table to conduct a live news conference at NASA Johnson.

NASA will return Boeing’s Starliner to Earth without astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams aboard the spacecraft, the agency announced Saturday. The uncrewed return allows NASA and Boeing to continue gathering testing data on Starliner during its upcoming flight home, while also not accepting more risk than necessary for its crew.

Wilmore and Williams, who flew to the International Space Station in June aboard NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test, have been busy supporting station research, maintenance, and Starliner system testing and data analysis, among other activities.

“Spaceflight is risky, even at its safest and most routine. A test flight, by nature, is neither safe, nor routine. The decision to keep Butch and Suni aboard the International Space Station and bring Boeing’s Starliner home uncrewed is the result of our commitment to safety: our core value and our North Star,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “I’m grateful to both the NASA and Boeing teams for all their incredible and detailed work.”

Wilmore and Williams will continue their work formally as part of the Expedition 71/72 crew through February 2025. They will fly home aboard a Dragon spacecraft with two other crew members assigned to the agency’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission. Starliner is expected to depart from the space station and make a safe, controlled autonomous re-entry and landing in early September.

NASA and Boeing identified helium leaks and experienced issues with the spacecraft reaction control thrusters on June 6 as Starliner approached the space station. Since then, engineering teams have completed a significant amount of work , including reviewing a collection of data, conducting flight and ground testing, hosting independent reviews with agency propulsion experts, and developing various return contingency plans. The uncertainty and lack of expert concurrence does not meet the agency’s safety and performance requirements for human spaceflight, thus prompting NASA leadership to move the astronauts to the Crew-9 mission.

“Decisions like this are never easy, but I want to commend our NASA and Boeing teams for their thorough analysis, transparent discussions, and focus on safety during the Crew Flight Test,” said Ken Bowersox, associate administrator for NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate. “We’ve learned a lot about the spacecraft during its journey to the station and its docked operations. We also will continue to gather more data about Starliner during the uncrewed return and improve the system for future flights to the space station.”

NASA's Boeing Crew Flight Test astronauts (from top) Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams pose on June 13, 2024 for a portrait inside the vestibule between the forward port on the International Space Station's Harmony module and Boeing's Starliner spacecraft.

Starliner is designed to operate autonomously and previously completed two uncrewed flights. NASA and Boeing will work together to adjust end-of-mission planning and Starliner’s systems to set up for the uncrewed return in the coming weeks. Starliner must return to Earth before the Crew-9 mission launches to ensure a docking port is available on station.

“Starliner is a very capable spacecraft and, ultimately, this comes down to needing a higher level of certainty to perform a crewed return,” said Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. “The NASA and Boeing teams have completed a tremendous amount of testing and analysis, and this flight test is providing critical information on Starliner’s performance in space. Our efforts will help prepare for the uncrewed return and will greatly benefit future corrective actions for the spacecraft.”

NASA’s Commercial Crew Program requires spacecraft fly a crewed test flight to prove the system is ready for regular flights to and from the space station. Following Starliner’s return, the agency will review all mission-related data to inform what additional actions are required to meet NASA’s certification requirements.

The agency’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission, originally slated with four crew members , will launch no earlier than Tuesday, Sept. 24. The agency will share more information about the Crew-9 complement when details are finalized.

NASA and SpaceX currently are working several items before launch, including reconfiguring seats on the Crew-9 Dragon, and adjusting the manifest to carry additional cargo, personal effects, and Dragon-specific spacesuits for Wilmore and Williams. In addition, NASA and SpaceX now will use new facilities at Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida to launch Crew-9, which provides increased operational flexibility around NASA’s planned Europa Clipper launch.

The Crew-9 mission will be the ninth rotational mission to the space station under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which works with the American aerospace industry to meet the goal of safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation to and from the orbital outpost on American-made rockets and spacecraft launching from American soil.

For more than two decades, people have lived and worked continuously aboard the International Space Station, advancing scientific knowledge and demonstrating new technologies, making research breakthroughs not possible on Earth. The station is a critical testbed for NASA to understand and overcome the challenges of long-duration spaceflight and to expand commercial opportunities in low Earth orbit. As commercial companies focus on providing human space transportation services and destinations as part of a robust low Earth orbit economy , NASA’s Artemis campaign is underway at the Moon where the agency is preparing for future human exploration of Mars.

Find more information on NASA’s Commercial Crew Program at:

https://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew

-end-

Meira Bernstein / Josh Finch Headquarters, Washington 202-358-1100 [email protected] / [email protected]

Steve Siceloff / Danielle Sempsrott / Stephanie Plucinsky Kennedy Space Center, Florida 321-867-2468 [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected]

Leah Cheshier / Sandra Jones Johnson Space Center, Houston 281-483-5111 [email protected] / [email protected]

Related Terms

International Space Station (ISS)
Commercial Crew
Kennedy Space Center

Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution.

Travel Advisories |
Contact Us |
MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Share this page:

Mexico Travel Advisory

Travel advisory august 22, 2023, mexico - see state summaries.

Reissued after periodic review with general security updates, and the removal of obsolete COVID-19 page links.

Country Summary: Violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery – is widespread and common in Mexico. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities.

U.S. citizens are advised to adhere to restrictions on U.S. government employee travel. State-specific restrictions are included in the individual state advisories below. U.S. government employees may not travel between cities after dark, may not hail taxis on the street, and must rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services like Uber, and regulated taxi stands. U.S. government employees should avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas. U.S. government employees may not drive from the U.S.-Mexico border to or from the interior parts of Mexico, except daytime travel within Baja California and between Nogales and Hermosillo on Mexican Federal Highway 15D, and between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Highway 85D.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Mexico.

Do Not Travel To:

Colima state due to crime and kidnapping .
Guerrero state due to crime .
Michoacan state due to crime and kidnapping .
Sinaloa state due to crime and kidnapping
Tamaulipas state due to crime and kidnapping.
Zacatecas state due to crime and kidnapping .

Reconsider Travel To:

Baja California state due to crime and kidnapping .
Chihuahua state due to crime and kidnapping .
Durango state due to crime .
Guanajuato state due to crime and kidnapping .
Jalisco state due to crime and kidnapping .
Morelos state due to crime .
Sonora state due to crime and kidnapping .

Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To:

Aguascalientes state due to crime .
Baja California Sur state due to crime .
Chiapas state due to crime .
Coahuila state due to crime .
Hidalgo state due to crime .
Mexico City due to crime .
Mexico State due to crime .
Nayarit state due to crime.
Nuevo Leon state due to crime and kidnapping .
Oaxaca state due to crime .
Puebla state due to crime and kidnapping .
Queretaro state due to crime .
Quintana Roo state due to crime .
San Luis Potosi state due to crime and kidnapping .
Tabasco state due to crime .
Tlaxcala state due to crime .
Veracruz state due to crime .

Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To:

Campeche state
Yucatan state

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .

If you decide to travel to Mexico:

Keep traveling companions and family back home informed of your travel plans. If separating from your travel group, send a friend your GPS location. If taking a taxi alone, take a photo of the taxi number and/or license plate and text it to a friend.
Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night. In many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital or major cities.
Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
Follow the U.S. Embassy on Facebook and Twitter .
Review the Country Security Report for Mexico.
Mariners planning travel to Mexico should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts , which include instructions on reporting suspicious activities and attacks to Mexican naval authorities.
Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
Visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information related to your travel.

Aguascalientes state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime.

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Aguascalientes state.

Baja California state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Transnational criminal organizations compete in the border area to establish narco-trafficking and human smuggling routes. Violent crime and gang activity are common. Travelers should remain on main highways and avoid remote locations. Of particular concern is the high number of homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana. Most homicides appeared to be targeted; however, criminal organization assassinations and territorial disputes can result in bystanders being injured or killed. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

U.S. government employees must adhere to the noted restrictions:

Mexicali Valley: U.S. government employees should avoid the Mexicali Valley due to the heightened possibility of violence between rival cartel factions. The boundaries of the restricted area are: to the east, the Baja California/Arizona and Baja California/Sonora borders; to the south, from La Ventana (on Highway 5) due east to the Colorado River; to the west, Highway 5; and to the north, Boulevard Lazaro Cardenas/Highway 92/Highway 1 to Carretera Aeropuerto, from the intersection of Highway 1 and Carretera Aeropuerto due north to the Baja California/California border, and from that point eastward along the Baja California/California border.
Travelers may use Highways 2 and 2D to transit between Mexicali, Los Algodones, and San Luis Rio Colorado during daylight hours. Travelers may also use Highways 1 and 8 to transit to and from the Mexicali Airport during daylight hours. Travel on Highway 5 is permissible during daylight hours.

There are no other travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Baja California state. These include high-traffic tourism areas of border and coastal communities, such as Tijuana , Ensenada , and Rosarito .

Baja California Sur state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Baja California Sur state.

Campeche state – Exercise Normal Precautions

Exercise normal precautions.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Campeche state.

Chiapas state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime. 

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. 

U.S. government employees may not travel to the following restricted areas. All areas within the boundaries, including highway and roads unless specifically exempted, are restricted. 

East-Northeast Boundary – The eastern boundary follows the Mexican-Guatemalan border from the southern point on the Pacific coast, along the border, to the northern end point east of Netzahualcóyotl. 

Northern Boundary - From Netzahualcóyotl in a straight line southwest towards the northern limit of Ocosingo. 

Western Boundary - From Ocosingo in a straight line south to El Ocote. From El Ocote in a straight line west to San Francisco Pujiltic. From San Franciso Pujiltic southwest to just north of Mapastepec. 

South-Southwest Boundary - Highway 200 from Mapastepec to Tapachula. All towns along this highway are not restricted. The area to the north of highway 200 defines the southern boundary of the restricted area. From Tapachula, the restricted area boundary is north and east of the city limits and then extends southeast to the Pacific coast at Tres Hermanos San Isidro. 

Tapachula – Travel to Tapachula and within the city limits is not restricted. Highway 225, from Port Chiapas to Tapachula, to include the Tapachula Airport, is not restricted. 

To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas

Chihuahua state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Battles for territory between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens and U.S. government employees, including restaurants and malls during daylight hours. Bystanders have been injured or killed in shooting incidents. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

U.S. government employee travel is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

Ciudad Juarez: U.S. government employees may travel to the area of Ciudad Juarez bounded to the east by Bulevar Independencia; to the south by De los Montes Urales/Avenida Manuel J Clouthier/Carretera de Juárez; to the west by Via Juan Gabriel/Avenida de los Insurgentes/Calle Miguel Ahumada/Francisco Javier Mina/Melchor Ocampo; and to the north by the U.S.-Mexico border. Direct travel to the Ciudad Juarez airport (officially called the Abraham González International Airport) and the factories located along Bulevar Independencia and Las Torres is permitted. Travel to San Jerónimo is permitted only through the United States via the Santa Teresa U.S. Port of Entry; travel via Anapra is prohibited.

U.S. government employees may only travel from Ciudad Juarez to the city of Chihuahua during daylight hours via Federal Highway 45, with stops permitted only at the Guardia Nacional División Caminos station, the Umbral del Milenio overlook area, the border inspection station at KM 35, and the shops and restaurants on Federal Highway 45 in the city of Ahumada.

U.S. government employees may travel between Ciudad Juarez and Ascension via Highway 2.
Nuevo Casas Grandes Area (including Nuevo Casas Grandes, Casas Grandes, Mata Ortiz, Colonia Juárez, Colonia LeBaron, Paquimé and San Buenaventura): U.S. government employees may travel to the Nuevo Casas Grandes area during daylight hours via Mexico Federal Highway 2, and subsequently Federal Highway 10, to Nuevo Casas Grandes. Employees are permitted to stay overnight in the cities of Nuevo Casas Grandes and Casas Grandes only.
City of Chihuahua: U.S. government employees may travel at any time to the area of the city of Chihuahua bounded to the north by Avenida Transformación; to the east by Avenida Tecnológico/Manuel Gómez Morín/Highway 16/Blvd.José Fuentes Mares; to the west by the city boundary; and to the south by Periférico Francisco R. Almada.
U.S. government employees may travel on Highways 45, 16, and 45D through the city of Chihuahua and to the Chihuahua airport (officially called the General Roberto Fierro Villalobos International Airport).
U.S. government employees may travel to Santa Eulalia to the east of the city of Chihuahua, as well as to Juan Aldama via Highway 16 to the northeast.
U.S. government employees may travel south of the city of Chihuahua on Highway 45 to the southern boundary of Parral, including each town directly connected to Highway 45, including Lázaro Cárdenas, Pedro Meoqui, Santa Cruz de Rosales, Delicias, Camargo, Ciudad Jiménez, and Parral itself.
U.S. government employees may only travel on official business from the city of Chihuahua on Highway 16 to Ciudad Cuauhtémoc bounded by Highway 21 to the north and east, Highway 5 to the west, and Bulevar Jorge Castillo Cabrera to the south.
Ojinaga: U.S. government employees must travel to Ojinaga via U.S. Highway 67 and enter through the U.S. Port of Entry in Presidio, Texas.
Palomas: U.S. government employees may travel to Palomas via U.S. highways through the U.S. Port of Entry in Columbus, New Mexico, or via Highway 2 in Mexico.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Chihuahua, including Copper Canyon .

Coahuila state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity occur in parts of Coahuila state.

U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:

Zaragoza, Morelos, Allende, Nava, Jimenez, Villa Union, Guerrero, and Hidalgo municipalities : U.S. government employees may not travel to these municipalities.
Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña: U.S. government employees must travel directly from the United States and observe a curfew from midnight to 6:00 a.m. in both cities.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Coahuila state.

Colima state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with noted restrictions:

Manzanillo: U.S. government employee travel is limited to the tourist and port areas of Manzanillo.
Employees traveling to Manzanillo from Guadalajara must use Federal Toll Road 54D during daylight hours.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Colima state.

Durango state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime.

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Durango state.

West and south of Federal Highway 45: U.S. government employees may not travel to this region of Durango state.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Durango state.

Guanajuato state – Reconsider Travel

Gang violence, often associated with the theft of petroleum and natural gas from the state oil company and other suppliers, occurs in Guanajuato, primarily in the south and central areas of the state. Of particular concern is the high number of murders in the southern region of the state associated with cartel-related violence. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

Areas south of Federal Highway 45D: U.S. government employees may not travel to the area south of and including Federal Highway 45D, Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Guanajuato state, which includes tourist areas in: San Miguel de Allende , Guanajuato City , and surrounding areas.

Guerrero state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following area with the noted restrictions:

Taxco: U.S. government employees must use Federal Highway 95D, which passes through Cuernavaca, Morelos, and stay within downtown tourist areas of Taxco. Employees may visit Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park during the day with a licensed tour operator.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Guerrero, including to tourist areas in Acapulco , Zihuatanejo , and Ixtapa .

Hidalgo state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Hidalgo state.

Jalisco state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Jalisco state. In Guadalajara, territorial battles between criminal groups take place in tourist areas. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed innocent bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

Jalisco-Michoacan border and Federal Highway 110: U.S. government employees may not travel to the area between Federal Highway 110 and the Jalisco-Michoacan border, nor travel on Federal Highway 110 between Tuxpan, Jalisco, and the Michoacan border.
Federal Highway 80: U.S. government employees may not travel on Federal Highway 80 south of Cocula.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Jalisco state which includes tourist areas in: Guadalajara Metropolitan Area , Puerto Vallarta (including neighboring Riviera Nayarit) , Chapala , and Ajijic .

Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico City. Use additional caution, particularly at night, outside of the frequented tourist areas where police and security patrol more routinely. Petty crime occurs frequently in both tourist and non-tourist areas.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico City.

Mexico State (Estado de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico State. Use additional caution in areas outside of the frequented tourist areas, although petty crime occurs frequently in tourist areas as well.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico State.

Michoacan state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Crime and violence are widespread in Michoacan state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

Federal Highway 15D: U.S. government employees may travel on Federal Highway 15D to transit the state between Mexico City and Guadalajara.
Morelia: U.S. government employees may travel by air and by land using Federal Highways 43 or 48D from Federal Highway 15D.
Lazaro Cardenas: U.S. government employees must travel by air only and limit activities to the city center or port areas.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Michoacan, including the portions of the Monarch Butterfly Reserve located in Michoacan.

Morelos state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Morelos state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Morelos state.

Nayarit state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout Nayarit state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Nayarit state.

Nuevo Leon state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping.

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Nuevo Leon state.

Oaxaca state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state.

U.S. travelers are reminded that U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:

Isthmus region: U.S. government employees may not travel to the area of Oaxaca bounded by Federal Highway 185D to the west, Federal Highway 190 to the north, and the Oaxaca-Chiapas border to the east. This includes the cities of Juchitan de Zaragoza, Salina Cruz, and San Blas Atempa.
Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa: U.S. government employees may not use Federal Highway 200 between Pinotepa and the Oaxaca-Guerrero border.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees to other parts of Oaxaca state, which include tourist areas in: Oaxaca City , Monte Alban , Puerto Escondido, and Huatulco .

Puebla state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Puebla state.

Queretaro state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Queretaro state.

Quintana Roo state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur in any location, at any time, including in popular tourist destinations. Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations.

While not directed at tourists, shootings between rival gangs have injured innocent bystanders. Additionally, U.S. citizens have been the victims of both non-violent and violent crimes in tourist and non-tourist areas.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo state. However, personnel are advised to exercise increased situational awareness after dark in downtown areas of Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen, and to remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones.

San Luis Potosi state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in San Luis Potosi state.

Sinaloa state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime is widespread. Criminal organizations are based in and operating in Sinaloa. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

Mazatlan: U.S. government employees may travel to Mazatlan by air or sea only, are limited to the Zona Dorada and historic town center, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport and sea terminal.
Los Mochis and Topolobampo: U.S. government employees may travel to Los Mochis and Topolobampo by air or sea only, are restricted to the city and the port, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Sinaloa state.

Sonora state – Reconsider Travel

Sonora is a key location used by the international drug trade and human trafficking networks. Violent crime is widespread. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping. Travelers should maintain a heightened level of awareness of their surroundings in all their travels in Sonora. Security incidents may occur in any area of Sonora.

Travel between Hermosillo and Nogales: U.S. government employees may travel between the U.S. Ports of Entry in Nogales and Hermosillo during daylight hours via Federal Highway 15 only. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures. Travelers should exercise caution and avoid unnecessary stops as security incidents, including sporadic, armed carjackings, and shootings have been reported along this highway during daylight hours. Travelers should have a full tank of gas and inform friends or family members of their planned travel.
Nogales: U.S. government employees may not travel in the triangular area north of Avenida Tecnologico, west of Bulevar Luis Donaldo Colosio (Periferico), nor east of Federal Highway 15D (Corredor Fiscal). U.S. government employees also may not travel in the residential and business areas to east of the railroad tracks along Plutarco Elias Calle (HWY 15) and Calle Ruiz Cortino, including the business area around the Morley pedestrian gate port-of-entry. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in Nogales due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes. 
Puerto Peñasco: U.S. government employees may travel between Puerto Peñasco and the Lukeville-Sonoyta U.S. Port of Entry during daylight hours via Federal Highway 8 only. They may not travel on any other route to Puerto Peñasco. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in Puerto Peñasco. due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Triangular region near Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry: U.S. government employees may not travel into or through the triangular region west of the Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry, east of Sonoyta, and north of Altar municipality.
San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea, and Agua Prieta : U.S. government employees may travel directly from the nearest U.S. Port of Entry to San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea (via Douglas Port of Entry), and Agua Prieta, but may not go beyond the city limits. Travel is limited to daylight hours only. Travel between Nogales and Cananea via Imuris is not permitted. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in these cities due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Eastern and southern Sonora (including San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos): U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora east of Federal Highway 17, the road between Moctezuma and Sahuaripa, and State Highway 20 between Sahuaripa and the intersection with Federal Highway 16. U.S. government employees may travel to San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos; travel to Alamos is only permitted by air and within city limits. U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora south of Federal Highway 16 and east of Federal Highway 15 (south of Hermosillo), as well as all points south of Guaymas, including Empalme, Guaymas, Obregon, and Navojoa. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in these areas due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.

U.S. government employees may travel to other parts of Sonora state in compliance with the above restrictions, including tourist areas in: Hermosillo , Bahia de Kino , and Puerto Penasco .

Tabasco state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tabasco state.

Tamaulipas state – Do Not Travel

U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo: U.S. government employees may only travel within a limited radius around and between the U.S. Consulates in Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros, their homes, the respective U.S. Ports of Entry, and limited downtown sites, subject to an overnight curfew.
Overland travel in Tamaulipas: U.S. government employees may not travel between cities in Tamaulipas using interior Mexican highways. Travel between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey is limited to Federal Highway 85D during daylight hours with prior authorization.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other parts of Tamaulipas state.

Tlaxcala state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tlaxcala state.

Veracruz state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity occur with increasing frequency in Veracruz, particularly in the center and south near Cordoba and Coatzacoalcos. While most gang-related violence is targeted, violence perpetrated by criminal organizations can affect bystanders. Impromptu roadblocks requiring payment to pass are common.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Veracruz state.

Yucatan state – Exercise Normal Precautions

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Yucatan state, which include tourist areas in: Chichen Itza , Merida , Uxmal , and Valladolid .

Zacatecas state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread in Zacatecas state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

Zacatecas City : U.S. government employee travel is limited to Zacatecas City proper, and employees may not travel overland to Zacatecas City.
U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Zacatecas state.

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, search for travel advisories, external link.

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

IMAGES

Mexico Travel Warning Map 2021
US updates travel advisory for Mexico
Four questions about Mexico travel, safety VERIFIED
Mexico travel warning: U.S. urges citizens to avoid 5 Mexican states
US issues travel alert for Mexico due to high risk of contracting COVID
U.S. Officials Reissue 'Do Not Travel' Warning to Parts of Mexico After

COMMENTS

Mexico Travel Advisory
Mexico State (Estado de Mexico) - Exercise Increased Caution. Exercise increased caution due to crime. Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico State. Use additional caution in areas outside of the frequented tourist areas, although petty crime occurs frequently in tourist areas as well.
U.S. Issues Travel Warning for Mexico
The United States is warning travelers heading to Mexico to be aware of their surroundings ahead of the spring break holiday season.
Travel Advisory: Update for Mexico
Actions to Take: Read the Mexico Travel Advisory , including the detailed state summaries and advisory levels for information on your specific travel destination. Read the Mexico country information page .
Is it safe to travel to Mexico? Here's what you need to know
The U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico put out an alert for spring break travelers on March 13 outlining crime and other potential security issues and actions to take to help ensure safer travel .
Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico? Here's What You Need to Know
A spate of incidents, including a kidnapping and the death of two Americans near the border, have prompted travel warnings from the U.S. government.
Mexico travel advisory update: kidnapping risk, where to avoid
The U.S. State Department issued an updated Travel Advisory Wednesday for U.S. travelers visiting Mexico, including new state-level advice and information on "kidnapping risk." The agency cited an ...
Mexico
Travel Health Notices Be aware of current health issues in Mexico. Learn how to protect yourself.
Travel Advisories
Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.
Travel advice and advisories for Mexico
The situation is tense in the border area between: United States and Mexico. Guatemala and Mexico. You should travel to Mexico by air to avoid criminal incidents at international land border crossings. If you plan to cross an international land border: remain extremely vigilant. use only official border crossings.
Is it OK to travel to Mexico now? What to know, how to stay safe
Mexico is "a tricky place" when it comes to travel and safety because "the security landscape and the security dynamic is so different state to state and city to city," according to Ballard.
U.S. Embassy issues Mexico travel warnings to spring breakers
U.S. authorities are sending an array of warnings to Mexico-bound spring break travelers: Be alert against criminal activity, watch out for counterfeit medication, avoid unregulated alcohol, don ...
U.S. Issues Warning For All Travelers Headed To Cancun & Mexican
The U.S. Embassy & Consulates In Mexico department has issued a warning for all U.S. travelers visiting Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean this spring.
Mexico Travel Advice & Safety
Australian Government travel advice for Mexico. Learn more about local safety, laws and health risks.
Mexico Safety Travel Advisories From The US Department of State (2024
Map created by reddit user 33SharpiesThe map displays the US Department of State's travel advisories for Mexico, indicating safety levels for different regions.
Safety and security
FCDO travel advice for Mexico. Includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements and legal differences.
Mexico International Travel Information
Learn about Mexico's travel requirements, safety tips, and cultural attractions from the U.S. Department of State.
Safety in Mexico: Situational Updates and Practical Tips
Safety in Mexico: Situational Updates and Practical Tips. This guide to safety in Mexico provides situational updates and practical advice for visitors to, and foreign residents living in, Mexico. Keep abreast about safety issues in Mexico with our guide which offers practical and sensible advice based on currently-reported situations.
55 Mexico Safety Tips & Important Travel Advice for 2024
Want to know how to stay safe in Mexico? Keep reading for our insider tips, including health & hygiene, theft prevention, how to get around safely, and so much more!
Mexico
The capital, Mexico City, is one of the world's largest cities (population >20 million) and is a popular destination for business and mass gathering events. Mexico's diverse geography throughout its 32 states attracts travelers for nature, recreation, and sport (Map 10-09). The country's rich history, diverse cuisine, and proud culture ...
Mexico Travel Advisory
Please note that some areas of Mexico have increased risk of crime and kidnapping. Read the entire Advisory , including the detailed state summaries and Advisory levels for information on your specific travel destination. Read the country information page for Mexico.
Mexico travel advice
FCDO travel advice for Mexico. Includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements and legal differences.
Is Mexico safe for tourists? What other issues should they consider?
Safety concerns, the dismantling of the national tourism board and algae found on beaches have led to potential tourism issues for Mexico.
Is Mexico Safe? 13 Essential Travel Tips for Visitors
Mexico isn't dangerous if you know what to look out for. Kidnapping, crime, drugs, scams, natural hazards, health and transport safety tips.
NASA Decides to Bring Starliner Spacecraft Back to Earth Without Crew
NASA will return Boeing's Starliner to Earth without astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams aboard the spacecraft, the agency announced Saturday. The uncrewed return allows NASA and Boeing to continue gathering testing data on Starliner during its upcoming flight home, while also not accepting more risk than necessary for its crew.
Mexico Travel Advisory
Reissued after periodic review with general security updates, and the removal of obsolete COVID-19 page links. Country Summary: Violent crime - such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery - is widespread and common in Mexico.The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to ...

U.S. Issues Travel Warning for Mexico Ahead of Spring Break

Related Articles

Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico? Here’s What You Need to Know.

What happened on the border?

What happened earlier this year in Cancún?

Have authorities curbed violence that might affect tourists?

What about tourist areas in other states?

Are there any other safety concerns?

What precautions should tourists take?

Open Up Your World

Language selection

Mexico travel advice

On this page

Regional Advisory - Avoid non-essential travel

Petty crime

Organized crime

Tourist areas

Border areas

Armed robbery

Carjackings

Kidnappings

Home break-ins

Online scams

Useful links:

Credit card and ATM fraud

Overcharging

Virtual kidnappings

Police corruption

Useful links

Women’s safety

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Spiked food and drinks

Unregulated alcohol

Demonstrations

Water activities

Water sports

Adventure tourism

Power outages

Telecommunications

Road safety

Road conditions

Driving habits

Illegal Roadblocks

Checkpoints

Public transportation

Ridesharing services

Regular Canadian passport

Passport for official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

Other travel documents

Activities requiring a visa

Tourist card

Length of stay

Tourism tax

Other entry requirements

Dual citizenship

Criminal records

Yellow fever

Relevant Travel Health Notices

Routine vaccines

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

Safe food and water precautions

Insect bite prevention

Animal precautions

Person-to-person infections

Medical services and facilities

Contaminated beaches

Medical tourism

Air quality

Altitude sickness

Death abroad

Keep in Mind...

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Imports and exports

Vehicles and boats

Cigarettes and alcohol

Smoking and vaping

Electronic cigarettes

International Child Abduction

Identification