Some places in Mexico, such as Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, are very popular destinations for Americans traveling for spring break or Easter.
However, the U.S. State Department has issued numerous advisories in recent weeks for U.S. citizens traveling to various Mexican states. Americans considering traveling to all but two Mexican states are now under a new warning as violent crime and kidnapping rates are increasing across Mexico. The State Department warns that you need to be careful.
“Violent crimes, including murder, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery, are widespread and common in Mexico,” the State Department said. “The ability of the U.S. government to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many regions of Mexico is limited as travel for U.S. government personnel to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. Local emergency services are limited outside major cities.”
Is Mexico dangerous for tourists?
Mexico has a lot of great things to offer, but drug cartels and violent crime have been in the news again in recent years. Because of this, many people are concerned about their safety in Mexico when planning a trip.
Although Mexican drug cartels generally do not wish to harm American tourists, it is also true that armed groups operate independently. When visiting popular tourist destinations, it is common to be offered illegal drugs by passersby. These people are almost always associated with major drug cartels, so you should always say no.
Foreigners have negative ideas about how dangerous Mexico is. This is because the U.S. State Department has high standards for risk avoidance, and travel warnings regarding Mexico may appear to be fear-mongering. However, this does not apply to places in Mexico that are truly dangerous and should be avoided.
American citizens, Europeans, Canadians, and other non-Latin American tourists are generally very safe in Mexico as long as they don’t do anything illegal. Popular tourist destinations are usually not among Mexico’s most dangerous regions.
Places to avoid in Mexico according to the US Department of State
The Department of State’s recommendations for U.S. citizens considering travel to Mexico are as follows:
don’t travel
The State Department is advising U.S. citizens not to travel to five Mexican states due to increased levels of crime and kidnapping.
Those states are Colima (home to Manzanillo), Michoacán, Sinaloa (home to Mazatlan), Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas (home to the city of Zacatecas).
The state of Guerrero, which includes Acapulco, Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa, is also on the State Department’s “do not travel” list due to rampant crime in those areas.
Reconsider your travel destination
The State Department advised U.S. citizens to reconsider traveling to five Mexican states due to crime and kidnapping.
These states are Baja California (home to Tijuana), Chihuahua, Guanajuato (home to the city of Guanajuato), Jalisco (home to Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta), and Sonora.
Durango and Morelos are also on the State Department’s “Reconsider Travel” list due to high crime rates.
Take extra care when traveling
The State Department advises U.S. citizens to use increased caution when traveling to 17 regions in Mexico, primarily due to crime rates but also the risk of kidnapping in some locations.
These states are Aguascalientes, Baja California Sur (home to Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and La Paz), Chiapas, Coahuila, Hidalgo, Mexico State, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca (home of Oaxaca City and Huatulco), Puebla, Queretaro, Quintana Roo (which includes Cancun, Cozumel, Tulum, and Riviera Maya), San Luis Potosi, Tabasco, Tlaxcala, and Veracruz.
Mexico City, which has a high crime rate, is also on the list.
Please take normal precautions when traveling
The State Department advises U.S. citizens to take normal precautions when traveling to the states of Campeche and Yucatan, where Chichen Itza and Mérida are located.
Know before you go
If you decide to travel to Mexico, the State Department provides some guidance.
The State Department advises “exercising increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.” “Avoid showing signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry. Be especially careful when visiting banks and ATMs.”
The State Department also recommends that travelers to Mexico keep both their travel companions and friends and family at home updated about their travel plans.
Finally, if you take a taxi or Uber alone, the State Department recommends that you always take a photo of the taxi number or license plate and text it to a friend or family member. woman. Mexico is considered one of the five most dangerous countries for women.
The State Department’s Mexico Travel Advisory details the threats in each state of Mexico and helps you learn more about safety when traveling within Mexico.
FAQ
What is the most dangerous city in Mexico?
The most dangerous places in Mexico are Tijuana and Acapulco, followed by Ciudad Victoria,
Third place is Ciudad Juarez. Mexico’s northern border and central Mexico are among the most unsafe places in Mexico. Tijuana is also considered the most dangerous city in the world.
Are popular tourist destinations in Mexico dangerous?
Major tourist destinations popular with American tourists, such as San Miguel de Allende and the coastal city of Mazatlan, are usually not the most dangerous places in Mexico. However, it is best to be careful as crime can occur even in the safe tourist areas of the southern region.
Are Mexican beaches safe?
Mexico’s most popular beaches, such as Playa del Carmen, are considered low risk. Reports of gang activity and cartel-related violence in the media have frightened the public, but Washington and Mexican authorities have ensured that standards of police enforcement in the popular destination remain high.
Is the Mexican government doing enough to combat organized crime?
Mexican authorities say they are doing everything in their power to combat organized crime, and many local governments are doing the same. However, high crime rates and low prosecution rates further reduce public trust in the state and its institutions.
Is Mexico City dangerous for tourists?
Although there are safety concerns in some areas of Mexico City, many tourist areas are generally safe. Please exercise caution, stay in high-traffic areas and follow local advice. Enjoy the rich culture and historic sites of Mexico City while taking precautions.
How can I stay safe in Mexico?
Mexican drug cartels do not want tourists to be harmed, but you should be extremely careful in any case. Reconsider the need to travel to violent cities or remote areas, as criminal groups frequently conduct road closures. Also, please use ATMs in public places and during the day.
