The U.S. State Department has released an updated travel advisory for Mexico, highlighting the serious concerns about widespread and frequent violent crimes across numerous regions. The advisory emphasizes the need for heightened vigilance and recommends taking necessary precautions to ensure personal safety.
Severe Travel Warnings:
The advisory strongly advises against travel to several states due to escalating crime rates, including murder, kidnapping, and robbery. These states include:
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Do Not Travel To:
* Colima: High risk of crime and kidnapping.
* Guerrero: Significant crime concerns.
* Michoacán: Ongoing crime issues.
* Sinaloa: Elevated crime levels.
* Tamaulipas: Noted for crime and kidnapping.
* Zacatecas: High incidence of crime and kidnapping.
Reconsider Your Trip:
Travelers are advised to carefully reconsider visiting the following states due to heightened crime risks:
* Baja California: Crime and kidnapping risks.
* Chiapas: Crime-related concerns.
* Chihuahua: High risk of crime and kidnapping.
* Guanajuato: Elevated crime rates.
* Jalisco: Crime and kidnapping concerns.
* Morelos: Significant crime issues.
* Sonora: High risks of crime and kidnapping.
Exercise Caution:
The advisory recommends exercising particular caution in the following states, where crime concerns are present:
* Aguascalientes: Crime concerns.
* Baja California Sur: Noted for crime.
* Coahuila: Crime-related issues.
* Durango: Elevated crime risks.
* Hidalgo: Significant crime levels.
* Mexico City: Increased crime rates.
* State of Mexico: Risks of crime and kidnapping.
* Nayarit: Crime concerns.
* Nuevo Leon: High crime rates.
* Oaxaca: Elevated crime levels.
* Puebla: Risks of crime and kidnapping.
* Queretaro: Crime-related issues.
* Quintana Roo (home to Cancun): Under heightened caution for crime.
* San Luis Potosí: Crime and kidnapping risks.
* Tabasco: Elevated crime concerns.
* Tlaxcala: Significant crime issues.
* Veracruz: Noted for crime.
Additional Restrictions for U.S. Government Personnel:
The advisory also includes specific restrictions for U.S. government personnel traveling to Mexico, which include:
* Limitations on travel between cities after dark.
* A ban on hailing taxis on the street.
Recommendations for Travelers:
The U.S. State Department urges travelers to stay informed about the latest updates and recommendations by visiting their official website. Additionally, travelers are encouraged to remain vigilant and prioritize safety during their visits to Mexico. The advisory emphasizes that while some states have lower risk assessments, it is crucial to stay informed and take precautions even in those areas.
Staying Safe and Informed:
The advisory strongly encourages travelers to be aware of their surroundings, avoid risky situations, and follow safety guidelines when visiting Mexico. By remaining vigilant and informed, travelers can minimize potential risks and have a safer experience.
