Following the previous travel warnings issued in March due to conflict and violent crimes (like the ones involving Americans in matamoros), the State Department just issued an updated version of the advisory, which advises citizens to keep avoiding certain areas.
In addition to the "do not travel" restrictions on six Mexican states, the State Department has deemed another 25 states to be worthy of a "reconsider" or "exercise extreme precaution" designation. The only two Mexican states that remain free from these latest restrictions are Campeche and Yucatan, which are home to some of the country's most touristic areas and attractions, including Chichen Itza.
"Violent crime—such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery—is widespread and common in Mexico," reads the advisory. "The US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by US government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted."
These are the states on which the State Department has placed a "do not travel" restriction, its strongest warning:
- Colima
- Guerrero
- Michoacan
- Sinaloa
- Tamaulipas
- Zacatecas
These are the states on which the Department has placed a "reconsider travel" restriction:
- Baja California
- Chihuahua
- Durango
- Guanajuato
- Jalisco
- Morelos
- Sonora
US citizens should "exercise increased caution" when traveling to these states:
- Aguascalientes
- Baja California Sur
- Chiapas
- Coahuila
- Hidalgo
- Mexico City
- Mexico State
- Nayarit
- Nuevo Leon
- Oaxaca
- Puebla
- Queretaro
- Quintana Roo
- San Luis Potosi
- Tabasco
- Tlaxcala
- Veracruz
Those wishing to visit Mexico regardless can do so, but should keep some recommendations in mind to avoid being caught up in potentially dangerous situations. The State Department is advising travelers to avoid traveling between cities after dark and to not hail taxis on the street. Avoiding solo travel is also among the recommendations. The department also recommends sticking to toll roads when possible, being vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs, and being cautious when visiting bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
As Travel Off Path notes, Mexico's most popular tourist destinations are largely not included in the State Department's most severe warnings right now. Baja California Sur (home to Cabo San Lucas and La Paz), Quintana Roo (which includes Cancun and Tulum), and Mexico City are under Level 2 "increased caution" advisories. And while Jalisco state is under a Level 3 "reconsider travel" advisory, that advisory notes that there are currently no US government travel restrictions for tourist areas in the state including Guadalajara or Puerto Vallarta.
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