U.S. Department of State Issues Level 2 Travel Advisory for Mexico Amid Safety Concerns

U.S. Department of State Updates Mexico Travel Advisory

The U.S. Department of State has updated its travel advisory for Mexico to Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, a designation issued on August 12, 2025. This advisory urges American citizens to be aware of heightened risks to safety and security when traveling to the country. The primary concerns highlighted include widespread crime, the risk of kidnapping, and potential acts of terrorism.

The advisory notes that many violent crimes, such as homicide, carjacking, and robbery, are prevalent across Mexico. For the first time, the U.S. government has also included a warning about the risk of 'terrorist violence, including attacks and related activities.' The U.S. government's ability to provide assistance to its citizens in many parts of Mexico is limited, and U.S. government employees are subject to specific travel restrictions that U.S. citizens are advised to follow.

Regional Safety Variations Across Mexico

While the overall country is under a Level 2 advisory, specific regions within Mexico carry higher-level warnings due to more severe security threats. Several states are designated as Level 4: Do Not Travel, indicating a greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. These include:

• Colima
• Guerrero
• Michoacán
• Sinaloa
• Tamaulipas
• Zacatecas

Reasons for these Level 4 advisories often cite 'terrorism, crime, and kidnapping,' with specific warnings for areas like Tamaulipas due to increased gun battles and the presence of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Additionally, states such as Baja California, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Morelos, and Sonora are under a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory.

Popular tourist destinations, including Mexico City, Cancún, Riviera Maya, and Baja California Sur, fall under the general Level 2 'Exercise Increased Caution' category. Travelers to these areas are still advised to remain vigilant, as both violent and non-violent crimes can occur.

Recommendations for Travelers

The U.S. Department of State provides several recommendations for American citizens traveling to Mexico:

• Exercise increased caution and maintain a high level of situational awareness.
• Avoid traveling between cities after dark and avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas.
• Use only dispatched vehicles from regulated taxi stands or app-based services like Uber or Cabify; do not hail taxis from the street.
• Comply with road checkpoints and avoid aggressive behavior, as fleeing can lead to violence.
• Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and locate you in an emergency.
• Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or carrying valuable items.
• Stay informed through local news sources and avoid large crowds or protests.
• Consider purchasing travel insurance.

The advisory emphasizes that while Mexico remains a popular destination for U.S. travelers, understanding and mitigating the risks is crucial for personal safety.