U.S. State Department Has Travel Warnings In Place For These 6 Regions In Mexico

Last Updated 11 hours in the past

Travelers heading to Mexico this winter or for spring break ought to take warning or, in some cases, take into account canceling their journey. The U.S. State Department has journey advisories in place for all however two Mexican states. Six Mexican states are underneath probably the most extreme stage 4 “do not travel” advisory.

the city of Mazatlan Mexico glows in the evening

Rather than concern a blanket journey warning for the complete nation, the U.S. Department of State assesses the chance stage of every of Mexico’s 32 states and points a separate advisory for every state. The warnings are based mostly on the risk stage to U.S. residents, together with authorities staff, expats, digital nomads, and vacationers.

Why Are There Travel Warnings In Mexico?

Travel warnings might be issued for any variety of causes, however in Mexico’s occasion, it is because of an elevated danger of violent crime. According to the State Department’s warning, murder, kidnapping, carjacking, and theft is at the moment widespread in Mexico. Additionally, the U.S. authorities and native authorities have restricted capability to assist Americans who want help in sure areas.

Recent incidents have included violence that erupted within the state of Sinaloa and an ongoing dispute between Uber and taxi drivers that has change into aggressive in Cancun. While violence and kidnappings are typically not focused towards vacationers, there have been incidents the place harmless bystanders have been injured or killed throughout altercations.

the colorful buildings of a mexican town

What Does The Travel Warning Mean?

The U.S. authorities has urged Americans to obey the identical restrictions they’ve positioned on U.S. authorities staff in Mexico. Specifically, U.S. authorities staff are suggested to:

Avoid journey between cities after darkish
Avoid hailing taxis on the road
Do not journey alone, particularly in distant areas
Do not drive from the U.S. – Mexico border to inside elements of the nation, with a number of exceptions

Additionally, there are precautions vacationers can take to scale back their danger of hazard whereas visiting Mexico. Specifically, all guests ought to enroll within the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program and inform household again residence of their plans. Travelers must also keep away from displaying apparent indicators of wealth and be additional cautious when visiting ATMs or banks.

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What To Do If You Need Help In Mexico?

If you do end up needing help whereas visiting Mexico, you’ll be able to name for assist by dialing 911. Inform native authorities of any points and file a Mexican police report if wanted. Additionally, U.S. residents must also contact the U.S. Embassy or the closest consulate if assist is required. The embassy might help discover medical care, present a listing of native attorneys, and assist prepare lodging and flights residence within the case of an emergency.

The Mexican city of Taxco glows in the evening light

Which Mexican Locations Have A Travel Warning?

Six Mexican states at the moment have a stage 4 “do not travel” warning, and 7 states are underneath a stage 3 “reconsider travel” advisory. All however 2 of the remaining states are underneath a stage 2 advisory the place vacationers ought to “exercise increased caution”. The solely 2 areas with no present advisory are Campeche and Yucatan. That signifies that most of Mexico’s well-liked vacationer locations are at the moment underneath advisory. Below is a listing of the advisories, together with well-liked vacationer locations inside that state.

Level 4 – Do Not Travel

Colima – Colima City, Manzanillo, Comala
Guerrero – Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo, Taxco, Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park, Acapulco, Mil Cascades Waterfalls
Michoacan – Morelia, Patzcuaro
Sinaloa – Mazatlan, Culiacan
Tamaulipas – El Cielo Biosphere
Zacatecas – Zacatecas City

Level 3 – Reconsider Travel

Baja California –Tijuana, Ensenada
Chihuahua – Chihuahua City, Copper Canyon
Durango –Mapimí Biosphere Reserve
Guanajuato – Guanajuato City, San Miguel de Allende, Canada de la Virgen Ruins
Jalisco – Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, Tequila, Ajijic, San Sebastián del Oeste
Morelos – Tepoztlan, Las Estacas National Park, Xochicalco Ruins
Sonora – El Pinacate Biosphere Reserve

view of a town in mexico with mexican flag

Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution

Aguascalientes – Aguascalientes City
Baja California Sur – Los Cabos, La Paz
Chiapas – San Cristobal del las Casas, Palenque Ruins, Montebello Lagoons
Coahuila
Hidalgo – Grutas de Tolantongo, Tollan Ruins, Huasca de Ocampo (Basaltic Prisims)
Mexico City – Mexico City
Mexico state – Mesoamerican Teotihuacan, Cuauhtinchan Archeological Zone
Nayarit – Sayulita, Punta Mita, Nuevo Vallarta, San Pancho, San Blas
Nuevo Leon
Oaxaca – Oaxaca City, Puerto Escondido, San Jose del Pacifico
Puebla – Puebla City, Cholula, Pico de Orzaba
Queretaro – Queretaro City, Sierra Gorda UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Quintana Roo – Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel
San Luis Potosi – Huasteca Potosina, Xilitla Surrealist Gardens
Tabasco
Tlaxcala – Cacaxtla Archaeological Site, Huamantla
Veracruz

Is It Safe To Visit Mexico Right Now?

Each traveler must assess their very own vulnerability and luxury stage earlier than deciding if they need to journey to Mexico proper now. Generally, if one stays in vacationer areas and takes the really helpful precautions, their danger of coming into contact with violence and crime is minimal. However, it’s at all times essential to bear in mind and ready no matter the place you’re touring.

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