The US State Department has issued a travel advisory ahead of the American spring break vacation period, warning of security risks in various regions of Mexico.
The State Department routinely assigns different travel advisory levels to each Mexican state, ranging from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
The spring break travel advisory warned that violent crimes, including homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery, are prevalent throughout the country.
Additionally, the State Department provided its usual notification about its limited ability to provide emergency assistance in certain areas and advised against traveling alone, especially in remote regions.
The states currently under Level 4 advisory include the Pacific Coast states of Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, the central state of Zacatecas and the northeastern state of Tamaulipas.
All of these states experience high levels of cartel violence, as well as kidnappings, carjackings and armed robberies.
The advisory also included safety recommendations for travelers, such as informing friends and family of travel plans, using toll roads, avoiding nighttime driving, being alert at ATMs and not engaging in overt displays of wealth.
Visitors are also encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and follow State Department updates on social media.
This service strongly concurs with that advice.
Tourists visiting Mexico should remain security conscious.
Air travel is recommended whenever possible for reaching popular tourist destinations.
Visitors staying at resorts should remain on the property, as safety cannot be guaranteed, especially on beaches after dark. Exploring local restaurants and nightlife is strongly discouraged.
Those leaving resorts should only use taxis or transportation services affiliated with their hotels, with pre-arranged return plans. Visitors, especially young travelers, should never self-drive anywhere in Mexico.
Road travel anywhere in Mexico after 2200 should be avoided.
Expensive jewelry and luxury watches should not be worn while traveling in Mexico.
See the country summary for further security recommendations.
For questions related to specific states or areas of Mexico, please call the AG main office at (305) 865-0072.
