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Update May 10, 2024

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Mexico Travel Advisory

Travel advisory august 22, 2023, mexico - see state summaries.

Reissued after periodic review with general security updates, and the removal of obsolete COVID-19 page links.

Country Summary: Violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery – is widespread and common in Mexico. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities.

U.S. citizens are advised to adhere to restrictions on U.S. government employee travel. State-specific restrictions are included in the individual state advisories below. U.S. government employees may not travel between cities after dark, may not hail taxis on the street, and must rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services like Uber, and regulated taxi stands. U.S. government employees should avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas. U.S. government employees may not drive from the U.S.-Mexico border to or from the interior parts of Mexico, except daytime travel within Baja California and between Nogales and Hermosillo on Mexican Federal Highway 15D, and between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Highway 85D.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Mexico.

Do Not Travel To:

• Colima state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Guerrero state  due to  crime .
• Michoacan state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Sinaloa state due to  crime  and  kidnapping
• Tamaulipas state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping.
• Zacatecas  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Reconsider Travel To:

• Baja California  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Chihuahua state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Durango state  due to  crime .
• Guanajuato state  due to  crime and kidnapping .
• Jalisco state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Morelos state  due to  crime .
• Sonora state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To:

• Aguascalientes  state due to  crime .
• Baja California Sur state  due to  crime .
• Chiapas state  due to  crime .
• Coahuila state  due to  crime .
• Hidalgo state  due to  crime .
• Mexico City  due to  crime .
• Mexico State  due to  crime .
• Nayarit state  due to  crime.
• Nuevo Leon  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Oaxaca state  due to  crime .
• Puebla state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Queretaro state  due to  crime .
• Quintana Roo state  due to  crime .
• San Luis Potosi state  due to  crime and kidnapping .
• Tabasco state  due to  crime .
• Tlaxcala state due to  crime .
• Veracruz state  due to  crime .

Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To:

• Campeche state
• Yucatan state

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

If you decide to travel to Mexico:

• Keep traveling companions and family back home informed of your travel plans. If separating from your travel group, send a friend your GPS location. If taking a taxi alone, take a photo of the taxi number and/or license plate and text it to a friend.
• Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night. In many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital or major cities.
• Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Follow the U.S. Embassy on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Mexico.
• Mariners planning travel to Mexico should check for U.S. maritime  advisories  and  alerts , which include instructions on reporting suspicious activities and attacks to Mexican naval authorities.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information related to your travel. 

Aguascalientes state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime.

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Aguascalientes state.

Baja California state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Transnational criminal organizations compete in the border area to establish narco-trafficking and human smuggling routes. Violent crime and gang activity are common. Travelers should remain on main highways and avoid remote locations. Of particular concern is the high number of homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana. Most homicides appeared to be targeted; however, criminal organization assassinations and territorial disputes can result in bystanders being injured or killed. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

U.S. government employees must adhere to the noted restrictions:

• Mexicali Valley:  U.S. government employees should avoid the Mexicali Valley due to the heightened possibility of violence between rival cartel factions.  The boundaries of the restricted area are: to the east, the Baja California/Arizona and Baja California/Sonora borders; to the south, from La Ventana (on Highway 5) due east to the Colorado River; to the west, Highway 5; and to the north, Boulevard Lazaro Cardenas/Highway 92/Highway 1 to Carretera Aeropuerto, from the intersection of Highway 1 and Carretera Aeropuerto due north to the Baja California/California border, and from that point eastward along the Baja California/California border.
• Travelers may use Highways 2 and 2D to transit between Mexicali, Los Algodones, and San Luis Rio Colorado during daylight hours. Travelers may also use Highways 1 and 8 to transit to and from the Mexicali Airport during daylight hours.  Travel on Highway 5 is permissible during daylight hours.

There are no other travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Baja California state. These include high-traffic tourism areas of border and coastal communities, such as  Tijuana ,  Ensenada , and  Rosarito .

Baja California Sur state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Baja California Sur state.

Campeche state – Exercise Normal Precautions

Exercise normal precautions.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Campeche state.

Chiapas state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Chiapas state.

Chihuahua state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Battles for territory between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens and U.S. government employees, including restaurants and malls during daylight hours. Bystanders have been injured or killed in shooting incidents. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

U.S. government employee travel is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

• Ciudad Juarez:  U.S. government employees may travel to the area of Ciudad Juarez bounded to the east by Bulevar Independencia; to the south by De los Montes Urales/Avenida Manuel J Clouthier/Carretera de Juárez; to the west by Via Juan Gabriel/Avenida de los Insurgentes/Calle Miguel Ahumada/Francisco Javier Mina/Melchor Ocampo; and to the north by the U.S.-Mexico border.  Direct travel to the Ciudad Juarez airport (officially called the Abraham González International Airport) and the factories located along Bulevar Independencia and Las Torres is permitted.  Travel to San Jerónimo is permitted only through the United States via the Santa Teresa U.S. Port of Entry; travel via Anapra is prohibited.

U.S. government employees may only travel from Ciudad Juarez to the city of Chihuahua during daylight hours via Federal Highway 45, with stops permitted only at the Guardia Nacional División Caminos station, the Umbral del Milenio overlook area, the border inspection station at KM 35, and the shops and restaurants on Federal Highway 45 in the city of Ahumada.

• U.S. government employees may travel between Ciudad Juarez and Ascension via Highway 2.
• Nuevo Casas Grandes Area (including Nuevo Casas Grandes, Casas Grandes, Mata Ortiz, Colonia Juárez, Colonia LeBaron, Paquimé and San Buenaventura):  U.S. government employees may travel to the Nuevo Casas Grandes area during daylight hours via Mexico Federal Highway 2, and subsequently Federal Highway 10, to Nuevo Casas Grandes.  Employees are permitted to stay overnight in the cities of Nuevo Casas Grandes and Casas Grandes only.
• City of Chihuahua:  U.S. government employees may travel at any time to the area of the city of Chihuahua bounded to the north by Avenida Transformación; to the east by Avenida Tecnológico/Manuel Gómez Morín/Highway 16/Blvd.José Fuentes Mares; to the west by the city boundary; and to the south by Periférico Francisco R. Almada.
• U.S. government employees may travel on Highways 45, 16, and 45D through the city of Chihuahua and to the Chihuahua airport (officially called the General Roberto Fierro Villalobos International Airport). 
• U.S. government employees may travel to Santa Eulalia to the east of the city of Chihuahua, as well as to Juan Aldama via Highway 16 to the northeast.
• U.S. government employees may travel south of the city of Chihuahua on Highway 45 to the southern boundary of Parral, including each town directly connected to Highway 45, including Lázaro Cárdenas, Pedro Meoqui, Santa Cruz de Rosales, Delicias, Camargo, Ciudad Jiménez, and Parral itself.
• U.S. government employees may only travel on official business from the city of Chihuahua on Highway 16 to Ciudad Cuauhtémoc bounded by Highway 21 to the north and east, Highway 5 to the west, and Bulevar Jorge Castillo Cabrera to the south. 
• Ojinaga:  U.S. government employees must travel to Ojinaga via U.S. Highway 67 and enter through the U.S. Port of Entry in Presidio, Texas.
• Palomas:  U.S. government employees may travel to Palomas via U.S. highways through the U.S. Port of Entry in Columbus, New Mexico, or via Highway 2 in Mexico.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Chihuahua, including  Copper Canyon .

Coahuila state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity occur in parts of Coahuila state. 

U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:

• Zaragoza, Morelos, Allende, Nava, Jimenez, Villa Union, Guerrero, and Hidalgo municipalities : U.S. government employees may not travel to these municipalities.
• Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña:  U.S. government employees must travel directly from the United States and observe a curfew from midnight to 6:00 a.m. in both cities.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Coahuila state.

Colima state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.  

Violent crime and gang activity are widespread. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.  

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with noted restrictions: 

• Manzanillo:   U.S. government employee travel is limited to the tourist and port areas of Manzanillo.  
• Employees traveling to Manzanillo from Guadalajara must use Federal Toll Road 54D during daylight hours.  

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Colima state. 

Durango state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime.

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Durango state.

• West and south of Federal Highway 45:  U.S. government employees may not travel to this region of Durango state.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Durango state.

Guanajuato state – Reconsider Travel

Gang violence, often associated with the theft of petroleum and natural gas from the state oil company and other suppliers, occurs in Guanajuato, primarily in the south and central areas of the state.  Of particular concern is the high number of murders in the southern region of the state associated with cartel-related violence. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Areas south of Federal Highway 45D:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area south of and including Federal Highway 45D, Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Guanajuato state, which includes tourist areas in:  San Miguel de Allende ,  Guanajuato City , and  surrounding areas.

Guerrero state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime.

Crime and violence are widespread. Armed groups operate independently of the government in many areas of Guerrero. Members of these groups frequently maintain roadblocks and may use violence towards travelers. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping in previous years.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following area with the noted restrictions:

• Taxco:  U.S. government employees must use Federal Highway 95D, which passes through Cuernavaca, Morelos, and stay within downtown tourist areas of Taxco. Employees may visit Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park during the day with a licensed tour operator.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Guerrero, including to tourist areas in  Acapulco ,  Zihuatanejo , and  Ixtapa .

Hidalgo state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Hidalgo state.

Jalisco state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Jalisco state. In Guadalajara, territorial battles between criminal groups take place in tourist areas. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed innocent bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Jalisco-Michoacan border and Federal Highway 110:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area between Federal Highway 110 and the Jalisco-Michoacan border, nor travel on Federal Highway 110 between Tuxpan, Jalisco, and the Michoacan border.
• Federal Highway 80:  U.S. government employees may not travel on Federal Highway 80 south of Cocula.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Jalisco state which includes tourist areas in:  Guadalajara Metropolitan Area ,  Puerto Vallarta (including neighboring Riviera Nayarit) ,  Chapala , and  Ajijic .

Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico City. Use additional caution, particularly at night, outside of the frequented tourist areas where police and security patrol more routinely. Petty crime occurs frequently in both tourist and non-tourist areas.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico City.

Mexico State (Estado de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico State. Use additional caution in areas outside of the frequented tourist areas, although petty crime occurs frequently in tourist areas as well.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico State.

Michoacan state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Crime and violence are widespread in Michoacan state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

• Federal Highway 15D:   U.S. government employees may travel on Federal Highway 15D to transit the state between Mexico City and Guadalajara.
• Morelia:  U.S. government employees may travel by air and by land using Federal Highways 43 or 48D from Federal Highway 15D.
• Lazaro Cardenas:  U.S. government employees must travel by air only and limit activities to the city center or port areas.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Michoacan, including the portions of the  Monarch Butterfly Reserve  located in Michoacan.

Morelos state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Morelos state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Morelos state.

Nayarit state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout Nayarit state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Nayarit state.

Nuevo Leon state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping.

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Nuevo Leon state.

Oaxaca state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state.

U.S. travelers are reminded that U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:

• Isthmus region:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area of Oaxaca bounded by Federal Highway 185D to the west, Federal Highway 190 to the north, and the Oaxaca-Chiapas border to the east.  This includes the cities of Juchitan de Zaragoza, Salina Cruz, and San Blas Atempa.  
• Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa:  U.S. government employees may not use Federal Highway 200 between Pinotepa and the Oaxaca-Guerrero border.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees to other parts of Oaxaca state, which include tourist areas in:  Oaxaca City ,  Monte Alban ,  Puerto Escondido,  and  Huatulco .

Puebla state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Puebla state.

Queretaro state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Queretaro state.

Quintana Roo state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur in any location, at any time, including in popular tourist destinations.  Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations. 

While not directed at tourists, shootings between rival gangs have injured innocent bystanders.  Additionally, U.S. citizens have been the victims of both non-violent and violent crimes in tourist and non-tourist areas.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo state. However, personnel are advised to exercise increased situational awareness after dark in downtown areas of Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen, and to remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones.

San Luis Potosi state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.  U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in San Luis Potosi state.

Sinaloa state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime is widespread. Criminal organizations are based in and operating in Sinaloa. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Mazatlan:  U.S. government employees may travel to Mazatlan by air or sea only, are limited to the Zona Dorada and historic town center, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport and sea terminal.
• Los Mochis and Topolobampo:  U.S. government employees may travel to Los Mochis and Topolobampo by air or sea only, are restricted to the city and the port, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Sinaloa state.

Sonora state – Reconsider Travel

Sonora is a key location used by the international drug trade and human trafficking networks. Violent crime is widespread. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping. Travelers should maintain a heightened level of awareness of their surroundings in all their travels in Sonora.  Security incidents may occur in any area of Sonora.

• Travel between Hermosillo and Nogales:  U.S. government employees may travel between the U.S. Ports of Entry in Nogales and Hermosillo during daylight hours via Federal Highway 15 only. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures. Travelers should exercise caution and avoid unnecessary stops as security incidents, including sporadic, armed carjackings, and shootings have been reported along this highway during daylight hours. Travelers should have a full tank of gas and inform friends or family members of their planned travel.
• Nogales:  U.S. government employees may not travel in the triangular area north of Avenida Tecnologico, west of Bulevar Luis Donaldo Colosio (Periferico), nor east of Federal Highway 15D (Corredor Fiscal). U.S. government employees also may not travel in the residential and business areas to east of the railroad tracks along Plutarco Elias Calle (HWY 15) and Calle Ruiz Cortino, including the business area around the Morley pedestrian gate port-of-entry. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in Nogales due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.  
• Puerto Peñasco:  U.S. government employees may travel between Puerto Peñasco and the Lukeville-Sonoyta U.S. Port of Entry during daylight hours via Federal Highway 8 only. They may not travel on any other route to Puerto Peñasco. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in Puerto Peñasco. due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
• Triangular region near Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry:  U.S. government employees may not travel into or through the triangular region west of the Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry, east of Sonoyta, and north of Altar municipality.
• San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea, and Agua Prieta : U.S. government employees may travel directly from the nearest U.S. Port of Entry to San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea (via Douglas Port of Entry), and Agua Prieta, but may not go beyond the city limits. Travel is limited to daylight hours only. Travel between Nogales and Cananea via Imuris is not permitted. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in these cities due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
• Eastern and southern Sonora (including San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos):  U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora east of Federal Highway 17, the road between Moctezuma and Sahuaripa, and State Highway 20 between Sahuaripa and the intersection with Federal Highway 16. U.S. government employees may travel to San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos; travel to Alamos is only permitted by air and within city limits.  U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora south of Federal Highway 16 and east of Federal Highway 15 (south of Hermosillo), as well as all points south of Guaymas, including Empalme, Guaymas, Obregon, and Navojoa.  U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in these areas due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.

U.S. government employees may travel to other parts of Sonora state in compliance with the above restrictions, including tourist areas in: Hermosillo , Bahia de Kino , and Puerto Penasco .

Tabasco state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tabasco state.

Tamaulipas state – Do Not Travel

Organized crime activity – including gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault – is common along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. Criminal groups target public and private passenger buses, as well as private automobiles traveling through Tamaulipas, often taking passengers and demanding ransom payments.

Heavily armed members of criminal groups often patrol areas of the state and operate with impunity particularly along the border region from Reynosa to Nuevo Laredo.  In these areas, local law enforcement has limited capacity to respond to incidents of crime. Law enforcement capacity is greater in the tri-city area of Tampico, Ciudad Madero, and Altamira, which has a lower rate of violent criminal activity compared to the rest of the state.

U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo:  U.S. government employees may only travel within a limited radius around and between the U.S. Consulates in Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros, their homes, the respective U.S. Ports of Entry, and limited downtown sites, subject to an overnight curfew.
• Overland travel in Tamaulipas:  U.S. government employees may not travel between cities in Tamaulipas using interior Mexican highways. Travel between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey is limited to Federal Highway 85D during daylight hours with prior authorization.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other parts of Tamaulipas state.

Tlaxcala state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tlaxcala state.

Veracruz state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity occur with increasing frequency in Veracruz, particularly in the center and south near Cordoba and Coatzacoalcos. While most gang-related violence is targeted, violence perpetrated by criminal organizations can affect bystanders. Impromptu roadblocks requiring payment to pass are common.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Veracruz state.

Yucatan state – Exercise Normal Precautions

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Yucatan state, which include tourist areas in:  Chichen Itza ,  Merida ,  Uxmal , and  Valladolid .

Zacatecas state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread in Zacatecas state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Zacatecas City : U.S. government employee travel is limited to Zacatecas City proper, and employees may not travel overland to Zacatecas City.
• U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Zacatecas state.

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U.S. Issues Travel Warning for Mexico Ahead of Spring Break

The warning is asking travelers to “travel smart” and “be informed."

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The United States is warning travelers heading to Mexico to be aware of their surroundings ahead of the spring break holiday season.

The warning , which was issued this week by the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico, reminds travelers to “travel smart” and “be informed” as “thousands of U.S. citizens visit Mexico during spring break” each year. The embassy continued that “while the vast majority travel safely,” visitors should be aware of issues with crime, drugs, unregulated alcohol, drownings, and more. 

“Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations. Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations,” the embassy warned. “U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in the downtown areas of popular spring break locations including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum, especially after dark.”

The warning also reminded American travelers that drug possession and use is illegal in Mexico, including medical marijuana. It also advised that unregulated alcohol may be contaminated, that counterfeit medication is common, and that guns are illegal in Mexico.

When it comes to the country’s popular beaches, the embassy reminded travelers some beaches may have strong rip tides and “may lack lifeguards, warnings, or signs of unsafe conditions.”

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico issued a similar spring break warning last year .

The U.S. Department of State classifies different states in Mexico under different warning levels. While travelers can “exercise normal precautions” when traveling to the Campeche and Yucatan states, the State Department warns them to “exercise increased caution” when heading to places like Baja California Sur (where Los Cabos is), Mexico City, and Quintana Roo (where Cancun is) due to crime.

The State Department also asks American travelers to “reconsider” going to the state of Jalisco, which is home to popular destination Puerto Vallarta , due to the danger of crime and kidnapping.

The State Department recommends Americans who do travel to Mexico keep people at home informed of their travel plans and enroll in the department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to both receive alerts and make it easier to locate them if an emergency occurs.

Travelers heading to international destinations can view all current travel advisories on the State Department's website at  travel.state.gov .

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U.S. State Department Renews Warning About Travel To Mexico — Where It Says Visitors Can Travel This Spring

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Mexico is one of the most popular international destinations for American travelers. Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen particularly draw high numbers of tourists from the U.S.

However, as the spring break and Easter travel season approaches, anyone planning a trip to Mexico this spring must reckon with the sobering news of four Americans who were recently attacked by gunmen while traveling in Mexico.

The four individuals had traveled to Mexico so one could have a medical procedure. Then, in the city of Matamoros in Tamaulipas state, just south of Brownsville, Texas, the four were shot at and kidnapped. Two of them were killed in the gunfire. The other two, one of whom was also shot, have now been returned to the U.S., according to NBC News .

The U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico issued a statement reminding U.S. citizens that it previously issued a travel advisory listing Tamaulipas state as a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” area in Mexico.

The natural inclination for anyone planning to travel to Mexico, as well as for family and friends of those prospective travelers, is now to question whether or not it’s safe to visit Mexico.

Zachary Rabinor, founder and CEO of the travel company Journey Mexico, says it’s important to remember that the Americans were killed and kidnapped a long distance from popular tourist destinations in Mexico.

“To put things in perspective, Matamoros is about 1,360 miles away from Cancun,” Rabinor said, according to CNN . “That’s about the equivalent distance from the Texas side of the border to Chicago, Illinois.”

Jaime Lopez-Aranda, a senior security manager at travel risk management firm International SOS, agrees that popular resort areas are still fairly safe.

“It is relatively safe for travelers to head to tourist destinations and major urban centers such as Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey,” Lopez-Aranda told CNN Travel.

Importantly, the U.S. State Department has issued a number of advisories for U.S. citizens traveling to various Mexican states in recent weeks. Now, as violent crime and kidnapping rates increase across Mexico, Americans considering travel to all but two of the states in Mexico should be aware of renewed and increased warnings, the State Department cautions.

“Violent crime — such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery — is widespread and common in Mexico,” the State Department explains .

“The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted,” the State Department continues. “In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities.”

Here are the State Department’s travel advisories for each of Mexico’s states.

Do Not Travel To

The State Department advises U.S. citizens to not travel to five states in Mexico due to increasing levels of crime and kidnapping.

Those states are Colima (where Manzanillo is located), Michoacan, Sinaloa (where Mazatlán is located), Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas (home to Zacatecas City).

Guerrero — where Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, and Ixtapa are located — is also on the State Department’s “Do Not Travel” list because crime is widespread in those areas.

Reconsider Travel To

The State Department advises U.S. citizens to “reconsider travel” to five states in Mexico due to crime and kidnapping.

Those states are Baja California (where Tijuana is located), Chihuahua, Guanajuato (where Guanajuato City is located), Jalisco (home to Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta), and Sonora.

The states of Durango and Morelos are also on the State Department’s “Reconsider Travel To” list due to high crime rates.

Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To

The State Department advises U.S. citizens to “exercise increased caution when traveling to” 17 areas of Mexico, primarily due to crime rates but also due to the threat of kidnapping in some places.

Those states are Aguascalientes, Baja California Sur (where Cabo San Lucas , San Jose del Cabo, and La Paz are located), Chiapas, Coahuila, Hidalgo, Mexico State, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca (home of Oaxaca City and Huatulco), Puebla, Queretaro, Quintana Roo (where Cancun , Cozumel, Tulum, and Riviera Maya are located), San Luis Potosi, Tabasco, Tlaxcala, and Veracruz.

Mexico City is also on the list due to high crime rates.

Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To

The State Department advises U.S. citizens to “exercise normal precautions when traveling to” Campeche and Yucatan, where Chichen Itza and Merida are located.

Know Before You Go

If you decide to travel to Mexico, the State Department offers some guidance.

“Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos,” the State Department recommends. “Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry. Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.”

U.S. citizens with an emergency are also reminded that they can call the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico for help.

U.S. citizens on their way to Mexico are also advised to make a note of U.S. Embassy & Consulates emergency contacts in the area where they will be traveling.

Finally, the State Department recommends international travelers enroll in STEP, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program .

Doing so enables U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate. That way travelers can receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in their destination country, make it easy for the U.S. Embassy to contact travelers in the event of an emergency, and also make it easier for family and friends to contact travelers in case of an emergency.

For more about changing travel conditions in countries around the world, be sure to read our Travel News content, including:

• New Cost To Travel To Europe Delayed Until 2024 — What Visitors Need To Know
• Traveling To Europe This Spring? 5 Countries Where Strikes Could Affect Your Trip
• TSA Is Asking Travelers With Pets To Stop Doing This One Thing — Here’s What It Is

Jim Fulcher has been a writer and editor his entire career. In addition to writing, he also enjoys traveling--particularly in an RV. Over the course of numerous trips, Jim has driven an RV through West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming. His favorite national park is Yellowstone, which he has visited three times.

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Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico? Here’s What You Need to Know.

A spate of incidents, including a kidnapping and the death of two Americans near the border, have prompted travel warnings from the U.S. government.

By Elisabeth Malkin and Isabella Kwai

Two Americans found dead after they were attacked and kidnapped near the border. Airports shuttered amid gang violence in Sinaloa. Turmoil among taxi drivers in Cancún.

A number of recent security incidents have raised concerns about the risks of traveling to Mexico, where more than 20 million tourists flew last year to visit the country’s beaches, cities and archaeological sites, or to obtain health care .

Ahead of the spring break holiday, a popular time for American tourists to visit the country, the U.S. Embassy issued a travel alert , urging visitors to exercise caution by avoiding dangerous situations and drinking responsibly, among other recommendations. “Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations,” the alert said. And the State Department has warned tourists to steer clear of six states, including the state of Tamaulipas, where the recent kidnapping occurred — and to exercise increased precautions in other popular destinations like Playa del Carmen, Cancún, Tulum and Mexico City.

An overwhelming majority of visitors enjoy a safe vacation in Mexico, and tourists are largely sheltered from the violence that grips local communities. But the attack and kidnapping of four Americans in the border city of Matamoros, two of whom were later found dead, along with recent disorder in Cancún and violence in early January that forced the closure of three airports in northwest Mexico, is prompting questions about whether the country’s broader unrest is spilling into other destinations.

What happened on the border?

On March 3, four Americans from South Carolina traveling in a white minivan crossed the border from Brownsville, Texas, into the city of Matamoros, in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. One of the Americans was scheduled for cosmetic surgery.

Soon after the Americans crossed the border, gunmen fired on their vehicle and then abducted the group in a pickup truck. Officials later said that two of the group were found dead at a rural location alongside the other two, who had survived.

The Americans were attacked as a result of “confusion,” according to Irving Barrios, the state prosecutor in Tamaulipas. Matamoros has a long history of violence and highway shootouts, though that reputation has partially subsided in recent years. Then, in late February, one gang moved into the city to wrest control of drug sales from another, said Eduardo Guerrero, the director of Lantia Intelligence , a security consulting company in Mexico City.

“There are places in the country where the situation can change abruptly from one week to another,” he said. While the motives in the attack remain unclear, the Americans had “very bad luck,” Mr. Guerrero said, because they likely stumbled into a battle between the two gangs.

What happened earlier this year in Cancún?

Uber has been challenging the taxi unions for the right to operate in Cancún and won a court decision in its favor on Jan. 11. The ruling infuriated the powerful unions, which are believed to have links to local organized crime figures and former governors. Taxi drivers then began harassing and threatening Uber drivers.

The conflict generated widespread attention after a video of taxi drivers forcing a Russian-speaking family out of their rideshare car went viral, and after unions blocked the main road leading to Cancún’s hotel zone. That prompted the U.S. Embassy in Mexico to issue a security alert .

Mr. Guerrero said that the authorities will try to negotiate some kind of compromise, but there was a probability of more violence ahead.

Have authorities curbed violence that might affect tourists?

As a rule, criminals in Mexico are careful not to kill tourists, Mr. Guerrero explained, because doing so “can set in motion a persecution that can last years,” the consequences of which can be “very dissuasive,” he said.

But the rule doesn’t always hold. And in two popular destinations for foreign tourists — Los Cabos , at the tip of the Baja California peninsula, and the Caribbean coast — local and state officials have recently sought help from the United States to take on organized crime that threatened to drive off tourists.

A spasm of violence at the end of 2021 and early 2022 rattled the tourist industry along the Riviera Maya, the 80-mile strip of Caribbean resorts south of Cancún. Two visitors were killed in crossfire between local gangs in Tulum; a gunfight on a beach in Puerto Morelos sent tourists running for cover into a nearby hotel; a hit man gained entry to a luxury hotel in Playa del Carmen and killed two Canadian tourists believed to have links to organized crime.

The federal government sent National Guard units to patrol the beaches, and Quintana Roo state authorities asked U.S. law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration, to provide intelligence, Mr. Guerrero said. Local authorities, flush with tourism revenues, invested in the police, which is typically the weakest link in Mexican law enforcement.

The joint approach led to a lull in gangland gun battles in Quintana Roo’s tourist areas, and experts say that drug sales to meet foreign demand no longer take place on the street, although they are continuing more discreetly.

The success in tamping down drug violence in Quintana Roo follows a similar improvement in Los Cabos a couple of years ago when U.S. authorities also collaborated with local officials in the state of Baja California Sur. The murder rate soared in Los Cabos in 2017 amid cartel wars, and although tourists were not targeted, that year police chased gunmen into the lobby of a luxury hotel in San José del Cabo, and a cooler containing two heads was left in a tourist area.

What about tourist areas in other states?

Even in states where crime is very high, tourist areas have generally been spared. San Miguel de Allende, a haven for U.S. retirees, is an island of relative peace in a state, Guanajuato, that has been riddled with cartel violence .

The Pacific Coast state of Jalisco, home to the resort of Puerto Vallarta, picturesque tequila country and the cultural and gastronomic attractions of the state capital, Guadalajara , is also the center of operations of the extremely violent Jalisco New Generation Cartel . The cartel’s focus of violence is in the countryside; Puerto Vallarta and the beaches to its north, including the exclusive peninsula of Punta Mita and the surfers’ hangout of Sayulita, are all booming — and, despite drug sales, the cartel’s control seems to limit open conflict.

Mexico City has become a magnet for digital nomads and shorter term visitors , and concerns about violence there have receded. The city’s police force has been successful in reducing violent crime, particularly homicides, and the number of killings has been cut almost in half over the past three years.

Are there any other safety concerns?

Street crime is still a problem almost everywhere, especially in bigger cities and crowded spaces. Kidnapping and carjacking are a risk in certain regions and many businesses that cater to tourists operate under extortion threats. While tourists may not be aware of underlying criminal forces, their power sometimes spills out into the open in spectacular shows of violence.

The attack in Matamoros is only the most recent example. Mexican border cities, which have long endured waves of violence, are not typically tourist destinations, although Americans often cross the border to visit family, seek out cheaper health care or dine at restaurants.

Three airports in the state of Sinaloa, including the beach destination Mazatlán, were closed on Jan. 5 amid gang violence after Mexican security forces arrested Ovidio Guzmán López, a son of Joaquín Guzmán Loera, the crime lord known as El Chapo, who is serving a life sentence in the United States. A stray bullet fired by cartel gunmen shooting at a Mexican military plane as it landed at the airport in the state capital, Culiacán, clipped an Aeromexico plane preparing to take off for Mexico City. Nobody was hurt and the plane returned to the terminal.

In August, gunmen positioned burning cars and buses to block roads around Guadalajara in response to a military raid on a meeting of criminal bosses. In October, a local politician was shot and killed in an upscale steakhouse in suburban Guadalajara as terrified diners crawled to safety.

Pierre de Hail, the president of Janus Group Mexico, a risk management company in Monterrey, is skeptical that security has improved. “There is too much random risk,” he said. “It’s all about being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

What precautions should tourists take?

Mr. de Hail recommends researching the resort and news from the area you’re visiting. The U.S. State Department provides state-by-state information about travel risks in Mexico. As of early March, the department had issued its strongest possible warning — Level 4: Do Not Travel — for six states, including Tamaulipas and Sinaloa. Quintana Roo and Baja California Sur are at Level 2, indicating that visitors should exercise increased caution. (By comparison, the same Level 2 advisory is applied to France and Spain.)

The Matamoros incident shows how violence can flare up in places that have been quiet recently. Mr. Guerrero suggests searching on the internet before traveling for news of recent outbreaks.

Mr. de Hail also suggests buying travel insurance in case of a medical emergency or theft, and recommends that tourists keep a low profile to avoid attracting attention, he said, warning that it is easy to misread situations.

As anywhere, common sense should prevail, Mr. de Hail said: Don’t wear expensive watches or jewelry, and avoid dark and deserted places. He recommends making a copy of your passport, remaining alert while walking home at night and not leaving your drinks unattended. “I have had numerous cases of people asking for help because they were extorted coming back from bars,” he said.

He added: “If you’re staying in a place that has a report of strikes or demonstrations, don’t go there. You’re a fish out of water.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2023 .

Isabella Kwai is a breaking news reporter in the London bureau. She joined The Times in 2017 as part of the Australia bureau. More about Isabella Kwai

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

What are the 4 levels of travel advisory? What to know about spring break trips to Mexico

The U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Mexico issued a spring break travel advisory on Feb. 26.

Violent crime is widespread and common in Mexico , according to the U.S. State Department . Crimes such as carjacking, homicide, kidnapping and robbery are prevalent.

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Here's what you need to know about U.S. State Department travel advisories:

Is Mexico safe 2024?

According to the spring break travel advisory , there is list of safety concerns to consider:

• Arrests: Drunk and disorderly behavior, public urination, and open alcohol containers in vehicles are illegal in Mexico.  If you break Mexican law, you can be arrested.
• Crime:  Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations. Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations. See the  Mexico Travel Advisory   for specific information for each Mexican state. U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in the downtown areas of popular spring break locations including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum, especially after dark.
• Drowning: Some beaches have strong undercurrents and rip tides. Beaches may lack lifeguards, warnings, or signs of unsafe conditions.
• Drugs: Drug possession and use, including medical marijuana, is illegal in Mexico and may result in a lengthy jail sentence. U.S. citizens have become seriously ill or died in Mexico after using synthetic drugs or adulterated prescription pills.
• Guns and Ammunition:  All guns and even small amounts of ammunition are illegal in Mexico.  Firearms and other weapons violations may result in lengthy jail time.
• Immigration:   Violating the terms of your stay in Mexico can result in steep fines and detention.
• Medical Emergencies: An illness or accident could result in the need to seek medical treatment or hospitalization in Mexico. Private hospital prices can be higher than those in the United States. Many facilities require payment (sometimes only in cash) either before providing treatment or before discharging a patient.
• Pharmaceuticals:  Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients.  Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.
• Sexual Assault: U.S. citizens have been victims of rape and sexual assault. Perpetrators may target inebriated or isolated individuals or may employ drugs that alter the victim’s physical or mental state.
• Unregulated Alcohol: Unregulated alcohol may be contaminated, and U.S. citizens have reported losing consciousness or becoming injured after consuming alcohol that was possibly tainted.

Mexico spring break travel advisory 2024

According to the spring break travel advisory , there is a list of actions travelers should take:

• Avoid strong currents and do not swim after drinking or when warning flags note unsafe conditions.
• Be aware of your safety and protect your personal possessions when using public transportation. Use radio taxis or those from “sitio” taxi stands. Application-based car services such as Uber and Cabify are available in many Mexican cities, and generally offer another relatively safe alternative to taxis.
• Call 911 in an emergency. Although there may be English-speaking operators available, it is best to seek the assistance of a Spanish speaker to place the call.
• Consider downloading the “Guest Assist” application on your smart phone if traveling to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel, or other areas in the state of Quintana Roo. The Mexican government provides information on emergency services and assistance for tourists via the app and their  website .
• Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate if you need assistance.
• Drink responsibly and always watch your drink. If you begin to feel ill, seek medical attention immediately. Report cases of suspected unregulated or contaminated alcohol to the Mexican Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risk (COFEPRIS) by  filing a report online   at the COFEPRIS website, call the COFEPRIS call center at +52 01-8—033-5050, or visit a COFEPRIS office.
• Enroll in the State Department’s  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program   to receive up-to-date information on safety conditions in Mexico and to help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency.
• Keep friends and family at home informed of your travel plans, especially if traveling alone.
• Keep your passport and entry permit (FMM), if applicable, in a safe place. Confirm the date you must depart Mexico.
• Know your drinking companions and stay in a group of friends who have your safety in mind when you are in clubs and bars, walking in dimly lit areas, or in a taxi at night. Obey Mexican law and remember Mexican laws may differ from U.S. laws.
• Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage in Mexico, or purchase travel insurance that covers you in Mexico. Seek coverage that includes medical evacuation.  Confirm costs of medical treatment in advance, when possible.
• Read the  Mexico Travel Advisory  and  Country Information Page  for details on travel throughout Mexico, including entry requirements.
• Regularly monitor your credit or debit card accounts to ensure there are no unauthorized transactions. Limit the amount of cash you carry in public, exercise caution when withdrawing cash, and avoid ATMs in isolated or unlit areas.
• See our  advice for cruise passengers  , particularly those with underlying health conditions.

U.S. State Department Travel Warnings for Mexico

Here are the travel warnins from the U.S. State Department :

Do Not Travel To In Mexico

• Colima state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Guerrero state  due to  crime .
• Michoacan state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Sinaloa state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping
• Tamaulipas state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping.
• Zacatecas  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Reconsider Travel To in Mexico:

• Baja California  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Chihuahua state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Durango state  due to  crime .
• Guanajuato state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Jalisco state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Morelos state  due to  crime .
• Sonora state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To in Mexico

• Aguascalientes  state due to  crime .
• Baja California Sur state  due to  crime .
• Chiapas state  due to  crime .
• Coahuila state  due to  crime .
• Hidalgo state  due to  crime .
• Mexico City  due to  crime .
• Mexico State  due to  crime .
• Nayarit state  due to  crime.
• Nuevo Leon  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Oaxaca state  due to  crime .
• Puebla state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Queretaro state  due to  crime .
• Quintana Roo state  due to  crime .
• San Luis Potosi state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Tabasco state  due to  crime .
• Tlaxcala state  due to  crime .
• Veracruz state  due to  crime .

Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To In Mexico

• Campeche state
• Yucatan state

Is Cancun safe in Mexico?

The Quintana Roo state − where Cancun is located − is under a Level 2 travel advisory, warning travelers to exercise increased caution due to crime.

According to the State Department, criminal activity and violence may occur at any time in any location, including in popular tourist spots. Maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations. 

Travel advisory tips for Mexico trips

According to the State Department, consider these things when traveling to Mexico:

If you decide to travel to Mexico:

• Keep traveling companions and family back home informed of your travel plans. If separating from your travel group, send a friend your GPS location. If taking a taxi alone, take a photo of the taxi number and/or license plate and text it to a friend.
• Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night. In many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital or major cities.
• Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Follow the U.S. Embassy on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Mexico.
• Mariners planning travel to Mexico should check for U.S. maritime  advisories  and  alerts , which include instructions on reporting suspicious activities and attacks to Mexican naval authorities.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the  CDC page  for the latest travel health information related to your travel. 

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What are the 4 levels of travel advisory?

Here are the four levels of travel advisory , according to the U.S. State Department:

Travel Advisory Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions

• This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. There is some risk in any international travel. Conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States and may change at any time.

Travel Advisory Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution

• Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. The Departments of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.

Travel Advisory Level 3 - Reconsider Travel

• Avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.

Travel Advisory Level 4 – Do Not Travel  

• This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. During an emergency, the U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance. The Department of State advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.

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What countries have a Level 4 travel warning?

• Afghanistan
• Burkina Faso
• Central African Republic
• North Korea
• South Sudan

What countries have a Level 3 travel warning?

• El Salvador
• Guinea-Bissau
• Papau New Guinea
• Saudi Arabia
• Trinidad & Tobago

Travel advisory tips for high-risk areas

The State Department recommends three websites for information on travel safety tips :

• Bureau of Consular Affairs  
• The Overseas Security Advisory Council  
• The Federal Bureau of Investigation

Chris Sims is a digital producer for Gannett. Follow him on Twitter:  @ChrisFSims .

Is Guanajuato Safe for Tourists? Your 2024 Guide by a Local Expat

Is Guanajuato safe for tourists to travel to? You might be concerned about how safe it is to travel to Guanajuato if you are venturing to the Central Mexican state for the first time. 

After all, Mexico isnt always a place that we associate with safety in general, and Guanajuato isnt quite as known to tourists as more popular destinations like Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Tulum, and Cancun.  Guanajuato is both the name of the state and its capital city and in this article, written by a local expat, we will look at the safety of traveling to both Guanajuato City and to other points of interest in the state such as Dolores Hidalgo, Leon, and San Miguel de Allende. 

Table of Contents

Is Guanajuato Safe to Travel to in 2024? 

Like many destinations in Mexico, Guanajuato can be a safe place to travel to provided that you use the same common sense precautions as you would when traveling anywhere else in the world. The US Department of State travel warnings for Guanajuato and elsewhere in Mexico can appear stern and unnerving but they should be taken with a pinch of salt for areas of touristic interest in Guanajuato. 

I have been living in Mexico for the last few years and I have traveled extensively across 12 different Mexican states during that time, including Guanajuato. While I didn’t know what to expect prior to my arrival in the region, Guanajuato City in particular quickly became one of my absolute favorite cities in Mexico. 

It has a rich art and cultural scene, and a vibrant, young student population. As a university city, Guanajuato is always teeming with life, and its streets and plazas are filled with people sipping cantaritos in al fresco bars, or heading to underground cocktail spots every night of the week. 

In the central parts of the city, you can feel very comfortable at all hours of the day. As a female traveler, I never had any creepy feelings or felt that I constantly had to look over my shoulder or remind myself that I was in Mexico.  

San Miguel de Allende voted as the “best city in the world” by Travel and Leisure readers on numerous occasions, is a tourist favorite with a large, well-heeled expat population, and Guanajuato pueblo magicos like Mineral de Pozos and Dolores Hidalgo are also very safe.

Government travel advice for Guanajuato 

It’s a good idea to review your country’s government travel advice before traveling anywhere and the same rings true of traveling to Mexico. The US Department of State breaks each of Mexico’s 32 states down into four different categories based on their perceived safety.

Guanajuato state has been slapped with the alarming label of being a place where you need to “reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping” . The reality is that safety in Mexico is much more nuanced and the security situation differs significantly from state to state, city to city. 

Most places that you are likely to travel to as a tourist in Guanajuato are perfectly safe. Most crimes are related to clashes between criminal groups or robberies that take place in the southernmost part of the state. 

Rest assured, you are not going to be plucked out of your hotel bed and kidnapped in San Miguel de Allende or Guanajuato City, and the people in Guanajuato are arguably among the most hospitable in all of Mexico. Avoid the southernmost part of the region past Celaya and close to the border with Michoacan and you ought to be fine – you have no reason to be traveling in this part of the state anyway. 

You should also be mindful of what sources of information online. A simple Google search about safety in Guanajuato brings up many articles by people who clearly have never even visited, or who have passed through briefly, and clearly don’t live in Mexico 

Safe Destinations in Guanajuato Mexico

Guanajuato city .

Guanajuato City is a gorgeous colonial city that sits in the heart of Guanajuato state. It was founded in 1554 and, along with Zacatecas, Mexico, and Potosí, Bolivia, was one of the most important silver mining towns of the 16th century. 

Today, the town’s historic center and the old mines on its outskirts have enjoyed UNESCO-protected status since 1988. Nowadays, Guanajuato is arguably most famous for the macabre “Mummies of Guanajuato” museum – an eerie collection of more than 200 well-preserved mummies of people who died during a cholera outbreak in Central Mexico and, due to the specific conditions and atmosphere in Guanajuato, have avoided decomposition. 

The adjacent “Cult of Death” museum explores the unique relationship that Mexico has with death. One of the most charming traditions that you can participate in in Guanajuato is a  Callejoneada.

These are interacting “singing” tours where a troupe of local musicians in traditional dress lead you through the narrow alleyways of the city (“callejones”) while performing Mexican songs and telling you legends and tales of the city. This tradition has been going on for hundreds of years and started when groups of students would entertain the workers on their way to and from the local mines. 

The historic center of Guanajuato, with its labyrinth-like network of narrow, cobbled streets and abundance of plazas filled with European-style cafes, is walkable. You can easily get between the city’s main attractions, museums, galleries, and restaurants on foot and there are no sketchy neighborhoods that you could accidentally wander into. 

San Miguel de Allende 

San Miguel de Allende, voted as the “best city in the world” by Travel and Leisure readers on numerous occasions is arguably the most popular travel destination in Guanajuato state. 

Its cobbled streets and leafy plazas are lined with upscale boutique stores, independent art galleries, and chic coffee shops and restaurants that attract a well-heeled crowd. San Miguel de Allende is very safe.  

The Jardín Principal Allende marks the center of town and is flanked by the impressive pastel-pink Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel neo-gothic church which dates back to the 17th century. You can essentially use this central square as a starting point and then take the time to get lost in the cobblestone streets that veer off from here. 

SMA is home to an ever-increasing expat population and English is widely spoken here. In some ways, it feels a little over-gentrified and caters mostly to American tourists, whereas the other Guanajuato destinations on this list possess more authentic Mexican culture. 

However, if you are nervous about venturing into Central Mexico for the first time, it can be a good starting point. 

Dolores Hidalgo 

Dolores Hidalgo is a charming town and pueblo magico that sits in the northern part of Guanajuato state. It was one of the earliest towns to be awarded pueblo magico status, having been designated as such in 2002. 

The town is a crucial stopping point along Mexico’s “Ruta de Independencia” as it was here where the Mexican Revolution and the war for independence started. 

On the 16th of September 1810, Father Manual Hidalgo rang the bells of the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores church in the center of town and started the call to arms for independence from the Spanish conquistadors that controlled the country. 

Today, this shout (“grita”) is repeated on Mexican Independence Day every year across the country. You will see several statues, monuments, and murals dedicated to Manuel Hidalgo throughout the pueblo and you can even visit his home and the local Independence Museum to learn more about his life and background. 

Dolores Hidalgo is a safe and charming place to spend a day or two. The main square (Plaza Del Gran Hidalgo) is a popular rendezvous point for locals who come here to catch up on the local gossip and enjoy delicious street food, as well as the famous Dolores Hidalgo ice creams. 

Getting Around Safely in Guanajuato, Mexico

Is it safe to drive in guanajuato .

I got around Guanajuato predominantly by using Uber and public transport but now having explored the state extensively, I can comfortably say that I would feel happy renting a car and driving around independently. The roads in Guanajuato are generally in very good condition. 

Perhaps the only stretch of road to mention is that between Guanajuato City and San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City and Dolores Hidalgo where the route twists and turns along mountain roads. If you are afraid of heights or hilly roads with a drop at the side, this can be a little scary, but still, the roads are not especially narrow, and they are plenty wide enough for two lanes of traffic at all times.  

Again, you should avoid the southernmost part of the state close to the Michoacan border where organized crime rates are higher. Stick to toll roads where possible as they are better maintained and considered safer. 

You will note that there are many car rental offices at Guanajuato airport, including reputable international names like Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, and Thrifty. Discover Cars is a great rental comparison platform that allows you to compare and contrast the prices and deals offered by numerous different agencies.

Driving in Mexico is not as intimidating as it may sound. Here, you drive on the right-hand side and overtake on the left, much like in the United States and the rest of the world.  

Since public transport runs on infrequent schedules in Guanajuato, renting a car can give you a lot more freedom and flexibility. While prices vary depending on seasonality, you can easily find an economy-style car such as a Volkswagen Vento or a Chevrolet Aveo for as little as $113 USD a week/$16 USD a day. 

Uber in Guanajuato 

Uber operates in Guanajuato and to my surprise, you can find plenty of drivers everywhere. The app not only works in larger cities like SMA and Guanajuato City but also in little towns and villages like Dolores Hidalgo. 

I was relatively sick with a chest infection during my time in Guanajuato and didn’t want to be taking long-distance buses while coughing and spluttering, so I used Ubers a lot – both within cities and to travel between different places. (For instance, I took an Uber from Guanajuato City to Dolores Hidalgo and from Dolores Hidalgo to San Miguel de Allende). 

Depending on where you are coming from, it might come as a surprise to hear that Uber is considered safer than street cabs in Mexico, but when you think about it, it makes sense as there is more accountability. When you take an Uber, you have the driver’s name, vehicle info, and license plate number. 

You simply don’t have that when you get into a random taxi on the street. Express kidnappings are a concern in Mexico which is why I personally always take Ubers over street cabs and would recommend you do the same. 

Express kidnappings happen when an unsuspecting tourist gets into a street taxi. The taxi driver contacts his accomplices who enter the vehicle and rob the tourist of their belongings. 

Sometimes the person is held at gun/knife point and forced to visit numerous ATMs in town making the maximum withdrawal amount until they are rinsed dry. 

Taking Taxis in Guanajuato

The only place where Uber was not available was Guanajuato Leon Airport (BJX) where only licensed cabs can operate. I organized a transfer via the Airport taxi desk and the rate from the airport to Guanajuato city was reasonable. (Circa 500 pesos.) 

From Guanajuato airport to Leon, you can expect to pay around 400-450 pesos. It is better to book your taxi via the airport taxi desk rather than deal with the touts outside. 

You can pay by cash or card and the cashier will provide you with a voucher that you need to hand to an airport taxi representative outside of the airport. 

If you ever find that you cannot find an Uber (or you prefer not to use the app for whatever reason), it is better to have your hotel order a trusted taxi driver for you. Across the state of Guanajuato, official taxis are green in color with a white roof. 

It is a good idea to try and clarify the price before entering the vehicle or insist that the meter is used, to avoid being charged an over-inflated price as a tourist. 

Public transport in Guanajuato 

Public transport in Guanajuato is safe and reliable to use. The only problem is that it often operates on a very limited schedule, or you need to make multiple changes even to get between popular destinations. 

For example, there is only one bus per day between Leon BJX airport and Guanajuato City so if you arrive at the airport before or after this, you need to first take a bus to Leon bus station and then change. 

When traveling between Dolores Hidalgo and San Miguel de Allende, you need to take multiple buses. Numerous different bus companies operate on some of the routes including Futura Buses, Autobuses ETN, and Autobuses Anáhuac. 

Since they are all fine to use, you may as well just purchase a ticket via whichever bus company offers the most convenient departure time for your schedule. The buses in Guanajuato were comfortable and comparable to ADO buses in other parts of Mexico. 

The seats recline and come with a built-in footrest, and there is a USB charger, a personal air conditioner, and a reading light above your chair. There are also bathrooms on board, and TVS scattered along the coach play movies for entertainment (albeit in Spanish). 

Some intercity buses appeared to oversell tickets and people were standing in the aisle for long journeys which didn’t seem all that safe (including on a 2-hour bus ride from San Miguel de Allende to Santiago Queretaro). It pays to get to the bus station about an hour before your bus’s scheduled departure and wait to board 10 minutes or so before so that you can be sure to secure a seat. 

Taking care of your belongings on Guanajuato buses 

Since there is limited space in the overhead compartments on board the bus, suitcases and large bags need to be placed underneath them. In most of Mexico, you are handed a ticket receipt when you place your bag under the bus which you then need to show again when you collect it. This didn’t happen in Guanajuato. 

It is a good idea to make sure that anything valuable, any electronics, etc are in your carry-on bag/backpack with you, rather than in your suitcase. 

Is Guanajuato safe at night? 

The historic centers of Guanajuato City, Leon, San Miguel de Allende, and Dolores Hidalgo are usually pretty lively and still teeming with people at night – Guanajuato City in particular. You will be fine along main streets and plazas but avoid walking down any dimly lit, unsuspecting side streets alone, or wandering aimlessly in lesser-known residential areas. 

Many of the bars across the region sell cantaritos , palomas, and other delicious tequila cocktails but they are often pretty strong and bartenders don’t necessarily measure out how much liquor, etc, they pour inside. Watch your alcohol intake and don’t walk back to your hotel alone intoxicated.  

Is Guanajuato safe for solo travelers?

Guanajuato can be considered safe (with common sense precautions) for travelers of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, including solo female travelers. This entire website has been written by a solo female traveler based in Mexico. (Me!) 

You will see other foreign tourists, expats, and Digital Nomads meandering around Guanajuato City and San Miguel de Allende. Guanajuato City, in particular, has a very intellectual scene and attracts plenty of international travelers and Mexican domestic tourists who are interested in the arts. 

There are a lot of cafes, bars, and restaurants that organize social events and classes, making it easy to effortlessly meet people. For example, in Guanajuato City, the Conquistador Cafe chain organizes yoga and bachata classes, while cafe bar Escarola (Positos 38, Zona Centro) hosts live music virtually every night of the week. 

Can you drink the water in Guanajuato? 

It is not safe to drink tap water at all in Mexico and that includes in the state of Guanajuato. Although water is purified at the source, it can get contaminated with bacteria, parasites, and other germs en route to the tap and even locals do not drink it.

Most Guanajuato hotels will provide you with a couple of complimentary bottles of water for each night of your stay, but you can also purchase bottled water for just a few pesos from Oxxo and other convenience stores and supermarkets. 

You don’t need to worry about having ice in your drinks or consuming drinks like agua frescas that are made with water as all restaurants, hotels, etc in Mexico have ice delivered, and drinks are always prepared using mineral water, not tap water. 

The presence of police and armed guards in Guanajuato 

If you have not spent a ton of time traveling in Mexico, it can be a little intimidating when you see armed police or trucks and tanks for the National Guard (“Guardia Nacional) cruising around town or stationed outside various parks and plazas. Their presence is particularly common when there is an event (like the annual Cervantino cultural festival in Guanajuato), or a politician or notable person is visiting. 

This is nothing to be alarmed about and they are there for everyone’s safety. 

Useful safety tips for visiting Guanajuato 

Some useful safety tips for ensuring that your trip to Guanajuato is trouble-free and memorable for all the right reasons are detailed below. A lot of this is common sense wherever you go, but is worth reiterating here. 

• Don’t carry wads of cash on you. A maximum of $4000 MXN pesos should be sufficient for several days’ worth of exploration.
• Watch your personal belongings in crowded marketplaces like the Mercado Hidalgo in Guanajuato City. Walk with your backpack in front of you, rather than slung over one shoulder where you can.
• Dress modestly and avoid wearing expensive jewelry or flashy designer items and sunglasses where possible
• Touts selling tours around Jardín de la Unión and Teatro Juarez in Guanajuato City can be annoying but you can just decline what they offer with a polite but firm no.
• Check your surroundings before withdrawing money from ATMs and try to avoid doing so at night. Official ATMs in banks are less likely to have been tampered with. 

Is Guanajuato safe to travel to in 2023? Final thoughts 

Guanajuato can be a safe and enjoyable place to visit and after traveling to 12 different Mexican states, it is one of my personal favorites. 

Guanajuato is also safe for tourists for the most part. Violent crime against tourists is rare, and most violent instances that you hear about are restricted to occurrences between criminal groups. 

The chances of you being in the wrong place at the wrong time and something happening to you are very slim. 

Do you have any further questions or concerns about traveling to this part of Central Mexico? I have been living in the Yucatan capital of Merida for the last two years and I am happy to assist with any questions and queries that you may have. 

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you need something. Safe travels!

Melissa Douglas

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US issues Mexico 'increased caution' warning for spring break travelers

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico has issued a spring break travel warning for Americans planning to visit the country. The message posted on Monday highlighted a range of potential safety threats in the popular destination like crime.

“U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in the downtown areas of popular spring break locations including Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, especially after dark,” the advisory said, though it noted that crime can occur anywhere in Mexico. The U.S. State Department's travel advisory for the country notes various warning levels for different states, ranging from Level 1 (“exercise normal precautions") through 4 (“do not travel”).

The message also warned of other potential hazards like unregulated alcohol and pharmaceuticals. “Unregulated alcohol may be contaminated, and U.S. citizens have reported losing consciousness or becoming injured after consuming alcohol that was possibly tainted,” the advisory said. 

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates noted that counterfeit medication is “common” and could be ineffective or an incorrect strength. Those products may also have dangerous ingredients. “Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments,” the message said.

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The advisory warned of drowning and high private hospital prices, as well, among other risks. The message urged travelers to take precautions like keeping an eye on their drinks; staying with a group of friends in bars and clubs, while walking in dark areas or in taxis at night; and letting family and friends know about their travel plans.

Despite the warning, however, it noted that “the vast majority” of U.S. citizens visiting Mexico at spring break each year do so safely.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

Guanajuato Travel Guide

Mexico › Guanajuato Updated: March 1, 2022

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• Mexico – Cancun vs Tulum vs Playa del Carmen

Dense and vibrant downtown Guanajuato.

Guanajuato: The Basics

Where is guanajuato.

Guanajuato is the capital of its own state in a central region of Mexico known as the Bajío, around 360km northwest of Mexico City. Its central location makes Guanajuato a great jumping-off point for trips to the historic silver towns of Mexico, from San Miguel de Allende to Querétaro. The population of Guanajuato is around 172,000.

What is Guanajuato famous for?

Guanajuato is famous for gold and especially silver: in the colonial period the mines of Guanajuato made it one of the wealthiest cities in the world. It’s also famous in Mexico for its role in the War of Independence, when national hero Miguel Hidalgo stormed the Spanish-held Alhóndiga de Granaditas with the help of the legendary “El Pípila”, a local miner. For travelers, Guanajuato is most famous for its sensational location, crammed into a narrow ravine, and its gorgeous colonial architecture. Guanajuato is also known for its enticing restaurants and bars, historic churches, theaters, and mine museums, but one of the best things to do in Guanajuato is to just wander the streets and squares, enjoying the scene. Its also a popular destination for travelers seeking to study Spanish, with a handful of excellent language schools.

What is the best month to go to Guanajuato?

Guanajuato boasts a year-round temperate climate, with the driest and sunniest months Nov–April. Rain is heaviest July to August, though temperatures rarely rise above 30°C (84°F) in summer. The best time to visit Guanajuato is February through early through March when the weather is warm but not overly hot, the days generally dry, and crowds are at a minimum.

Downtown is filled with outdoor cafes and vibrant pedestrian only streets.

Is Guanajuato safe?

In a word, yes, Guanajuato is safe. The drug-related violence that has blighted some parts of Mexico has largely skipped Guanajuato city itself, and it remains a relatively safe, family-friendly university town. Travelers to Guanajuato, including solo female travelers, will feel safe as long as normal precautions are taken. US State Department travel advisories apply to the southern parts of Guanajuato State only, where cartels do operate.

Where to stay in Guanajuato?

Guanajuato is best explored on foot so staying in the historic center of the city makes the most sense – and is far more atmospheric than lodging in the outskirts. Our favorites include the colonial-style Edelmira Hotel Boutique , El Mesón de los Poetas , and Hotel San Diego , overlooking central Jardín de la Unión. For stellar views consider Casa Zuniga , high above the city next to the funicular.

Planning a Guanajuato Itinerary

The famous Juarez Theater, a landmark building in downtown.

One Day in Guanajuato

Hike or take the funicular up to the Pípila Monument, then stroll through the old city, from the Jardín de la Unión to Mercado Hidalgo. Make time for the Teatro Juárez and Museo Regional de Guanajuato .

Two Days in Guanajuato

Add a visit to the Museo de las Momias and Museo Casa Diego Rivera , a meal at Casa Mercedes and an afternoon in La Valenciana.

Three Days or More in Guanajuato

Visit the Museo Ex-Hacienda de San Gabriel de Barrera and Museo Iconográfico del Quijote , then take a bus trip out to the Cristo Rey.

Visiting Guanajuato: How to get there

• Airport : Guanajuato’s airport – aka Bajío International Airport – lies 30km west of Guanajuato city. Typically there are direct flights to/from several North American cities including Chicago (5 hours), Dallas (2 hours), Houston (two hours), and Los Angeles (three hours), as well as numerous flights to Mexico City (1hr). • Taxis : From the airport, taxis operate a fixed-rate fare system, with rides direct to central Guanajuato (45min) around 485 pesos. • Buses : Comfortable, first-class buses link Guanajuato with Guadalajara (4 hours), Mexico City (5 hours), Querétaro (2hr 30min), and San Luis Potosí (3 hours) throughout the day. The main bus station (“Central de Autobuses”) is 6km west of the center – buses can be a hassle with luggage and the easiest option is to take a taxi. Set the price before getting in (around 60 pesos to the center). • TIP : Taking a callejóneada is one of the most fun things to do in Guanajuato. Groups of students and musicians – dressed like medieval minstrels, playing guitars – lead groups through the historic alleys of the city, singing and joking. Tours last around 1 hour 30 minutes, and include a ceramic “porrón” (traditional drinking vessel) filled with orange or apple juice (booze is discouraged nowadays). Spanish-speakers will get the most out of the jokes and the history, but the music works in any language.

Beneath the city is a unique subterranean system of tunnels for pedestrians and vehicles, originally created to service the gold and silver mines.

The 20 Best Things to do in Guanajuato

1. take the funicular up to the pípila monument.

The best way to start a visit to Guanajuato is by soaking up the mesmerizing views from the Monumento al Pípila, high on the hillside above the old town’s colorful blend of colonial houses and churches. The monument commemorates local miner and independence hero Juán José Martínez, aka “El Pípila”. Getting up here is half the fun – the steep climb up takes about 20 minutes, or there’s the funicular, a simple two-car cliff railway (one-up, one-down) that glides up the slope in a few minutes.

2. Drinks at Jardín de la Unión

Jardín de la Unión, Guanajuato’s historic plaza, is a charming space shaded with trees. Lined by cafés and bars such as popular Luna, it’s the perfect spot for an early evening drink – local bands and musicians often play outdoors here at dusk.

3. Museo de las Momias

It’s not for everyone, but the Museo de las Momias – “Museum of the Mummies” – is Guanajuato’s kookiest sight. The museum holds a macabre collection of mummified human corpses, displayed in glass cases. The withered remains are remarkably well preserved, despite many of them being over 100 years old, and many retain original clothing. The mummies come from a local cemetery, where space constraints mean that bodies are removed from crypts after five years if annual payments are not made (they are usually cremated or transferred to a common grave thereafter).

4. Museo Casa Diego Rivera

Mexico’s most celebrated muralist was born in this house in Guanajuato in 1886, now preserved as a fascinating museum. Diego Rivera only lived here until the age of six, but the museum makes the most of the connection, with the lower floor furnished in a period 19th-century style, and the upper floors displaying Rivera’s works, mostly sketches and early paintings.

Hidalgo Market, a vibrant spot for handicrafts and food.

5. Eating at Mercado Hidalgo

Guanajuato’s historic indoor market was built in 1910 and is still packed with all sorts of stalls, from fresh fruit to local crafts and cheap garments. Along with the adjacent Mercado de Gavira, it’s also a tasty, cheap place to eat, with everything from tacos and tortas to locally celebrated “enchiladas mineras” and birria (goat or mutton stew) on offer.

6. Teatro Juárez

Guanajuato’s grandest building is Teatro Juárez, a Neoclassical theater completed in 1903, fronted by slim Doric columns and topped with bronze statues of the Greek muses. It still hosts performances, but it’s also possible to take a tour of its lavish interior, the main auditorium decked out in a rich Neo-Mudejar (Moorish) style (commentary is likely to be in Spanish).

7. Museo Regional de Guanajuato (Alhóndiga de Granaditas)

For many Mexicans, this museum is the most significant in all Guanajuato thanks to its role in the Mexican War of Independence. It was here in 1810 that Miguel Hidalgo – aided by local hero “El Pípila” – vanquished the pro-Spanish garrison. Back then the building was used a grain warehouse and part-time prison. After a short siege, all the defenders (some 300 men) were slaughtered. Today the museum chronicles the history of Guanajuato from pre-Columbian times to the 1910 Revolution, while the stairwells are decorated in murals created by local artist José Chávez Morado in the 1950s and 1960s, depicting scenes from Mexican history.

8. Have a meal at Casa Mercedes

Chef Jesús Cárdenas helms one of the region’s best restaurants, with a menu of high-quality dishes inspired by his childhood in Guanajuato. Casa Mercedes is perfect for a last night splurge in the city, though it’s essential to make reservations.

9. La Valenciana

For an easy break from the city, take a taxi or bus over the hills north of Guanajuato to the colonial village of La Valenciana. The local church is a gorgeous example of 18th-century Mexican Churrigueresque style – every inch is covered in gilded sculpture, painting, or ornate plasterwork. But the main attraction here is the chance to venture into Guanajuato’s historic silver and gold mines. The hills were once honeycombed with tunnels and there are several privately run ventures offering a peek underground. The best are the Bocamina San Cayetano, which offers thirty-minute tours of the tunnels, and Bocamina San Ramón , featuring a small museum and tours into another mineshaft, some 50 meters into the hill.

10. Callejón del Beso

Guanajuato’s most romantic sight is the Callejón del Beso (“Alley of the Kiss”), so-named because it’s supposedly narrow enough (just 69cm/27 inches at one point) for residents to lean out of their windows and kiss each other. The alley has a tragic legend attached to it: Doña Ana and Don Carlos were in love but forbidden to see other by zealous parents. Doña Ana’s family lived in the Callejón del Beso, and the story goes that Don Carlos bought the house opposite so the two could secretly hold hands at night. However, one evening Ana’s father caught them and was so angry he murdered his daughter on the spot – Carlos was left grasping her dead hand. Couples who kiss while standing on the third step of the alley are supposedly guaranteed seven years of happiness together.

11. Museo Ex-Hacienda de San Gabriel de Barrera

A couple of kilometers west of the center lies one of Guanajuato’s grandest colonial mansions, built for the wealthy Barrera family in the late 17th century. The family chapel and house interiors have been restored in period style, but the blossom-filled gardens, designed in a number of international styles, are just as enticing. It’s best to take a taxi here.

12. Museo Palacio de los Poderes

It’s well worth touring the old Guanajuato state legislature building – the Palacio Legislativo – now converted into the “Museum of the Powers”. Completed in 1908 in a grand Neoclassical style, all its official chambers and rooms have been beautifully restored with original wooden furniture, mosaics, paintings, and heaps of marble. The lower floors act as space for temporary art exhibitions and the Guanajuato Library.

13. Museo Conde Rul

Next door to the Museo Palacio de los Poderes, the similarly ornate Casa del Conde Rul y Valenciana was once a lavish mansion, built for wealthy mine owner Don Diego Rul in 1802. Today it’s a museum hosting travelling exhibitions of mainly Mexican and Latin American art, though the carefully restored interiors are well worth a peek in their own right.

14. Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guanajuato

The city’s premier church lies on central Plaza de la Paz, a large red and tangerine-colored edifice dedicated to the patroness of the city (the Virgin Mary, here in her incarnation as Nuestra Señora de Guanajuato). Completed in 1796, the most sacred object inside is the central wooden statue of the Virgin, a 16th-century gift to the city from the Spanish monarchs.

15. Museo Iconográfico del Quijote

This quirky little museum is dedicated to Don Quixote, the iconic Spanish literary character created by Miguel de Cervantes in the 17th century. The collection includes an array of paintings (including an original a Dalí print), murals, tapestries, sculptures, ceramics, glassware, chess pieces, playing cards, and tobacco pipes adorned with images of the hapless knight errant.

The gorgeous interior of the Church of Belen, outside of the popular Hidalgo Market.

16. Templo de San Diego

This ornately decorated 18th-century church faces the Jardín de la Unión, notable for its pink sandstone Churrigueresque-style façade and collection of oil paintings inside. It’s dedicated to San Diego de Alcántara, aka Didacus of Alcalá, a 15th-century Spanish missionary to the Canary Islands.

17. Museo del Pueblo de Guanajuato

This absorbing museum of local art and historical artifacts stands next to the main Guanajuato university building. It was once another posh mansion, this one built for the Marqués de San Juan de Rayas in the 18th century, but enhanced with murals by José Chávez Morado in the 20th century.

18. Museo Olga Costa-José Chávez Morado

The former home of Mexican muralist José Chávez Morado and his German painter wife Olga Costa is now a beautifully maintained museum filled with art objects collected by the couple (there are only a few items by the artists themselves). Everything from majolica ceramics, and seventeenth-century French furniture, to Persian rugs and tapestries. Take a taxi or walk from the Jardín de la Unión (30 min).

19. Templo de La Compañía

Guanajuato is crammed with elegant colonial churches, but this is one of the best, built by the Jesuits and consecrated in 1765 (the Jesuits were kicked out of Mexico just two years later). Today the façade is a highly ornate example of the Churrigueresque style, while the clear glass in the dome was added in 1884.

20. Cristo Rey

The Cristo Rey – a 20m-tall bronze statue of Jesus, a bit like the famous one in Rio – tops the 2661m-high Cerro de Cubilete, 20km west of the city. It dominates the surrounding hills and plains, and provides sensational, albeit hazy views. Tours to the statue are offered all over Guanajuato, but there are also public buses from the central bus station for independent trips.

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Spring Break 2023: U.S. issues ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory for Mexico amid crime, kidnappings

• Updated: Mar. 13, 2023, 2:14 p.m. |
• Published: Mar. 13, 2023, 1:51 p.m.

The Department of State has issued level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisories for six Mexican states amid high crime rates. (Staten Island Advance/Shira Stoll) Shira Stoll

• Erik Bascome | [email protected]

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- For years, Mexico has been among the most popular destinations for spring break travelers, but high crime rates have prompted the U.S. government to issue “Do Not Travel” advisories for several Mexican states.

“Violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking and robbery – is widespread and common in Mexico. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted,” according to a U.S. Department of State travel advisory.

The State Department has issued level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisories in six Mexican states, including the Guerrero state due to crime, as well as the Colima, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas states for crime and kidnapping.

Additionally, the federal government has issued level 3 “Reconsider travel” advisories in the Durango and Morelos states due to crime, as well as the Baja California, Chihuahua, Guanajuato, Jalisco and Sonora states for crime and kidnapping.

Only two Mexican states, the Campeche and Yucatan state, are currently listed with level 1 “Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling” advisory, with all other states receiving a level 2 “Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling” advisory.

Popular spring break vacation hotspots Cancun and Riviera Maya are located in states with level 2 advisories, meaning travelers should exercise increased caution, but are not being urged to reconsider or cancel their trip.

Cancun, Riviera Maya and Mexico City were recently listed among the most-popular spring break destinations this year by AAA Travel.

Paula Twidale, senior vice president of travel for AAA, told The Hill that Americans can still safely travel to Mexico, but should carefully research their destination and operate with increased precautions.

“There’s a lot in Mexico, it’s a very popular destination,” Twidale said. “People travel to Mexico and travel safely to Mexico. You’ve got to know where you’re going.”

Twidale offered the following tips for traveling to Mexico.

• When traveling with others, especially children, go places in groups of two or more.
• Don’t carry around large amounts of cash.
• Find a safer place to store items than under a towel.
• Don’t leave drinks unattended.
• Keep copies of your passport, ID, credit and debit cards, and other important documents at home.
• Stay within the resort – if you don’t know the area, avoid wandering around.
• Have travel insurance, in case of an emergency.
• Make sure your insurance covers you and/or your children internationally.
• Check if your phone plan covers international calls/texts – if it doesn’t, try WhatsApp.

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Travel | Mexico danger map: Six states under ‘do not…

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Travel | Mexico danger map: Six states under ‘do not travel’ warning

Amid announcements of new safety concerns in Mexico at the start of 2023, the official U.S. State Department travel advisories remained as they had been for several months, with six states in the “do not travel” classification.

The map above shows the advisory level for each Mexican state.

Level 4 : The six states with the “do not travel” advisory, because of kidnappings and other crimes, are the northern border state of Tamaulipas, the central state of Zacatecas and the Pacific coast states of Sinaloa, Colima, Michoacán and Guerrero.

Level 3 : The seven states for which visitors are advised to “reconsider travel” because of crime are Baja California (Norte), Sonora, Chihuahua, Durango, Guanajuato, Jalisco and Morelos.

Level 2 : Except for the two Level 1 states, travelers to all the rest are advised to “exercise increased caution.” They are: Aguascalientes, Baja California Sur, Chiapas, Coahuila, Hidalgo, state of Mexico, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretara, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosi, Tabasco, Tlaxcala and Veracruz. Mexico City (Distrito Federal) is Level 2.

Level 1: The State Department advises “normal precautions” when traveling to Campeche or Yucatán, shown in green.

In addition to the general tourist warnings, specific prohibitions are issued to U.S. government employees staying or traveling in Mexico. The State Department advises that all U.S. travelers adhere to those rules.

On Jan. 12, 2023, Mexico City’s mayor announced that more than 6,000 National Guard officers would be posted in the city’s subway system after a series of accidents that officials said could be due to sabotage. The previous week, in-person services were suspended at the U.S. Consular Agency in Mazatlán because of violence across Sinaloa .

Click here for the full document on the warnings.

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This is why the State Department is warning against Germany travel

G ermany has, for decades, been one of the most popular countries in the world for American tourists to visit. Attracted by everything from the country's culture of beer festivals to tracing their heritage, over 1.9 million visitors from the U.S. came to Germany in 2022 while 12% of those planning an international vacation named it as a country they intend to visit.

Without counting nearby North American nations such as Mexico and Canada, Germany was according to one estimate behind only Italy, France and Spain as the most popular countries for Americans to tourist.

Related: Popular Vacation Spot for American Travelers Gets Hit With Travel Advisory Warning

Despite the fact that Germany is generally viewed as a completely "safe" country to visit, the U.S. State Department recently issued a warning around one aspect of traveling around the country. Raising its travel advisory rating from one to two (four is the highest level and reserved for active war zones and countries with authoritarian government), the U.S. government is telling travelers to "exercise increased caution" because "terrorist groups keep planning attacks in Germany."

U.S. government warns: 'Terrorists may attack with little or no warning'

"Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target tourist locations and transportation hubs," the State Department writes in the advisory. "They also target markets/shopping malls and local government facilities. They target hotels, clubs, and restaurants. They also attack places of worship, parks, and major sporting and cultural events." 

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The Canadian government issued a similar advisory telling its citizens to "exercise a high degree of caution in Germany due to the threat of terrorism" a month prior.

There is a reason so many other countries are cautious about Germany 

At the end of 2023, German domestic intelligence agencies t old international allies that such threats against both Germany and "the West as a whole" are "higher than it has been for a long time" after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that left almost 2,000 Israelis deaths and prompted the country's military response in Gaza. A few weeks ago, German authorities arrested four teenagers on suspicion of planning Molotov cocktail and knife attacks against several local synagogues in the name of the Islamic State. In December 2023, seven people including four suspected Hamas members were also arrested across Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands on suspicion of planning similar attacks.

None of this means that one should not travel to Germany (other countries that have a Level Two travel advisory include such commonly-visited countries as France (for similar reasons around risk of terrorist attacks), Thailand and Mexico.

For those who do travel, the advisory is meant as an advisory around what to look out for and steps to take if finding oneself in a difficult situation.

Tips provided by the State Department include being "aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues" and "monitor[ing] local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information."

"Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations," the governmental agency writes further. The State Department also has a  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) for those who want to be on the government's records as being out of the country if they cannot be located.