The U.S. State Department has updated its travel advisory for Mexico, urging Americans to exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping risks across parts of the country. The advisory — updated May 29 — emphasizes that conditions vary dramatically by region, with six states now under the most severe “Do Not Travel” warning. Here’s a complete state-by-state breakdown of where it’s safe, where to think twice, and where to avoid entirely.
Overall guidance: “Exercise increased caution in Mexico due to crime and kidnapping”
Issued by: U.S. Department of State
Key point: Risk levels vary widely by state — review location-specific guidance before traveling
Level 4 (Do Not Travel) states: 6 | Level 3 (Reconsider): 7 | Level 2 (Increased Caution): 17
Serious risks present. Travelers should think carefully and reconsider whether the trip is necessary.
The highest level. Life-threatening risks. The U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance.
How Mexico’s States Break Down by Risk Level
The majority of Mexican states — 17 in total — sit at Level 2, including most major tourist destinations. Six states carry the most severe Level 4 warning. The chart below shows how the country’s states are distributed across the advisory tiers.
🚫 Level 4 — Do Not Travel (Terrorism, Crime, Kidnapping)
These six states carry the State Department’s most severe warning. The advisory cites terrorism, crime, and kidnapping as the driving risks. Americans are urged not to travel to these states for any reason, and should be aware that U.S. government assistance may be severely limited in these areas.
Notably, Guerrero includes the once-iconic resort city of Acapulco, which has seen a dramatic decline in tourism amid security concerns. Sinaloa and Tamaulipas are long-standing areas of organized criminal activity, while Michoacán and Colima — despite containing the popular port of Manzanillo — remain under the highest warning due to cartel-related violence.
⚠️ Level 3 — Reconsider Travel (Terrorism, Crime, Kidnapping)
These seven states carry serious risks that warrant reconsidering travel. Several contain popular tourist destinations, which makes the Level 3 designation particularly important for travelers to understand before booking.
Jalisco is especially significant for travelers — it’s home to Guadalajara and the beloved resort town of Puerto Vallarta. Baja California contains Tijuana and Ensenada, popular with cruise passengers and day-trippers. The Level 3 rating doesn’t mean these destinations are off-limits, but it does mean travelers should research specific areas carefully, as risk can vary even within a single state.
Related Posts
You Know The Heimlich. But What If It Doesn’t Work?
For the first time ever, the FDA has authorized a suction anti-choking device for the terrifying moment standard first aid fails. For people who eat out, travel often, or care for kids and older parents, here’s what it is — and what…
When to Drive to Skip Memorial Day Weekend Traffic
A record-breaking 45 million Americans are hitting the road, skies, and seas this Memorial Day weekend — and if you’re one of them, when you leave could be the difference between a relaxed start to summer and hours stuck in gridlock. AAA’s…
Highest US Travel Warning Issued Over Deadly Landmines and Kidnapping Threats
The U.S. Department of State has issued its most severe travel warning — a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory — for the Republic of Chad, citing a combination of terrorism, kidnapping, landmines, civil unrest, crime, and severely inadequate health infrastructure. Americans…