U.S.Issues Expanded ‘Do Not Travel’ Warnings for Mexico Amid Rising cartel Violence

Mexico City, Mexico – The U.S. State Department has substantially broadened its travel warnings for Mexico, advising Americans to reconsider travel to several states and outright not travel to others, citing escalating violence linked to powerful drug cartels. The updated advisory, released this month, reflects a growing concern over the safety of U.S.citizens visiting the country.

While popular tourist destinations like Cancun,Riviera Maya,and Los Cabos remain under a “reconsider travel” advisory,several states have been elevated to “do not travel” status. These include Tamaulipas, Sinaloa, coahuila, Guerrero, and Zacatecas – regions heavily impacted by cartel activity. The advisory highlights risks ranging from kidnapping and extortion to violent crime,even in areas frequented by tourists.

the State Department’s decision comes as Mexican authorities grapple with a surge in cartel-related violence. Cartels are increasingly brazen in their operations, engaging in public shootouts and targeting both rival groups and civilians. The advisory specifically points to the cartels’ ability to operate with impunity in certain areas, limiting the ability of local law enforcement to provide adequate protection.”We issue Travel Advisories with Levels 1 – 4. level 4 means do Not Travel,” the State Department stated on X (formerly Twitter). “This level is assigned based on local conditions and/or our limited ability to help there. These places are dangerous and you may be putting yourself at extreme risk by visiting.”

U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson, echoed these concerns, posting on X: “🇺🇸🇲🇽 We stand together as sovereign partners. We face a common enemy: the violent criminal cartels. We will use every tool at our disposal to protect our peoples.”

Beyond the Headlines: Understanding the Risks & Staying Safe

This isn’t the first time the U.S. has issued warnings about travel to Mexico, but the expanded scope of the current advisory signals a deepening crisis. The situation is complex, rooted in decades of drug trafficking, corruption, and socioeconomic inequality.

Here’s a breakdown of the key factors contributing to the increased risk:

Cartel Fragmentation: The weakening or dismantling of major cartels has led to the rise of smaller, more violent splinter groups vying for control of territory and trafficking routes.
Expansion of Criminal Activities: Cartels are no longer solely focused on drug trafficking. They are increasingly involved in extortion,kidnapping for ransom,human trafficking,and illegal mining,broadening their reach and impact.
Local Corruption: Corruption within local law enforcement and government structures hinders effective responses to cartel violence.
Geographic Hotspots: Certain states, like Guerrero and Sinaloa, have historically been cartel strongholds and continue to experience high levels of violence.For U.S. Citizens Planning Travel to mexico:

The State Department recommends the following precautions:

Enroll in STEP: Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier for the U.S.embassy to locate you in an emergency. (https://step.state.gov/)
Review the country Security Report: Familiarize yourself with the latest security information for Mexico. (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/Country-and-Region-Information/Mexico.html)
obtain Travel insurance: Ensure your travel insurance covers medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip cancellations.
Develop Contingency Plans: Be prepared for potential disruptions and have a plan in place in case local emergency services are unavailable.
Exercise Increased Vigilance: Be aware of your surroundings, avoid high-risk areas, and limit your exposure to potential dangers.
Travel During Daylight Hours: When possible, travel between cities during daylight hours and stick to major highways.The situation in Mexico remains fluid. Travelers are urged to stay informed, exercise caution, and prioritize their safety. The U.S. State Department will continue to monitor the situation and update its travel advisories as necessary.

What specific states are currently under a “Do Not Travel” advisory, and what are the primary safety concerns in each?

New Urgent Travel Warning for Americans Advising Caution when traveling to Mexico

Understanding the Elevated Risks: A State-by-State Breakdown

The U.S. State Department has recently issued an updated travel advisory for Mexico, urging Americans to exercise increased caution due to rising crime and violence. This isn’t a blanket “do not travel” warning for the entire country,but a nuanced assessment with varying levels of risk assigned to individual states. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for informed travel planning.

Here’s a current overview (as of August 13, 2025):

Level 4: Do Not Travel: Six states are currently at Level 4 – the highest advisory level. These include:

Tamaulipas: Due to widespread criminal activity.

Guerrero: Especially Acapulco and surrounding areas, experiencing significant gang violence.

Michoacán: Ongoing clashes between criminal organizations.

Zacatecas: High levels of cartel activity and violent crime.

Baja California: Including Tijuana, due to crime.

Sinaloa: Home to powerful cartels, with frequent clashes.

Level 3: Reconsider Travel: Numerous states fall into this category, including:

Chihuahua: Increased risk of crime, including kidnapping.

Coahuila: Concerns about gang activity and violence.

Durango: Elevated crime rates.

Guanajuato: Increasing violence, particularly in certain cities.

Jalisco: Including Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, with rising concerns about cartel presence.

Morelos: Reports of criminal activity.

Nuevo León: Including monterrey, with safety concerns.

Sonora: Risk of crime and violence.

Veracruz: Increased criminal activity.

Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution: This applies to states like:

Aguascalientes

Baja Sur: While generally safer, incidents do occur.

Campeche

Colima

México State: Surrounding mexico City, with varying levels of risk.

Oaxaca

Puebla

Quintana Roo: Including Cancun and the Riviera Maya – while popular tourist destinations, petty crime and isolated incidents of violence are reported.

Tabasco

Tlaxcala

Yucatán

Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions: This currently applies to only a few states, and even than, vigilance is advised.

specific Threats Facing U.S. Travelers in Mexico

The travel warning highlights several key threats impacting traveler safety:

Cartel Violence: The primary driver of the increased risk is the ongoing conflict between rival cartels vying for control of territory and drug trafficking routes. This violence often spills over into public spaces.

Kidnapping: Both express kidnappings (short-term abductions for ransom) and longer-term kidnappings are a concern, particularly in certain states.

Petty Crime: Pickpocketing, theft, and scams are common, especially in tourist areas.

Armed Robbery: Tourists can be targets of armed robbery, particularly at night or in less-populated areas.

Water Safety: Concerns about water quality in some areas, potentially leading to illness.

Roadblocks & Extortion: Illegal roadblocks set up by criminal groups to extort money from travelers.

Popular Destinations & Current Safety Considerations

Even within states designated as “Level 3” or “Level 2,” certain areas pose higher risks than others. Here’s a look at some popular destinations:

Cancun & Riviera Maya (Quintana Roo): While still attracting millions of tourists, there have been reports of increased gang activity and isolated incidents of violence, including shootings.tourists are generally safe within resort areas, but caution is advised when venturing outside.

Puerto vallarta & Guadalajara (Jalisco): These cities are experiencing a rise in cartel-related violence. While the tourist zones remain relatively safe, incidents have occurred near popular areas.

Mexico City (México State): The capital itself is generally considered safer than many other parts of Mexico, but surrounding areas in México State have higher crime rates. Exercise caution when traveling to and from the airport, and avoid certain neighborhoods.

Tulum (Quintana Roo): Has seen a surge in violence related to turf wars between drug cartels.

* Taxco (Guerrero): Known as the “Silver City,” Taxco is stunning but located in a state with a “Do Not Travel” advisory due to cartel activity. (Source: [https://www.konpasu.de/mexiko/sehenswurdigkeiten/](https://www.