Mexico Travel Risk

Exercise increased caution in Mexico due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

• Many violent crimes take place in Mexico. They include homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, sexual assault, and robbery. There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Mexico. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.
• The U.S. government has limited ability to help in many parts of Mexico, a large country in which conditions can vary widely from state to state and even within a state. U.S. government employees may not travel to certain high-risk areas, which may be within states that include low-risk areas.
• Due to security risks, U.S. citizens should follow the same restrictions as U.S. government employees while traveling.
• Emergency services are limited or unavailable in remote or rural areas.
• If you encounter a road checkpoint, you should comply. Fleeing or ignoring instructions can lead to you being hurt or killed.
• Check the maps of restricted areas.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel

State of Baja California

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the city of Tijuana, except:

• airside transit through Tijuana airport
• the Cross Border Xpress bridge from the airport linking terminals across the Mexican-US border
• the federal toll road 1D and Via Rápida through Tijuana to the border

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the city of Tecate in Baja California, including roads between Tijuana and Tecate.

There is another state called Baja California Sur that is unaffected by these warnings.

State of Chihuahua

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Chihuahua, except:

• the city of Chihuahua
• the border crossing in Ciudad Juárez (accessed by federal toll road 45)
• federal toll road 45D connecting the cities of Chihuahua and Ciudad Juárez
• the Copper Canyon rail route to and from Chihuahua and towns immediately on this route including Creel
• the road from Creel via San Juanito to San Pedro
• state highway 16 from San Pedro to Chihuahua

State of Sinaloa

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Sinaloa, except:

• the cities of Los Mochis and Mazatlán
• road 32 that runs between El Fuerte and Los Mochis
• the 15D federal toll road that runs the length of the state
• the Copper Canyon rail route to and from Los Mochis, El Fuerte and the towns immediately on this route

State of Tamaulipas

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Tamaulipas, except:

• the border crossing at Nuevo Laredo accessed by federal toll road 85D from Monterrey
• federal highways 80, 81 and 85 between Tampico, Ciudad de Victoria and Magueyes, and the entire area of Tamaulipas south of these highways

State of Zacatecas

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Zacatecas.

State of Guanajuato

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the areas south-west of road 45D.

State of Michoacán

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Michoacán, except the:

• city of Morelia accessed by federal toll roads 15D, 126 and 43; and the federal toll road 48D between the city of Morelia and the General Francisco Mujica airport
• town of Pátzcuaro accessed by federal toll roads 14D and 15 from Morelia, and boat trips out to islands on Lake Pátzcuaro
• Federal Highway 15D

State of Jalisco

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the areas south and south-west of Lake Chapala to the border with the state of Colima.

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the northern municipalities of:

• Bolaños
• Chimaltitán
• Colotlán
• Hostotipaquillo
• Huejúcar
• Huequilla el Alto
• Mezquitic
• San Martin de Bolaños
• Santa Maria de los Ángeles
• Totatiche
• Villa Guerrero

State of Colima

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Colima, except the city of Manzanillo accessed by sea or air via the Manzanillo-Costalegre International Airport, and direct travel via road 200 from the airport to Manzanillo.

State of Guerrero

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Guerrero, except the town of Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa accessed by air.

State of Chiapas

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 40km of the Guatemalan border between the Pacific Coast up to and including the border crossing at Gracias a Dio.

FCDO advises against all but essential travel on Federal Highway 199 (Carretera Federal 199) between Rancho Nuevo (just outside San Cristobal de las Casas) and the Chancalá junction just outside Palenque (where Federal Highway 199 meets Federal Highway 307).

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel to these areas.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Mexico.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Mexico

Terrorist attacks in Mexico cannot be ruled out.

Political situation

Political demonstrations are common in Mexico City and can happen across the country. Demonstrations can be tense, confrontational and potentially violent. Onlookers can be quickly drawn in.

There have also been ongoing protests blocking vehicle access to Oaxaca airport. If you are flying to Oaxaca, check the status of your flight and monitor local media for updates. Allow more time to get to and from Oaxaca airport.

It is illegal for foreign nationals to participate in political activities in Mexico. If you join demonstrations, the Mexican authorities may detain and deport you.

Since July 2025 there have been protests against gentrification in Mexico City, which have taken place in central and tourist areas.

Monitor local media and avoid all demonstrations. If you come across protests, move away from the area.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Hurricanes

The hurricane season in Mexico normally runs from June to November and can affect the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Tropical storms and hurricanes cause floods, landslides and disruption to local services, including transport networks. After a hurricane there can still be continued flooding, high winds and rainfall.

Monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Center and follow the advice of local authorities and your tour operator, including evacuation orders.

In 2023, Hurricane Otis hit the south coast near Acapulco. This Category 5 hurricane seriously damaged infrastructure along the coast, in Acapulco and between Zihuatenejo and Punta Maldonado. Reconstruction efforts continue to disrupt tourism, and the security situation is unpredictable. FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the city of Acapulco.

Earthquakes

There is a risk of earthquakes in most parts of Mexico. Tremors happen regularly, particularly in the states of Oaxaca and Guerrero.

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake or tsunami. There is also advice from the Mexican Ministry of Civil Protection (PDF) (in Spanish).

If you’re in Mexico City, you can download the 911 CDMX app on iOS or Android (accessible only by local phone numbers), which can warn you 60 seconds before earthquake movement starts. Although useful, this app cannot warn you about all types of earthquake.

Volcanic eruptions

The volcanoes Popocatépetl and Colima are active and closed to the public. The danger zones around both volcanoes change depending on the current level of activity.

There is currently a 7-mile (12km) exclusion zone around Popocatépetl and the alert level is level 2 of the amber tier.

Ash fall from Popocatépetl has previously disrupted air travel and caused flight cancellations at Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City. Check your flight status with your airline or operator. You can also follow Benito Juárez airport on X.

Falling volcanic ash and toxic fumes can affect your health, especially if you suffer from a respiratory condition.

The Mexican Disaster Prevention Centre has updates on Popocatepetl, Colima and other volcanoes. There is also Mexican government information on X.

This section has safety advice for regions of Mexico. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

North

Drug-related violence affects the northern states of Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, Sinaloa and Durango.

Many fatalities are suspected gang members killed in violent clashes between the different organisations competing for control of trafficking routes into the USA. Armed clashes between security forces and drug groups can happen at any time without warning. Take extreme care outside tourist areas in all these states.

Baja California, including Tijuana

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the city of Tijuana, except:

• airside transit through Tijuana airport
• the Cross Border Xpress bridge from the airport linking terminals across the Mexican-US border
• the federal toll road 1D and Via Rápida through Tijuana to the border

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the city of Tecate in Baja California, including roads between Tijuana and Tecate.

If you cross the border by toll road 1D, try to do so during daylight hours or be very cautious after dark. Tijuana is an extremely violent city. Criminals could target you or you could get caught up in conflicts between rival groups.

Many businesses, including shops, follow an unofficial curfew, only opening during daylight hours due to the security threat. Organised crime groups are fighting for control over the city’s drug trade and trafficking routes. There are high rates of kidnapping, murder and organised crime activity, particularly drug, human and arms trafficking.

Armed attacks and targeted killings happen across the state. Violent robberies are a particular issue in the urban centres of Tijuana, Mexicali and Ensenada. Be careful in Tijuana, Mexicali, Ensenada and Rosarito – armed criminals in these towns have targeted stores and bystanders in response to disputes with the government. There have also been incidents of vehicles being targeted by armed attacks. Stick to established tourist routes and destinations across the state and always stay aware of your surroundings.

Take care in Ciudad Juárez or other cities in northern states. Travel during daylight hours when possible, tell relatives or friends of your travel plans and only use reputable hotels.

Take the same precautions in the state of Baja California, including Tijuana. There is drug-related crime in Baja California Sur, including Los Cabos.

Chihuahua

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Chihuahua, except:

• the city of Chihuahua
• the border crossing in Ciudad Juárez (accessed by federal toll road 45)
• federal toll road 45D connecting the cities of Chihuahua and Ciudad Juárez
• the Copper Canyon rail route to and from Chihuahua and towns immediately on this route including Creel
• the road from Creel via San Juanito to San Pedro
• state highway 16 from San Pedro to Chihuahua

There are high levels of organised crime activity, particularly human and drugs trafficking. There is illegal drug cultivation in rural areas of the state, with associated criminal activity.

If you visit the Copper Canyon rail route, do not walk alone in the canyon or stray from the tourist trail. Complete all your activities within daylight hours. There is a risk you could be caught up in conflicts between rival organised crime groups operating in the area.

Sinaloa

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Sinaloa, except:

• the cities of Los Mochis and Mazatlán
• road 32 that runs between El Fuerte and Los Mochis
• the 15D federal toll road that runs the length of the state
• the Copper Canyon rail route to and from Los Mochis, El Fuerte and the towns immediately on this route

Armed robbery and vehicle theft has happened in El Fuerte. Avoid driving at night on the route between El Fuerte and Los Mochis.

There are high levels of drug cultivation in rural areas, leading to conflict between organised crime groups fighting for control.

Due to the presence of organised crime, there are high levels of drug-related violence. There are frequent gun battles between government security forces and organised crime groups, including in the city of Culiacán, leading to deaths and the destruction of security infrastructure.

Criminals do not usually target tourists, but you could be a victim of violence due to mistaken identity or on suspicion of spying for other organised criminal gangs – particularly if you are off the beaten tourist track.

Tamaulipas

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Tamaulipas, except:

• the border crossing at Nuevo Laredo accessed from Monterrey by federal toll road 85D – you should travel during daylight hours
• federal highways 80, 81 and 85 between Tampico, Ciudad de Victoria and Magueyes, and the entire area of Tamaulipas south of these highways

Tamaulipas is dangerous due to the presence of many organised crime groups who fight for control of drug trafficking routes. There is a risk of armed robbery and kidnap.

Zacatecas

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Zacatecas.

The state is extremely dangerous due to battles between organised crime groups for control of drug trafficking routes and rural areas of the state.

There are high levels of drug-related violence due to the strong presence of organised crime. Gun battles between state security forces and organised crime groups are frequent, leading to deaths and the destruction of security infrastructure.

West and Central

Guanajuato

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the areas south-west of the road 45D. This includes the cities of Celaya and Irapuato as well as the municipalities of:

• Abasolo
• Acámbaro
• Cuerámaro
• Huanímaro
• Irapuato
• Jaral del Progreso
• Manuel Doblado
• Moroleón
• Pénjamo
• Pueblo Nuevo
• Purisima del Rincón
• Romita
• Salamanca
• Salvatierra
• San Francisco del Rincón
• Santiago Maravatío
• Silao de la Victoria
• Uriangato
• Valle de Santiago
• Yuriria

Guanajuato is a drug trafficking route. There has been an increase in security incidents and drug-related violence in the state of Guanajuato. Fuel thefts from plants and pipelines also happen. Organised crime activity is rampant, particularly in the south of the state. Shootouts are of particular concern in the state of Guanajuato as they can happen in populated areas and bystanders have been caught in the crossfire.

Michoacán

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Michoacán, except the:

• city of Morelia accessed by federal toll roads 15D, 126 and 43; and the federal toll road 48D between the city of Morelia and the General Francisco Mujica airport
• town of Pátzcuaro accessed by federal toll roads 14D and 15 from Morelia, and boat trips out to islands on Lake Pátzcuaro
• federal highway 15D

Michoacán is one of Mexico’s most violent states with high levels of organised crime and very little security presence. The state’s rural terrain makes it difficult for state security forces to respond to incidents.

There have been reports of local crime groups running illegal roadblocks and checkpoints in an attempt to control who enters and leaves. The Michoacán state government recommends foreign nationals to avoid this region.

Organised criminals are likely to be suspicious of foreign nationals in rural Michoacán. There is a high possibility of a misunderstanding resulting in violence.

Jalisco

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the areas south and south-west of Lake Chapala to the border state of Colima, specifically the municipalities of:

• Acatlán de Juárez
• Amacueca
• Ameca
• Atemajac de Brizuela
• Atengo
• Atenguillo
• Atoyac
• Autlán de Navarro
• Ayutla
• Casimiro Castillo
• Chiquilistlán
• Cocula
• Cuautitlán de García Barragán
• Cuautla
• Ejutla
• El Grullo
• El Limón
• Gómez Farias
• Guachinango
• Juchitlán
• Mixtlán
• San Gabriel
• San Marcos
• San Martín Hidalgo
• Sayula
• Tapalpa
• Techaluta de Montenegro
• Tecolotlán
• Tenamaxtlán
• Teocuitatlán de Corona
• Tolimán
• Tonaya
• Tuxcacuesco
• Tuxcueca
• Unión de Tula
• Villa Corona
• Villa Purificación
• Zacoalco de Torres
• Zapotitlán de Vadill
• Zapotlán el Grande

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the northern municipalities of:

• Bolaños
• Chimaltitán
• Colotlán
• Hostotipaquillo
• Huejúcar
• Huequilla el Alto
• Mezquitic
• San Martin de Bolaños
• Santa Maria de los Ángeles
• Totatiche
• Villa Guerrero

This is due to inaccessibility for security forces, lack of state control, drugs cultivation and high levels of violence between rival criminal groups.

Colima

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the whole state of Colima, except the city of Manzanillo accessed by sea or by air via Manzanillo-Costalegre International Airport, and direct travel via road 200 from the airport to Manzanillo. Do not travel by other routes to the city of Manzanillo.

Colima has high levels of organised crime activity. Criminal organisations fight each other for control over the state, leading to gun battles on the streets of Colima City and throughout rural areas.

Guerrero, including Acapulco

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Guerrero, except the town of Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa accessed by air.

Guerrero is a violent state with a history of insecurity. Organised crime is present throughout the state, including in central Acapulco and Chilpancingo. Armed crime, including shootings and executions, has happened both in and outside tourist areas in Acapulco and other areas of the state.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Otis, normal work by local authorities to reduce risks to tourists in Acapulco’s tourist area has stopped while they focus on recovery efforts . There are reports of an increase in crime, robbery and looting across the city, including in previously designated tourist areas. Take extreme care if you travel to Acapulco.

Local crime groups control toll booths at illegal roadblocks. If you come across these, you will need cash to pay the fee so you can continue. If you’re driving in Guerrero, avoid travel after dark and use toll roads where possible, although you may still experience disruptions.

The interior of the state is dangerous. Organised crime groups and local ‘self-defence’ groups often exert control over territory. These groups are likely to be suspicious of foreign nationals in rural Guerrero. There is a high possibility of a misunderstanding resulting in violence. There has been armed crime in and outside tourist areas in the state.

Centre

Criminal activity is a problem in the state of Mexico (‘Estado de México’). Take care when travelling through the state, as well as outside of tourist areas. There has been:

• armed robbery on public transport
• vehicle theft on the highway
• petty crime

South

Chiapas

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 40km of the Guatemalan border between the Pacific Coast up to and including the border crossing at Gracias a Dio.

FCDO advises against all but essential travel on Federal Highway 199 (Carretera Federal 199) between Rancho Nuevo (just outside San Cristobal de las Casas) and the Chancalá junction just outside Palenque (where Federal Highway 199 meets Federal Highway 307).

The border between Chiapas and Guatemala is dangerous due to the presence of many organised crime groups who fight for control of drug- and human-trafficking routes. Gangs do not usually target tourists, but you could be a victim of violence due to mistaken identity or on suspicion of spying for other organised criminal gangs. There is a risk of being caught in crossfire between rival organised crime groups.

Illegal roadblocks and checkpoints are reported frequently on Federal Highway 199 (Carretera Federal 199) between Rancho Nuevo, just outside San Cristobal de las Casas, and Palenque. Protests by indigenous groups often block the road. There is a risk of kidnapping.

Partial regional extract; read the full official section.

Risk level

Mexico - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico due to high levels of criminal activity and kidnapping.

Regional risks

West-central coast - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to the west-central coast, from north of Punta San Telmo to Cabo Corrientes, due to Hurricane Trudy.

Natural disasters and climate

Regional Advisory - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to the following states due to high levels of violence and organized crime:

• Chiapas, excluding: the city and ruins of Palenque (and highway 186 leading there) the city of Tuxtla Gutiérrez (and its airport and the main road leading there) the city of San Cristobal de las Casas (and toll highway 190D between this city and Tuxtla Gutiérrez)
• Chihuahua, excluding Chihuahua City
• Colima
• Guanajuato, in all areas south of and including highways 43D and 45D
• Guerrero, excluding the cities of Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo only if accessed by air
• Jalisco, within 50 km of the border with Michoacán state, excluding: Mazamitla (and highway 405 leading there) the area around Lake Chapala between highway 15 and 15D
• Lagunas de Zempoala National Park in Morelos
• Michoacán, excluding the cities of Morelia and Patzcuaro
• Nayarit, within 20 km of the border with the states of Sinaloa and Durango
• Nuevo León, excluding the city of Monterrey
• Sinaloa, excluding the following areas, and only if accessed by air or sea: the city of Los Mochis specific areas in and around the city of Mazatlán: Centro Histórico south of Avenida Gutiérrez Najera the road connecting Centro Histórico to the airport the main coastal roads from Centro Histórico to Playa Delfines, including Zona Cerritos and Zona Dorada (the Golden Zone) the resorts on Playa Estrella del Mar and the road leading there from the airport
• Sonora, excluding the cities of Hermosillo, Guaymas/San Carlos and Puerto Peñasco
• Tamaulipas, excluding the city of Tampico only if accessed by air or sea
• Zacatecas, excluding the city of Zacatecas

Demonstrations

Demonstrations occur frequently, especially in Mexico City, and roadblocks are common during demonstrations. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation, as well as airport closures.

It’s illegal for foreigners to conduct political activity in Mexico, including participating in demonstrations. If you participate in demonstrations as a foreigner, you may face detention, deportation and the denial of future entry into Mexico.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Sinaloa (see Risk levels)

Violent clashes occur regularly between rival armed groups in the state of Sinaloa, including in Culiacán and parts of Mazatlán located outside the main tourist zones. Armed groups have stopped vehicles on the highway from Culiácan to Mazatlán and other major roads.

If you are in an area of Sinaloa where we advise to avoid non-essential travel:

• exercise extreme caution
• limit your movements
• monitor local media for the latest information
• follow the instructions of local authorities

More information on organized crime

墨西哥现有橙色（高风险）地区3个，其他地区均为蓝色。

具体如下：橙色地区：格雷罗州、塔毛利帕斯州、奇瓦瓦州。

外交部提醒中国公民近期谨慎前往墨西哥上述地区，已在当地的人员和机构密切关注局势发展，保持高度警惕，加强安全防范和应急准备，确保人身和财产安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻当地使领馆取得联系。

外交部和驻外使领馆将继续密切关注海外安全形势变化，动态调整有关风险评估，并实时在中国领事服务网等平台发布、更新相应安全提醒，请持续关注。