It's been a month since the U.S. State Department has updated its travel advice for Mexicoone of the few countries broken down by states rather than an overall opinion.
The main takeaway from the latest guidance is that most The main tourist destinations in Mexico are safe to visit this fall, with crime being the main concern like most places around the world.
Yucatan is one of two states that received a Level 1 advisory in October, meaning visitors to this Mexican Caribbean hotspot can take normal precautions in beloved places such as Chichen Itza and Mérida.
However, most Mexican states – like the majority of countries around the world – are at Level 2 this fall due to the potential for crime. These notable states include Baja California Sur (Los Cabos, La Paz, Todos Santos), Coahuila, Mexico, Nayarit, Oaxaca, Puebla, and Quintana Roo (Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and Tulum).
Jalisco, home to the popular cities of Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, is one of seven states to receive a Level 3 travel advisory.
Authorities warn of the potential threat of crime and kidnapping. However, the State Department clarified that “there are no other restrictions on travel by U.S. government employees in the state of Jalisco, which includes the tourist areas of the metropolitan area of Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta (including neighboring Riviera Nayarit), Chapala and Ajijic”.
The same goes for U.S. government employees in the state of Guanajuato, which includes the popular tourist area of San Miguel de Allendewhich was named the best city in the world by Travel + Leisure readers in 2024.
For a map of restricted areas, travelers can visit the official website of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico.
Many travelers visiting Mexico will stay in tourist hotels and all-inclusive resorts, which remain safe. For those venturing off the property, the State Department advises using common sense.
Visitors should also keep family back home informed of their plans, avoid traveling at night, exercise extra caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs and casinos, and avoid displaying signs of wealth such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
Regardless of destination, travelers are encouraged to register with Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts that make it easier to locate in the event of an emergency.
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