While Mexico is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year, it is important to remember that safety can vary by region. Most tourists have trouble-free visits, but exercising common sense is always the first step.

The safety of your trip depends heavily on the areas you plan to visit and the current local circumstances. Staying informed about recent events, local customs, and transport options will help you avoid risky situations and make your journey more enjoyable.

Before traveling, take the time to plan your itinerary carefully. Research each city, region, or attraction you intend to visit, check for any alerts or advisories, and prepare accordingly. Thoughtful planning significantly increases your chances of a safe, smooth adventure.

Additionally, keeping friends or family informed of your daily plans, using location-tracking tools, and following trusted travel safety tips can provide extra security, help you respond quickly to unexpected situations, and ensure peace of mind throughout your trip.

How safe is travel in Mexico?

  • Is it safe to travel to Mexico? Is Mexico safe to visit?
  • Is everything we hear in the news about Mexico true?
  • Which states in Mexico have a travel alert issued by the USA?

What are travel alerts?

Travel alerts are official notifications issued by governments to inform travelers about potential safety risks in specific regions. They highlight issues such as crime, natural disasters, or civil unrest, helping travelers make safer choices when planning trips abroad.

These alerts serve as practical guidance for tourists, suggesting which areas to avoid, how to stay vigilant, and what precautions to take. By paying attention to travel alerts, travelers can reduce risks and enjoy a more secure experience while exploring unfamiliar destinations.

Travel alerts for Mexico

The U.S. Department of State regularly issues travel alerts for Mexico, including detailed, state-by-state safety analyses. These alerts focus on popular tourist regions, offering up-to-date information on local conditions to help travelers plan their trips with confidence.

Alerts include advice on staying safe in cities, towns, or rural areas, as well as information on transportation, accommodations, and emergency contacts. By consulting these alerts before traveling, visitors can anticipate potential risks and take proactive measures to protect themselves.

Which states in Mexico have travel alerts?

The United States issues travel alerts for specific Mexican states where safety concerns are higher due to crime, civil unrest, or other hazards. These alerts aim to inform travelers so they can avoid dangerous areas and make responsible decisions while visiting Mexico.

Travelers are encouraged to review these state-specific alerts carefully. By understanding which regions may require extra caution, tourists can plan safer itineraries, stay informed about local laws and customs, and ensure their trip remains enjoyable and secure.

Travel alerts at level 2: Increase travel precautions

Travelers should exercise increased caution when visiting Aguascalientes, Baja California, Baja California Sur, Campeche, Chiapas, Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Mexico City, Oaxaca, Querétaro, Puebla, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, Tlaxcala, Veracruz, and Yucatán.

Be aware of your surroundings and follow local safety advice.

Travel alerts at level 3: Reconsider traveling

It’s advised to reconsider travel plans to Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, the State of Mexico, Jalisco, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, Sonora, and Zacatecas due to higher safety risks. Taking common-sense safety measures is recommended to ensure a secure visit.

These areas are not necessarily “too dangerous” for casual travel, but the U.S. State Department and other agencies flag them as higher-risk compared with other Mexican states. The main concerns include petty crime, occasional organized crime activity, and regional unrest.

For most tourists sticking to popular areas, staying in well-known cities, and following standard precautions (avoid isolated areas at night, use reliable transport, keep valuables secure), travel can be relatively safe. So it’s about being careful and informed, not avoiding entirely.

Travel alerts at level 4: Do not travel

Travel to Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Colima, Michoacán, and Guerrero is strongly discouraged due to high levels of crime and violence. Visitors should postpone or avoid trips to these states entirely, as the safety risks are significant and could threaten personal security.

Travel alert from the United States to Mexico?

Before visiting, travelers should review Mexico travel safety tips, including understanding which areas have higher risks, following the latest travel advisory for Mexico 2025, and taking precautions in urban and rural destinations.

Safe tourist destinations in Mexico, such as Yucatán, Quintana Roo, and Baja California Sur, offer excellent services, security, and enjoyable experiences. Knowing which locations are safer allows visitors to plan routes confidently and avoid unnecessary hazards.

Mexico ranks 7th among international destinations, welcoming millions of visitors each year. Despite some alerts, the tourism sector actively invests in safety measures and quality services to ensure travelers enjoy their stay with confidence.

Despite these alerts, the U.S. State Department classifies Mexico overall as a Tier 2 country, the same level as France, Italy, and the UK. This means that, while some areas require caution, Mexico is generally considered safe for tourists who follow basic precautions.

Travelers should review Mexico travel safety tips before visiting, including understanding local risks, safe tourist destinations in Mexico, and the latest travel advisory for Mexico. Being informed helps ensure a secure and enjoyable experience.

No matter where we travel, whether alone or with company, some level of risk always exists. Staying aware of surroundings, preparing for potential challenges, and exercising prudence help prevent dangerous situations and protect personal safety throughout the journey.

Travelers must remain alert both in Mexico and anywhere else in the world, trust their instincts, use common sense, and avoid exposing themselves to unnecessary risks. By doing so, visitors can ensure a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience throughout their trip.

Use a small, portable GPS tracker while traveling. Keep it in your pocket or wear it around your neck. Set your planned route so family or friends can monitor your location in real time and be alerted if you stray from your scheduled path, helping ensure your safety.

Visit the Travel Safe Abroad site for more detailed information about safe travels.

While hitchhiking (autostop) is practiced by some travelers in Mexico, it carries higher risks than standard transport. If you choose to hitchhike, stick to well-traveled highways, daylight hours, and only accept rides from families or groups rather than lone drivers.

Always inform someone of your planned route and estimated arrival time, keep your phone charged, store valuables securely, and trust your instincts. Avoid traveling alone at night, sit in the back seat if possible, and decline rides that feel unsafe for a safer experience.

Using rideshare apps or official bus services is a safe alternative.

Dial 078 from any phone for free information about tourist attractions, airports, travel agencies, car rentals, embassies and consulates, fairs and exhibitions, hotels, hospitals, financial services, migration, and more.

Or dial the toll-free (in Mexico) number 01-800-006-8839.

Emergency numbers:

General Information: 040 (not free)

National Emergency Service: 911

Radio Patrols: 066
Police (Emergency): 060
Civil Protection: +52(55)5683-2222
Anonymous Complaint: 089

Setravi (Transport Mobility): +52(55)5209-9913
Road Emergency: 074

Cruz Roja: 065 o +52(55)5557-5757
Firefighters: 068 o +52(55)5768-3700