Travel Advisory Tracker

Mexico Travel Advisory by State 2026 — All 32 States Mapped

Mexico's overall advisory is Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution), but the State Department actually rates each Mexican state separately — the official page is one long text document. Here it is as a color-coded map and table: 6 states at Level 4 (Do Not Travel), 7 at Level 3, 17 at Level 2 and 2 at Level 1. State-by-state guidance as of May 29, 2026.

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  • Level 1 — Normal precautions
  • Level 2 — Increased caution
  • Level 3 — Reconsider travel
  • Level 4 — Do not travel

⚽ Traveling for the 2026 World Cup?

Mexico's three host venues all sit in states currently rated Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution): Estadio Azteca, Mexico City (Mexico City — Level 2); Estadio Akron, Guadalajara (Jalisco — Level 3); Estadio BBVA, Monterrey (Nuevo Leon — Level 2). Check the state rows below for the specific risks and any restrictions on U.S. government employees, which are a useful proxy for local risk.

Level 4: Do Not Travel — 6 states

ColimaLevel 4 · Do Not Travel
  • Do not travel due to terrorism , crime , and kidnapping.
  • There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.
  • Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations.
  • Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed bystanders.
  • U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents have been victims of kidnapping.
  • U.S. government employees may travel to the following areas with the below restrictions: Manzanillo: Travel only to the central tourist and port areas of Manzanillo. Primary tourist areas include the historic city center and Malecon, the hotel zone, the Peninsula Santiago or Las Hadas area, and the Club Santiago Peninsula area.
  • Travel between Manzanillo and Guadalajara: Travel is permitted only on Highways 54D, 110, and 200D.
  • Travel between Manzanillo and Cihuatlán or Jalisco (including to the Manzanillo International Airport): Travel is permitted on Highway 200.
  • U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas in the state of Colima.
GuerreroLevel 4 · Do Not Travel
  • Do not travel due to terrorism, crime and kidnapping.
  • There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.
  • Armed groups are active independently of the government in many areas of Guerrero. Members of these groups frequently maintain roadblocks and may use violence towards travelers.
  • U.S. government employees may not travel to any area in the state of Guerrero, including tourist areas Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Taxco, and Ixtapa.
  • U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents have been victims of kidnapping.
MichoacanLevel 4 · Do Not Travel
  • Do not travel due to terrorism and crime.
  • There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.
  • Crime and violence are widespread in Michoacan state.
  • U.S. government employees may travel to the following areas with the below restrictions: May travel on Federal Highway 15D to transit the state between Mexico City and Guadalajara.
  • May travel to Morelia only by air or by land using Federal Highways 43 or 48D from Federal Highway 15D. Travel between the airport and the city is permitted by Highway 48D only.
  • Must travel Lazaro Cardenas only by air and limit activities to the city center or port areas.
  • May not travel to other areas of the state of Michoacan, including portions of the Monarch Butterfly Reserve located in Michoacan.
SinaloaLevel 4 · Do Not Travel
  • Do not travel due to terrorism and crime.
  • There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.
  • U.S. government employees may travel to: Mazatlan by air or sea only: Travel is limited to the historic town center from Avenida Gutierrez Najera to the ocean. Travel along the coast (Malecon) from the historic center until Route 503 is permitted. Travel must be via direct routes between these destinations and the airport or sea terminal.
  • Los Mochis and Topolobampo by air or sea only: Travel is restricted to the city and the port. Travel must be via direct routes between these destinations and the airport.
  • U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas in the state of Sinaloa.
TamaulipasLevel 4 · Do Not Travel
  • Do not travel due to terrorism , crime , and kidnapping.
  • There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.
  • Organized crime activity is common along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. It includes gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault.
  • U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents have been victims of kidnapping.
  • Criminal groups target public and private buses, as well as cars traveling through Tamaulipas. Criminals often kidnap passengers for ransom.
  • Heavily armed members of criminal groups often patrol the state, especially along the border region from Reynosa to Nuevo Laredo. They act without fear of punishment in these areas, and local law enforcement has limited capacity to respond to crime.
  • Law enforcement capacity is greater in the tri-city area of Tampico, Ciudad Madero, and Altamira. These have a lower rate of violent criminal activity compared to the rest of the state.
  • Matamoros
  • Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas in Matamoros including the neighborhoods of Jardin and Rio, and the area of the city as defined by: The Rio Grande River to the north
  • Avenida de Las Americas from the Brownsville and Matamoros Bridge south to Calle Hidalgo and west to Calle Diez
  • Diagonal Cuauhtemoc east to Avenida Canales continuing east to Calle Primera
ZacatecasLevel 4 · Do Not Travel
  • Do not travel due to terrorism , and crime.
  • There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.
  • Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread in Zacatecas state.
  • U.S. government employees may travel to Zacatecas city by air only. The permitted areas of Zacatecas City include the city limits and the airport, and Highway 45 between the 2 locations.

Level 3: Reconsider Travel — 7 states

Baja CaliforniaLevel 3 · Reconsider Travel
  • Reconsider travel due to terrorism , crime , and kidnapping .
  • There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.
  • Criminal groups fight for control in border areas. They want to set up routes for narco-trafficking and human smuggling.
  • Travelers should remain on main highways and avoid remote locations.
  • There are high homicide numbers in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana.
  • Most homicides appear to be targeted. However, assassinations and territorial disputes between criminal organizations can injure or kill bystanders.
  • U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents have been victims of kidnapping.
  • The only travel restrictions in Baja California state are in Mexicali Valley. There are no additional travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Baja California state, including in Tijuana, Ensenada, and Rosarito.
  • Mexicali Valley
  • Due to security risks, U.S. government employees must follow these restrictions regarding Mexicali Valley.
  • U.S. government employees may not travel in the Mexicali Valley within the below boundaries:
ChiapasLevel 3 · Reconsider Travel
  • Reconsider travel due to terrorism and crime.
  • There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.
  • U.S. government employees may travel to Tapachula within the city limits and to the south and west of Highway 200.
  • U.S. government employees may not travel to the municipality of Ocozocoautla.
  • U.S. government employees may not travel to the following areas in Southeastern Chiapas within the below boundaries: East-Northeast boundary: The Mexico-Guatemala border from the Pacific Ocean to Netzahualcóyotl.
  • Northern boundary: From Netzahualcóyotl in a straight line to Ocosingo.
  • Western boundary: In straight lines from Ocosingo to El Ocote, from El Ocote to San Francisco Pujiltic, and from San Franciso Pujiltic to Mapastepec. Also, a straight line from southeast Tapachula to Tres Hermanos San Isidro on the coast.
  • South-Southwest boundary: East and north of Highway 200 from Mapastepec to Tapachula.
ChihuahuaLevel 3 · Reconsider Travel
  • Reconsider travel due to terrorism , crime , and kidnapping .
  • There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.
  • Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations.
  • Territory battles between these groups have led to violent crime in places like restaurants and malls where U.S. citizens and government employees go. Shootings have hurt and killed bystanders.
  • U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents have been kidnapped.
  • U.S. government employees may not travel to certain areas of Chihuahua, including Copper Canyon.
  • Ascension
  • U.S. government employees may travel on Highway 2 directly between Ciudad Juarez and Ascension.
  • Ciudad Juarez
  • Due to security risks, U.S. government employees may travel to Ciudad Juarez within the below boundaries: Eastern boundary: Bulevar Independencia
  • Southern boundary: De los Montes Urales; Avenida Manuel J Clouthier; Carretera de Juárez
GuanajuatoLevel 3 · Reconsider Travel
  • Reconsider travel due to terrorism, crime and kidnapping .
  • There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations. Gang violence in Guanajuato mostly happens in the southern and central areas. It is often connected to the theft of oil and natural gas from the state oil company and other suppliers.
  • There is a high number of murders in the southern region due to cartel-related violence.
  • U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents have been victims of kidnapping.
  • U.S. government employees may not travel on Federal Highway 45D nor to the areas south of Highway 45D, including the cities of Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato.
JaliscoLevel 3 · Reconsider Travel
  • Reconsider travel due to terrorism , crime , and kidnapping .
  • There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.
  • In Guadalajara, battles between criminal groups have happened in tourist areas.
  • Shootings between these groups have injured or killed innocent bystanders.
  • U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents have been kidnapped.
  • There are no restrictions on travel in the Guadalajara Metropolitan area, Puerto Vallarta (including neighboring Riviera Nayarit), Chapala, and Ajijic.
  • U.S. government employees may not travel to the following areas: Southern Jalisco: May not travel on Federal Highway 110 from the state of Colima to the state of Michoacan, nor to the area to the south and east of Highway 110 to the Michoacan border, with an exception for Mazamitla.
  • Federal Highway 80: May not travel on Federal Highway 80 between Cocula and Lazaro Cardenas (48989 – in the south).
  • U.S. government employees may travel to the following area in southeastern Jalisco: Mazamitla: Travel via Highway 405 only.
MorelosLevel 3 · Reconsider Travel
  • Reconsider travel due to terrorism , and crime.
  • There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.
  • There are no specific restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Morelos state.
SonoraLevel 3 · Reconsider Travel
  • Reconsider travel due to terrorism , and crime.
  • There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.
  • Travelers should stay alert and aware of their surroundings while traveling in Sonora. Criminal activity and violence may occur in any area of Sonora.
  • U.S. government employees may travel to: Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino, San Carlos-Nuevo Guaymas, Alamos, and Puerto Libertad.
  • U.S. government employees must follow the below travel restrictions for Nogales, Puerto Penasco, Cananea, Agua Prieta, and eastern and southern Sonora.
  • Nogales
  • U.S. government employees may not use any taxi services, public buses, or ride-share applications in Nogales.
  • U.S. government employees may travel to the following areas in the municipality of Nogales: Highway 15 corridor between the DeConcicini Port of Entry and the intersection of Highway 15 and Highway 15D. The Highway 15 corridor includes: The area south of the Council of the Federal Judiciary building on Calle Ochoa, between Avenida Alvaro Obregon and Adolfo Ruiz Cortinez, and to the intersection of Highway 15 and Avenida Alvaro Obregon.
  • The area south of the intersection of Highway 15 and Avenida Alvaro Obregon, including Adolfo Ruiz Cortinez, and to the Donaldo Colosio Plaza.
  • The Boulevard Luis Donaldo Colosio corridor between the Mariposa Port of Entry and the intersection with Highway 15. The Boulevard Luis Donaldo Colosio corridor includes: The industrial area east of Boulevard Luis Donaldo Colosio and between Avenida 5 de Febrero and F. Bustamante.
  • Boulevard El Greco and the area northwest to Avenida Tecnologico.

Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution — 17 states

AguascalientesLevel 2 · Exercise Increased Caution
  • Exercise increased caution due to terrorism and crime .
  • There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.
  • There are no specific restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Aguascalientes state.
Baja California SurLevel 2 · Exercise Increased Caution
  • Exercise increased caution due to terrorism and crime.
  • There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.
  • There are no specific restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Baja California Sur state.
CoahuilaLevel 2 · Exercise Increased Caution
  • Reconsider travel due to terrorism and crime .
  • There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.
  • U.S. government employees may not travel to the following area: Northern Coahuila: Travel north of Highway 53 and Highway 23, from Boquillas del Carmen to the Coahuila border. The eastern and western boundaries follow the Coahuila state borders north to the U.S. border.
  • U.S. government employees may travel to the following areas: Piedras Negras via the U.S. only through the Eagle Pass Port of Entry.
  • Nava and Allende via Highway 57 from Piedras Negras only.
  • Acuna via the U.S. only through the Del Rio Port of Entry.
  • In all cities, U.S. government employees must observe a curfew from midnight to 6 a.m..
DurangoLevel 2 · Exercise Increased Caution
  • Exercise increased caution due to terrorism and crime.
  • There is a risk of violence inthe state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations, particularly common in western and southern Durango.
  • U.S. government employees may not travel west or south of Federal Highway 45.
Estado de MexicoLevel 2 · Exercise Increased Caution
  • Exercise increased caution due to terrorism , and crime.
  • There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.
  • U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents have been victims of kidnapping.
  • Use additional caution in remote areas.
  • There are no specific restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico State.
HidalgoLevel 2 · Exercise Increased Caution
  • Exercise increased caution due to terrorism and crime.
  • There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.
  • There are no specific restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Hildago state.
Mexico CityLevel 2 · Exercise Increased Caution
  • Exercise increased caution due to terrorism and crime.
  • There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.
  • Both violent and non-violent crimes occur throughout Mexico City.
  • Exercise extra caution, especially at night, outside of popular tourist areas where police patrol more frequently.
  • Petty crime occurs frequently in both tourist and non-tourist areas.
  • There are no specific restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico City.
NayaritLevel 2 · Exercise Increased Caution
  • Exercise increased caution due to terrorism and crime.
  • There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.
  • There are no specific restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Nayarit state.
Nuevo LeonLevel 2 · Exercise Increased Caution
  • Exercise increased caution due to terrorism and crime and kidnapping.
  • There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.
  • Those traveling between the U.S. border and Monterrey on highways 85/85D, 54, and 40/40D should exercise caution and avoid travel after dark.
  • Armed robberies and carjackings have occurred along these highways even during daylight hours.
  • Travelers from the U.S. border to Monterrey should review specific guidance for Coahuila or Tamaulipas if their planned route passes through these neighboring states.
  • U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents have been victims of kidnapping.
OaxacaLevel 2 · Exercise Increased Caution
  • Exercise increased caution due to terrorism and crime.
  • There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.
  • There are no restrictions on travel for Oaxaca City, Monte Alban, Puerto Escondido, or Huatulco.
  • U.S. government may not use Federal Highway 200 between Pinotepa and the Oaxaca-Guerrero border.
  • U.S. government employees may not travel to the Isthmus region within the below boundaries: Western boundary: Federal Highway 185D.
  • Northern boundary: Federal highway 190.
  • Eastern boundary: Oaxaca-Chiapas border.This includes the towns of Juchitan de Zaragoza, Salina Cruz, and San Blas Atempa.
PueblaLevel 2 · Exercise Increased Caution
  • Exercise increased caution due to terrorism , and crime.
  • Cartels that are designated as terrorist organizations are present in this state.
  • Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state.
  • There are no specific restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Puebla state.
QueretaroLevel 2 · Exercise Increased Caution
  • Exercise increased caution due to terrorism and crime.
  • There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.
  • There are no specific restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Queretaro state.
Quintana RooLevel 2 · Exercise Increased Caution
  • Exercise increased caution due to terrorism and crime.
  • There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.
  • Shootings between rival gangs have injured and killed innocent bystanders.
  • U.S. citizens have been the victims of both non-violent and violent crimes in tourist and non-tourist area.
  • Pay attention to your surroundings after dark.
  • Remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones.
San Luis PotosiLevel 2 · Exercise Increased Caution
  • Exercise increased caution due to terrorism , and crime.
  • There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.
  • There are no specific restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in San Luis Potosi state.
TabascoLevel 2 · Exercise Increased Caution
  • Exercise increased caution due to terrorism and crime.
  • There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.
  • There are no specific restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tabasco state.
TlaxcalaLevel 2 · Exercise Increased Caution
  • Exercise increased caution due to terrorism and crime.
  • There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.
VeracruzLevel 2 · Exercise Increased Caution
  • Exercise increased caution due to terrorism and crime.
  • There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.
  • While most gang-related violence is targeted, bystanders can become victims.
  • There are no specific restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Veracruz state.

Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions — 2 states

CampecheLevel 1 · Exercise Normal Precautions
  • Exercise normal precautions.
  • There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.
  • There are no specific restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Campeche state.
YucatanLevel 1 · Exercise Normal Precautions
  • Exercise normal precautions.
  • There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.
  • There are no specific travel restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Yucatan state.

Structured from the official Mexico Travel Advisory (state-by-state guidance as of May 29, 2026). Always read the full advisory before you travel.

Mexico travel advisory FAQ

Which Mexican states are Level 4 (Do Not Travel)?

Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas — 6 states carry the State Department's strongest warning, mainly due to cartel-related crime and kidnapping risk.

Which parts of Mexico are rated safest?

Campeche and Yucatan are the only Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) states — both on the Yucatán peninsula. Popular resort areas like Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Tulum are in Quintana Roo, which is Level 2.

Is Cancún under a travel warning?

Cancún is in Quintana Roo state, rated Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution). The advisory asks visitors to stay alert, especially after dark and away from tourist zones, but it does not advise against going.

Are the 2026 World Cup host cities in Mexico safe to visit?

The three Mexican host states — Mexico City, Jalisco (Guadalajara) and Nuevo León (Monterrey) — are all Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, the same rating as France or the UK overall. Standard big-city precautions apply.