U.S. State Department Updates Major Changes To Mexico Travel Advisories

Last Updated 1 year ago

The United States has made major changes to the way it issues travel advisories for Mexico. Previously, the U.S. State Department issued level 1, 2, 3, or 4 nationwide advisories based on how safe Mexico is for U.S. tourists.

Now the U.S. State Department has broken down its Mexico travel advisories into state-specific travel advisories instead of a nationwide travel advisory.

Aerial View Of Playa Delfines In Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico, Caribbean

The U.S. State Department is only doing this for Mexico; they will continue issuing nationwide travel advisories for other nations.

Mexico remains the most popular destination for American tourists. The nation didn’t close during the COVID-19 pandemic and became the 2nd nation to remove all entry requirements in January 2022.

Recent Travel Advisories For Top Mexico Destinations

Cancun

Cancun is an extremely popular destination for U.S. tourists. The current travel advisory says U.S. travelers should exercise increased caution when traveling in Cancun due to crime in Quintana Roo.

The U.S. State Department says: “Criminal activity and violence may occur in any location, at any time, including in popular tourist destinations. Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations.”

However, the U.S. State Department also adds: “While not directed at tourists, shootings between rival gangs have killed or injured innocent bystanders. Additionally, U.S. citizens have been the victims of both non-violent and violent crimes in tourist and non-tourist areas.”

Furthermore, the U.S. State Department suggests all tourists should exercise increased caution after dark in downtown areas of Cancun.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular destination for millions of U.S. tourists. However, the U.S. State Department currently says U.S. tourists should reconsider traveling to Puerto Vallarta due to crime and kidnapping in the state of Jalisco.

The State Department says: “Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Jalisco state. In Guadalajara, territorial battles between criminal groups take place in tourist areas. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed innocent bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.”

Los Cabos

Los Cabos is a highly popular destination in the State of Baja California. However, the U.S. State Department suggests U.S. tourists should exercise increased caution due to crime in the state of Baja California Sur.

Los Cabos is considered one of the safest destinations in Mexico to start 2022 with the lowest homicide rate in the country.

Couple Of Tourists Looking At The Pyramid Of The Moon In Teotihuacan, Mexico

The ‘Do Not Travel’ Advisories

The U.S. State Department has issued Do Not Travel advisories to:

Colima state due to crime and kidnapping.
Guerrero state due to crime and kidnapping.
Michoacan state due to crime and kidnapping.
Sinaloa state due to crime and kidnapping
Tamaulipas state due to crime and kidnapping.

What’s Traveling To Mexico Like In May 2022?

Mexico has dropped all COVID-19 entry requirements. Therefore, it’s a straightforward travel destination for U.S. tourists. The country doesn’t require testing, quarantine, proof of vaccination, or passenger locator forms.