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Update April 12, 2024

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Mexico Travel Advisory

Travel advisory august 22, 2023, mexico - see state summaries.

Reissued after periodic review with general security updates, and the removal of obsolete COVID-19 page links.

Country Summary: Violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery – is widespread and common in Mexico. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities.

U.S. citizens are advised to adhere to restrictions on U.S. government employee travel. State-specific restrictions are included in the individual state advisories below. U.S. government employees may not travel between cities after dark, may not hail taxis on the street, and must rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services like Uber, and regulated taxi stands. U.S. government employees should avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas. U.S. government employees may not drive from the U.S.-Mexico border to or from the interior parts of Mexico, except daytime travel within Baja California and between Nogales and Hermosillo on Mexican Federal Highway 15D, and between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Highway 85D.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Mexico.

Do Not Travel To:

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

Reconsider Travel To:

• Baja California  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Chihuahua state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Durango state  due to  crime .
• Guanajuato state  due to  crime and kidnapping .
• Jalisco state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Morelos state  due to  crime .
• Sonora state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To:

• Aguascalientes  state due to  crime .
• Baja California Sur state  due to  crime .
• Chiapas state  due to  crime .
• Coahuila state  due to  crime .
• Hidalgo state  due to  crime .
• Mexico City  due to  crime .
• Mexico State  due to  crime .
• Nayarit state  due to  crime.
• Nuevo Leon  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Oaxaca state  due to  crime .
• Puebla state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Queretaro state  due to  crime .
• Quintana Roo state  due to  crime .
• San Luis Potosi state  due to  crime and kidnapping .
• Tabasco state  due to  crime .
• Tlaxcala state due to  crime .
• Veracruz state  due to  crime .

Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To:

• Campeche state
• Yucatan state

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

If you decide to travel to Mexico:

• Keep traveling companions and family back home informed of your travel plans. If separating from your travel group, send a friend your GPS location. If taking a taxi alone, take a photo of the taxi number and/or license plate and text it to a friend.
• Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night. In many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital or major cities.
• Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Follow the U.S. Embassy on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Mexico.
• Mariners planning travel to Mexico should check for U.S. maritime  advisories  and  alerts , which include instructions on reporting suspicious activities and attacks to Mexican naval authorities.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information related to your travel. 

Aguascalientes state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime.

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Aguascalientes state.

Baja California state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Transnational criminal organizations compete in the border area to establish narco-trafficking and human smuggling routes. Violent crime and gang activity are common. Travelers should remain on main highways and avoid remote locations. Of particular concern is the high number of homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana. Most homicides appeared to be targeted; however, criminal organization assassinations and territorial disputes can result in bystanders being injured or killed. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

U.S. government employees must adhere to the noted restrictions:

• Mexicali Valley:  U.S. government employees should avoid the Mexicali Valley due to the heightened possibility of violence between rival cartel factions.  The boundaries of the restricted area are: to the east, the Baja California/Arizona and Baja California/Sonora borders; to the south, from La Ventana (on Highway 5) due east to the Colorado River; to the west, Highway 5; and to the north, Boulevard Lazaro Cardenas/Highway 92/Highway 1 to Carretera Aeropuerto, from the intersection of Highway 1 and Carretera Aeropuerto due north to the Baja California/California border, and from that point eastward along the Baja California/California border.
• Travelers may use Highways 2 and 2D to transit between Mexicali, Los Algodones, and San Luis Rio Colorado during daylight hours. Travelers may also use Highways 1 and 8 to transit to and from the Mexicali Airport during daylight hours.  Travel on Highway 5 is permissible during daylight hours.

There are no other travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Baja California state. These include high-traffic tourism areas of border and coastal communities, such as  Tijuana ,  Ensenada , and  Rosarito .

Baja California Sur state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Baja California Sur state.

Campeche state – Exercise Normal Precautions

Exercise normal precautions.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Campeche state.

Chiapas state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Chiapas state.

Chihuahua state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Battles for territory between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens and U.S. government employees, including restaurants and malls during daylight hours. Bystanders have been injured or killed in shooting incidents. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

U.S. government employee travel is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

• Ciudad Juarez:  U.S. government employees may travel to the area of Ciudad Juarez bounded to the east by Bulevar Independencia; to the south by De los Montes Urales/Avenida Manuel J Clouthier/Carretera de Juárez; to the west by Via Juan Gabriel/Avenida de los Insurgentes/Calle Miguel Ahumada/Francisco Javier Mina/Melchor Ocampo; and to the north by the U.S.-Mexico border.  Direct travel to the Ciudad Juarez airport (officially called the Abraham González International Airport) and the factories located along Bulevar Independencia and Las Torres is permitted.  Travel to San Jerónimo is permitted only through the United States via the Santa Teresa U.S. Port of Entry; travel via Anapra is prohibited.

U.S. government employees may only travel from Ciudad Juarez to the city of Chihuahua during daylight hours via Federal Highway 45, with stops permitted only at the Guardia Nacional División Caminos station, the Umbral del Milenio overlook area, the border inspection station at KM 35, and the shops and restaurants on Federal Highway 45 in the city of Ahumada.

• U.S. government employees may travel between Ciudad Juarez and Ascension via Highway 2.
• Nuevo Casas Grandes Area (including Nuevo Casas Grandes, Casas Grandes, Mata Ortiz, Colonia Juárez, Colonia LeBaron, Paquimé and San Buenaventura):  U.S. government employees may travel to the Nuevo Casas Grandes area during daylight hours via Mexico Federal Highway 2, and subsequently Federal Highway 10, to Nuevo Casas Grandes.  Employees are permitted to stay overnight in the cities of Nuevo Casas Grandes and Casas Grandes only.
• City of Chihuahua:  U.S. government employees may travel at any time to the area of the city of Chihuahua bounded to the north by Avenida Transformación; to the east by Avenida Tecnológico/Manuel Gómez Morín/Highway 16/Blvd.José Fuentes Mares; to the west by the city boundary; and to the south by Periférico Francisco R. Almada.
• U.S. government employees may travel on Highways 45, 16, and 45D through the city of Chihuahua and to the Chihuahua airport (officially called the General Roberto Fierro Villalobos International Airport). 
• U.S. government employees may travel to Santa Eulalia to the east of the city of Chihuahua, as well as to Juan Aldama via Highway 16 to the northeast.
• U.S. government employees may travel south of the city of Chihuahua on Highway 45 to the southern boundary of Parral, including each town directly connected to Highway 45, including Lázaro Cárdenas, Pedro Meoqui, Santa Cruz de Rosales, Delicias, Camargo, Ciudad Jiménez, and Parral itself.
• U.S. government employees may only travel on official business from the city of Chihuahua on Highway 16 to Ciudad Cuauhtémoc bounded by Highway 21 to the north and east, Highway 5 to the west, and Bulevar Jorge Castillo Cabrera to the south. 
• Ojinaga:  U.S. government employees must travel to Ojinaga via U.S. Highway 67 and enter through the U.S. Port of Entry in Presidio, Texas.
• Palomas:  U.S. government employees may travel to Palomas via U.S. highways through the U.S. Port of Entry in Columbus, New Mexico, or via Highway 2 in Mexico.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Chihuahua, including  Copper Canyon .

Coahuila state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity occur in parts of Coahuila state. 

U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:

• Zaragoza, Morelos, Allende, Nava, Jimenez, Villa Union, Guerrero, and Hidalgo municipalities : U.S. government employees may not travel to these municipalities.
• Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña:  U.S. government employees must travel directly from the United States and observe a curfew from midnight to 6:00 a.m. in both cities.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Coahuila state.

Colima state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.  

Violent crime and gang activity are widespread. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.  

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with noted restrictions: 

• Manzanillo:   U.S. government employee travel is limited to the tourist and port areas of Manzanillo.  
• Employees traveling to Manzanillo from Guadalajara must use Federal Toll Road 54D during daylight hours.  

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Colima state. 

Durango state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime.

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Durango state.

• West and south of Federal Highway 45:  U.S. government employees may not travel to this region of Durango state.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Durango state.

Guanajuato state – Reconsider Travel

Gang violence, often associated with the theft of petroleum and natural gas from the state oil company and other suppliers, occurs in Guanajuato, primarily in the south and central areas of the state.  Of particular concern is the high number of murders in the southern region of the state associated with cartel-related violence. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Areas south of Federal Highway 45D:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area south of and including Federal Highway 45D, Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Guanajuato state, which includes tourist areas in:  San Miguel de Allende ,  Guanajuato City , and  surrounding areas.

Guerrero state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime.

Crime and violence are widespread. Armed groups operate independently of the government in many areas of Guerrero. Members of these groups frequently maintain roadblocks and may use violence towards travelers. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping in previous years.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following area with the noted restrictions:

• Taxco:  U.S. government employees must use Federal Highway 95D, which passes through Cuernavaca, Morelos, and stay within downtown tourist areas of Taxco. Employees may visit Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park during the day with a licensed tour operator.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Guerrero, including to tourist areas in  Acapulco ,  Zihuatanejo , and  Ixtapa .

Hidalgo state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Hidalgo state.

Jalisco state – Reconsider Travel

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.

• Jalisco-Michoacan border and Federal Highway 110:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area between Federal Highway 110 and the Jalisco-Michoacan border, nor travel on Federal Highway 110 between Tuxpan, Jalisco, and the Michoacan border.
• Federal Highway 80:  U.S. government employees may not travel on Federal Highway 80 south of Cocula.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Jalisco state which includes tourist areas in:  Guadalajara Metropolitan Area ,  Puerto Vallarta (including neighboring Riviera Nayarit) ,  Chapala , and  Ajijic .

Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico City. Use additional caution, particularly at night, outside of the frequented tourist areas where police and security patrol more routinely. Petty crime occurs frequently in both tourist and non-tourist areas.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico City.

Mexico State (Estado de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico State. Use additional caution in areas outside of the frequented tourist areas, although petty crime occurs frequently in tourist areas as well.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico State.

Michoacan state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Crime and violence are widespread in Michoacan state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

• Federal Highway 15D:   U.S. government employees may travel on Federal Highway 15D to transit the state between Mexico City and Guadalajara.
• Morelia:  U.S. government employees may travel by air and by land using Federal Highways 43 or 48D from Federal Highway 15D.
• Lazaro Cardenas:  U.S. government employees must travel by air only and limit activities to the city center or port areas.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Michoacan, including the portions of the  Monarch Butterfly Reserve  located in Michoacan.

Morelos state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Morelos state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Morelos state.

Nayarit state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout Nayarit state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Nayarit state.

Nuevo Leon state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping.

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Nuevo Leon state.

Oaxaca state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state.

U.S. travelers are reminded that U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:

• Isthmus region:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area of Oaxaca bounded by Federal Highway 185D to the west, Federal Highway 190 to the north, and the Oaxaca-Chiapas border to the east.  This includes the cities of Juchitan de Zaragoza, Salina Cruz, and San Blas Atempa.  
• Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa:  U.S. government employees may not use Federal Highway 200 between Pinotepa and the Oaxaca-Guerrero border.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees to other parts of Oaxaca state, which include tourist areas in:  Oaxaca City ,  Monte Alban ,  Puerto Escondido,  and  Huatulco .

Puebla state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Puebla state.

Queretaro state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Queretaro state.

Quintana Roo state – Exercise Increased Caution

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. 

While not directed at tourists, shootings between rival gangs have injured innocent bystanders.  Additionally, U.S. citizens have been the victims of both non-violent and violent crimes in tourist and non-tourist areas.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo state. However, personnel are advised to exercise increased situational awareness after dark in downtown areas of Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen, and to remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones.

San Luis Potosi state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.  U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in San Luis Potosi state.

Sinaloa state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime is widespread. Criminal organizations are based in and operating in Sinaloa. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Mazatlan:  U.S. government employees may travel to Mazatlan by air or sea only, are limited to the Zona Dorada and historic town center, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport and sea terminal.
• Los Mochis and Topolobampo:  U.S. government employees may travel to Los Mochis and Topolobampo by air or sea only, are restricted to the city and the port, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Sinaloa state.

Sonora state – Reconsider Travel

Sonora is a key location used by the international drug trade and human trafficking networks. Violent crime is widespread. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping. Travelers should maintain a heightened level of awareness of their surroundings in all their travels in Sonora.  Security incidents may occur in any area of Sonora.

• Travel between Hermosillo and Nogales:  U.S. government employees may travel between the U.S. Ports of Entry in Nogales and Hermosillo during daylight hours via Federal Highway 15 only. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures. Travelers should exercise caution and avoid unnecessary stops as security incidents, including sporadic, armed carjackings, and shootings have been reported along this highway during daylight hours. Travelers should have a full tank of gas and inform friends or family members of their planned travel.
• Nogales:  U.S. government employees may not travel in the triangular area north of Avenida Tecnologico, west of Bulevar Luis Donaldo Colosio (Periferico), nor east of Federal Highway 15D (Corredor Fiscal). U.S. government employees also may not travel in the residential and business areas to east of the railroad tracks along Plutarco Elias Calle (HWY 15) and Calle Ruiz Cortino, including the business area around the Morley pedestrian gate port-of-entry. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in Nogales due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.  
• Puerto Peñasco:  U.S. government employees may travel between Puerto Peñasco and the Lukeville-Sonoyta U.S. Port of Entry during daylight hours via Federal Highway 8 only. They may not travel on any other route to Puerto Peñasco. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in Puerto Peñasco. due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
• Triangular region near Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry:  U.S. government employees may not travel into or through the triangular region west of the Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry, east of Sonoyta, and north of Altar municipality.
• San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea, and Agua Prieta : U.S. government employees may travel directly from the nearest U.S. Port of Entry to San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea (via Douglas Port of Entry), and Agua Prieta, but may not go beyond the city limits. Travel is limited to daylight hours only. Travel between Nogales and Cananea via Imuris is not permitted. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in these cities due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
• Eastern and southern Sonora (including San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos):  U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora east of Federal Highway 17, the road between Moctezuma and Sahuaripa, and State Highway 20 between Sahuaripa and the intersection with Federal Highway 16. U.S. government employees may travel to San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos; travel to Alamos is only permitted by air and within city limits.  U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora south of Federal Highway 16 and east of Federal Highway 15 (south of Hermosillo), as well as all points south of Guaymas, including Empalme, Guaymas, Obregon, and Navojoa.  U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in these areas due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.

U.S. government employees may travel to other parts of Sonora state in compliance with the above restrictions, including tourist areas in: Hermosillo , Bahia de Kino , and Puerto Penasco .

Tabasco state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tabasco state.

Tamaulipas state – Do Not Travel

Organized crime activity – including gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault – is common along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. Criminal groups target public and private passenger buses, as well as private automobiles traveling through Tamaulipas, often taking passengers and demanding ransom payments.

Heavily armed members of criminal groups often patrol areas of the state and operate with impunity particularly along the border region from Reynosa to Nuevo Laredo.  In these areas, local law enforcement has limited capacity to respond to incidents of crime. Law enforcement capacity is greater in the tri-city area of Tampico, Ciudad Madero, and Altamira, which has a lower rate of violent criminal activity compared to the rest of the state.

U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo:  U.S. government employees may only travel within a limited radius around and between the U.S. Consulates in Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros, their homes, the respective U.S. Ports of Entry, and limited downtown sites, subject to an overnight curfew.
• Overland travel in Tamaulipas:  U.S. government employees may not travel between cities in Tamaulipas using interior Mexican highways. Travel between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey is limited to Federal Highway 85D during daylight hours with prior authorization.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other parts of Tamaulipas state.

Tlaxcala state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tlaxcala state.

Veracruz state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity occur with increasing frequency in Veracruz, particularly in the center and south near Cordoba and Coatzacoalcos. While most gang-related violence is targeted, violence perpetrated by criminal organizations can affect bystanders. Impromptu roadblocks requiring payment to pass are common.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Veracruz state.

Yucatan state – Exercise Normal Precautions

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Yucatan state, which include tourist areas in:  Chichen Itza ,  Merida ,  Uxmal , and  Valladolid .

Zacatecas state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread in Zacatecas state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Zacatecas City : U.S. government employee travel is limited to Zacatecas City proper, and employees may not travel overland to Zacatecas City.
• U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Zacatecas state.

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U.S. State Department warns to avoid parts of Mexico over ongoing violence, kidnappings

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The State Department is urging U.S. citizens to avoid travel to parts of Mexico over fears of kidnappings and other crime across multiple states, renewing warnings as tourists make travel plans for spring break season.

The department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs has issued multiple advisories in the last several weeks over the ongoing violence in Mexico. Cartel violence erupted in Culiacan in early January after authorities arrested Ovidio Guzmán , a leader of the Sinaloa drug cartel and son of imprisoned drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.

A State Department spokesperson said the safety and security of U.S. citizens is the department’s highest priority, adding that officials are aiming to provide relevant information for people to make travel plans. Rather than issue a nationwide risk assessment for Mexico, the department provides a state-by-state summary .

State Department officials urged U.S. citizens to not travel to the states of Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas over crime concerns.

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The six states have received the strongest warning from the Bureau of Consular Affairs, which cited shootings between gangs that injured or killed bystanders, and kidnappings in which tourists and lawful permanent residents or “green card” holders were targeted.

The Bureau of Consular Affairs issued its last countrywide advisory on Mexico in October and subsequent advisories on individual Mexican states in recent weeks. Officials advise U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to Baja California, Chihuahua, Durango, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Morelos and Sonora due to crime and kidnapping.

Lawyer who died in Mexico had 40 skull fractures, pathologist says. ‘Someone did this to him’

The Orange County public defender who died while on vacation in a popular tourist area of Mexico last month sustained dozens of skull fractures, the family’s lawyer says.

Feb. 10, 2023

Last month, Orange County public defender Elliot Blair died while on vacation at a resort in Rosarito in the state of Baja California. His family believes the 33-year-old was killed under mysterious circumstances, while Mexican officials have called his death an accident.

U.S. officials also ask tourists to exercise increased caution when traveling in 17 Mexican states, including Quintana Roo, which is home to the popular tourist destination Cancun. There have been disputes in the state between Uber and Cabify drivers and taxi unions, which have turned violent and injured U.S. tourists, according to the U.S. Embassy and consulates in Mexico.

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Nathan Solis is a Metro reporter covering breaking news at the Los Angeles Times. He previously worked for Courthouse News Service, where he wrote both breaking news and enterprise stories ranging from criminal justice to homelessness and politics. Before that, Solis was at the Redding Record Searchlight as a multimedia journalist, where he anchored coverage of the destructive 2017 fires in Northern California. Earlier in his career, he worked for Eastsider L.A.

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Is Jalisco Safe? Travel Tips & Areas To Avoid in 2024

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Jalisco is a diverse state that holds some of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations. It is often referred to as one of the most representative Mexican states because so much of the national identity originates here. However, it is always important to ask, “Is Jalsico safe” before traveling to new parts of the country.

World-class  culinary experiences , a vibrant arts scene,  stunning beaches , and a  thriving economy  are just a few of the reasons Jalisco is a favorite destination for expats and travelers from around the globe.

The  security situation in Guadalajara  looks a lot like the rest of the country. It is fluid and criminal activity changes regularly. In the 15 years that I have been here some areas went from an unsafe place to a safe place while other parts of the state have seen safety concerns emerge.

I have lived in Guadalajara since 2009 and traveled extensively throughout the state. My understanding of security has evolved as I have vacationed, worked, and started a family. The safety of my family is of the highest importance as we make travel plans to explore the far ends of the state. 

Is Jalisco Safe?

Jalisco has some of the safest places to visit in Mexico. However, if we were to select a municipality at random there is a significant probability that parts of that municipality have security problems.

Unless you speak Spanish, watching the news isn’t going to give you an accurate assessment of the security risks. The most sensational crimes that make the international media are not the most common risks that travelers and residents will encounter.

This article is a data-driven account of the security situation in Jalisco that is influenced by national statistics on security, government travel advisories, and my personal experience living here.

There is a lot of bad information on the internet. I hate reading travel reports claiming that Guadalajara is one of the safest places to visit in Mexico based on someone’s 24 hours of experience in the city. In June 2023, 77% of the population had an unfavorable perception of safety in the capital of Jalisco. And that was down from a high of 85% in June of 2022.

Publishing incorrect articles about safety in Mexico could cost somebody their life. I follow a blogger named Paul Heller of  Fifty Plus Nomad  who was express kidnapped in Puebla. In his article about the experience, he points to a number of articles that cluelessly describe Puebla as one of the safest destinations in Mexico.

At the same time, national statistics paint a very different picture. The percentage of the population that describes Puebla as unsafe is nearly 80% and almost identical to that of Guadalajara.

Steps need to be taken in order to travel safely where dangers exist.

The point of this article is not to scare you or dissuade you from traveling to Jalisco. I want to empower you to travel confidently. Knowledge is power. By identifying dangerous activities we may avoid potential risks in order to have a safe trip.

Every family has unique criteria for assessing risk. Having the best information is important to decision-making. As they say in computer science, “Garbage in, garbage out.” You can’t train a reliable model with garbage data.

Things to know about safety in Jalisco

As I mentioned in the introduction, Jalisco is a very diverse state. Geographically, the state has big cities and rural enclaves. There are beautiful beaches, jungles, deserts and mountains. The reality for a wealthy city dweller is different from the reality of a poor campesino.

That being said, there is cultural richness in both the urban areas and the country. Guadalajara is a major tourist destination for both Mexicans and international travelers. Tapatíos, the people from Guadalajara, absolutely love traveling to the ranches and pueblos mágicos that Jalisco has to offer.

You would not believe how many city folks have cowboy boots and sombreros that are only taken out a couple of times a year. I am always surprised how many of my friends are competent equestrians and grew up around horses.

This juxtaposition of seemingly contrasting esthetics is a defining characteristic of the identity of Jalisco. A lot of poor communities are incredibly charming but have a little petty theft around the edges. You could also possibly see some cartel violence at a luxury shopping mall in one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the country.

Jalisco is a hard place to stereotype but the best way to reduce risk no matter where you go.

Puerto Vallarta is one of the safest places to visit in Mexico but if you are unaware of crocodiles a late-night swim could become tragic. And let’s be real. The club scene is full of narcotics. Too many people come to Mexico on spring break with the same dependencies they had back home. If someone is intent on looking for trouble, it isn’t hard to find.

Jalisco Travel Advisories

The U.S. State Department recently updated its  travel advisory for the state of Jalisco . There is both good and bad in the new report.

The good part is that Highway 70, the  old highway from Puerto Vallarta to Guadalajara , was taken off the travel restrictions list. That is a beautiful drive through three pueblos mágicos with deep cultural significance to the state. Talpa de Allende attracts one of the largest numbers of religious pilgrims in the country.

The Jalisco state authorities are always going to criticize the travel advisories. I mean, the root of the problem is the US government’s policies on drugs and guns, but that is beside the point.

The official US government travel advisory for Jalisco states, “Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping.”

Jalisco-Michoacan border and Federal Highway 110: U.S. government employees may not travel to the area between Federal Highway 110 and the Jalisco-Michoacan border, nor travel on Federal Highway 110 between Tuxpan, Jalisco, and the Michoacan border. Federal Highway 80: U.S. government employees may not travel on Federal Highway 80 south of Cocula. There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Jalisco state which includes tourist areas in: Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, Puerto Vallarta (including neighboring Riviera Nayarit), Chapala, and Ajijic. U.S. Department of State

The UK FCDO travel advisory advises against all but essential travel to the area southwest of Lake Chapala from the Michoacan border to the Colima border. Additionally, they advise against all but essential travel to the northern municipalities.

• Chimaltitán
• Hostotipaquillo
• Huejuquilla el Alto
• San Martin de Bolaños
• Santa María de los Ángeles
• Villa Guerrero

These are all pretty solid recommendations of the best places to avoid. However, the list does not include some of the most recent flair-ups near popular destinations in the Highlands of Jalisco or Mazamitla. 

Crime In Jalisco

Currently, Jalisco is experiencing a struggle for control between two multinational criminal groups. The headlines that have been all over local media are the forced disappearances of young people.

The speculation centers around the forced recruitment of young people to work for different organizations. 

A couple of areas that are not on that list but have been all over the news in 2023 are Lagos de Moreno, Encarnción de Díaz, Teocaltiche, and Highway 80D between Guadalajara and Lagos de Moreno. 

It is unfortunate that the Highlands of Jalisco have become a dangerous place. Rival drug cartels are fighting for control of the plaza. This not just going on in Jalisco but all over the country. A recent incident in Chiapas shows the same groups fighting for control of the trafficking routes. I’m sure that if I looked, I could find the exact same struggle between the same groups in Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, and other major cities. Jalisco is by far the only place where this is happening. 

Lagos de Moreno is going through a hard time right now. In August of 2023 the story of five young men, friends from childhood, went missing in Lagos de Moreno. They were abducted from a lookout point above their town where many people would watch the sunset.

The entire country was talking about the incident and looking for answers. They were good kids from all walks of life who enjoyed sports and spending time with their families.

The toll roads are widely considered to be the safest way to drive through Mexico. However, not all toll roads are safe. Highway 80D from Guadalajara to Lagos de Moreno has been plagued with carjackings. One recent carjacking was caught on the dash cam of a semi . A bunch of vehicles are driving the wrong way on the freeway when two armed men exit one of the vehicles, point their weapons at another vehicle, remove the occupants from the vehicle, and take off in it. 

This particular carjacking took place on the 80D between Jalostotitlán and San Juan de los Lagos. It was all over the national news but there have been security concerns throughout the region for most of 2023.

Not far from the 80D toll road is the town of Teocaltiche which has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. Teocaltiche is located in Jalisco in between the border with Zacatecas and the town of San Juan de los Lagos. A group of six men were assassinated while drinking inside a bar. The attack happened on Independence Day near the town square where a dance was taking place. There were more gunfights in September and October. Mexican officials found a clandestine video surveillance station that was used by criminals to monitor the main streets and highways leading to town. They also found drones built to carry explosive devices. Just a few days later, a network of what are being called narco-tunnels. Teocaltiche is facing a ton of problems right now. 

The pueblos mágico of Mazamitla is a beautiful place but there have been a number of high-profile shootouts in the main tourist areas recently. After a particularly bloody weekend, the governor increased security measures and the situation went back to normal. As soon as the state police started leaving there was more violence. Mazamitla is less than 3 miles from the Michoacan state line. San José de Gracia, three miles on the other side of the state line has been the scene of more violence. Lots of people are rescheduling travel from Mazamitla to Tapalpa.

In July 2023, a US Citizen by the name of Monica de Leon Barba was released after spending 8 months in captivity. She was kidnapped while walking her dog in Tepatitlán. Even with the  surveillance footage of the abduction , no arrests were ever made. She has since been reunited with her family and dog in the San Francisco Bay Area.  

Jalisco currently leads Mexico in the horrible statistic of disappeared people. There are nearly 15,000 people that are disappeared and have not been found. The Guadalajara Metropolitan Area is the region with the highest number of disappeared people but Los Altos de Jalisco (the highlands) is another problematic area.

Even Puerto Vallarta has 879 reports of missing persons.

One of the biggest problems with security in Jalisco and in Mexico is the lack of investigative detectives. If a criminal is not captured at the moment they are committing the crime it is not likely they will ever be apprehended.

Jalisco is also home to the unsettling statistic of the largest clandestine grave sites. For years, private citizens have been looking for their missing family members. What they find will give you nightmares.

The municipality of Tlajomulco has some of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area but is mostly a ranching community with wide open spaces. It has an unsettling reputation as  the largest mass grave in Mexico .

The collective, Madres Buscadores, has done more than the government when it comes to finding these mass graves. Many anonymous tips bypass the government and go straight to the mothers looking for their children.

This is the part of the article that I hate writing about. Human trafficking is a problem in Mexico. It turns out that two of the largest expat communities, Puerto Vallarta and Lake Chapala, have an ‘Alarming’ incidence of child trafficking according to the United Nations. The US State Department describes the Government of Mexico as not fully meeting the minimum standards for the elimination of traffic but making significant efforts to do so. 

Common Scams In Jalisco

In addition to violent crime, there are a number of common scams that people should be aware of.

Telephone Extorsion

Personally, I don’t answer the phone for numbers that I don’t know. There are so many scams that start out on the phone I don’t want to risk anything.

My college roommate grew up without a phone. His father and brother were victims of a botched kidnapping but the kidnappers never stopped calling to threaten his family. His mother finally just unplugged the phone and never replaced it.

At the Hospital Mexico Americano, where my son was born, every room has a sign above the telephone warning about telephone extorsion.

My father-in-law and my uncle received telephone extortion calls that were virtually identical on the exact same day, just hours apart. While neither of them fell for the scam, they were both really worked up over the experience.

There are so many different telephone extortion scams that I couldn’t go through all of them in this article. What I can say is that you should not, under any circumstances, give out personal information over the phone.

Timeshare scams

In March 2023, the  U.S. Department of the Treasury made an announcement  about multinational trafficking organizations expanding into timeshare fraud targeting U.S. citizens.

Most people know that timeshares are a huge ripoff. Many people are trying to sell their timeshares to get out of their obligations. The criminal organizations look like reputable companies that help people sell their timeshares. Many times, criminal organizations have taken over formerly reputable companies.

The fraud comes in the form of pretending to have ready buyers for the timeshares. Scammers ask for upfront money to cover taxes and fees, and then they disappear without actually selling the timeshare.

Rental Scams

There is a ton of fraud in the rental markets in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. Mexico does not have a small claims court like the United States. It is often time-consuming and expensive to resolve rental disputes.

Landlords and renters must take steps to avoid problems, fraud, and disputes. Many of the best properties do not want to list on the internet and rely on local recommendations.

Renting a unit site unseen is a risky endeavor. Almost every week we read about a person coming to Jalisco from abroad who made arrangements to rent a house only to find out the rental company is a fake and the unit does not belong to them.

Facebook is one of the worst places to meet people looking to rent properties.

Make sure to take extra care when renting a property. Last minute

Drinking Water In Jalisco

It is not recommended to drink tap water in any part of Jalisco . While there are municipalities that have water clean enough to drink out of the tap, each building’s plumbing could create unsafe conditions where bacteria could ruin that water.

Natural Disasters & Severe Weather in Jalisco

The first thing that surprises people when they move to these parts of Mexico is the weather. It rains heavily in the summer like clockwork almost every day.

Hurricane season coincides with the rainy season and hurricanes regularly pass by the coast of Jalisco occasionally making landfall. Hurricanes bring strong wind that knocks over trees and rain that swells rivers. In 2021, Hurricane Nora created so much rain that several bridges were destroyed and a young boy was killed. Hurricane Nora didn’t make landfall anywhere near Puerto Vallarta. 

In 2023, Hurricane Lidia made landfall very close to Puerto Vallarta on the southern shore of the Banderas Bay. The winds ripped plenty of solar panels from their rooves and knocked over lots of trees. Highway 200 south was shut down for several days due to significant landslides near Mismaloya. Four of the rivers in Puerto Vallarta overflowed in the days following the hurricane creating a nightmare flood situation in the Versailles neighborhood. 

Jalisco is not prone to earthquakes in the same way that Mexico City is. The region does register some smaller earthquakes but the really big earthquakes are usually centered in Colima, Michoacan, or off the coast.

In the 15 years that I have been here, I only remember feeling one strong earthquake. Growing up in Southern California, we don’t get out of bed for anything under a 6.0 so my perception might be a little skewed. 

Safe Areas of Jalisco

This is my personal list of the safest places that I know of in Jalisco. They are places that I travel to and I also follow the local news.

• Puerto Vallarta is one of the safest places to visit in Mexico
• San Sebastian del Oeste
• Talpa de Allende
• Barra de Navidad

Is Guadalajara Safe?

Guadalajara is the biggest city in Jalisco and has a complicated security situation. There are both safe and unsafe parts of the city. While the sensationalist shootouts get all the attention from international news sources, I attest that petty crimes are what most people need to prepare for. It isn’t difficult for foreign tourists to make a few small changes to their behavior in order to protect their personal safety. 

I have another article that goes into depth about safety in the largest city in Jalisco . 

Is Jalisco Safe Conclusion

Jalisco has some of the safest places to visit in Mexico. However, not far away are some of the most dangerous. It is important to spend a little time getting acquainted with the security situation before traveling to new places.

As much as I love Guadalajara, there are a number of security problems. By taking the time to learn about the most common crimes, many of them are easy to avoid.

The security consultants who work with my neighborhood watch group often remind us that security is 90% preparation, 5% luck, and 5% reaction. Having a keen sense of situational awareness is important but much less so than being prepared.

As we say in the surf world, know before you go.

Paul Hudson is a food, travel, and surf enthusiast who writes about Mexico on his blog Playas y Plazas. Originally from Southern California, Paul has lived in Guadalajara since 2009. He has a BA in Global Economics from UC Santa Cruz (Go Banana Slugs!) and speaks English and Spanish fluently. He can often be found exploring the Pacific Coast of Mexico looking for isolated beaches, fun waves, and exotic foods.

Is Jalisco Safe? Your Complete 2024 Guide by a Local Expat

Is Jalisco safe to travel to? Safety is often a major concern for people planning a trip to Mexico. 

The country doesn’t necessarily have the best reputation when it comes to safety and sometimes it can feel as though Mexico is frequently in the media for all of the wrong reasons. As someone who has lived in Mexico for the past couple of years, I can say that for the most part, the country’s “dangerous” reputation is undeserved and overplayed. 

Sure, Mexico has its fair share of sketchy or dangerous areas but so too does virtually every country in the world. The reality of safety in Mexico is much more nuanced than people realize and the situation can vary significantly from state to state, city to city.

Even within specific cities, the situation can change dramatically from one barrio to another. 

You might be concerned about your safety when traveling to Jalisco for the first time (whether you are traveling to tourist favorites like Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and Lake Chapala, or more off-the-beaten-path cultural areas such as the villages in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains). This article, written by a local expat aims to use data and experiences to address any concerns that you may have. 

Table of Contents

Is Jalisco Safe to Travel to in 2024?

The Mexican state of Jalisco in west-central Mexico is one of the most culturally rich and geographically diverse parts of the country. We can credit Jalisco for several notable contributions to Mexico’s culture, gastronomy, and music scenes. 

Tequila hails from here (It is essentially a product of designated origin that is mostly produced around its namesake town of Tequila, Jalisco), as do mariachi and the charreria – Mexico ‘ s national sport which is comparable to the American rodeo. 

The southern part of the state plays host to some of the most popular coastal destinations in the entire country. The ultra-popular beach town and expat hub of Puerto Vallarta awaits here, along with the more upscale coastal zones of Mismaloya and Costa Careyes, while the wider region makes an excellent jump-off point for Mezcales and Sayulita in neighboring Nayarit. 

Though Guadalajara is not without its problems, Mexico’s second-largest city is rapidly emerging as one of the hottest alternative weekend break destinations in Latin America, and its Colonia Americana district was recently voted as the “best neighborhood in the world”.

One of the main deterrents for traveling here is perhaps the travel warnings that the US government has in place for Jalisco and the fact that it is currently outlined as a place that you should “reconsider travel to due to crime and kidnapping”. 

You definitely need more assertiveness and awareness of your surroundings in Jalisco compared to when traveling in other countries. (And even when traveling in other parts of Mexico such as the safest states of Campeche and the Yucatan ). 

But it certainly isnt a case that you have to write the state off either. It is mostly a matter of knowing which areas are safe to venture to and which are not, which I appreciate is trickier than that sounds.

Read your government travel advice before traveling to Jalisco 

It is always a good idea to check your country’s government travel advice before traveling anywhere for the first time and the same rings true of visiting Jalisco. The US government travel advisory awards a rating for each of Mexico’s 31 states based on one of four categories depending on the perceived safety of the area.

Campeche and the Yucatan are considered the safest states in Mexico . Several states are recognized as places where you should “exercise increased caution”, several (including Jalisco) are flagged as places where you should reconsider travel to, and a handful are on the “do not travel” list.

The travel warnings for Jalisco are alarming but you cannot provide a sweeping generalisation of the safety situation for the whole state. Tourist areas like Puerto Vallarta tend to have heightened security and are kept safe 

Kidnapping and violence are cited as the main reasons that you should reconsider traveling to Jalisco and while violent crime across the state is on the rise, it is mostly restricted to incidents between criminal groups. As a tourist, your main concerns are things like petty theft and tourist scams. 

Kidnappings and disappearances in Jalisco 

It can be extremely alarming to read about kidnappings and disappearances in Jalisco and you could easily half terrify yourself to death prior to your trip by reading articles about “the disappeared”. (I know I did that before my first trip to Guadalajara).

Unfortunately, Jalisco is the Mexican state with the highest number of missing persons as well as, more disturbingly, the highest number of clandestine grave sites in the country. 

At present, there are close to 15,000 people reported missing in Jalisco , although the real numbers could be much higher. 

Unfortunately, because the Mexican government is not well equipped to investigate disappearances and does not proactively search for people reported missing nor investigate leads about potential criminals, most reports go unsolved. More than 100,000 families across Mexico have had a loved one disappear and many take it upon themselves to form search parties and dig in rural areas to search for their remains. 

While this is upsetting, it is important to note that kidnappings mostly only affect Mexicans who are involved with the cartel. Reports found that 80% of victims were male and 20% were female. 

Are tourists at risk of kidnappings in Jalisco?

When you see posts about someone’s friend or relative never making it home from work/school, etc., as upsetting as it is, most of them had connections with organized crime groups, worked as a teen hitman or sicario, went to meet someone about a potential job offer, etc. 

Cases of mistaken identity can happen but are not common. As a tourist, you are not going to be scooped up out of your hotel bed in the middle of the night and kidnapped. 

There was recently a high-profile case in Jalisco in which 5 men were kidnapped on their way to a concert and brutally killed. Even worse, their violent murder was documented in a video that went viral on social media with one of the men being forced to torture and kill his friends. 

However, they had been offered a job in the cartel and were on their way to meet with them. They were kidnapped in an area that was rife with cartel activity. 

Obviously, they didn’t deserve what happened to them, and the fact that many people in Mexico are drawn to the glamorized narco lifestyle because the opportunities provided to them are limited is a different discussion for another day.

However, it is important to provide context because as long as you don’t go looking for trouble in Mexico and getting involved with cartels or unscrupulous individuals, trouble will not go looking for you. 

Safe Destinations in Jalisco 

In the last few years of living in Mexico, I have traveled extensively across the state of Jalisco. I have done this both independently as a solo female traveler in Mexico and with my partner who is Mexican. 

In 2022, I took a solo trip to Guadalajara, Lake Chapala, Ajijic, and Puerto Vallarta, before returning to the area for several months in 2023 while looking to buy a house in Mexico. Using Puerto Vallarta as a base, I also traveled to several of the villages along the Ruta Peregrino. (San Sebastian del Oeste, Mascota, Yerbabuena, Santa Rosa and Navidad). 

You will find some brief overviews on some of the safest places in Jalisco below, as well as some practical tips for keeping safe in each area and making the most of your trip. I will add more to this as I continue to explore more of the state.

• Puerto Vallarta
• San Sebastian del Oeste
• Guadalajara (some areas are safe)
• Lake Chapala

Tlaquepaque

• Talpa de Allende 

Puerto Vallarta 

The coastal city of Puerto Vallarta is a popular beach destination of choice for many international travelers. Puerto Vallarta, on the whole, is a safe city , and the local authorities tend to go above and beyond to make tourists feel safe and secure in popular travel destinations like this.  

There are some gorgeous upscale hotels and resorts in the upscale district of Conchas Chinas (the “Beverly Hills” of Puerto Vallarta), and many excellent beachfront hotels in Versailles, Playa Gloria, and downtown Vallarta. 

Zona Romantica is Vallartas LGBTQI+ district known for its open-minded atmosphere and fun nightlife and there are bars and clubs to suit every taste here and along the beachfront Malecon. Puerto Vallarta is safe as long as you use the same common sense precautions that you would elsewhere. 

Even more “local” ungentrified districts like El Pitillal are safe, and you can also feel comfortable in nearby Nuevo Vallarta, Mezcales, and Bahia de Banderas in Nayarit. Many areas in Puerto Vallarta are quite gentrified and their restaurants and businesses specifically cater to tourists.

English is widely spoken and you will always see plenty of other English-speaking tourists around.

San Sebastian del Oeste 

San Sebastian del Oeste is a charming little village and “pueblo magico” in the Sierra Madre mountains about an hour and a half’s drive from Puerto Vallarta. The houses and buildings in this cute little town are typically made of stone and adorned with burgundy tile roofs. 

Like many Mexican towns and villages, everything is centered around a main plaza (zocalo) which often hosts events and performances. The little cobblestone streets that veer off from it are a photographer’s dream and twist and turn to reveal gorgeous mountain views and quaint artisanal stores, coffee shops, and eateries. 

The mountainous, high-altitude location means that the town enjoys cooler, more temperate climates than coastal Jalisco. When it is a hot humid 98°F day in Puerto Vallarta, it is often a temperate 77°F in San Sebastian and significantly cooler at night. 

These conditions are a large part of the appeal. Part of the joy of visiting San Sebastian del Oeste is simply found in taking the time to get lost and enjoy the slower pace of life in rural Mexico. 

Visit the 17th-century Church of San Sebastian Martyr and its adjacent museum, shop for cocoa and cinnamon-infused artisanal coffee at Cafatalera La Quinta Mary, and if you are searching for a little more adrenaline, rent an ATV and whizz up the side of the nearby mountain of La Bufa.

It can be quite intimidating when events are hosted here as there is often a large, armed police presence. However, this is for everyone’s security and is fairly normal in Mexico. It is not because this little village is especially dangerous. 

Guadalajara 

Guadalajara is Mexico’s second-largest city and it’s a magical one. The modern city dates back to 1542 when it was founded by Spanish Conquistadors who declared it as the capital of the “Nuevo Galicia” region of the country.

Many of the city’s main attractions and highlights center around the Zona Centro and the Catedral de Guadalajara. However what also makes Guadalajara special are the city’s various different neighborhoods, each of which have their own distinct personalities and are like little villages in themselves. 

Mercado San Juan de Dios is the largest covered marketplace in Latin America and is worth a browse through. However, it is a prime spot for pickpockets so if you decide to visit, be sure to keep an eye on your personal belongings and ideally keep your bag in front of you, rather than slung over one shoulder.

It is better not to wear expensive sunglasses, jewelry, or anything valuable inside that could potentially be snatched off you or make you a target. You need to be careful where you walk in Guadalajara as “safe” areas border less than safe or downright dangerous ones so you cannot just wander randomly as you could in Europe for instance. 

The center of town essentially runs from Avenue Juarez to Parque Alcade/Museo Panteon de Belen and it is safe during the day but you should use Uber and avoid walking at night, especially if you are traveling alone. 

The Chapalita and Americana districts are relatively safe, although phone snatchings are a problem on Avenida Chapultepec so you need to constantly be aware of your surroundings. Exercise caution around the Centro Viaje station.

Colonia del Fresno is not safe and should be avoided completely. 

Tlaquepaque is a pueblo magico located just east of Guadalajara. It is best known for its El Parian Square where live mariachi perform in front of delighted crowds every day. 

Mariachi bands have been performing here for centuries and the area is credited with being one of the pioneers in helping the music grow in popularity during its early days. There are some gorgeous, centuries-old catholic churches here that are worth visiting to admire their vibrant frescoes and ornate decor within, and the main promenade (Calle Independencia) is lined with artisanal stores that showcase the works of local artists and independent clothing designers. 

El Parian and Calle Independencia are relatively safe. However, you should beware of some of the bars and restaurants that circle the mariachi bandstand as there are countless reports of people short-changing tourists, charging exorbitant prices (like $80 USD for a tequila cantarito), or charging a different price to that which was listed on the menu). 

Southern Tlaquepaque and the El Cerro del Cuatro area are not safe and should be avoided, especially at night. 

Mascota 

Mascota is a beautiful pueblo magico that sits in the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains. It is approximately 2.5 hours away from Puerto Vallarta and an hour from San Sebastian del Oeste, respectfully. 

The US government previously issued travel warnings for the stretch of road between San Sebastian del Oeste and Mascota after an incident involving the cartels that happened many years ago. Fortunately as of 2023, they have removed this warning. 

My partner and I recently did a road trip around the rural villages around Mascota and this drive (and the town itself) felt completely safe. It is a beautiful route along stretches of winding roads that hug narrow mountain passes, with rolling hills as far as the eye can see. 

Mascota was founded by the Spanish in 1790 and its historic center contains many colorful colonial-era structures and cobbled streets that are reminiscent of Campeche City or Merida in the Yucatan. If you are renting a car in Mexico, you can also use Mascota as a base to visit other smaller nearby villages such as Yerbabuena, Santa Rosa, and Navidad.  

Lake Chapala 

Lake Chapala is Mexico’s largest freshwater lake and it sits approximately an hour away from Guadalajara. The area has established itself as one of the most popular places in Mexico for retired expats from the United States and Canada, and there is an interesting culture here as many of the cafes and restaurants that encircle the lake serve Western food, rather than Mexican cuisine. 

For just a few hundred pesos, you can have one of the local fishermen take you out onto the lake for a boat tour. This experience is especially magical at night time. 

This area is very safe and if you are nervous about traveling in Mexico for the first time, it can feel reassuring to see other westerners around. Various sources claim that the water here is safe for swimming in, but you should stick to designated beach areas as much of the water is contaminated. 

Neighboring Ajijic is also very safe and is renowned for boasting some of the best street art in Jalisco. For just a few pesos, you can take a bus here and visit both places in a day. 

Tequila 

One of the best day trips you can take from Puerto Vallarta or Guadalajara is an excursion to the town of Tequila, known for being the home of Mexico’s national alcoholic beverage. Once here, you can organize a tasting and a tour of both famous and lesser-known distilleries and watch street performers in the Plaza Principal de Tequila.

From Guadalajara, you can opt to take the Jose Cuervo train – a 2.5-hour old-fashioned train ride that rolls along through rolling hills of bright blue agave plants. The Jose Cuervo distillery, known as “La Rojena” is both the largest distillery in the world, as well as the world’s largest producer of tequila. 

The Casa Suaza distillery is another more budget-friendly and lesser-known option. Tequila is very safe and the town is visited by dozens of domestic and international tourists every day. 

Just be mindful of your alcohol intake and be careful not to drink to excess. 

Areas to exercise extra caution in Jalisco

While there are lots of wonderful areas in Jalisco, there are also plenty of places where you need to be a little more careful too. Zapopan is an interesting city just northwest of Guadalajara, and if you are trying to find places to stay in Guadalajara on a budget, you will often find that the hotels here are better value. Unfortunately, the crime rates here are high. 

Back in summer 2022, there was a short wave of violence when the Jalisco New Generation cartel was putting roadblocks on the street and setting cars on fire. This sort of thing is not common, but it is worth checking what the situation is before you decide to travel here. 

Mazamitla is a beautiful spot 80 miles south of Guadalajara that is often known as the “Switzerland of Mexico” on account of its pristine natural beauty, rolling hills, and cooler climates. However, in 2022, there were several shootouts in tourist areas that led to foreign travelers being required to flee. 

For a period, more security personnel and police were sent to the area and although this resulted in an initial decrease in crime, violence has started to creep up again with the personnel being reassigned elsewhere. 

Areas to avoid in Jalisco 

You should avoid areas that run close to the Zacatecas border in Northern Jalisco, and close to the borders with Colima and Michoacan. The US government travel advice advises against US government employees traveling along Federal Highway 110 between Tuxpan, Jalisco, and the Michoacan border and Federal Highway 80 south of Cocula.

In reality, this advice is best heeded by anyone traveling to Jalisco. These areas do not offer any points of tourist interest. 

The UK government has travel warnings in place for some of the northern areas of Colotlán, Hostotipaquillo, Villa Guerrero, Santa María de los Ángeles, San Martin de Bolaños, Bolaños, Chimaltitán, Huejuquilla el Alto, Huejúcar, Totatiche and Mezquitic. Lagos de Moreno is the place where five young men got kidnapped recently and as a place with a lot of cartel activity, it is also best avoided. 

Tips for Keeping Safe in Jalisco 

Traveling in Mexico is not necessarily as daunting as it may sound but you do need to be more assertive and aware of your surroundings here than you do in other parts of the world. Outside of Puerto Vallarta and touristic parts of central Guadalajara, Chapala, and Tequila, English is not widely spoken so a little Spanish goes a long way. 

Some useful tips to help you stay safe during your time here are detailed below. 

Be careful when taking taxis 

“Express kidnappings” are a concern in Mexico, even if they are not ultra-common. This happens when an unsuspecting tourist gets into a street cab, and the cab driver calls their friends and has them enter the vehicle. 

The tourist is held at gun/knife point and forced to hand over their valuables and the assailants will usually drive around forcing the person to withdraw the maximum amount of cash from their ATMs until they are rinsed dry. For this reason, most Mexicans prefer to use apps like Uber, Didi, and Indrive – as there is more accountability than when getting into a random street taxi. 

After all, with ridesharing apps, you can see the driver’s rating, past reviews, name, and license plate numbers. You simply don’t have that with a street taxi. 

In Puerto Vallarta, you will find trusted taxi ranks around Mezcales, El Pitillal, Versailles, Las Glorias, and the Romantic Zone. Because the city is so popular with tourists, you can often take yellow cabs here with no problem, although they are still often more expensive than Uber. 

If you don’t use Uber or don’t feel comfortable using it and you want to order a cab in other parts of Jalisco, it is best to ask your hotel to call a trusted driver for you.

Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta airport cabs 

Ubers can collect you from Guadalajara airport, but in Puerto Vallarta, you need to walk a little distance from the airport, down Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio as only licensed cabs can pick you up from the airport directly. Unfortunately, a lot of airport tax drivers charge exorbitant prices and make up a price on the spot, often assuming that as a tourist you do not know the correct going rate. 

Always insist they turn on their meters and opt for Uber where you can. 

Mexico car rental scams 

If you are planning on renting a car in Puerto Vallarta or Guadalajara, you need to look out for a popular car insurance scam. This is an issue across Mexico as a whole and not just in Jalisco. 

Often, tourists may reserve a rental car and they may either have rental insurance with their credit card already, or they may purchase third-party insurance at the time of booking. Sometimes, they arrive at the rental office to find that the rental company tries to upsell their insurance and often flat out refuses to let them take the rental car unless they purchase their specific insurance – even if their own insurance is perfectly valid! 

Always try and opt for well-established car rental providers like Avis and Hertz, rather than unknown local firms, check past reviews, and use a trusted booking platform like Discover Cars Mexico where possible. 

Purchase bottled water for drinking 

It is not safe to drink tap water in Jalisco (or anywhere in Mexico for that matter). Although it is purified at the source, it often gets contaminated en route to your tap and may contain any manner of parasites, bacteria, and other contaminants. 

Even Mexicans don’t drink the water in Mexico. Most hotels will provide you with a couple of complimentary bottles of water for each night of your stay and larger bottles can be purchased from Oxxo and other convenience stores and supermarkets for just a few dollars.

Natural disasters in Jalisco

Hurricane season along Mexico’s Pacific Coast runs from June to mid-October. However, fatal or destructive storms are rare and this usually just means heavy showers throughout the day, particularly at the end of August and in September. 

There is a lot of seismic activity in Mexico and earthquakes are a cause for concern in Mexico City in particular. There have been a couple of smaller earthquakes and tremors in Puerto Vallarta in 2022 and 2023 but nothing major. 

Is Jalisco Safe? FAQs 

Do you have any further questions about the safety of traveling to Jalisco? The answers to some frequently asked questions on the topic are detailed below for your consideration. 

Hopefully, you will find the information that you are looking for to assuage any concerns that you may have there. If not, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. 

How safe is Jalisco for tourists? 

Some parts of Jalisco such as Puerto Vallarta, Mismaloya, and the pueblo magicos of San Sebastian del Oeste and Mascota are very safe for tourists. Places like Guadalajara, Mazamitla, and Tlaquepaque can be enjoyable places to explore if you exert some precautions although they are perhaps best reserved for more seasoned travelers who can speak a little Spanish. 

There are definitely areas that you need to avoid although you are unlikely to stumble into them accidentally as a tourist and they don’t offer anything of interest anyway. Unfortunately, it is not as simple as saying yes Jalisco is safe or no it isnt, as the safety situation varies substantially across the state. 

Is the cartel in Jalisco Mexico? 

Cartels are present in much of Mexico but generally speaking, if you don’t go looking for trouble here, trouble won’t go looking for you. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) is the most prominent crime group here and they also operate in neighboring Nayarit. 

Is Jalisco safe? Final thoughts

There are a lot of magical places to explore in Jalisco and having personally traveled to 11 states, it remains one of my favorites. It would be a shame to miss out on exploring this region out of fear, but at the same time, you need to do your research before visiting the different parts of the state. 

I hope that this article has helped you make an informed decision about your upcoming travels to Mexico. I have been living in Merida since January 2022 and I’m happy to assist if you need anything else. 

Have a safe trip and enjoy Jalisco. Buen Viaje! Melissa xo  

Melissa Douglas

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Mexico Is Under a Level 4 'Do Not Travel' Warning, but There Are Exceptions — Here's What to Know

Popular vacation spots Cabo San Lucas and Cancun are currently under Level 2 warnings from the U.S. State Department.

The U.S. State Department classified Mexico under a Level 4 advisory, cautioning against travel to the country due to COVID-19, even as the department lifted the same advisory for the world.

On the same day that the State Department lifted its Level 4 global advisory, which warned Americans to not travel anywhere in the world, the agency placed Mexico under the same warning “due to COVID-19.” Some states in Mexico were also categorized as Level 4 status due to potential crime or kidnapping dangers, according to the department.

Several Mexican states, however, were classified under a lesser warning, including Jalisco (home to Puerto Vallarta), which was classified as a “Level 3,” telling tourists to “reconsider travel” there. Baja California Sur, where Cabo San Lucas is located, and Quintana Roo , where Cancun and Tulum are, were classified as a “Level 2” with visitors told to “exercise increased caution.”

“Although the guidance from the diplomatic agency has been reassessed, Los Cabos maintains safety as a top priority and will continue with its strict health and safety protocols implemented across the destination to provide a safer travel environment to all visitors and the local community,” Rodrigo Esponda, the managing director of the Los Cabos Tourism Board, told Travel + Leisure .

The tourism board of Quintana Roo echoed those sentiments in a statement provided to T+L saying that the board and the state, "continue to see health as a top priority and have implemented strict protocols, like the Epidemiological Traffic Light Strategy, which is updated every week. In close coordination with state and federal health authorities, the highest health and hygiene measures are in effect throughout the destination – from airports to ground transportation, in addition to strict protocols, are also in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all."

Previously, Mexico as a whole had been classified under a “Level 2” advisory with some states elevated to a “Level 4” due to crime, according to the Associated Press .

When it comes to COVID-19, Mexico has recorded more than 485,000 confirmed cases of the virus, according to Johns Hopkins University , the sixth-highest case totals in the world behind the U.S., Brazil, India, Russia, and South Africa.

A representative from the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Relations did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Travel + Leisure .

While the land border between Mexico and the U.S. remains closed until at least Aug. 21, Mexico is one of the countries Americans are able to travel to this summer, should they so choose.

Those who decide to travel are strongly encouraged to check local government restrictions, rules, and safety measures related to COVID-19, and to take personal comfort levels and health conditions into consideration before departure.

World News | Mexico danger map: Latest warnings from U.S….

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World news | cal poly humboldt closes campus for rest of semester over gaza protests, world news | mexico danger map: latest warnings from u.s. state department.

Update, 2023: The travel warnings have been changed since this article was published. The more recent map is here .

Even as travel is discouraged to all of Mexico because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. State Department continues to update its warnings concerning kidnappings and other crimes in the country’s states.

Level 4 : The five states with the sternest “do not travel” advisory, because of kidnappings and other crimes, are the northern border state of Tamaulipas and the Pacific coast states of Sinaloa, Colima, Michoacán and Guerrero. They are shown in red on the map above.

Level 3 : Baja California (Norte) has been added this year to the list of states for which visitors are advised to “reconsider travel” because of crime. The 10 other states in that category are Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Mexico, Morelos, Nayarit, Sonora and Zacatecas. They are shown in orange on the map.

The warning for Baja California, which includes Tijuana and Ensenada, cites violence by criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking and human smuggling. “Of particular concern is the high number of homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana,” the advisory says. “Most homicides appeared to be targeted; however, criminal organization assassinations and territorial disputes can result in bystanders being injured or killed.” It also mentions that U.S. citizens have been kidnapped in the state. Baja California Sur, which includes the beach resorts of Los Cabos, remains in Level 2.

Level 2 : Except for the two Level 1 states, travelers to all the rest are advised to “exercise increased caution.” These are shown in yellow. They are: Aguas Calientes, Baja California Sur, Chiapas, Hidalgo, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretara, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosi, Tabasco, Tlaxcala and Veracruz. Mexico City (Distrito Federal) is Level 2, though it is surrounded by Level 3 states.

Level 1: The State Department advises “normal precautions” when traveling to Campeche or Yucatán, shown in green.

In addition to the general tourist warnings, specific prohibitions are issued to U.S. government employees staying or traveling in Mexico; the State Department advises that all U.S. citizens adhere to those rules.

Click here for the full document on the warnings.

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US issues Mexico 'increased caution' warning for spring break travelers

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico has issued a spring break travel warning for Americans planning to visit the country. The message posted on Monday highlighted a range of potential safety threats in the popular destination like crime.

“U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in the downtown areas of popular spring break locations including Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, especially after dark,” the advisory said, though it noted that crime can occur anywhere in Mexico. The U.S. State Department's travel advisory for the country notes various warning levels for different states, ranging from Level 1 (“exercise normal precautions") through 4 (“do not travel”).

The message also warned of other potential hazards like unregulated alcohol and pharmaceuticals. “Unregulated alcohol may be contaminated, and U.S. citizens have reported losing consciousness or becoming injured after consuming alcohol that was possibly tainted,” the advisory said. 

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates noted that counterfeit medication is “common” and could be ineffective or an incorrect strength. Those products may also have dangerous ingredients. “Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments,” the message said.

Why some travelers are skipping the US: 'You guys are not afraid of this?'

Learn more: Best travel insurance

The advisory warned of drowning and high private hospital prices, as well, among other risks. The message urged travelers to take precautions like keeping an eye on their drinks; staying with a group of friends in bars and clubs, while walking in dark areas or in taxis at night; and letting family and friends know about their travel plans.

Despite the warning, however, it noted that “the vast majority” of U.S. citizens visiting Mexico at spring break each year do so safely.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

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U.S. State Department Renews Warning About Travel To Mexico — Where It Says Visitors Can Travel This Spring

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Mexico is one of the most popular international destinations for American travelers. Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen particularly draw high numbers of tourists from the U.S.

However, as the spring break and Easter travel season approaches, anyone planning a trip to Mexico this spring must reckon with the sobering news of four Americans who were recently attacked by gunmen while traveling in Mexico.

The four individuals had traveled to Mexico so one could have a medical procedure. Then, in the city of Matamoros in Tamaulipas state, just south of Brownsville, Texas, the four were shot at and kidnapped. Two of them were killed in the gunfire. The other two, one of whom was also shot, have now been returned to the U.S., according to NBC News .

The U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico issued a statement reminding U.S. citizens that it previously issued a travel advisory listing Tamaulipas state as a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” area in Mexico.

The natural inclination for anyone planning to travel to Mexico, as well as for family and friends of those prospective travelers, is now to question whether or not it’s safe to visit Mexico.

Zachary Rabinor, founder and CEO of the travel company Journey Mexico, says it’s important to remember that the Americans were killed and kidnapped a long distance from popular tourist destinations in Mexico.

“To put things in perspective, Matamoros is about 1,360 miles away from Cancun,” Rabinor said, according to CNN . “That’s about the equivalent distance from the Texas side of the border to Chicago, Illinois.”

Jaime Lopez-Aranda, a senior security manager at travel risk management firm International SOS, agrees that popular resort areas are still fairly safe.

“It is relatively safe for travelers to head to tourist destinations and major urban centers such as Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey,” Lopez-Aranda told CNN Travel.

Importantly, the U.S. State Department has issued a number of advisories for U.S. citizens traveling to various Mexican states in recent weeks. Now, as violent crime and kidnapping rates increase across Mexico, Americans considering travel to all but two of the states in Mexico should be aware of renewed and increased warnings, the State Department cautions.

“Violent crime — such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery — is widespread and common in Mexico,” the State Department explains .

“The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted,” the State Department continues. “In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities.”

Here are the State Department’s travel advisories for each of Mexico’s states.

Do Not Travel To

The State Department advises U.S. citizens to not travel to five states in Mexico due to increasing levels of crime and kidnapping.

Those states are Colima (where Manzanillo is located), Michoacan, Sinaloa (where Mazatlán is located), Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas (home to Zacatecas City).

Guerrero — where Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, and Ixtapa are located — is also on the State Department’s “Do Not Travel” list because crime is widespread in those areas.

Reconsider Travel To

The State Department advises U.S. citizens to “reconsider travel” to five states in Mexico due to crime and kidnapping.

Those states are Baja California (where Tijuana is located), Chihuahua, Guanajuato (where Guanajuato City is located), Jalisco (home to Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta), and Sonora.

The states of Durango and Morelos are also on the State Department’s “Reconsider Travel To” list due to high crime rates.

Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To

The State Department advises U.S. citizens to “exercise increased caution when traveling to” 17 areas of Mexico, primarily due to crime rates but also due to the threat of kidnapping in some places.

Those states are Aguascalientes, Baja California Sur (where Cabo San Lucas , San Jose del Cabo, and La Paz are located), Chiapas, Coahuila, Hidalgo, Mexico State, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca (home of Oaxaca City and Huatulco), Puebla, Queretaro, Quintana Roo (where Cancun , Cozumel, Tulum, and Riviera Maya are located), San Luis Potosi, Tabasco, Tlaxcala, and Veracruz.

Mexico City is also on the list due to high crime rates.

Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To

The State Department advises U.S. citizens to “exercise normal precautions when traveling to” Campeche and Yucatan, where Chichen Itza and Merida are located.

Know Before You Go

If you decide to travel to Mexico, the State Department offers some guidance.

“Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos,” the State Department recommends. “Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry. Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.”

U.S. citizens with an emergency are also reminded that they can call the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico for help.

U.S. citizens on their way to Mexico are also advised to make a note of U.S. Embassy & Consulates emergency contacts in the area where they will be traveling.

Finally, the State Department recommends international travelers enroll in STEP, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program .

Doing so enables U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate. That way travelers can receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in their destination country, make it easy for the U.S. Embassy to contact travelers in the event of an emergency, and also make it easier for family and friends to contact travelers in case of an emergency.

For more about changing travel conditions in countries around the world, be sure to read our Travel News content, including:

• New Cost To Travel To Europe Delayed Until 2024 — What Visitors Need To Know
• Traveling To Europe This Spring? 5 Countries Where Strikes Could Affect Your Trip
• TSA Is Asking Travelers With Pets To Stop Doing This One Thing — Here’s What It Is

Jim Fulcher has been a writer and editor his entire career. In addition to writing, he also enjoys traveling--particularly in an RV. Over the course of numerous trips, Jim has driven an RV through West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming. His favorite national park is Yellowstone, which he has visited three times.

What are the 4 levels of travel advisory? What to know about spring break trips to Mexico

The U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Mexico issued a spring break travel advisory on Feb. 26.

Violent crime is widespread and common in Mexico , according to the U.S. State Department . Crimes such as carjacking, homicide, kidnapping and robbery are prevalent.

Travel: Should I mask for my flight? What to know about COVID and traveling.

Here's what you need to know about U.S. State Department travel advisories:

Is Mexico safe 2024?

According to the spring break travel advisory , there is list of safety concerns to consider:

• Arrests: Drunk and disorderly behavior, public urination, and open alcohol containers in vehicles are illegal in Mexico.  If you break Mexican law, you can be arrested.
• Crime:  Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, 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. See the  Mexico Travel Advisory   for specific information for each Mexican state. U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in the downtown areas of popular spring break locations including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum, especially after dark.
• Drowning: Some beaches have strong undercurrents and rip tides. Beaches may lack lifeguards, warnings, or signs of unsafe conditions.
• Drugs: Drug possession and use, including medical marijuana, is illegal in Mexico and may result in a lengthy jail sentence. U.S. citizens have become seriously ill or died in Mexico after using synthetic drugs or adulterated prescription pills.
• Guns and Ammunition:  All guns and even small amounts of ammunition are illegal in Mexico.  Firearms and other weapons violations may result in lengthy jail time.
• Immigration:   Violating the terms of your stay in Mexico can result in steep fines and detention.
• Medical Emergencies: An illness or accident could result in the need to seek medical treatment or hospitalization in Mexico. Private hospital prices can be higher than those in the United States. Many facilities require payment (sometimes only in cash) either before providing treatment or before discharging a patient.
• Pharmaceuticals:  Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients.  Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.
• Sexual Assault: U.S. citizens have been victims of rape and sexual assault. Perpetrators may target inebriated or isolated individuals or may employ drugs that alter the victim’s physical or mental state.
• Unregulated Alcohol: Unregulated alcohol may be contaminated, and U.S. citizens have reported losing consciousness or becoming injured after consuming alcohol that was possibly tainted.

Mexico spring break travel advisory 2024

According to the spring break travel advisory , there is a list of actions travelers should take:

• Avoid strong currents and do not swim after drinking or when warning flags note unsafe conditions.
• Be aware of your safety and protect your personal possessions when using public transportation. Use radio taxis or those from “sitio” taxi stands. Application-based car services such as Uber and Cabify are available in many Mexican cities, and generally offer another relatively safe alternative to taxis.
• Call 911 in an emergency. Although there may be English-speaking operators available, it is best to seek the assistance of a Spanish speaker to place the call.
• Consider downloading the “Guest Assist” application on your smart phone if traveling to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel, or other areas in the state of Quintana Roo. The Mexican government provides information on emergency services and assistance for tourists via the app and their  website .
• Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate if you need assistance.
• Drink responsibly and always watch your drink. If you begin to feel ill, seek medical attention immediately. Report cases of suspected unregulated or contaminated alcohol to the Mexican Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risk (COFEPRIS) by  filing a report online   at the COFEPRIS website, call the COFEPRIS call center at +52 01-8—033-5050, or visit a COFEPRIS office.
• Enroll in the State Department’s  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program   to receive up-to-date information on safety conditions in Mexico and to help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency.
• Keep friends and family at home informed of your travel plans, especially if traveling alone.
• Keep your passport and entry permit (FMM), if applicable, in a safe place. Confirm the date you must depart Mexico.
• Know your drinking companions and stay in a group of friends who have your safety in mind when you are in clubs and bars, walking in dimly lit areas, or in a taxi at night. Obey Mexican law and remember Mexican laws may differ from U.S. laws.
• Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage in Mexico, or purchase travel insurance that covers you in Mexico. Seek coverage that includes medical evacuation.  Confirm costs of medical treatment in advance, when possible.
• Read the  Mexico Travel Advisory  and  Country Information Page  for details on travel throughout Mexico, including entry requirements.
• Regularly monitor your credit or debit card accounts to ensure there are no unauthorized transactions. Limit the amount of cash you carry in public, exercise caution when withdrawing cash, and avoid ATMs in isolated or unlit areas.
• See our  advice for cruise passengers  , particularly those with underlying health conditions.

U.S. State Department Travel Warnings for Mexico

Here are the travel warnins from the U.S. State Department :

Do Not Travel To In Mexico

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

Reconsider Travel To in Mexico:

• Baja California  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Chihuahua state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Durango state  due to  crime .
• Guanajuato state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Jalisco state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Morelos state  due to  crime .
• Sonora state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To in Mexico

• Aguascalientes  state due to  crime .
• Baja California Sur state  due to  crime .
• Chiapas state  due to  crime .
• Coahuila state  due to  crime .
• Hidalgo state  due to  crime .
• Mexico City  due to  crime .
• Mexico State  due to  crime .
• Nayarit state  due to  crime.
• Nuevo Leon  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Oaxaca state  due to  crime .
• Puebla state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Queretaro state  due to  crime .
• Quintana Roo state  due to  crime .
• San Luis Potosi state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Tabasco state  due to  crime .
• Tlaxcala state  due to  crime .
• Veracruz state  due to  crime .

Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To In Mexico

• Campeche state
• Yucatan state

Is Cancun safe in Mexico?

The Quintana Roo state − where Cancun is located − is under a Level 2 travel advisory, warning travelers to exercise increased caution due to crime.

According to the State Department, criminal activity and violence may occur at any time in any location, including in popular tourist spots. Maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations. 

Travel advisory tips for Mexico trips

According to the State Department, consider these things when traveling to Mexico:

If you decide to travel to Mexico:

• Keep traveling companions and family back home informed of your travel plans. If separating from your travel group, send a friend your GPS location. If taking a taxi alone, take a photo of the taxi number and/or license plate and text it to a friend.
• Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night. In many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital or major cities.
• Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Follow the U.S. Embassy on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Mexico.
• Mariners planning travel to Mexico should check for U.S. maritime  advisories  and  alerts , which include instructions on reporting suspicious activities and attacks to Mexican naval authorities.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the  CDC page  for the latest travel health information related to your travel. 

Hotel travel: Parking fees are out of control. Here's how to fight them.

What are the 4 levels of travel advisory?

Here are the four levels of travel advisory , according to the U.S. State Department:

Travel Advisory Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions

• This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. There is some risk in any international travel. Conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States and may change at any time.

Travel Advisory Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution

• Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. The Departments of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.

Travel Advisory Level 3 - Reconsider Travel

• Avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.

Travel Advisory Level 4 – Do Not Travel  

• This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. During an emergency, the U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance. The Department of State advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.

Cheap flights: The destinations that could see a drop in airfare prices this year

What countries have a Level 4 travel warning?

• Afghanistan
• Burkina Faso
• Central African Republic
• North Korea
• South Sudan

What countries have a Level 3 travel warning?

• El Salvador
• Guinea-Bissau
• Papau New Guinea
• Saudi Arabia
• Trinidad & Tobago

Travel advisory tips for high-risk areas

The State Department recommends three websites for information on travel safety tips :

• Bureau of Consular Affairs  
• The Overseas Security Advisory Council  
• The Federal Bureau of Investigation

Chris Sims is a digital producer for Gannett. Follow him on Twitter:  @ChrisFSims .

Another new warning on travel to Mexico just ahead of spring break

As tens of thousands of Americans prepare to spend spring break in Mexico, there is yet another new warning for tourists.

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico issued a travel alert warning Americans about high levels of crime and the dangers of spiked alcohol, illicit drugs, fake prescription drugs and more.

The alert reads, in part:

Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, 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. ... U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in the downtown areas of popular spring break locations, including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum, especially after dark.

Additionally, the bulletin cautions people to be aware that U.S. citizens have been the victims of rape and sexual assault: "Perpetrators may target inebriated or isolated individuals or may employ drugs that alter the victim's physical or mental state."

The new alert also warns tourists about the danger of illegal drug use in Mexico, "U.S. citizens have become seriously ill or died in Mexico after using synthetic drugs or adulterated prescription pills."

According to the embassy, counterfeit medication is common and could contain dangerous unregulated ingredients.

It comes just days after the state of Texas issued an unusual travel warning for Mexico , saying it's too dangerous to visit for spring break this year. That warning came on the heels of the U.S. Department of State reiterating its calls for caution on travel to Mexico.

The Texas Department of Public Safety urges residents to avoid the country because of drug cartel violence and other crime.

"Based on the volatile nature of cartel activity and the violence we are seeing there, we are urging individuals to avoid travel to Mexico at this time," DPS director Steven McCraw said in a statement.

The State Department also recently renewed its warning to Americans on travel to Mexico. The U.S. government advises Americans to either skip Mexico trips, reconsider travel or at least use extra caution when traveling to parts of the country because of the potential for violence.

"Violent crime — such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery — is widespread and common in Mexico," reads the advisory from the U.S. Department of State. Currently, a travel advisory is in place for 30 of Mexico's 32 states.

Related: Cancun travel advisory over taxis

The advisories come as we learn of violence that involved Americans in Matamoros, a town in Mexico near the Texas border.

Current US State Department advisories

The State Department breaks down its Mexican risk assessment on a detailed, state-by-state basis.

Six Mexican states have a "Do not travel" warning: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas.

Related: The difference between CDC and State Department travel warnings

Seven states are under a "Reconsider travel" advisory, including Baja and Jalisco – home to the popular destination of Puerto Vallarta .

Another 17 states get an "Exercise increased caution" advisory, including Baja California Sur – home to the popular resorts of Cabo San Lucas — and Nayarit, where you'll find Riviera Nayarit. Mexico City is also included in that category.

The state of Quintana Roo on the Caribbean side of Mexico is also in the "Exercise increased caution" category due to crime and the potential for kidnapping. Quintana Roo includes Cancun , Playa del Carmen and Tulum . It's a region that's generally considered safe for foreigners and is certainly popular for leisure travel.

Campeche and Yucatan are the only states that aren't under any special advisory for U.S. travel.

Mexico travel safety tips

The State Department suggests visitors review personal security plans, be aware of their surroundings, pay attention to local media and immediately call Mexican 911 in case of any issues.

The government also suggests Americans should register with a local Mexican consulate or embassy before they travel to Mexico through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

For its part, the Mexican government insists Mexico is safe for travelers.

"There is no problem in traveling safely in Mexico," President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said in a news conference this week .

Bottom line

While headlines like travel warnings can be scary, remember that millions of tourists visit Mexico every year without ever encountering problems.

In this environment, however, it is probably best to be prepared and use common sense. Of course, that remains true when traveling to any foreign destination.

• How to stay in Cancun on points and miles
• Everything you need to plan the perfect Mexico getaway
• 14 of TPG's favorite Mexico points hotels
• Best times to visit Mexico
• 13 things to know about Global Entry

Jalisco Travel Guide

Your ultimate guide to jalisco mexico, jalisco travel guide contents.

Location | Getting There | Where to Stay  |  Things to Do  | Tours  | Safety Tips  | FAQ

Jalisco travel guide

Jalisco travel: at a glance.

Beauty and culture abounds in Jalisco, one of the most unique states in Mexico.

It has some of the top Mexico travel destinations — like Guadalajara, the second largest city in Mexico, and Puerto Vallarta, one of the best beaches in Mexico .

There’s also great Jalisco hidden gems, like Tequila, Yelapa and Cabo Corrientes, among others.

Jalisco Mexico: Know before you go

• ✈️ Airports: Puerto Vallarta International Airport (code: PVR), and Guadalajara International Airport (code: GDL)
• ⏰ Time Zone: Central Daylight Time (GMT-5)
• 💰 Currency: Mexican Peso
• 🗣 Language: Spanish, though English is common, and you may even hear some indigenous languages
• 🎫 Mexico Visa: The vast majority of travelers do not need a visa for Mexico — this includes Americans, Canadians, Japanese and most Europeans. Head here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa.
• 🔌 Electricity Socket : You’ll mostly find Type A (two-prong) and Type B (three-prong) — the same as used in the United States. For visitors from other countries, you’ll need this  universal travel adaptor .
• 📲 Mexico SIM Card : Wondering, Do I need a SIM card for Mexico? The answer is yes, every traveler will want a one for the reasons explained in this article all about the best Mexico SIM cards .
• 🚙 Car Rentals : The Mexico rental car process can be a bit daunting, and many people are apprehensive to drive in a foreign country. I get it! Check out this guide to Renting a Car in Mexico for info on the process.

Where is Jalisco Mexico located?

Jalisco state is located in south-central Mexico, one of the Mexico Pacific States that sit on the Pacific Ocean.

These states have some of the best beach towns in Mexico, including Puerto Vallarta and Yelapa , as well as Jalisco’s capital, Guadalajara , and the the pueblos magicos (magic towns) of Tequila , Ajijic and  San Sebastian del Oeste .

Jalisco Map

What’s the best airport for jalisco mexico.

This depends on where you’re headed. For travel in the northern part of the state, like Guadalajara, Ajijic and Tequila, you’ll want to fly into Guadalajara International Airport (code: GDL).

If you’re visiting the Jalisco beaches, like Puerto Vallarta, Yelapa or the Coast Alegre, use Puerto Vallarta International Airport (code: PVR).

🚙💨 Visiting both the cities and the Jalisco coast?

The best way to get from Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara (or vice versa, Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta) is by renting a car in Mexico and driving, or taking the bus . This is a safe drive when done during the day, and will take about five hours.

What’s the best time to visit Jalisco Mexico?

🏝 jalisco beaches.

November to April is the time to visit the Jalisco beaches, when the temperatures are mild, and the humidity and mosquitoes are at bay.

This is also during the annual January to March whale migration in Mexico, when pacific gray, humpback, orcas and other species swim along the coast of Jalisco en route to their breeding grounds.

💒 Northern Jalisco state

The best time to visit northern Jalisco is from October to April during the dry season.

The northern part of the state, including the popular pueblo magicos (magic town) of Tequila , and Ajijic , and the state’s capital, Guadalajara , take on Central Mexico’s Eternal Spring climate.

This means you can expect mild springtime temperatures all year, though you will see heavy rains during the Mexico rainy season.

Best Places to Visit in Jalisco Mexico

The vast majority of visitors stay in either Puerto Vallarta or Guadalajara , the two biggest cities in Jalisco. In recent years, the lakefront town of Ajijic (pronounced ah-hee-heek) has become a popular town for expats in Mexico, retirees and travelers alike.

Puerto Vallarta , Jalisco Mexico

This amazing Pacific coastal city, located on Banderas Bay, welcomes millions of visitors each year. In fact, Puerto Vallarta is among the most visited Mexico destinations, and one of the most popular for LGBTQ+ travel.

Is Puerto Vallarta worth visiting? Unlike many popular Mexico beaches, Puerto Vallarta still has strong ties to its cultural roots. It is unique in that it offers visitors a nice combo of beaches, culture, and posh Puerto Vallarta resorts !

Guadalajara , Jalisco Mexico

There are so many amazing things to do in Guadalajara! From exploring Centro Historico’s famous Plaza Guadalajara, Guadalajara Cathedral and Hospicio Cabanas, to shopping for artesanias  (artisanal crafts) in the San Juan de Dios market.

Is Guadalajara worth visiting? As the second largest metropolitan city in Mexico, behind  Mexico City , those who appreciate historic cities will love traveling to Guadalajara, Mexico. Though a large city, it has a much smaller town feel and calmer vibe than Mexico City.

Ajijic, Jalisco Mexico

Part of the Chapala Riviera, Ajijic (ah-hee-heek) sits on Mexico’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Chapala. It is famous for charming cobblestone streets lined with bougainvillea and colorful buildings, lakefront restaurants and cafes, tropical weather and lush vegetation.

Is Ajijic worth visiting? For those who want to escape the crowds, head 35 miles south of Guadalajara to the Ajijic pueblo magico (magic town). It is a popular place for Mexico expats, and ranks among the best places to live in Mexico.

Best things to do in Jalisco Mexico

Jalisco travel has so much to offer! The coastal cities of Puerto Vallarta and Yelapa have both beautiful beaches to one side and mountains to the other, whale watching in winter, a lively party scene and gorgeous resorts.

The inland cities, like Guadalajara , Tequila and Ajijic , offer culture, amazing food (and tequila!), history, colorful architecture and more.

Islas Marietas (Hidden Beach )

Tlaquepaque, Jalisco Mexico

Tequila, Jalisco Mexico

Majahuitas, Jalisco Mexico

Yelapa, Jalisco Mexico

San Sebastian del Oeste

Best jalisco tours.

Tours in Jalisco are a great way to see the main cities and their surrounding areas — and unless you’re planning to rent a car in Jalisco, this is the best way to get around because taxi fees add up quickly!

🚙💨 Note: If you do want to have a car in Jalisco, make sure to check out this guide to Renting a Car in Mexico .

Below, you’ll find the most popular and best tours in Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara and the surrounding areas — including the Mexico hidden beach at Islas Marietas Islands , and more.

Is Jalisco safe for travelers?

According to experts, you are statistically quite safe while visiting Jalisco if you stick to the popular places like Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, and the Jalisco  pueblos magicos  (magic towns) of Ajijic, Tequila, San Sebastian del Oeste.

Millions of Americans go to Mexico on vacation every year, so if we play the numbers game, the number of incidents is very small… When I’m asked if Mexico is a safe place to go travel on vacation, my response is  yes . —Carlos Barron, FBI Veteran (source:  Forbes )

That’s not to say bad things still don’t happen in those parts of Jalisco; they do. As with traveling anywhere, follow general travel safety like not walking home alone at night, watching your alcohol consumption and staying aware of yourself and surroundings.

For an added safety measure, pack these  travel safety items , dress in a way so your Mexico outfits blend in with the locals, and buy a Mexico SIM card .

What’s the best travel insurance for Mexico?

This is a question I get a lot as a Mexico travel writer and Mexico expat. To determine which Mexico travel insurance is best for you , consider factors like the policy’s total cost, your deductible, the coverage you need, your medical benefits, etc.

🏆 In general, I only ever recommend three companies to purchase Mexico travel insurance from:

• World Nomads — For general travelers and adventure travelers.
• SafetyWing — For general travelers and digital nomads in Mexico.
• Travel Insurance Master — Mexico travel insurance search tool, for those who want to compare policies.
• 👉 Click on any of the links above to get a FREE quote on your policy!

Jalisco & Sayulita Blogs 🇲🇽

My HONEST REVIEW of The Westin Puerto Vallarta in 2024

10 Puerto Vallarta Zip Line Tours for Adventurers in 2024

10 Best Tequila Tours in Puerto Vallarta in 2024

Jalisco travel: frequently asked questions, can you drink the water in mexico.

No — Unfiltered Mexico tap water is not safe for human consumption. However, you will need to keep drinking water and to stay extra hydrated, as Mexico is quite close to the Equator. In fact, dehydration is one of the most common ways people get sick in Mexico.

So what can you do?

• If you’re renting a home with a kitchen, you can boil the water before drinking it.
• You can keep buying bottled water — Though this gets expensive, and is horrible for the planet!
• Use the Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle . This refillable bottle not only keeps you hydrated, but also filters your water so you don’t get sick in Mexico, and is good for the planet ♻️ Get 15% OFF with code SOLO15!

The Water-To-Go Bottle has a built-in, three-stage filtration system that removes 99.9999% of all water-borne contaminants. These include bacteria, microplastics, viruses, heavy metals, chemicals and more. I personally own one, as you can drink Mexico water from any source (even the tap), and be completely safe.

🧳 Mexico Packing list

Wondering what else you need on your packing list for Mexico? Check out this guide — Ultimate Packing List for Mexico + FREE Checklist Download !

Is Jalisco expensive?

It Depends — The big name destinations like Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta definitely have posh options, and Puerto Vallarta has some of the best resorts in Mexico.

There are also budget friendly accommodations in both cities, so if you’re traveling to Mexico on a budget, opt for budget hotels and hostels, and stick to street tacos.

What’s the Jalisco weather like?

Jalisco and all Central Mexico has what is known as the Eternal Spring climate. This means you can expect mild springtime temperatures all year, though it’s on the hotter side in summers.

The best time to visit Jalisco Mexico is from October to March , during the dry season. The rainy season is from April to September, and it can rain quite a bit.

☀️ Puerto Vallarta weather

☀️ Guadalajara weather

Is Jalisco worth visiting?

Yes — Jalisco is a unique Mexico destination that many types of travelers will love. Nature enthusiasts will adore horseback riding in the Sierra Madres, whale watching in the winter and snorkeling at Los Arcos National Park .

For history buffs, there’s no shortage of amazing things to do in Guadalajara , one of the Mexican culture capitals.

How many days do I need in Jalisco Mexico?

If you’re headed to Puerto Vallarta, check out this article, Puerto Vallarta Itinerary: 3, 4 or 5 Days in Puerto Vallarta . It offers several itinerary options for shorter trips, though you could spend months on the beautiful beaches of Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding Banderas Bay, Nuevo Vallarta, Punta Mita and Riviera Nayarit.

In Guadalajara, you’d need at least four full days to fully explore this city, the second largest in Mexico after Mexico City . If you want to do all the best day trips from Guadalajara, like Ajijic, Tequila and Tlaquepaque, you’ll want six full days for proper Jalisco travel.

🗣 Mexico Language

Mexico Fun Fact : There’s actually no official language of Mexico!

Spanish is the most widely-spoken, so some mistakenly say Spanish is the official language of Mexico. However, the government actually recognizes 68 national languages, including the Nahuatl Aztec language, and the Maya language.

💰 Mexico Currency

Mexican Peso — Exchange rates vary, but have hovered around $18-21 pesos to $1 USD for about the last decade. You will find some places that take U.S. dollars, but usually at an unfavorable rate, so stick to using pesos in Mexico .

☀️ Mexico Weather

Mexico is a big country — the 7th largest on Earth, in fact! It’s hard to generalize the weather in Mexico, because it will vary greatly by where you’re traveling.

In general, temperatures are mostly mild everywhere all year long, though summers on the coast are hot and humid, and winters in Central and Northern Mexico are on the colder side. Throughout the whole country, the rainy season runs from (about) April through September.

✈️ Mexico Busy Season & Slow Season

• Mexico Busy Season: The busy season in Mexico runs October to March, as this is the dry season and you’ll get the best weather. December is the busiest month for tourism in Mexico.

• Mexico Slow Season : If you don’t mind some rain, you’ll often find the best travel deal during the Mexico slow season of April to September. Do keep in mind that June 1-November 1 is Hurricane Season, and Mexico beaches are all susceptible.

• Mexico Shoulder Season : The shoulder season is that magical time when prices are still low and the weather is good. The Mexico shoulder season is from about mid-October to November and January to early-April.

🧳 Download your FREE Mexico Packing Checklist here!

Check out this Ultimate Packing List for Mexico — so you know what to pack and what NOT to pack for Mexico! This article offers advice on packing for Mexico cities, and packing for a Mexico beach vacation.

Beyond what Mexico outfits and clothing you’ll want to bring, here are a few extra things to consider:

• Filterable Water Bottle: Mexico is close to the Equator, so you’ll need to stay extra hydrated. In fact, dehydration is one of the most common ways people get sick in Mexico.

A filterable, refillable water bottle not only keeps you hydrated, but also filters your water so you don’t get sick in Mexico.

The Water-To-Go Bottle has a built-in, three-stage filtration system that removes 99.9999% of all water-borne contaminants. These include bacteria, microplastics, viruses, heavy metals and chemicals.

• Mexico SIM Card: Want to be able to use your phone in Mexico?! Of course you do! Pick up a TELCEL Mexico SIM card before your trip, and swap it out on the plane while you’re waiting to exit, so you have phone and data service the second you arrive in Mexico.

•  Anti-Hangover Meds: Planning to party hardy?! Make sure you’re not wasting any of your precious travel time with a hangover. Liquid I.V. has about 70,000 reviews on Amazon, and is considered the best defense against a hangover.

•  Sun Hat: No matter if you’re headed to the beach or a city, you’ll want to wear a hat to shield yourself from the strong Mexican sun. This cute sun hat is the perfect stylish and practical accessory for your Mexico vacation.

•   Sunscreen: As you’ll want to reapply a few times throughout the day, a light, Mineral-Based Sunscreen is ideal.

Headed to the beach? Do your part to practice responsible tourism in Mexico by only using an eco-friendly reef safe sunscreen while swimming. You can even ditch the sunscreen altogether and opt for a long sleeve swimsuit (AKA rash guard) instead.

•   Bug Repellent: Mosquitoes are common throughout Mexico — especially on the beaches! REPEL Insect Repellent is an eco-friendly brand that’s DEET-free and plant based, with a pleasant lemon and eucalyptus scent. Don’t want to use a spray? Pick up some Mosquito Repellent Bracelets .

The vast majority of travelers do not need a visa for Mexico — this includes Americans, Canadians, and most Europeans. Head here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa.

🤔 What is the mexico FMM ?

When you go through Customs & Immigration to enter the country, you’ll receive your Forma Migratoria Multiple , or FMM Tourist Card (sometimes listed as FMT). If you’re coming by plane or cruise ship, there is no charge; for those driving across the border, the FMM costs about $30USD.

In most circumstances, all visitors get a 180-day (six month) visa — so you can legally stay up to six months!

🚨 Have your FMM on you at all times

Keep in mind that though it’s called an FMM card , it’s actually just a small piece of paper. Keep your FMM on you at all times in your wallet, as this proves your legal status in Mexico. It’s rare, but if an officer stops you, they can ask to see your FMM.

🎫 Don’t lose your FMM!

You need to have your FMM on you at all times, as proof of your legal status in the country.

Be sure to keep track of your FMM, as you’ll have to give it back to an Immigration officer at the airport, cruise port, or land crossing when you’re leaving the country.

If you lose your FMM, there is a $600 peso ($30 USD) cost to replace it, and some paperwork you’ll need to fill out before you can leave the country.

If you’re flying home, plan to arrive at the airport about one hour earlier than you normally would to do the paperwork and pay the fine.

As this question doesn’t have a yes/no answer ( I wish it did! ), I do my best to answer it in depth in this article, Is Mexico Safe for Travelers Right Now ? However, for the most part, Mexico is actually statistically quite safe for all travelers — including solo travelers.

Check my Solo Female Mexico Travel page for more info.

💃 Mexico solo travel guides

Mexico is a big country, and it has plenty of amazing solo female travel destinations — like the ones featured in this article, Mexico Solo Travel: 20 Safe Destinations for Female Travelers .

In it, you’ll get recommendations of places to visit in Mexico, from solo travelers who have actually been to them.

🎧 solo travel podcasts

• Ep. 34 |  Planning your first Mexico solo trip • Ep. 40 | Tips for safe solo travel in Mexico • Ep. 53 | 30 Solo female travel tips, Pt. 1

To answer the question, Is it safe to drive in Mexico? — YES , it’s considered safe to rent a car and drive in Mexico.

As the country is quite large, road trips are a great way to see a lot in a little time, and especially popular in the Yucatan Peninsula and Baja California Peninsula.

The one caveat to Mexico driving safety is that you’ll be in a foreign country, unfamiliar with their laws and customs. Head here for a complete guide to Renting A Car in Mexico: Everything You Need to Know , where you’ll also get 10 useful Mexico driving tips!

🚙💨 Looking for the best Mexico car rental company? Discover Cars works with both local Mexican companies and international companies to get you the best rates. Not only do I recommend them — I also use them!

As a general rule, you’ll want to know at least a few words of Spanish when visiting anywhere in Mexico. This is both a sign of respect, and will also help you have a better, smoother trip.

If you stick to the more touristic places in Mexico, you should be fine with basic Spanish. For those planning to venture off the beaten path, be advised most people in pueblos  (small towns) speak little to no English.

🗣 Here are some options:

• Brush up on your Spanish: Use a language-learning program like Rocket Spanish , so you’re confident, and conversational, before your trip.
• Download the Google Translate App: For this to work at all times, you’ll need a Mexico SIM card with data — as the app won’t work when you’re off-WiFi.
• Travel with a Mexico phrasebook: This Lonely Planet Spanish Phrasebook is an Amazon best seller, and a great non-digital language assistant!
• Save this infographic an image on your phone. This way, you have access to these common words, phrases and questions, even when you’re off-WiFi.

U.S. tourist faces 12 years in prison after taking ammunition to Turks and Caicos

An Oklahoma man faces up to 12 years in prison on a Caribbean island after customs officials found ammunition in his luggage.

Ryan Watson traveled to Turks and Caicos with his wife, Valerie, to celebrate his 40th birthday on April 7. They went with two friends who had also turned 40.

The vacation came to an abrupt end when airport staff members found a zip-close bag containing bullets in the couple's carry-on luggage. Watson said it was hunting ammunition he had accidentally brought with him — but under a strict law in Turks and Caicos, a court may still impose a mandatory 12-year sentence.

"They were hunting ammunition rounds that I use for whitetail deer," Watson told NBC Boston in an interview conducted last week that aired after their first court appearance Tuesday.

"I recognized them, and I thought, 'Oh, man, what a bonehead mistake that I had no idea that those were in there,'" he said.

The couple were arrested and charged with possession of ammunition. Authorities seized their passports and explained the penalties they faced.

Valerie Watson said in the interview: "When I heard that, I immediately was terrified, because I was like we can't both be in prison for 12 years. We have kids at home, and this is such an innocent mistake."

The charges against her were dropped, and she returned home to Oklahoma City on Tuesday after the court hearing to be reunited with her two young children.

"Our goal is to get Ryan home, because we can’t be a family without Dad," she said.

The couple also spoke about the financial burden of a much longer-than-planned trip. "This is something that we may never recover from," Ryan Watson said.

The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas issued a warning to travelers in September about a law that strongly prohibits possession of firearms or ammunition in Turks and Caicos, an overseas British territory southeast of the Bahamas that is a popular vacation spot.

It said: "We wish to remind all travelers that declaring a weapon in your luggage with an airline carrier does not grant permission to bring the weapon into TCI [Turks and Caicos Islands] and will result in your arrest."

The embassy added: "If you bring a firearm or ammunition into TCI, we will not be able to secure your release from custody."

The embassy and the government in Turks and Caicos did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The same thing happened to another American, Bryan Hagerich, of Pennsylvania, who was arrested after ammunition was found in his luggage before he tried to board a flight out of Turks and Caicos in February. He said he accidentally left it in his bag.

Hagerich was on a family vacation with his wife and two young children but has now been in the country for 70 days. He spent eight days in prison before he posted bail.

"It’s incredibly scary. You know, you just don’t know what the next day may bring — you know, what path this may take," Hagerich told NBC Boston.

"You know, it’s certainly a lot different than packing your bags and going away with your family for a few days. It’s been the worst 70 days of my life," he said.

Hagerich, once a professional baseball player, was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the MLB 2007 June amateur draft from the University of Delaware.

His case goes to trial May 3.

Patrick Smith is a London-based editor and reporter for NBC News Digital.

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Could Trump Go to Prison? If He Does, the Secret Service Goes, Too

Officials have had preliminary discussions about how to protect the former president in the unlikely event that he is jailed for contempt during the trial.

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By William K. Rashbaum

The U.S. Secret Service is in the business of protecting the president, whether he’s inside the Oval Office or visiting a foreign war zone.

But protecting a former president in prison? The prospect is unprecedented. That would be the challenge if Donald J. Trump — whom the agency is required by law to protect around the clock — is convicted at his criminal trial in Manhattan and sentenced to serve time.

Even before the trial’s opening statements, the Secret Service was in some measure planning for the extraordinary possibility of a former president behind bars. Prosecutors had asked the judge in the case to remind Mr. Trump that attacks on witnesses and jurors could land him in jail even before a verdict is rendered.

(The judge, who held a hearing Tuesday morning to determine whether Mr. Trump should be held in contempt for violating a gag order, is far more likely to issue a warning or impose a fine before taking the extreme step of jailing the 77-year-old former president. It was not immediately clear when he would issue his ruling.)

Last week, as a result of the prosecution’s request, officials with federal, state and city agencies had an impromptu meeting about how to handle the situation, according to two people with knowledge of the matter.

That behind-the-scenes conversation — involving officials from the Secret Service and other relevant law enforcement agencies — focused only on how to move and protect Mr. Trump if the judge were to order him briefly jailed for contempt in a courthouse holding cell, the people said.

The far more substantial challenge — how to safely incarcerate a former president if the jury convicts him and the judge sentences him to prison rather than home confinement or probation — has yet to be addressed directly, according to some of a dozen current and former city, state and federal officials interviewed for this article.

That’s at least in part because if Mr. Trump is ultimately convicted, a drawn-out and hard-fought series of appeals, possibly all the way up to the U.S. Supreme Court, is almost a certainty. That would most likely delay any sentence for months if not longer, said several of the people, who noted that a prison sentence was unlikely.

But the daunting challenge remains. And not just for Secret Service and prison officials, who would face the logistical nightmare of safely incarcerating Mr. Trump, who is also the presumptive Republican nominee for President.

“Obviously, it’s uncharted territory,” said Martin F. Horn, who has worked at the highest levels of New York’s and Pennsylvania’s state prison agencies and served as commissioner of New York City’s correction and probation departments. “Certainly no state prison system has had to deal with this before, and no federal prison has had to either.”

Steven Cheung, the communications director for Mr. Trump’s campaign, said the case against the former president was “so spurious and so weak” that other prosecutors had refused to bring it, and called it “an unprecedented partisan witch hunt.”

“That the Democrat fever dream of incarcerating the nominee of the Republican Party has reached this level exposes their Stalinist roots and displays their utter contempt for American democracy,” he said.

Protecting Mr. Trump in a prison environment would involve keeping him separate from other inmates, as well as screening his food and other personal items, officials said. If he were to be imprisoned, a detail of agents would work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, rotating in and out of the facility, several officials said. While firearms are obviously strictly prohibited in prisons, the agents would nonetheless be armed.

Former corrections officials said there were several New York state prisons and city jails that have been closed or partly closed, leaving wings or large sections of their facilities empty and available. One of those buildings could serve to incarcerate the former president and accommodate his Secret Service protective detail

Anthony Guglielmi, the spokesman for the Secret Service in Washington, declined in a statement to discuss specific “protective operations.” But he said that federal law requires Secret Service agents to protect former presidents, adding that they use state-of-the-art technology, intelligence and tactics to do so.

Thomas J. Mailey, a spokesman for New York State’s prison agency, said his department couldn’t speculate about how it would treat someone who has not yet been sentenced, but that it has a system “to assess and provide for individuals’ medical, mental health and security needs.” Frank Dwyer, a spokesman for the New York City jails agency, said only that “the department would find appropriate housing” for the former president.

The trial in Manhattan, one of four criminal cases pending against Mr. Trump and possibly the only one that will go to a jury before the election, centers on accusations he falsified records to cover up a sex scandal involving a porn star. The former president is charged with 34 counts of felony falsifying business records. If convicted, the judge in the case, Juan M. Merchan, could sentence him to punishments ranging from probation to four years in state prison, though for a first-time offender of Mr. Trump’s age, such a term would be extreme.

If Mr. Trump is convicted, but elected president again, he could not pardon himself because the prosecution was brought by New York State.

Under normal circumstances, any sentence of one year or less, colloquially known as “city time,” would generally be served on New York City’s notorious Rikers Island, home to the Department of Correction’s seven jails. (That’s where Mr. Trump’s former chief financial officer, Allen H. Weisselberg, 76, is currently serving his second five-month sentence for crimes related to his work for his former boss.)

Any sentence of more than a year, known as state time, would generally be served in one of the 44 prisons run by New York State’s Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

The former president could also be sentenced to a term of probation, raising the bizarre possibility of the former commander in chief reporting regularly to a civil servant at the city’s Probation Department.

He would have to follow the probation officer’s instructions and answer questions about his work and personal life until the term of probation ended. He would also be barred from associating with disreputable people, and if he committed any additional crimes, he could be jailed immediately.

Maggie Haberman contributed reporting.

William K. Rashbaum is a Times reporter covering municipal and political corruption, the courts and broader law enforcement topics in New York. More about William K. Rashbaum

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