mexico travel advisory nz

Search Smartraveller

Latest update

Exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico overall due to the threat of violent crime.

Higher levels apply in some areas.

Mexico (PDF 1007.79 KB)

Americas (PDF 3.29 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies.

Call 911 or go to the hospital.

Call 911 or go to the local police station.

Advice levels

Exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico overall.

Reconsider your need to travel to Michoacán (except Morelia and Lázaro Cardenas and the Monarch butterfly reserves), Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains in southern Chihuahua and the states of Guerrero (including Acapulco), North-eastern Sinaloa, North-western Durango, South-eastern Sonora (except for the Chihuahua-Pacific Railway), Tamaulipas and Zacatecas.

Reconsider your need to travel to:

• Michoacán (except Morelia and Lázaro Cardenas and the Monarch butterfly reserves)
• Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains in southern Chihuahua
• Guerrero State (including Acapulco)
• North-eastern Sinaloa State 
• North-western Durango State
• South-eastern Sonora State (except for the Chihuahua-Pacific Railway)
• Tamaulipas State and
• Zacatecas State

due to high levels of violent crime (including kidnapping and extortion) and their volatile security situation.

• Avoid protests and large public gatherings. These can become violent. It's against the law for foreigners to participate in political activity. 
• Mexico has a high risk of violent crime, including murder, armed robbery, sexual assault and kidnapping. Don't travel at night outside major cities. Drug-related violence is widespread.
• Kidnapping and extortion are serious risks. Don't draw attention to your money or business affairs. Only use ATMs in public spaces and during the daytime.
• Stop at all roadblocks, or you risk getting killed.
• Hurricanes and earthquakes are common in Mexico. Local authorities will direct you to your nearest shelter in the event of a hurricane. Know the earthquake safety measures where you're staying.

Full travel advice: Safety

• Malaria and Zika virus are risks in Mexico. If you're pregnant, ask your doctor about the risk of Zika virus before you travel.
• Mexico has insect-borne diseases, including dengue fever, chikungunya, Chagas disease and leishmaniasis. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. Use insect repellent.
• Parts of Mexico are at high altitudes. Air pollution can also cause health issues, particularly over winter (December to February). Talk to your doctor before you travel if you have heart, lung or breathing issues.

Full travel advice: Health

• Smoking, including vaping, is banned in all public places in Mexico, including beaches, parks, hotels and restaurants. Importing electronic cigarettes and vaping devices is also prohibited. You may be fined or arrested.
• Some activities are illegal for foreigners in Mexico. These include political activity, driving without insurance, and failing to report a road accident. Ensure you understand and follow local laws.
• Possessing or exporting ancient Mexican artefacts and carrying firearms or ammunition without a permit are also illegal. Apply for a firearm permit at a Mexican embassy or consulate before you arrive.
• Although same-sex marriage is legal in Mexico, some parts of the country are conservative. LGBTI travellers should consider limiting public displays of affection.

Full travel advice: Local laws

• If you're visiting for 180 days or less as a tourist, you'll receive a visa on arrival for the duration of your planned stay. You can't extend your visa if you plan to stay longer than advised to the immigration officer on arrival. Mexican authorities advise to avoid being detained or deported, you must complete an online Multiple Immigration Form (FMM) and obtain a QR code. 
• Make sure immigration officials stamp your passport on arrival, as this will state the number of days your visa will be valid. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Mexico for the latest details.
• To cross the land border between Mexico and the US, you must provide a verbal attestation for your reason for travel. Make sure you receive an entry stamp in your passport. 
• Periodic closures of Mexico's land borders with Guatemala and Belize may occur. Check with local authorities before crossing the border or taking a flight.
• If you're taking public transport or taxis, use only first-class buses and official registered taxis. Use ride-share services where possible instead of taxis. Crime levels on intercity buses are high, especially after dark.

Full travel advice:  Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  tells you what the Australian Government can and can't do to help when you're overseas.
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the Embassy's social media accounts: ( Facebook ), ( X ).
• The  Australian Embassy in Mexico City  can provide consular assistance by email, phone, or appointment.
• You can also  contact the Australian Consulate in Cancún  for limited consular assistance.

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Full advice

Violent crime, violent crime.

Mexico has a high risk of violent crime, especially after dark.

Murder, armed  robbery ,  sexual assault  and  kidnapping  are high risks. These crimes can occur at tourist spots and resorts.

Criminals posing as police officers have committed sexual assault, extortion and robbery. They may drive fake police cars.

Gangs have attacked travellers after they've changed money at airports.

To protect yourself from violent crime:

• avoid travelling at night outside major cities, including on major highways
• monitor the media for new safety risks
• don't change large amounts of money at the airport

Crime on intercity buses and highways is common in Mexico.

Thieves have robbed tourists on buses along the Pacific Highway, including from Acapulco to Ixtapa and Huatulco.

Violent carjackings have increased. The northern borders and along the Pacific coast are high-risk areas.

Criminals have attacked tourists on toll roads and highways. The Sonora, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and border regions are high-risk areas.

Organised crime groups have targeted large campervans and SUVs travelling in and out of the United States.

To reduce the risk of crime when travelling by road:

• use ride-share services where possible instead of taxis
• use official taxis from airports and pre-pay your fare at an official taxi company booth in the airport terminal
• use radio taxis or taxis at assigned stands (sitios), especially in Mexico City
• use first-class buses
• only travel during daylight hours and allow enough time to get to your destination before dark
• drive via toll roads (cuota)

Watch out for drink and food spiking, which can occur in bars, clubs and restaurants. You're at higher risk of sexual assault and theft if you get drugged.

Drug and gang violence

Violent crimes related to the drug trade are widespread in Mexico.

Shoot-outs, grenade attacks and car bombings have occurred in public places.

Targeted attacks have increased on the military, government officials and journalists.

You may become a victim of violence directed against someone else.

Federal police and the military use roadblocks and random vehicle checks to deal with drug-related violence.

Drug cartels set up unofficial roadblocks in the northern areas of Mexico to obstruct military and police movement.

Stop at all roadblocks, or you risk getting killed. Comply with the instructions given.

Risks are higher in those areas most affected by drug-related and gang violence, including:

• Northern border states – Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas
• Pacific coast states – Colima, Guerrero, Jalisco, Michoacán, Nayarit and Sinaloa
• Central region states – Guanajuato, Durango, San Luis Potosi and Zacatecas
• State of Mexico and the State of Veracruz on the Gulf coast
• Major cities along Mexico's border with the United States – Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, Nogales, Piedras Negras and Reynosa

State of Guanajuato

Violence and drug cartel activity are on the rise across the State. 

Gang members are known to erect roadblocks on major highways. Murders, including mass killings, occur regularly. 

Even as a tourist, you risk getting caught up in violence inadvertently. 

Avoid known hot spots such as Acámbaro, Celaya, Irapuato, León, Salamanca, Silao and Santiago. 

State of Guerrero

The violent crime rate remains high, and the security situation is volatile.

Violent criminal gangs are more active in rural areas than cities.

Acapulco has high levels of violent crime, such as murder and shootings. The resort city is unsafe, especially outside tourist areas. Due to the precarious security situation following damage by Hurricane Otis, there's a threat of armed violence, banditry, and looting in cities and on roads.

Crime risks are lower in the tourist areas of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo and Taxco and on the toll road to Taxco than in other parts of Guerrero.

Protesters can disrupt toll booths along the road to Taxco, causing delays.

State of Michoacán

Many 'self-defence' groups have formed in the State. They are unpredictable, and the security situation is volatile.

Security near the Monarch butterfly reserves, including on the border with the State of Mexico, has deteriorated due to cartel activity.  

Crime is lower in Morelia city.

State of Tamaulipas

Tamaulipas has widespread criminal activity linked to drug trafficking. Kidnapping and extortion are also common.

State of Quintana Roo

Violent crimes related to the drug trade have occurred in tourist areas of Quintana Roo, such as Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Shoot-outs have occurred in public places, injuring or killing tourists.

State of Zacatecas

Zacatecas has widespread criminal activity linked to drug trafficking. Violence is increasing due to clashes between competing drug cartels. Kidnapping and extortion are common.

Other violent areas

High levels of violent crime and lawlessness occur in:

• the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains in southern Chihuahua State
• north-eastern Sinaloa State
• north-western Durango State
• south-eastern Sonora State

Organised crime gangs operate in these regions. The Chihuahua-Pacific Railway is less affected.

The State of Mexico has a high level of violent crime. Murder,  assault , armed robbery, extortion and kidnapping are common.

According to Mexican Government statistics, Baja California Sur and Quintana Roo have reported significant increases in drug-related violence, particularly murder. The states with the highest homicide rates are Baja California Sur, Colima, Quintana Roo, Morelos, Zacatecas, Guanajuato, Baja California, Chihuahua, Michoacan and Sonora.

To reduce your risks if travelling to violent areas, stay in:

• tourist areas
• well-known and well-frequented public areas with good access to safe transport in the evenings

To protect yourself from crime in violent areas:

• avoid road travel, especially at night
• avoid isolated locations
• pay close attention to your personal security
• stay alert to possible threats around you
• follow the advice of local authorities
• monitor the media for safety or security risks

Other crime risks

Petty crime.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching, is common. Take care on public transport, at tourist spots, airports, hotels and bus stations.

Thieves often work with or pose as taxi drivers. Be aware travellers have been robbed when using taxis hailed from the street. 

More information:

• Preventing crime and petty theft

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk. 

Kidnapping is a serious risk in Mexico. Kidnapping occurs throughout the country, with the highest number of cases recorded in and around Mexico City, along the Gulf Coast from Tamaulipas to Tabasco states, and in other large cities. Kidnappers target a broad demographic, including foreigners and expatriates. Victims of traditional kidnappings are physically abducted and held captive until a ransom is paid. In some cases, the captors receive a ransom and kill the victim.

Some victims claim police officers are involved in their kidnapping.

Virtual kidnappings target people over the phone to extort money. Kidnappers pose as officials or cartel members and demand payments for the release of a family member they have allegedly detained. If you receive a call or message, contact local police.

Express kidnappings are also regularly reported in Mexico. Kidnappers force victims to withdraw funds from ATMs before they are released.

If, despite our advice, you travel to an area with a high risk of kidnapping, our ability to provide consular assistance in these destinations will be limited. 

To reduce the risk of kidnapping: 

• always be alert to your personal security and surroundings 
• get professional security advice for travel in locations with a heightened kidnap risk 
• check your accommodation has appropriate security measures 
• avoid isolated locations, particularly when travelling alone 
• notify family or friends of planned travel and share your location 
• avoid talking about your money or business affairs 
• use ATMs in public places and during daylight hours 
• avoid giving personal details to strangers online or over the phone 

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Paying a ransom to terrorist groups will likely break Australian counter-terrorism financing laws. 

More information: 

Civil unrest and political tension

Demonstrations and protests.

It's illegal for foreigners to take part in political activity in Mexico.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. They're common and often:

• disrupt public services
• cause traffic delays
• stop movement around affected areas

Protesters may blockade roads.

Public protests in Mexico City are common. Expect protests and potential roadblocks in the states of Oaxaca, Chiapas, Guerrero and Michoacán.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• check local sources for details of possible strikes or unrest
• follow advice from local authorities
• change your travel plans in case of disruptions

Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Swimming safety

Even strong swimmers can be at risk from undertows and currents on both coasts of Mexico. Obey the beach warning flags.

Climate and natural disasters

Mexico experiences  natural disasters  and  severe weather , such as:

• earthquakes
• volcanic activity

If you're involved in a natural disaster:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• keep in contact with your friends and family
• monitor local media and other sources
• contact your tour operator or airline

Register with the  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System  to receive alerts on major disasters.

Hurricanes and severe weather

Severe weather occurs in Mexico.

The hurricane season is from June to November. The direction and strength of hurricanes can change with little warning.

Landslides, mudslides and flash flooding can also occur, including in Mexico City.

If there's a hurricane or severe storm:

• you may get stuck in the area
• flights could be delayed or suspended
• flights out may fill quickly
• adequate shelter may not be available
• electricity supply, communication networks and transport options may be disrupted. 

To protect yourself if a hurricane is approaching:

• listen to the instructions of local authorities
• know the evacuation plan for your hotel or cruise ship
• identify your local shelter
• monitor alerts and advice from the  US National Hurricane Center  and local authorities

Earthquakes

Mexico experiences earthquakes and tremors each year. Aftershocks are common and can damage already weakened structures.

Earthquakes can disrupt power and communication systems.

Get to know the earthquake safety measures for each place you stay and visit.

Tsunamis may occur in Mexico.

Receive tsunami alerts by registering with the following:

• Global Disaster Alert and Co-ordination System
• Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre

If you're near the coast, move immediately to high ground if advised by local authorities or if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings, such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, check local media.

Active volcanoes include the Popocatepetl and Colima volcanoes.  

Volcanic ash from eruptions of these volcanoes can disrupt domestic and international flights and cause airport closures. Exposure to falling ash and toxic fumes from active volcanoes can also affect your health, especially if you suffer from respiratory ailments.

• Avoid the affected areas
• Monitor local media to remain informed
• Contact your travel agent or airline regarding airport and flight status
• Be prepared to change your travel arrangements or evacuate the area on short notice
• Follow the advice of local authorities, including evacuation orders

The  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System  can give you general volcano alerts.

Travel Insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave.

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won’t pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of someone you know, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Mexico. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

Health risks

Insect-borne diseases.

Malaria  is a risk in Mexico, particularly in:

• the State of Chiapas
• rural areas of Nayarit, Oaxaca and Sinaloa
• some parts of Chihuahua, Durango and Sonora.

Zika virus  is widespread in Mexico. There's no vaccination for Zika virus.

Read the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care page on  Zika virus  for advice on how to reduce your risk.

If you're pregnant, the department recommends that you:

• discuss travel plans with your doctor
• consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas.

In Mexico, there's also a risk of:

• chikungunya
• chagas disease
• leishmaniasis

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider medication to prevent malaria

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

Other health risks

High altitude and air pollution can cause health issues in some regions. Pollution peaks in winter from December to February.

If you have heart, lung or respiratory problems, ask your doctor for advice before you travel.

Foodborne, waterborne and other diseases are widespread. These include:

• tuberculosis
• cyclosporiasis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• get vaccinated before you travel
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

• Infectious diseases

Medical care

Medical facilities.

Private hospitals in Mexico City and other major cities provide a reasonable standard of care. Services are limited in rural areas.

Treatment at private clinics and hospitals is very expensive.

Doctors and hospitals are unlikely to work with your overseas travel insurer. You'll need to pay before they'll treat you, even for emergency care.

You can find hyperbaric chambers in major cities and resort towns where scuba diving is popular.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Smoking, including vaping, has been banned in all public places, including beaches, parks, hotels and restaurants. You may be fined or arrested.

Property laws

Property laws and time-share agreements can be complex.

Before you buy or invest in property, do your research and get legal advice.

In Mexico, it's illegal to:

• conduct political activity, including demonstrations
• possess ancient Mexican artefacts or export them from Mexico
• carry firearms or ammunition without a permit, including in Mexican waters
• drive a car without insurance
• fail to report a road accident.

If you need a firearm permit, apply at a Mexican Embassy or Consulate before you arrive.

You're responsible for any illegal items found in rented or borrowed vehicles. This applies even if you don't know they're there.

If you're the victim of a crime and want to report the incident, do so immediately to the nearest branch of the state prosecutor’s office (Agencia del Ministerio Público). A criminal investigation is not possible without a formal complaint to Mexican authorities. Complaints must be made in person before leaving Mexico.

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

Check if being an Australian-Mexican dual citizen may affect your travel.

Always travel on your Australian passport .

• Dual nationals

Local customs

Although same sex marriage is legal in Mexico, some parts of the country are conservative.

LGBTQIA+ travellers  should consider limiting public displays of affection.

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

If you visit for 180 days or less as a tourist, you can get a visa on arrival. Be aware of the date that's stamped in your passport on arrival, as you may not receive the full 180 days. Your visa will expire on the entry stamp date. This is usually for the amount of time you indicate to the immigration officer that you are staying in Mexico.

To avoid being detained or deported, you'll need to:

• fill in an online Multiple Immigration Form (FMM) and obtain a QR code
• make sure your passport is stamped by immigration officials on arrival

You can complete the FMM online before you arrive or on arrival.

If you're entering by road, make sure you get the stamp on your passport at the immigration office  (Instituto Nacional de Migración: Spanish) . These are usually located near, but not directly at, a border crossing.

Present your completed FMM for inspection at immigration if entering by air. You'll need to show it when you leave Mexico.

Border measures

To cross the land border between Mexico and the US, you'll need to verbally provide the reason for your travel.

Periodic closures of Mexico's land borders with Guatemala and Belize may occur. Check with local authorities before crossing the border or travelling by plane.

Confirm your travel and transit arrangements directly with your airline or travel agent. 

Travel via the United States or Canada

If you're  travelling through the US , ensure you meet all current US entry or transit requirements, including if you're transiting through Hawaii. 

If you travel  through Canada , ensure you meet all entry and transit requirements. 

Other formalities

Mexico charges all visitors an immigration fee.

If you arrive on a commercial flight, the cost of your ticket includes the fee.

If you enter by land, the immigration office will arrange for you to pay the fee at a nearby bank. There's no exit tax.

A child under 18 years who's also a citizen or resident of Mexico must carry a  Mexican Minor Travel Consent Form  (Spanish) or a  notarised consent  if travelling with anyone other than their parent or legal guardian. 

You may need a permit if you arrive in Mexico by motor vehicle. Check with the Embassy of Mexico before you travel.

• Advice for people travelling with children

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This may apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport isn't valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest  Australian Embassy or Consulate .

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

Mexico's official currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN).

Declare amounts over US$10,000 or foreign currency equivalent. Do this on arrival and departure. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

US dollars are widely accepted in holiday resort areas. You can't generally exchange Australian currency and traveller's cheques in Mexico.

ATMs are widely available in cities and towns. Take care as credit card fraud occurs.

Carry cash if you're travelling to rural areas.

Most international hotels and tourist facilities accept credit and debit cards.

Ask your bank whether your ATM card will work in Mexico.

Local travel

Driving permit.

You can use your valid Australian driver's licence to drive in Mexico.

Road travel

Vehicles generally don't stop for pedestrians or indicate when they're turning. Intersections can be confusing, with vehicles coming from unexpected directions.

Strict laws cover insurance and reporting of accidents.

If you drive in Mexico:

• learn local road use and driving rules
• keep doors locked and windows up, even when moving
• use toll roads (cuota) to reduce the risk of crime

If you're a victim of roadside robbery or stopped at a roadblock, do as you're asked.

Driving on rural roads in Mexico is dangerous due to:

• poor road conditions.
• pedestrians and livestock on roads
• inadequate street lighting and signage

Criminals target vehicles, including campervans and SUVs, especially in rural areas.

• Driving or riding

Use ride-share services, where possible, instead of taxis. If this isn't an option, it's best to use registered official taxis and limousines, preferably arranged through your hotel. To avoid issues:

• use official taxis from airports
• pre-pay your fare at an official taxi company booth at the airport
• use radio taxis or taxis waiting at assigned stands (sitios), especially in Mexico City

Public transport

Crime levels on intercity buses and highways are high, and the risks increase after dark. See  Safety

Use first-class buses.

Women travelling on public transport should be cautious.

• Transport and getting around safely
• Advice for women

Check  Mexico's air safety profile  with the Aviation Safety Network.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the Consular Services Charter . It details what the Australian Government can and can’t do to help you overseas.

Australian Embassy, Mexico City

Ruben Dario #55 Corner of Campos Eliseos, Polanco Colonia Bosque de Chapultepec 11580 CDMX Mexico Phone: +52 55 1101 2200 Email: [email protected] Website: mexico.embassy.gov.au Facebook: Australian Embassy, Mexico City X: Australian Embassy, Mexico City

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

Australian Consulate, Cancún

EDIFICIO GRUPO VIVO Calle Luciernaga esquina con Avenida Politécnico Región 501, Manzana 13, Lote 7 Cancún, Quintana Roo C.P. 77535, México Email:  [email protected]

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

Travelling to Mexico?

Sign up to get the latest travel advice updates..

Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.

Last verified: Tuesday, 13. August 2024 at 08:21 AM

Mexico Travel Advisory

• North America
• Central America
• Mexico Travel Advice

Please reconsider your need to travel to Mexico

Local situation: 3.6 / 5.

Please reconsider your need to travel to Mexico. We detected travel advisories from 7 sources for this specific country.

Regional Situation: 3.2 / 5

Mexico shares a land border with 3 neighbouring states. For this region of countries (including Mexico), the Advisory Index is 3.2 (average value over all countries). All countries have some reported advisories: Guatemala (3.4), Belize with 3 and United States with 2.7 (of 5).

Current informationen on Covid-19 in Mexico

There are currently no officially reported cases of infections with SARS-CoV-2 (or Coronavirus) in Mexico. As reported by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control this morning (~8:30am CET).

There are currently no officially reported deaths related to this disease in Mexico.

Source: www.ecdc.europa.eu

Advice scoring history for Mexico

Chart of the risk level over that last 200 days. This is the daily calculated travel risk for Mexico.

Chart of the number of sources over that last 200 days. This is the daily number of advisory sources (of any rating) that have been active on that day.

Note: Changes happening on the 28th/29th of July 2019 are related to a change in the software and number of sources processed.

Rating Details (single travel warnings)

These are the individual advisories published by other countries about the destination Mexico from a travellers perspective. The scoring of all messages combined is the foundation for the current rating 3.6 out of 5.0 .

This is the general advisory usually covering the country as a whole.

Advisory issued by: New Zealand

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Mexico due to violent crime and drug-related violence (level 2 of 4).

Source: https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/mexico

This is a regional information covering specific areas of Mexico.

Issued by: New Zealand government

Info: If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Info: Avoid non-essential travel to the states of Chihuahua, Colima (except the city of Manzanillo), Coahuila (except the southern part of the state at and below the Saltillo-Torreón highway corridor), Durango, Guanajuato (Highway 45 between León and Irapuato; the area south of and including Highway 45D between Irapuato and Celaya) , Guerrero (except for the cities of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo and Taxco and the toll road to Taxco), Michoacán (except for the cities of Morelia and Lázaro Cardenas), Morelos (the Lagunas de Zempoala National Park and surrounding areas), Nayarit (the area within 20 km of the border with Sinaloa and Durango; the city of Tepic), Nuevo León (except the city of Monterrey), Sinaloa (except the city of Mazatlán), Sonora (except the cities of Hermosillo and Guaymas/San Carlos and Puerto Peñasco), Tamaulipas and Zacatecas due to the high levels of violent crime in these regions (level 3 of 4). Avoid non-essential travel to the border with Guatemala due violent crime (level 3 of 4).

Advisory issued by: Canada

The Canadian goverment suggests: Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)

Source: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/mexico

Advisory issued by: Finland

Iaktta särskild försiktighet - Brottsligheten är utbredd och ofta våldsam.

Source: https://um.fi/resemeddelande/-/c/MX

Advisory issued by: United States

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 ...

Source: http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/mexico-travel-advisory.html

Individual rating changes for Mexico

This is the recent history of individual changes of travel advices that affected the total asessment of Mexico. Most recent events first.

Changes from September 9th 2020

The total rating for Mexico changed from 4.0 to 3.9 . Here are the influencing details:

The United States government decreased their existing warning for Mexico to 4.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 5.0 (by -1.0).

Changes from August 7th 2020

The total rating for Mexico changed from 3.6 to 4.0 . Here are the influencing details:

The United States government increased their existing warning for Mexico to 5.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 2.0 (by +3.0).

Changes from April 30th 2020

The total rating for Mexico changed from 3.4 to 3.6 . Here are the influencing details:

The Austrian government issued a new warning for Mexico with a rating of 5.0.

Changes from March 23rd 2020

The total rating for Mexico changed from 3.1 to 3.4 . Here are the influencing details:

The Canadian government increased their existing warning for Mexico to 4.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 2.0 (by +2.0).

Changes from March 18th 2020

The total rating for Mexico changed from 3.0 to 3.1 . Here are the influencing details:

The Australian government increased their existing warning for Mexico to 5.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 4.0 (by +1.0).

Changes from March 16th 2020

The total rating for Mexico changed from 2.9 to 3.0 . Here are the influencing details:

The Irish government increased their existing warning for Mexico to 4.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 3.0 (by +1.0).

Changes from March 15th 2020

The total rating for Mexico changed from 2.7 to 2.9 . Here are the influencing details:

The Australian government issued a new warning for Mexico with a rating of 4.0.

Changes from March 14th 2020

The total rating for Mexico changed from 2.5 to 2.7 . Here are the influencing details:

The Danish government increased their existing warning for Mexico to 4.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 3.0 (by +1.0).

Changes from September 26th 2019

The total rating for Mexico changed from 0.0 to 2.5 . Here are the influencing details:

The Danish government issued a new warning for Mexico with a rating of 3.0.

Changes from September 25th 2019

The total rating for Mexico changed from 0.0 to 0.0 . Here are the influencing details:

The United States government issued a new warning for Mexico with a rating of 2.0.

The Canadian government issued a new warning for Mexico with a rating of 2.0.

The New Zealand government issued a new warning for Mexico with a rating of 2.0.

The Irish government issued a new warning for Mexico with a rating of 3.0.

The Finnish government issued a new warning for Mexico with a rating of 3.0.

About Mexico

Mexico with its capital Mexico City is a country in North America (Central America), slightly less than three times the size of Texas (1,972,550 km²). The country is located Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, between Belize and the United States and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Guatemala and the United States. The climate can be described as varies from tropical to desert. The landscape is high, rugged mountains; low coastal plains; high plateaus; desert. With a population of about 109.96 million citizens.

Mexican flag

Introduction Video

Basic Statistics and Facts

Environmental problems and natural hazzards.

These are problems Mexico is facing. Environmental issues refer to damages of the nature due to industry and society. Natural hazzards refer to potential dangers originating in nature.

Environmental problems

• deforestation
• desertification
• deteriorating agricultural lands
• inaccessible and poor quality in center and extreme southeast
• land subsidence in Valley of Mexico caused by groundwater depletion note: the government considers the lack of clean water and deforestation national security issues
• natural freshwater resources scarce and polluted in north
• raw sewage and industrial effluents polluting rivers in urban areas
• rural to urban migration
• scarcity of hazardous waste disposal facilities
• serious air and water pollution in the national capital and urban centers along US-Mexico border
• widespread erosion

Natural hazzards

• tsunamis along the Pacific coast, volcanoes and destructive earthquakes in the center and south, and hurricanes on the Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean coasts
• volcanic activity in the central-southern part of the country; the volcanoes in Baja California are mostly dormant; Colima (3,850 m), which erupted in 2010, is Mexico's most active volcano and is responsible for causing periodic evacuations of nearby vill

Top Industries and Agricultural Products

These are the main product industries and agricultural products of Mexico. This list indicates what this country is good at producing.

• consumer durables
• motor vehicles

Agriculture products

• dairy products

Mexican Imports and Exports

These are the main product categories of imports and exports to and from Mexico.

Export products

• manufactured goods
• oil products

Import products

• agricultural machinery
• aircraft parts
• automobile parts for assembly
• electrical equipment
• metalworking machines
• steel mill products

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current travel advisory for mexico.

Mexico is currently rated at 3,6 out of a possible 5.0. Collected from 7 official sources. Please reconsider your need to travel to Mexico.

Is it safe to travel Mexico in 2024?

The score is rather high ( 3,6 ) and you should avoid all non-essential travel to Mexico. Maybe pick another location.

How many travel advisories do you know for Mexico?

We currently evaluate 11 official sources each morning. Today, we know of active advisories from 7 individual sources for Mexico.

What is the current Corona virus situation in Mexico?

There are currently no officially reported cases of infections with SARS-CoV-2 (or Coronavirus) in Mexico. As reported by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control this morning (~8:30am CET). There are currently no officially reported deaths related to this disease in Mexico.

What is the size of Mexico?

Mexico has a size of 1,972,550 km² or 761,606 mi² which is slightly less than three times the size of Texas.

Common Frequently Asked Questions

For non-country specific questions, please check our global F.A.Q.

Travel safety map for Mexico and bordering countries.

If you want to embed Mexico travel warning information into your website or application, check out these tools.

• Is Mexico safe to travel?
• What's the safety situation in Mexico?
• Are there security warnings for Mexico?

2020-03-10: Integrated data from European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (COVID-19/ SARS-CoV-2/ Coronavirus).

2019-09-01: Added timeline charts for risk level and number of advisories.

2019-07-29: Added two more sources (Finland and Denmark). Affects country ratings.

2019-07-15: South-Sudan was missing and was added today.

2019-05-18: Performance improvements for API users.

2019-03-23: Introduced professional API with more data.

2019-02-13: Added three more sources (Cyprus, Ireland and Malta). Affects country ratings.

What you need to know about traveling to Mexico right now

Aug 31, 2021 • 4 min read

Mexico is open to visitors but restrictions apply in some regions once you're there © Marco Bottigelli/Getty Images

Mexico is open for travel but COVID-19 cases remain stubbornly high, particularly in tourist hot spots. Despite this, the county is continuing to welcome visitors with almost no testing and quarantine restrictions—though local restrictions are in place across individual states through a four-tiered traffic light system.

Travelers should check the regulations and recommendations of their government before planning any travel. Currently the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is recommending that unvaccinated travelers avoid nonessential travel to Mexico . If you're traveling to Mexico, here's what you need to know.

Can I travel to Mexico right now?

Mexico is open to travelers from all around the world and commercial flights are operating in and out of the country. Travelers who go to Mexico are required to complete a health declaration form and scan the QR code it generates on arrival.

Passengers arriving at Mexican airports may be subject to health screenings including temperature checks. Those showing symptoms of COVID-19 could be asked to quarantine. Travelers entering by land may also be subjected to health screenings and temperature checks. Although a COVID-19 test is not required for entry, US travelers will need to take a COVID-19 test  before flying home to the US.

Read more: Best time to visit Mexico

On March 21, 2020 the US and Mexico closed their shared land border to non-essential travel, and those restrictions have been extended every month since. The current land border restrictions are in place until at least September 21, 2021. 

Mexico is on the UK's red list for travel. This means that any UK citizen or resident who arrives into the UK from Mexio will have to quarantine in a government-approved hotel for 10 days upon arrival.

For travel within Mexico, some restrictions on intercity and interstate transit apply, but those details vary from place to place; the US State Department’s Local Resources section has a comprehensive breakdown .

Will I have to quarantine when I arrive in Mexico?

Anyone who shows signs of COVID-19 upon arrival may be returned to their country of origin or asked to voluntarily quarantine , but it’s not mandatory at this time. The government is strongly encouraging preventative measures like social distancing and hand-washing, with masks required in some parts of the country though not all. A full breakdown of measures can be found here .

Where can I get a COVID-19 test in Mexico?

A negative viral COVID-19 test or documentation of recovery is required for anyone traveling by air to the US and they should be performed no more than three days before departure. The US Embassy says results for PCR and antigen tests are reliably available within 72 hours in Mexico. Many hotels, resorts and tour operators provide antigen tests for guests, and some airport have mobile COVID-19 testing stations in departure halls. PCR tests can be performed in hospitals and labortories.

What COVID-19 restrictions apply in Mexico?

Mexico is one of the few countries in the world that doesn't require mandatory testing or self-isolation upon arrival. But that doesn't mean that it's business as usual when you get there. The Mexican government has implemented a four-tier color-coded traffic light ( semáforo) system that corresponds to the level of COVID-19 transmission in each state. What's open depends on the rate of contagion in the area you're visiting. The levels range from green to red , with green for locations where COVID-19 is the least severe and restrictions are at their lowest level. Red is in place for locations where COVID-19 is most severe, and restrictions are at their highest level.

The traffic light system is updated every two weeks and the current restrictions are in place until September 5. However, the Mexican government warns that the classification of each place is subject to change at short notice, especially if there is a sudden increase in transmission.

Read more:  Top 5 road trips in Mexico

Green Level

Chiapas is the only state classified as green. All non-essential businesses are open here without restrictions.

Yellow Level

Baja California , Baja California Sur, Sinaloa, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Guanajuato , and Yucatán are at yellow level.

Under yellow, markets, supermarkets and golf courses can operate at 100% capacity. Hotels, restaurants, cinemas, theaters, beaches, public parks, theme parks, water parks, and tour guide services are typically capped between 50% and 70% capacity.

Orange Level

Sonora , Durango, Zacatecas , San Luis Potosí , Nayarit, Jalisco , Aguascalientes , Veracruz , Querétaro , Michoacán , Estado de Mexico, Ciudad de Mexico , Morelos , Tlaxcala, Oaxaca , Campeche , and Quintana Roo are at orange. Popular tourist resorts of Cancún ,  Tulum and Playa del Carmen are classified as yellow.

Nonessential businesses are open with stricter capacity limits. Hotels, restaurants, beaches, open-air parks, historical sites and gyms are limited to 50% capacity. Markets and supermarkets can operate at up to 75% capacity. While shopping malls, theaters, museums, and cultural events will be limited to 25% capacity.

Colima, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Nuevo Leon, Puebla , Tabasco , and Tamaulipas.

Under red level, only essential businesses and services may operate. Hotels are only open to critical workers. Parks open at 25% capacity. Residents are encouraged to remain at home and face coverings are required in public.

COVID-19 snapshot

This story was first published on August 18, 2020 and last updated on August 31, 2021.

You might also like:

Could Tulum be this year's hotspot for digital nomads? 15 best places to visit in Mexico Where to find cenotes - Mexico's amazing natural swimming holes

This article was first published Aug 19, 2020 and updated Aug 31, 2021.

Explore related stories

Feb 4, 2022 • 3 min read

New Zealand plans to reopen, CDC's 'do not travel' advisory for Mexico, and Yosemite Firefall: Here's your Friday around the planet for the week ending…

Feb 1, 2022 • 3 min read

Jan 28, 2022 • 3 min read

Nov 2, 2021 • 3 min read

Sep 4, 2024 • 14 min read

Sep 3, 2024 • 9 min read

Sep 3, 2024 • 7 min read

Aug 15, 2024 • 11 min read

Aug 7, 2024 • 10 min read

Book with Confidence - we want you to be as confident as possible when planning your next vacation. Learn More >>

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Travel Safety in Mexico

As a Mexico-based company constantly monitoring the safety of travel and tourism in Mexico, we aim to provide current and unbiased information on safety in Mexico.

Below is our latest on travel safety in Mexico plus up-to-date advice on staying safe in Mexico.

Updated: October 02, 2023

Is Mexico Safe?

Mexico continues to experience conflicts between rival criminal organizations in various areas within the country. Though these conflicts can be unpredictable, they are almost always among and between organized crime groups. There has been no evidence the organizations have targeted or are targeting holiday travelers or civilians that are not related to illicit activity, and incidents of concern are virtually non-existent in and around tourist areas.

With proper preparation and information, we feel confident that travel to and within Mexico continues to be a great option. We are confident that those who honor us with the opportunity to serve them will enjoy a secure and memorable travel experience. There is never a guaranty of complete safety when traveling anywhere, even within the US and Europe, yet by working with a trusted and professional destination specialist, like Journey Mexico, travelers minimize risk by relying on experts to keep them in the right places. Living in the destination and ensuring the enjoyable experiences of guests on a daily basis, we understand the environment and monitor the situation constantly.

Our primary goal is client, staff, and partner safety. Furthermore, we are unwilling to operate in environments where we perceive elevated risk and are committed to vigilantly monitoring the local situations throughout the Mexican Republic. Finally, in the unlikely event of an incident, we have well-developed contingency and risk management plans in place.

For those looking to travel to Mexico, we advise only working with reputable, experienced travel professionals with close relationships in the specific destinations they will visit to ensure the best travel experience possible.

Please note: Conditions can change rapidly in a country at any time; we are updating our travel safety information in accordance with the most recent US Department of State Travel Warning for Mexico.

Mexico Travel Safety Map

Mexico travel warning map: This Mexico travel safety map will be updated with changes to Mexico’s travel safety advice

Safety in Mexico by State

Current status: Level 2: Exercise increased caution

Is Aguascalientes safe?

Although criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state, there is no restriction on travel.

Areas to avoid in Aguascalientes

Current status: Level 3: Reconsider travel

Is Baja California safe?

There are currently no restrictions on travel to its major tourist destinations, including Ensenada, Rosarito, and Tijuana. There has been criminal activity and violence in Baja California.

Areas to avoid in Baja California

There are currently no areas to avoid in Baja California, according to the US State Department. However, the US government recommends only traveling on Highway 2D between Mexicali and Tijuana, Los Algodones, and San Luis Rio Colorado during the day. 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.

Baja California Sur

Is baja california sur safe.

There are currently no restrictions on travel within Baja California Sur or its major tourist destinations, including Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, Todos Santos, East Cape, and La Paz.

Areas to avoid in Baja California Sur

Current status: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions

Is Campeche safe?

There are currently no restrictions on travel within Campeche or its major tourist destinations, including Campeche City, Calakmul, and Edzna.

Areas to avoid in Campeche

Is chiapas safe.

There are currently no restrictions on travel within Chiapas or its major tourist destinations including San Cristobal de las Casas, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Comitán, Tapachula, Palenque, Yaxchilán, Bonampak, Toniná, Sumidero Canyon, San Juan Chamula, and Zinacantan.

Areas to avoid in Chiapas

Is chihuahua safe.

The US government recommends reconsidering travel to Chihuahua due to crime in the region.

Areas to avoid in Chihuahua

Current status: Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Is Coahuila safe?

The US government recommends increased caution due to crime.

Areas to avoid in Coahuila

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

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

Current status: Level 4: Do not travel

Is Colima safe?

The US State Department is currently advising against travel to Colima.

Areas to avoid in Colima

Is durango safe.

The US government recommends reconsidering travel to Durango due to crime in the region.

Areas to avoid in Durango

Is guanajuato safe.

There are currently no restrictions on travel to Guanajuato’s major tourist spots such as Guanajuato City,  San Miguel de Allende and surrounding areas.

Areas to avoid in Guanajuato

Is guerrero safe.

The US government currently advises against traveling to Guerrero, including Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa, and Taxco.

Areas to avoid in Guerrero

Is hidalgo safe.

There are currently no restrictions on travel to Hidalgo, including major tourist spots such as the city of Hidalgo.

Areas to avoid in Hidalgo

Is jalisco safe.

There are currently no restrictions on visiting the major tourist hotspots of the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, the Riviera Nayarit including Puerto Vallarta , Chapala, and Ajijic. However, the US government does recommend rethinking travel to Jalisco otherwise due to violence between criminal groups.

Areas to avoid in Jalisco

Is mexico city safe.

There are currently no restrictions on travel to Mexico City , including Polanco, La Roma, Santa Fe, San Angel, Coyoacán, La Condesa, Chapultepec Park, Basilica de Guadalupe, the city center, and Xochimilco.

Areas to avoid in Mexico City

Is michoacán safe.

The US State Department is currently advising against travel to Michoacán.

Areas to avoid in Michoacán

Is morelos safe.

The US government currently has no restrictions on traveling to Morelos. However, it does recommend rethinking travel to the state due to violent crime and gang activity.

Areas to avoid in Morelos

Is nayarit safe.

There are currently no restrictions on visiting the major tourist towns of Riviera Nayarit (including Nuevo Vallarta, Punta Mita, and the Bahia de Banderas).

Areas to avoid in Nayarit

Is nuevo leon safe.

There are no restrictions on travel  in Nuevo Leon state.

Areas to avoid in Nuevo Leon

Is oaxaca safe.

The US government has no restrictions on travel to the tourist areas of Oaxaca City, Monte Alban, Puerto Escondido, and Huatulco.

Areas to avoid in Oaxaca

Is puebla safe.

The US government has no restrictions on travel to Puebla, including the tourist areas of Puebla City, San Andres Cholula, and San Pedro Cholula.

Areas to avoid in Puebla

Is queretaro safe.

The US government has no restrictions on travel to Queretaro, including the tourist areas of Queretaro City and Bernal.

Areas to avoid in Queretaro

Is quintana roo safe.

The US government has no restrictions on travel to Quintana Roo, including the tourist areas of Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Mayakoba, Akumal, Isla Mujeres, Puerto Aventuras, Cozumel, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, and Xpu-Ha.

Travelers 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.

Areas to avoid in Quintana Roo

Is san luis potosi safe.

There are no restrictions on travel to San Luis Potosi.

Areas to avoid in San Luis Potosi

Is sinaloa safe.

The US State Department is currently advising against travel to Sinaloa.

Areas to avoid in Sinaloa

Is sonora safe.

The US State Department recommends reconsidering travel to Sonora.

Areas to avoid in Sonora

Is tabasco safe.

The US government has no restrictions on travel to Tabasco.

Areas to avoid in Tabasco

Is tamaulipas safe.

The US government currently recommends avoiding travel to the state of Tamaulipas.

Areas to avoid in Tamaulipas

Is tlaxcala safe.

The US government has no restrictions on travel to Tlaxcala, including the tourist areas of Tlaxcala City.

Areas to avoid in Tlaxcala

Is veracruz safe.

The US government has no restrictions on travel to Veracruz, including the tourist areas of Veracruz City and Tajin.

Areas to avoid in Veracruz

Current status: Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

Is Yucatan safe?

The US government has no restrictions on travel to the Yucatan , including Merida, Chichen Itza, Isla Holbox, Ek Balam, Valladolid, Izamal, and Uxmal.

Areas to avoid in Yucatan

Current status: Level 4: Do Not Travel

Is Zacatecas safe?

The US government currently advises travelers to reconsider travel due to violent crime, extortion,  and gang activity.

Areas to avoid in Zacatecas

Pickpocketing and theft in mexico.

As in all tourist destinations, travelers should be vigilant of pickpocketing and theft in Mexico, particularly in crowded areas and major cities.

While the majority of tourists experience no problems when traveling in Mexico, incidents do occur. Reduce the risk of becoming a victim of pickpocketing, theft, and robbery by following these tips:

• Avoid displaying expensive items in public – Expensive items or items with high value should be left at home. Avoid wearing expensive watches and jewelry in public and keep smartphones, wallets, passports, and laptops hidden from view where possible.
• Limit the amount of cash you carry – Only take out a relatively small amount of cash and avoid display your cash in public.
• Keep an eye on your luggage/bags at all times – Keep bags and handbags by your side at all times, never leaving them unattended. If you need to put your bag down, place it between your legs, and make sure to keep an eye on it.
• Use ATMs in more secure locations – Avoid using ATMs in unlit and deserted areas. Stick to using ATMs in areas where there are plenty of people, but always be vigilant.
• Use private transportation – If possible, hire private transportation from a reputable company. If you’re traveling with Journey Mexico, that comes as standard. However, if you’re going to use public transportation, be extra vigilant and try to travel first class where possible.
• Avoid unlit and deserted areas – Avoid walking in unlit and deserted areas, where possible.
• Trust your instincts – Finally, trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in an area, then it’s wise to remove yourself from that situation.

Natural Disasters in Mexico

Mexico enjoys an extremely diverse landscape and climate, which is part of the attraction for many tourists. However, natural disasters in Mexico do occur on an irregular basis. While the vast majority of travelers will completely avoid any form of disaster, it is wise to acquaint yourself with the issues.

Earthquakes

Mexico does experience seismic activity from time to time with tremors occurring more regularly in the states of Oaxaca and Guerrero, according to the UK government . While earthquakes shouldn’t put you off visiting Mexico, make sure you acquaint yourself with the US government’s practical advice on being caught in an earthquake .

When you come to Mexico, you should also follow the Mexican Seismic Alert System on Twitter , which gives regular updates on earthquakes and drills.

Hurricane season in Mexico runs from June to November and can hit both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. While the vast majority of tourists are completely safe, make sure to follow local safety advice. Weather updates can be found on the US National Hurricane Center website.

Tsunamis in Mexico are rare – there have only been 24 tidal waves since 1732, according to WorldData.info . However, if you’re heading to a coastal region in Mexico it’s worth reading through the US government’s tsunami safety advice before you go.

Mexico Safety Advice from Your Government

For US citizens: www.travel.state.gov

For Canadian citizens: www.travel.gc.ca

For UK citizens: www.gov.uk

For Australian citizens: www.smartraveller.gov.au

For New Zealand citizens: www.safetravel.govt.nz

Please note: Tourists should always check and follow the safety advice of their national government before going to Mexico. While we aim to update the information on this page at the beginning of each month, it may be that the information currently displayed is not the latest information available. For that reason, always check with your national government before traveling to Mexico.

• Baja California
• Mexico City
• Pacific Coast
• Colonial Mexico
• Yucatan Peninsula
• Riviera Maya, Tulum, & Cancun
• San Miguel de Allende
• Puerto Vallarta & Punta de Mita
• Copper Canyon & N. Mexico
• Guadalajara & Tequila
• Off the Beaten Path
• Romance & Honeymoon
• Art & Native Crafts
• Active Adventures
• Nature & Wildlife
• Landscapes of Mexico
• Food & Wine
• Air Expeditions
• Family Vacations
• Executive Retreats
• Private Villas
• Weekend Escapes
• Summer Travel
• Day of The Dead
• Luxury Hotels & Resorts
• Private Villas & Residences
• Chable Hotels
• Special Offers
• Why Journey Mexico?
• Why Custom-Made Itineraries?
• Testimonials
• Travel Safety
• Sustainable Tourism
• When to visit

You are using an outdated browser. Upgrade your browser today or install Google Chrome Frame to better experience this site.

Mexico Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Mexico. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Updated   Global Dengue August 14, 2024 Dengue is a year-round risk in many parts of the world, with outbreaks commonly occurring every 2–5 years. Travelers to risk areas should prevent mosquito bites. Destination List: Afghanistan, and Austral Islands (Tubuai and Rurutu), and Bora-Bora), Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands, El Salvador, French Guiana (France), French Polynesia, including the island groups of Society Islands (Tahiti, Ghana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Iran, Laos, Mali, Marquesas Islands (Hiva Oa and Ua Huka), Mauritius, Mexico, Moorea, Panama, Samoa, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Uruguay
• Salmonella Newport in Mexico May 30, 2024 Some travelers who have spent time in Mexico have been infected with multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella Newport.
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in Mexico March 12, 2024 There have been reports of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) in people traveling to the United States from Tecate, in the state of Baja California, Mexico.

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil
• Avoid floodwater

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites, chagas disease (american trypanosomiasis).

• Accidentally rub feces (poop) of the triatomine bug into the bug bite, other breaks in the skin, your eyes, or mouth
• From pregnant woman to her baby, contaminated blood products (transfusions), or contaminated food or drink.
• Avoid Bug Bites

Chagas disease

• Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite
• An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

Avian/bird flu.

• Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
• Avoid domestic and wild poultry
• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Mexico, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Mexico. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Some diseases in Mexico—such as dengue, Zika, leishmaniasis, and Chagas disease—are spread by bugs and cannot be prevented with a vaccine. Follow the insect avoidance measures described above to prevent these and other illnesses.

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Mexico include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Mexico. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Mexico’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Mexico. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Mexico may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Mexico, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

For information traffic safety and road conditions in Mexico, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for Mexico .

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

To call for emergency services while in Mexico, dial 066, 060, or 080. Write these numbers down to carry with you during your trip.

Learn as much as you can about Mexico before you travel there. A good place to start is the country-specific information on Mexico from the US Department of State.

Americans in Mexico have been arrested for purchasing souvenirs that were, or looked like, antiques and that local customs authorities believed were national treasures. Familiarize yourself with any local regulations for antiques and follow these tips:

• When you are considering purchasing an authentic antique or a reproduction, ask if you are allowed to export these items before you purchase them.
• If you buy a reproduction, document on the customs form that it is a reproduction.
• If you buy an authentic antique, obtain the necessary export permit (often from the national museum).

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Mexico for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

Other Destinations

If you need help finding travel information:

Message & data rates may apply. CDC Privacy Policy

File Formats Help:

• Adobe PDF file
• Microsoft PowerPoint file
• Microsoft Word file
• Microsoft Excel file
• Audio/Video file
• Apple Quicktime file
• RealPlayer file
• Zip Archive file

• Skip to main content
• Skip to "About this site"

Language selection

Search travel.gc.ca.

Help us to improve our website. Take our survey !

Travel advice and advisories by destination

COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

The Government of Canada’s official source of travel information and advice, the Travel Advice and Advisories help you to make informed decisions and travel safely while you are outside Canada. Check the page for your destination often, because safety and security conditions may change. See Travel Advice and Advisories – FAQ for more information.

Where are you going?

Take normal security precautions

Exercise a high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Travel advice from other countries

Travel advice is also provided by the governments of Australia , New Zealand , the United Kingdom and the United States .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Share this page:

New Zealand Travel Advisory

Travel advisory september 8, 2023, new zealand - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with removal of major event information.          

Exercise normal precautions in New Zealand.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to New Zealand.

If you decide to travel to New Zealand:

• 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 .   
• Review the  Country Security Report  for New Zealand.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .  

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, new zealand map, search for travel advisories, external link.

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

Current travel advisories for Mexico

Hinweis: der Gesamtscore für dieses Land gibt aktuell einen falschen Wert aus. Bitte prüft die Quellen. Note: the total score for this country shows a wrong value. Please check the sources.

Last Update: Tuesday, 13. August 2024 at 08:21

• World Overview
• North America
• Central America

Please reconsider your need to travel to Mexico.

Current situation : 3.6 / 5, bordering countries: 3.0 / 5.

Mexico shares land borders with 3 neighbouring states. For this country, the Danger Index is 3.0 (average value for all countries). All countries habe been reported as somehow dangerous: Guatemala (3.4), Belize with (3.0) and United States with (2.7 of 5). See danger map of the region.

Current informationen on Covid-19

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control currently reports of no cases of COVID-19 (infection with SARS-CoV-2 or Coronavirus).

Source: www.ecdc.europa.eu

Single advisories / travel warnings

New zealand government.

Quelle: https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/mexico

National warning: This advisory covers the whole country.

Brief summary: Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Mexico due to violent crime and drug-related violence (level 2 of 4).

Danger level: 2

Exercise increased caution / Some Risk.

https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/mexico

Regional warning: This advisory covers a specific region.

Brief summary: If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Reisewarnstufe: 0

Brief summary: Avoid non-essential travel to the states of Chihuahua, Colima (except the city of Manzanillo), Coahuila (except the southern part of the state at and below the Saltillo-Torreón highway corridor), Durango, Guanajuato (Highway 45 between León and Irapuato; the area south of and including Highway 45D between Irapuato and Celaya) , Guerrero (except for the cities of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo and Taxco and the toll road to Taxco), Michoacán (except for the cities of Morelia and Lázaro Cardenas), Morelos (the Lagunas de Zempoala National Park and surrounding areas), Nayarit (the area within 20 km of the border with Sinaloa and Durango; the city of Tepic), Nuevo León (except the city of Monterrey), Sinaloa (except the city of Mazatlán), Sonora (except the cities of Hermosillo and Guaymas/San Carlos and Puerto Peñasco), Tamaulipas and Zacatecas due to the high levels of violent crime in these regions (level 3 of 4). Avoid non-essential travel to the border with Guatemala due violent crime (level 3 of 4).

Reisewarnstufe: 4

Avoid non-essential travel / High Risk.

Canadian government

Quelle: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/mexico

Brief summary: The Canadian goverment suggests: Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)

Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories).

Finnish government

Quelle: https://um.fi/resemeddelande/-/c/MX

Brief summary: Iaktta särskild försiktighet - Brottsligheten är utbredd och ofta våldsam.

Danger level: 3

Travel with higher caution..

US American government

Quelle: http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/mexico-travel-advisory.html

Brief summary: 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.

Danger level: 4

If there is more than one advisory/message of a single government for a given country, it indicates regional differences in means of security for your personal health and well-being. Single messages can indicate specific regions to be safer or less safe as mentioned in the main advisory. In these cases it's advisable to consult your own governments information. Additional Disclaimer: Since the evaluation is an automated process, it can only provide first steps for your own research. Please make sure to consult the sources.

Warnindex Description

Advertising

Country information

Country flag.

Basic facts

Airports in Mexico (extern)

Frequently asked questions

This section gives some brief answers to common questions regarding travel safety in Mexico.

Is Mexico safe to travel in 2020?

There are some travel advisories for Mexico. With a risk index of 3.6 out of 5 possible point, we suggest you consult your local authorities before booking a flight.

How many countries have issued advisories for Mexico?

We currently know of 7 countries having issued advisories for Mexico.

What countries does Mexico share land borders with?

• Today's news
• Reviews and deals
• Climate change
• 2024 election
• Newsletters
• Fall allergies
• Health news
• Mental health
• Sexual health
• Family health
• So mini ways
• Unapologetically
• Buying guides
• Labor Day sales

Entertainment

• How to Watch
• My watchlist
• Stock market
• Biden economy
• Personal finance
• Stocks: most active
• Stocks: gainers
• Stocks: losers
• Trending tickers
• World indices
• US Treasury bonds
• Top mutual funds
• Highest open interest
• Highest implied volatility
• Currency converter
• Basic materials
• Communication services
• Consumer cyclical
• Consumer defensive
• Financial services
• Industrials
• Real estate
• Mutual funds
• Credit cards
• Balance transfer cards
• Cash back cards
• Rewards cards
• Travel cards
• Online checking
• High-yield savings
• Money market
• Home equity loan
• Personal loans
• Student loans
• Options pit
• Fantasy football
• Pro Pick 'Em
• College Pick 'Em
• Fantasy baseball
• Fantasy hockey
• Fantasy basketball
• Download the app
• Daily fantasy
• Scores and schedules
• GameChannel
• World Baseball Classic
• Premier League
• CONCACAF League
• Champions League
• Motorsports
• Horse racing

New on Yahoo

• Privacy Dashboard

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 .

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Travel advisory 2024: What to know on U.S. spring break trips to Mexico

Recommended Stories

Angels' ben joyce comes 0.3 mph short of fastest pitch ever recorded.

The Angels flamethrower struck out the Dodgers' Tommy Edman with some ridiculous heat.

Chicago Sky's Diamond DeShields responds to toxic fan after hard foul on Caitlin Clark

An incident involving Cailtin Clark and the Sky got ugly. Again.

A Minecraft Movie trailer gives us our first look at Jason Momoa and Jack Black ahead of its 2025 release

It's finally coming to theaters.

Data Dump Wednesday: 10 stats you need to know for Week 1 | Yahoo Fantasy Forecast

Week 1 has arrived and so has our new Wednesday show. Matt Harmon and Sal Vetri debut 'Data Dump Wednesday' by sharing 10 data points you need to know for Week 1 to maximize your fantasy lineups.

Only Amazon Prime members can score these 7 secret deals, starting at just $9

Insider-only bargains include a $20 water flosser (that's 50% off) and $25 off a Samsonite carry-on with a 16,000-person fan club.

49ers' Ricky Pearsall released from hospital after being shot in chest in San Francisco

Ricky Pearsall was shot during an alleged attempted robbery in San Francisco on Saturday afternoon.

South Carolina basketball star Ashlyn Watkins reportedly arrested on assault, kidnapping charges

Watkins averaged 9.2 points and 7.4 rebounds last season while helping the Gamecocks to a national championship.

The iOS 18 release date is this month but is your iPhone compatible? Here are the eligible devices and new features

Apple's latest software, including Apple Intelligence features, won't be available for every iPhone user. We'll explain who's getting left out this year.

Burning Man 2024 photos: Dust storms, art installations and the creative community on vibrant display

The festival welcomed tens of thousands of Burners to the desert.

Ford recalls 90,736 vehicles due to engine valve issue

Ford will recall 90,736 vehicles as engine intake valves in the vehicles may break while driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

10 bold fantasy predictions for 2024 NFL season | Yahoo Fantasy Forecast

Week 1 and the NFL season have arrived and we are so ready for it. Matt Harmon and Andy Behrens reveal our fall pod calendar with three new weekly shows and co-hosts. While the rest of this week's pods will focus on Week 1, consider this pod our final full season preview of the year. Harmon and Behrens share their five boldest fantasy predictions for the 2024 season.

Yankees have a closer problem, Justin Verlander's quest for 300 wins | Baseball Bar-B-Cast

Jake Mintz & Jordan Shusterman talk about the Yankees' closer problem with Clay Holmes, Shohei Ohtani returning to Anaheim, Ben Joyce throwing 105.5 and Justin Verlander’s quest for 300 career wins.

UFC 306: Betting odds are shifting for Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili

UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley and challenger Merab Dvalishvili are now essentially even.

Jenn Tran's final pick on shocking 'Bachelorette' finale, Phoenix's heat milestone, and a historic U.S. Open men's semifinal

Get caught up on this morning’s news: A dramatic ‘Bachelorette’ finale, Phoenix’s heat milestone and more in today’s edition of The Yodel newsletter

Trump keeps saying some states allow the execution of babies ‘after birth.’ They don’t. Here’s how that falsehood got started.

Twice in the past week alone, former President Donald Trump has pushed his often-repeated falsehood that some U.S. states, in their zeal to protect abortion rights, allow for the killing of babies after they are born.

Former NBA PG Rajon Rondo pleads guilty to gun charge in Indiana, won't serve jail time

Rondo changed his plea to guilty following a Second Amendment ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court.

A creepy, sonar-like sound coming through Starliner’s speaker posed a brief mystery on the ISS

On Saturday, astronaut Butch Wilmore alerted NASA’s Mission Control about an unexplained “strange noise” coming from a speaker in the spacecraft. An audio clip of the conversation was shared on a NASASpaceflight forum by meteorologist Rob Dale.

'Bachelorette' fans call out ABC for 'cruel,' 'unnecessary' finale after Jenn Tran was forced to watch proposal with ex Devin Strader

"The Bachelorette" finale — as Jenn Tran revealed Devin Strader broke off their engagement via phone — was truly the most dramatic ever.

Here come the Astros AGAIN, Phillies take care of the Braves, Yankees struggle | Baseball Bar-B-Cast

Jake Mintz & Jordan Shusterman discuss the Houston Astros being in great shape for a World Series title run, the Phillies-Braves being one of the best rivalries in baseball, the Yankees struggles and the Brewers in cruise control.

Stock market today: Dow slides 600 points, Nasdaq sinks 3% as Nvidia leads chip sell-off

Wall Street is hunkering down after a roller-coaster August, with the prospect of a potentially stormy September ahead.

• aid.govt.nz
• mfat.govt.nz
• NZ Embassies

Official advice for New Zealanders living and travelling overseas

• Before you go
• Quick checklist and tips
• Disability information
• Dual Citizenship
• Going to Australia?
• LGBTQIA+ travellers
• Staying healthy while travelling
• Passports and visas
• Solo travellers
• Travel insurance
• Travelling with a criminal conviction
• Work and income benefits
• Travel advisories
• By destination
• Central Asia
• Central/South America
• Travel tips - travel to Europe
• Middle East
• North America
• Travel tips - travel to the United States
• South East Asia
• About our advisories
• Travel advisory risk levels
• News features
• When things go wrong
• Arrest and detention
• Contingency planning for New Zealanders overseas
• Financial difficulties
• Hostage taking and kidnapping
• Illness and injury
• Internet dating scams
• Internet fraud and international scams
• Large-scale emergency
• Lost, stolen or damaged passport
• Missing persons
• Nuclear incident
• Victims of crime
• Family issues
• Child abductions
• Combating sex crimes against children
• Inter-country adoptions
• Travelling with children
• Our services
• New Zealand embassy locator
• Register/update your travel plans
• Subscribe to travel advisories

Mexico City

Type: Embassy

Street Address: Jaime Balmes No 8, 4th Floor, Los Morales, Polanco, Mexico D.F. 11510

Postal Address:

Telephone: +52 55 5283 9460

Alternate Telephone:

Mobile Number:

Emergency Number:

Fax Number: +52 55 5283 9480

Hours: Mon - Fri 0930 - 1400

Covers Country:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade 195 Lambton Quay Private Bag 18 901 Wellington 5045 New Zealand

• About this site
• Accessibility