Mexico remains a perennial spring break destination, with a surge in student visitors in March and April, particularly in tourist hotspots like Cancun and Puerto Peñasco, which boasts the closest beach to Arizona.
The question of whether travelers can feel safe while traveling there comes up nearly every year.
The U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico recently warned Americans to avoid travel to the Mexican state of Tamaulipas and four cities within the state because of violent crime related to drug cartels. The State Department issues different advisory levels for each Mexican state rather than for the country as a whole.
Here’s what they advise if you plan to visit Mexico.
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Is it safe to travel in Mexico right now?
The answer depends on what part of Mexico you plan to visit.
As of Monday, Feb. 3, the State Department had Level 4 travel advisories, meaning “do not travel,” for six Mexican states:
- Zacatecas
- Colima
- Guerrero
- Michoacan
- Sinaloa
- Tamaulipas
When the State Department issues a Level 4 warning, it means traveling there presents the highest risk of life-threatening danger and little to no ability for the U.S. government to assist when an emergency occurs.
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico issued an updated warning for Tamaulipas on Jan. 27, citing crime and kidnapping in four cities: Reynosa, Rio Bravo, Valle Hermoso and San Fernando. It also issued a security alert on Monday, Feb. 3.
The U.S. Embassy warned of “increasingly frequent gun battles” during late nights and early mornings in Reynosa and surrounding areas. It also stated improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were found in and around dirt roads and secondary roads in Reynosa, Rio Bravo, Valle Hermoso and San Fernando, adding IEDs are “increasingly manufactured and used by criminal organizations in this region.”
Violence in Tamaulipas made national news in 2023 when four Americans traveling to Mexico for cosmetic surgery were kidnapped in the city of Matamoros. Two were killed in the crossfire of rival groups; the others returned to the U.S., one of whom was wounded in the leg.
What is the safest part of Mexico for tourists?
The states of Campeche and Yucatan, the latter including the famed archaeological site Chichén Itzá, are the only places in Mexico at the lowest possible advisory from the State Department.
Both have a Level 1 advisory, which means travelers should exercise normal precautions. While these are the least risky places to travel to, travelers must still be aware that there is some risk in any international travel.
Campeche and Yucatan are close to the state of Quintana Roo, which includes Cancun, Tulum and Playa Del Carmen. The State Department classifies Quintana Roo as a Level 2, which means travelers should exercise increased caution.
Is it safe to go to Puerto Peñasco right now?
Puerto Peñasco, also known as Rocky Point, is a popular travel spot for Arizonans as the closest beach from metro Phoenix. It’s located about 213 miles away, closer than Los Angeles or San Diego.
The coastal resort town and fishing village in the Mexican state of Sonora has a reputation as a safe destination. But travelers must still use caution on their visits.
Sonora is under a Level 3 advisory by the State Department, which means reconsider travel because of serious safety and security risks.
“Sonora is a key location used by the international drug trade and human trafficking networks,” according to the State Department. “Violent crime is widespread. U.S. citizens and (lawful permanent residents) have been victims of kidnapping. Travelers should maintain a heightened level of awareness of their surroundings in all their travels in Sonora. Security incidents may occur in any area of Sonora.”
When visiting Puerto Peñasco, travelers should follow safety precautions that include only using Federal Highway 8 via the Lukeville Port of Entry and only driving during daylight hours.
Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at [email protected].
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