It's been months since the U.S. State Department updated its travel advisory for Mexico, one of the few countries broken down by states rather than an all-encompassing advisory.
The key takeaway from the latest guidance is that most of Mexico's premier tourist destinations are safe to visit this summer, with crime being the top concern like most places around the globe.
Yucatan is one of two states that receive a Level 1 advisory this June, meaning visitors to this Mexican Caribbean hotspot can exercise normal precautions in beloved places such as Chichen Itza and Merida.
However, most Mexican states—like the majority of countries around the world—are currently listed at Level 2 due to the potential for crime. These notable states include Baja California Sur (Los Cabos, La Paz, Todos Santos), Coahuila, Mexico City, Nayarit, Oaxaca, Puebla and Quintana Roo (Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel and Tulum).
Jalisco—home to the popular cities of Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara—is one of seven states that have received a Level 3 travel advisory.
Officials warn of the potential threat of crime and kidnapping. However, the State Department clarifies that "there are no other restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Jalisco state which includes tourist areas in: Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, Puerto Vallarta (including neighboring Riviera Nayarit), Chapala and Ajijic."
The same goes for U.S. government employees in Guanajuato state, which includes the popular tourist area of San Miguel de Allende, which was named the best city in the world by Travel + Leisure readers last year.
Olas Altas in Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico. (Photo Credit: Sinaloa Secretary of Tourism)
For a map of restricted areas, travelers can visit the official site of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico.
Many travelers visiting Mexico will be staying at tourist-friendly hotels and all-inclusive resorts, which continue to be safe. For those who do venture off the property, the State Department advises practicing common sense.
Visitors should also keep family back home aware of their plans, avoid traveling at night, exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs and casinos and avoid displaying signs of wealth like wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
Regardless of destination, travelers are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts that make it easier to be located in an emergency.
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