Key facts
- The U.S. State Department issued an updated travel advisory for Americans traveling to Mexico.
- The advisory warns of risks including terrorism, crime, and kidnapping on popular travel routes.
- Six Mexican states are under a Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory.
- Several other states, including Jalisco (home to Guadalajara), are under a Level 3 advisory.
- Mexico City and Nuevo León (home to Monterrey) remain at Level 2.
- The advisory recommends avoiding travel between cities after dark and using official transportation.
The U.S. State Department has updated its travel advisory for Americans planning international trips this summer, particularly those intending to travel to Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The advisory, maintained at a Level 2 ('Exercise Increased Caution'), highlights concerns regarding terrorism, crime, and kidnapping. Specific risks mentioned include homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, sexual assault, and robbery, with the U.S. government's ability to provide emergency assistance potentially limited in remote areas. Six states—Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas—are designated Level 4 ('Do Not Travel'). Baja California, Chihuahua, Guanajuato, and Jalisco are at Level 3 ('Reconsider Travel'). Mexico City and Nuevo León (hosting Monterrey) are at Level 2, while Jalisco (hosting Guadalajara) is Level 3. The advisory advises against traveling between cities after dark, recommends using dispatched taxis or app-based services, and warns against traveling alone in remote areas. Travelers are urged to comply with security checkpoints, as ignoring instructions could lead to harm. The State Department encourages enrollment in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), reviewing local laws, monitoring embassy alerts, and purchasing travel insurance.