MexicoTravel Advice & Safety

Updated:03 October 2025
Still Valid:Yes
Latest update:We continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico overall due to the threat of violent crime. We also continue to advise reconsider your need to travel to the states of Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Guanajuato, Sonora, Colima and Chiapas. Plan your travel carefully. Don’t travel at night outside major cities. Use major toll roads wherever possible or access cities directly by air travel. Other travel options and routes may have higher security risks. 
 

We advise: Exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico overall due to the threat of violent crime. Higher levels apply in some areas.

Advice Levels

Level 3

Reconsider your need to travel to:

  • Chiapas State (except Palenque, if accessed by highway from Villahermosa, Tuxtla-Gutierrez, or by air, and San Cristobal de las Casas, if accessed by highway from Tuxtla-Gutierrez)
  • Chihuahua State (except Chihuahua City and the Copper Canyon rail route)
  • Colima State (except Manzanillo if accessed by air)
  • Guanajuato State (except Federal Highway 45D, and areas of the State to the North-East of Federal Highway 45D)
  • Guerrero State (except Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo if accessed by air)
  • Michoacán (except Federal Highway 15D if transiting the state, Morelia by land if accessed from Federal Highway 15D via Federal Highways 43 or 48D, and Lazaro Cardenas by air only)
  • North-western Durango, Sinaloa State (except Mazatlan and Los Mochis if accessed by air, and the Copper Canyon rail route)
  • Sonora State (except Hermosillo, Guaymas/San Carlos and Puerto Penasco, if accessed by air)
  • Tamaulipas State (except Tampico if accessed by air), and
  • Zacatecas.

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

Level 2

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

Full Advice

  • Mexico has a high risk of violent crime, including murder, armed robbery, sexual assault, and kidnapping. Carjackers and armed robbers may target people travelling at traffic lights. Don’t travel at night outside major cities. Drug-related violence is widespread.
  • Plan your travel carefully. Don’t travel at night outside major cities. Use major toll roads wherever possible or access cities directly by air travel. Other travel options and routes may have higher security risks.
  • Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks. See our advice on partying safely while overseas.
  • Kidnapping and extortion are serious risks. Don’t draw attention to your money or business affairs.
  • Stop at all roadblocks, or you risk getting killed.
  • Avoid protests and large public gatherings. These can become violent. It’s against the law for foreigners to participate in political activity.
  • Petty crime, including robbery at ATMs, is common. Only use ATMs in secure areas, such as hotels, banks and shopping centres during daytime.
  • The hurricane season is June to November. Hurricanes can cause landslides, mudslides, and flooding. Know where your nearest shelter is. Follow the advice of local authorities. 
  • 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.
  • 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. LGBTQIA+ travellers should consider limiting public displays of affection.
  • If you plan to take part in commercial or altruistic surrogacy arrangements in Mexico, be aware of all legal and other risks involved. Get comprehensive and independent legal advice from a Mexican lawyer with specialisation in this area of law. For further details see the ‘Surrogacy’ section in the full advice.
  • Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Mexico for the latest details.
  • To cross the land border between Mexico and the United States, you must provide a verbal attestation for your reason for travel. Make sure you receive an entry stamp in your passport.
  • 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.

Depending on what you need, contact your:

  • family and friends
  • travel agent
  • insurance provider
  • employer
  • airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 911.

Medical emergencies

Call 911 or go to the hospital.

Police

Call 911 or go to the local police station.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.