State Department Updates Mexico Travel Advisory, Tourist Hotspots Still Safe

Image: PHOTO: Scenic view of Puerto Vallarta. (photo courtesy of axl5188/iStock/Getty Images Plus) (axl5188 / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Image: PHOTO: Scenic view of Puerto Vallarta. (photo courtesy of axl5188/iStock/Getty Images Plus) (axl5188 / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 10:41 AM ET, Thu November 15, 2018

The United States Department of State has issued an updated travel advisory for Mexico, but all of the areas popular with tourists have still been deemed safe.

According to the State Department's official website, the warning level for Mexico remains at Level 2, with officials advising travelers to exercise increased caution in the country due to crime in certain areas.

While some states in Mexico have been deemed safety risks, earning Level 3 and 4 distinctions due to crime, the U.S. government has said resort regions such as Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, Puerto Vallarta and more are still safe despite a recent murder of an American tourist over a mile outside Playa del Carmen's resort area.

The popular tourist destination of Quintana Roo, with its lush beaches and resorts in Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and the Riviera Maya, are also exempt from the government restrictions.

In addition, the top destinations in the Yucatan state, including Chichen Itza, Merida, Uxmal and Valladolid, are all considered safe. Baja California and Baja California Sur have also been deemed worthy of travel.

While the U.S. government has warned travelers and employees to avoid certain regions of the country, states like Guerrero, Sinaloa and Tamaulipas are not popular tourist hotspots anyway.

Officials have provided tips for anyone traveling to another country to avoid issues, including exercising increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs and casinos; not displaying signs of wealth; and avoiding driving at night.


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Donald Wood

Donald Wood

Managing Editor

Donald Wood is TravelPulse’s Managing Editor, bringing nearly 15 years of experience to the desk. He currently lives outside Philadelphia with his wife and two children.

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