The Latest Travel Guidance for Top Tourist Destinations in Mexico

Image: Hotel District, Cancun, Mexico. (photo via YinYang / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Image: Hotel District, Cancun, Mexico. (photo via YinYang / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 2:00 PM ET, Wed April 12, 2023

Mexico remains one of the world's most-visited countries and for a multitude of reasons, including its range of diverse offerings and experiences, accessibility, affordability and safety.

Tourists exercising common sense in many of Mexico's most popular destinations have little to worry about. However, it's always wise to read up on the latest U.S. State Department guidance for travelers ahead of your visit. 

Here's a look at the latest travel advice for the country's most popular regions.

Baja California Sur

Baja California Sur, the Mexican state most well-known for beloved travel destinations such as Los Cabos, La Paz and Loreto, among others, is listed at Level 2 heading into the peak summer travel period, with officials advising visitors to exercise increased caution due to crime. "There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Baja California Sur state, which includes tourist areas in: Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and La Paz," officials note.

Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico. (photo via grandriver / E+)

Guanajuato

While the State Department encourages travelers to reconsider travel to the central Mexican state of Guanajuato, specifically the areas south of Federal Highway 45D, it also points out that there are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in the state, including tourist areas such as San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City.

Jalisco

U.S. government officials warn of the potential for crime and kidnapping in Jalisco but there continue to be no restrictions on U.S government employees in the state, including those in tourist-friendly areas such as the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area and Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding Riviera Nayarit.

Downtown Puerto Vallarta with cruise ship in the background.

Downtown Puerto Vallarta with cruise ship in the background. (Photo via iStock/Getty Images Plus/YinYang)

Mexico City

The State Department advises that Americans exercise increased caution when visiting Mexico's capital city due to crime. Travelers should brush up on some important things to know before visiting Mexico City.

Nuevo Leon

Travelers planning a getaway to Monterrey in the state of Nuevo Leon, which is now more connected to the U.S., can do so with peace of mind as the region is also listed at Level 2, meaning visitors should exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping.

There are currently no restrictions on U.S. government personnel in Nuevo Leon.

Quintana Roo

Perhaps the most popular Mexican state for tourists, Quintana Roo currently receives a Level 2 travel advisory from the U.S. State Department, with officials encouraging visitors to Cancun, the Riviera Maya and other popular Mexican Caribbean destinations to exercise increased caution due to the potential for crime and kidnapping.

Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

Playa del Carmen, Mexico. (photo via YinYang / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

"There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo state, which include tourist areas in: Cancun, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and the Riviera Maya," the State Department says. "However, personnel are advised to exercise increased situational awareness after dark in downtown areas of Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen, and to remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones."

Yucatan

Quintana Roo's neighbor state, Yucatan is one of two Mexican states to be listed at Level 1 this spring. That's more good news for travelers hoping to explore this vibrant peninsula, who can do so while exercising normal precautions. Likewise, there are no restrictions on American government employees traveling to Chichen Itza, Merida, Uxmal or Valladolid.


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Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

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