State Department Updates Mexico Travel Warning; Tourist Destinations Remain Safe

As of August 15, the US State Department has updated its travel warning to Mexico. The warning cautions US citizens against traveling to certain places in Mexico due to threats to safety and security. While the list of places to avoid has grown, all major tourist destinations are still deemed safe for travel. 

The warning acknowledges that each year millions of citizens safely visit Mexico for stuy, tourism and business, including more than 150,000 who cross the border daily. “Nevertheless, US travelers should be aware that the Mexican government has been engaged in an extensive effort to counter organized criminal groups that engage in narcotics trafficking and other unlawful activities throughout Mexico,” the warning reports. “The groups themselves are engaged in a violent struggle to control drug trafficking routes and other criminal activity.”  

RELATED: U.S. Department of State Updates Travel Warning to Mexico

The following destinations are still considered safe for tourism: Cabo San Lucas and La Paz; Campeche; Chiapas; Guanajuato; Hidalgo; Puerto Vallarta; Guadalajara; Mexico City; Riviera Nayarit; Oaxaca; Puebla, Queretaro; Quintana Roo; Tabasco; Tlaxcala; and Yucatan. 

US citizens are encouraged to lower their personal profiles and to avoid displaying indicators of wealth such as expensive or expensive-looking jewelry, watches or cameras. Places to avoid are casinos, sports books or other gambling establishments in the states of Coahuila, Durango, Zacatecas, Aguascalientes, San Luis Potosi, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas. 

In response to this heightened breach in security, the Mexican government has issued federal police and military personnel throughout the country as part of its efforts to combat the criminal groups. 

To read the full report click here.