The U.S. Embassy in Mexico is urging Americans to pay close attention to the current Mexico travel advisory as they plan winter trips. The country is under a broad Level 2 alert, meaning travellers are advised to exercise increased caution due to terrorism, crime and kidnapping. The guidance, published through the U.S. State Department’s official channels, underscores that thousands of Americans visit Mexico every winter and should plan carefully.
The Level 2 Mexico travel advisory applies to 17 states and notes that violent crime can include homicide, kidnapping, carjacking and robbery. The advisory also states that there is a risk of terrorist violence, including potential attacks and related activity in the country. Travellers are reminded that the U.S. government has limited ability to assist in many parts of Mexico, and U.S. government employees face restrictions on travelling to certain high-risk areas.
Seven Mexican states — Baja California, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Morelos and Sonora — are currently under a Level 3 advisory, meaning travellers are advised to reconsider travel. Six states, Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas, are subject to the highest Level 4 warning, in which Americans are advised not to travel at all.
Mexico travel advisory: crime patterns and high-risk destinations
According to the U.S. Embassy, crime — including violent crime — can occur anywhere in Mexico, even in popular tourist resorts and expatriate communities covered by the Mexico travel advisory. Incidents have taken place in areas that are otherwise marketed as safe holiday destinations, and the embassy stresses that travellers should not assume tourist zones are risk-free.
Popular winter break destinations where U.S. visitors are urged to exercise particular caution include San Carlos, Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point), Los Cabos and Mazatlán, among others, especially after dark. Emergency services can be limited or unavailable in remote or rural areas, further increasing the risks if an incident occurs away from major urban centres. Travellers are advised to follow the same restrictions that apply to U.S. government employees when visiting higher-risk regions.
The Mexico travel advisory also warns that road checkpoints may be encountered in some areas. The State Department guidance is explicit that travellers should comply with instructions at checkpoints; attempting to flee or ignore commands can lead to serious harm or death. Keeping up to date with local conditions through official channels and trusted contacts is strongly recommended.
Mexico travel advisory: entry, exit and immigration requirements
The U.S. Embassy reminds travellers that complying with entry and exit rules is a critical part of the Mexico travel advisory. All visitors must obtain a Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM), which can be applied for online or at a local immigration office. The permit currently costs around $47 and is due to increase to $54 from January 2026. The FMM is required in order to depart Mexico and should be stored securely throughout the trip.
All travellers to Mexico need a valid passport book or passport card to enter the country, according to the embassy. Minors must hold a valid U.S. passport book when travelling domestically within Mexico by air. Upon arrival, Mexican immigration authorities determine how long a visitor is authorised to stay, and that decision is recorded on the entry stamp.
The Mexico travel advisory stresses that travellers should pay close attention to the date written on their entry stamp and ensure their passport remains valid for the full duration of their stay. Violating the terms of stay can result in fines and detention. Visitors are urged to consult the State Department’s Mexico country page and the detailed Mexico Travel Advisory before departure, and to enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) for safety updates and emergency contact information.
Mexico travel advisory: legal restrictions, weapons and drugs
Legal compliance is a major focus of the Mexico travel advisory, particularly around firearms, weapons and drugs. Bringing firearms or ammunition into Mexico without proper local permits is a serious offence that can result in lengthy prison sentences. The embassy notes that all guns and even small amounts of ammunition, used shells, empty magazines, knives, fireworks and explosives, daggers, swords and brass knuckles are illegal.
Travellers are also urged to understand Mexican customs rules on what can be brought into the country. Cash of $10,000 or more must be declared on entry, along with goods worth more than $300 when arriving by land or $500 by air. If travelling by car, visitors must comply with Mexico’s temporary vehicle import law; failing to do so can lead to fines and possible confiscation of the vehicle.
On narcotics, the Mexico travel advisory is clear: drug possession and use, including medical marijuana, are illegal in Mexico and may lead to long jail terms. The embassy also warns that Mexican cartels, criminal organisations and terrorist organisations are engaged in violent struggles for control of trafficking routes. U.S. citizens are categorically advised not to carry packages across the border for anyone, given the risk of unknowingly transporting contraband.
Mexico travel advisory: practical safety steps for U.S. citizens
Alongside the formal Mexico travel advisory levels, the U.S. Embassy outlines a series of practical measures Americans should take when travelling. Before departure, travellers should review the State Department Travel Information Page, read the full Mexico Travel Advisory for state-by-state details and ensure they understand all entry requirements. Enrolling in STEP allows the embassy or consulates to provide safety updates and contact travellers in an emergency.
Once in Mexico, travellers should keep their passport and FMM permit in a secure place and verify the date by which they must depart. In emergencies, they are advised to call 911; while English-speaking operators may be available, having a Spanish speaker place the call is recommended. For roadside assistance on federal toll highways, travellers can call the Green Angels by dialling 078 within Mexico or by calling 911, while Mexico’s Tourist Assistance line is also available on 078.
The Mexico travel advisory further encourages visitors to check their health insurance coverage abroad or buy dedicated travel insurance that includes medical evacuation. Travellers should confirm likely costs of treatment in advance where possible. The embassy also recommends informing family and friends of travel plans, especially for solo travellers, and sharing copies of passports and vehicle registration with a trusted contact in the United States.
Multilingual Centres for the Care and Protection of the Tourist and Tourist Assistance Centres can help resolve disputes with businesses or the authorities, assist with filing criminal reports or provide support for other specific needs. Travellers who experience difficulties or require further help are advised to contact the U.S. Embassy in Mexico or the nearest consulate.
Sources:
U.S. Department of State – Mexico Travel Advisory
U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico – Travel Advisory Update for Mexico
U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico – Message to U.S. Citizens: Winter Season (Snowbird) Travel
