The US Department of State has issued travel alerts for 30 of Mexico’s 32 states, urging citizens to take extreme precautions due to ongoing violence. Only Yucatán and Campeche are considered safe to visit.
States to Avoid
The alert advises against traveling to Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas due to high rates of violent crimes and kidnappings. Tourists are also urged to reconsider plans to visit Baja California, Chihuahua, Guanajuato, Morelos, Sonora, Jalisco, and Chiapas.
New Addition: Chiapas
This is the first time Chiapas has been included on the high-risk list, reflecting the deterioration of its security situation. The state has seen an increase in clashes between armed groups, common crime, and the passage of migrant caravans.
Improved Situation: Durango
Durango has improved its security status, moving from the list of states with travel warnings to those where greater precautions are recommended.
US Government Justification
The US government justifies these alerts by highlighting the prevalence of violent crimes, including homicides and kidnappings, in many areas of Mexico. It also notes the limited capacity to assist its citizens, especially in areas with restrictions for US government personnel.
Specific Restrictions
In Chiapas, US government personnel face mobility restrictions on roads near the Guatemala border, except in Tapachula. They are prohibited from traveling between cities after dark, using regular taxis, and driving independently on non-specific routes.
Unlike other nations, the US assesses Mexico’s security state by state, reflecting the complexity of the situation and Washington’s concerns about crime levels in various regions.
Source: Informador
