Mexico Travel Advisory Updated to Level 2
The U.S. State Department raised Mexico's overall advisory to Level 2, exercise increased caution, and added a terrorism risk indicator alongside crime and kidnapping. The update maintains significant variation by state, with six states at Level 4, several at Level 3, and many popular tourist regions at Level 2. Campeche and Yucatán remain Level 1. Travelers should review local guidance, follow government employee restrictions where applicable, and enroll in STEP before departure. The advisory history confirms the level change and the added risk indicator.
Key Points
- Why it matters: Mexico's overall level is now 2, with terrorism added to risk indicators.
- Travel impact: Six states are Level 4, several key tourism areas stay Level 2.
- What's next: Expect continued state-by-state updates and embassy restrictions.
- Level 1 states are Campeche and Yucatán, the lowest risk designation.
- Quintana Roo guidance stresses extra vigilance after dark in resort towns.
Snapshot
Mexico's August 12 advisory is Level 2, exercise increased caution, with explicit risk indicators for terrorism, crime, and kidnapping. The State Department retains a layered map, urging U.S. citizens to mirror government employee rules in higher risk corridors and to use regulated taxis or app rides, not street hails. Six states remain Level 4, do not travel, while Guanajuato and Jalisco are Level 3, reconsider travel. Popular destinations like Quintana Roo, Baja California Sur, Mexico City, Nayarit, Oaxaca, and Veracruz are Level 2 with location specific cautions. Campeche and Yucatán are Level 1, exercise normal precautions. The advisory history notes the level change and a new terrorism indicator.
Background
The State Department reviews Level 1 and 2 advisories at least annually and Levels 3 and 4 at least every six months, updating sooner when conditions change. Mexico's page consolidates country level guidance with a long list of state level notes and employee travel rules, which U.S. travelers are advised to follow. The agency reiterates that many violent crimes occur, that emergency services can be limited outside major urban areas, and that travelers should check restricted area maps before overland travel. The country page links directly to STEP enrollment, CDC health notices, and the Mexico Country Security Report. These resources should be part of pre trip planning for beach, colonial city, and nature itineraries alike.
Latest Developments
State Department adds terrorism indicator, sets Level 2 for Mexico
The advisory now lists terrorism, crime, and kidnapping as country level risk indicators, and the history log shows the summary advisory level and terrorism flag were added on August 12, 2025. The page also repeats standard cautions around night driving between cities, reliance on regulated or app based transportation, and avoiding isolated areas. Travelers should review the exact restrictions by state and route and plan airport transfers with vetted providers. Enrolling in STEP provides location specific alerts during the trip.
State by state map keeps six at Level 4, several at Level 3
Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas remain Level 4, do not travel. States including Guanajuato and Jalisco are Level 3, reconsider travel. Many high demand leisure areas sit at Level 2, including Quintana Roo, Baja California Sur, Mexico City, Nayarit, Oaxaca, Puebla, Veracruz, Durango, Hidalgo, Nuevo León, Querétaro, San Luis Potosí, Tabasco, and Tlaxcala. Campeche and Yucatán are Level 1, exercise normal precautions. Always verify local conditions, as restrictions within states can vary by highway and municipality.
What it means for Cancun, Los Cabos, and Mexico City
Quintana Roo remains Level 2 with explicit cautions about shootings between rival groups that have injured bystanders, plus advice to stay in well lit tourist zones after dark in Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen. Baja California Sur and Mexico City also sit at Level 2 with general warnings about crime and petty theft. Build in extra time for secure airport transfers at Cancun International Airport (CUN), Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), and Mexico City International Airport (MEX), and avoid hailing taxis on the street where cautioned.
Analysis
A Level 2 advisory signals that most travelers can proceed with increased caution, but the distribution of risk in Mexico is uneven. The big shift here is the explicit addition of terrorism as a country level indicator, which raises the baseline risk profile even as many leisure zones remain manageable with prudent practices. The state map remains the traveler's most useful tool. If your plans include Level 3 or Level 4 states, reroute or add a stop in Level 2 or Level 1 neighbors, and consider flexible hotel and air fares supported by robust insurance. In Level 2 states, lean on regulated airport transport or reputable app rides, pre arrange hotel pickups, and keep nightlife confined to well patrolled districts. Popular gateways such as Cancun International Airport (CUN), Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), Mexico City International Airport (MEX), and Lic. Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) serve regions with differing risk profiles, so match your ground plans to the most current state guidance. Finally, enroll in STEP for geotargeted alerts, and review the Country Security Report before you go. The combination of an updated Level 2 Mexico travel advisory and state specific rules makes informed, flexible planning the safest path.
Final Thoughts
Mexico's new Level 2 status does not erase real, localized risks, but it provides clarity for travelers who plan carefully. The most important steps remain the simple ones, including staying in well lit areas, booking vetted ground transportation, and avoiding night driving between cities. Check your state targets against the map, enroll in STEP, and build flexibility into your itinerary. With prudent planning and attention to official guidance, a beach, culture, or culinary trip can proceed smoothly under the updated Mexico travel advisory.