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Mexico
- The security environment across Mexico varies considerably. Several states (including Yucatan and Campeche) are generally safe, while the north-western and south-western regions, along with the state of Veracruz, experience entrenched violence due to drug cartels.
- The primary security and safety risks in Mexico include petty and violent crimes, social unrest, and prevalence of organized gangs.
- The risks of petty crime are heightened in crowded areas, tourist sites and transport hubs.
- Although foreign nationals are not directly targeted by cartels, incidental risks from violent crime remain a major concern in high-risk areas.
Risk Factors
- There is a significant risk of crime in Mexico, with common incidents involving petty thefts, such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching, especially in crowded tourist destinations and public transport hubs. Criminals have also been known to monitor hotel lobbies or restaurants to steal bags or phones from unsuspecting patrons.
- Drug-related violence and organized crime also pose a serious concern, with certain areas experiencing high rates of violent crimes linked to narcotics cartels.
- Maintain a high level of vigilance and safeguard personal belongings due to high levels of crime, including armed robbery and petty theft, particularly in larger cities in Mexico. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar or remote areas.
- The likelihood of crime increases after dark; it is advisable to leave parks and recreational areas before sunset, as such areas witness higher levels of theft and sexual assault after dark.
- Avoid long-distance overland travel, particularly at night, due to bandits and illegal checkpoints. Foreign nationals have been killed by armed bandits for attempting to evade the checkpoints; however, such checkpoints exist largely in high-risk regions.
- Validate the legitimacy of taxis by using local ride-sharing apps (e.g., Uber, Didi, Cabify), official taxi-ranks (marked Taxis Autorisados or Sitio), or arrange taxis through reputable hotels, resorts, or through a professional driver service.
- City and intercity buses should be avoided due to high rates of criminality.
- Foreign nationals have been victims of express kidnappings, where victims are briefly abducted and forced to withdraw money from ATMs. To reduce risk, avoid hailing taxis off the street and obtain taxis from reputable sources.
- Virtual kidnapping, often facilitated by hotel staff, also poses a concern. While this scam can take several forms, criminals typically lead victims to believe they are under surveillance and will be harmed if they don’t pay a ransom. Stay in reputable hotels and refrain from answering unknown numbers.
- The rainy season, from June to October, can lead to flash flooding in urban centers, which can cause significant disruption. Monitor weather updates closely and adapt your plans to avoid affected areas.
- The hurricane season normally runs from June to November. Major hurricanes can cause significant damage and casualties. Stay abreast of weather advisories and heed instructions issued by local authorities.
- Well-attended protests and demonstrations are common in Mexico, especially in Mexico City, often leading to significant travel disruption.
- While most protests are peaceful, clashes between protesters and security forces are periodically reported.
- Foreign nationals are advised to avoid taking part in protests or demonstrations, as Mexican law prohibits political activities by foreigners; participation in political protests can lead to deportation or detention.
- Monitor for updates on protests and demonstrations to plan your travel routes and avoid disruptions.
- The risks of organized crime, cartel-activity and kidnapping are significantly higher in Mexico’s north-western region, which includes the states of Baja California, Chihuahua, and Sonora. Violence between the security forces and criminal groups has escalated in recent years.
- The risk of violent crime and cartel activity is also heightened in the south-western region, which includes the states of Colima, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Morelo, and Michoacán. Drug cartels have an extensive presence across this region, particularly in rural areas, which results in elevated rates of crimes and kidnappings.
- Organized criminal groups (OCGs) are also known to operate in the states of Zacatecas, Sinaloa, Guerrero, Jalisco, Tamaulipas, and Veracruz. Seek itinerary specific advice for Nuevo Leon and Puebla state, where certain areas are also high risk.