Listeners considering travel to Mexico in late 2025 should be aware that the U.S. Department of State maintains a travel advisory for the country, recommending travelers exercise increased caution due to concerns about crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. While Mexico welcomes millions of visitors each year and experiences in tourist areas remain overwhelmingly positive, many states continue to register high levels of violence, particularly associated with organized crime. This has resulted in ongoing advisories from not only the United States, but also Canada, Australia, and other nations, all urging vigilance and careful destination research.

Specific high-risk states currently include Tamaulipas, Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, and Zacatecas, where visitors are advised to reconsider travel due to increased cartel activity and violence. Baja California, including Tijuana, and Jalisco, including Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, are also flagged as areas of concern. In the city of Tijuana, for example, travelers should exercise heightened awareness, especially in neighborhoods outside the main tourist corridors, and reports indicate increased risks of both petty crime and more serious incidents, particularly after dark. For Nuevo Laredo in Tamaulipas, the U.S. government has kept a “Do Not Travel” warning due to ongoing cartel violence, frequent shootouts, and unexpected blockades after the arrest of cartel leaders. Similar advisories are currently in effect for other cities suffering from high rates of violent crime and kidnappings.

Mexico City remains a popular destination but travelers should use increased caution. Petty crimes like pickpocketing and theft are common, especially in public transport hubs and busy tourist spots. Violent crimes, including express kidnappings, are more frequent in neighborhoods such as Iztapalapa, Gustavo A Madero, and Cuauhtemoc. Visitors are advised to avoid poorly lit areas at night, safeguard valuables, and stay within well-policed tourist zones. Guadalajara, in the state of Jalisco, is generally considered safer in the city center but travel on surrounding highways should be approached with extreme caution due to reports of armed checkpoints and sporadic violence.

On the other hand, the safest destinations in Mexico right now are the states of Campeche and Yucatan. According to U.S. and Canadian government advisories, these regions require only normal precautions and see very low rates of violent crime. Yucatan, home to destinations like Mérida and Chichén Itzá, has a murder rate that rivals some of the safest places in the United States and is a strong option for those seeking a worry-free vacation.

For all travelers, using common sense is essential: do not display signs of wealth, avoid less-traveled roads and remote areas, especially after dark, and only use official taxis or ridesharing services vetted by reputable sources. Driving should be done exclusively during daylight hours, ideally on toll roads, as highway crime, including carjackings and robberies, is widely reported in many regions outside major tourist zones. Travelers are also encouraged to purchase comprehensive travel insurance and to keep friends and family informed of their itinerary.

As of November 2025, there have been no significant changes in safety status for the most popular resort destinations, such as those along the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, and Cancun. However, the situation can change quickly, so it’s critical to monitor updates from official government sources and the local news.

Cultural festivals and events are expected across the country this season, adding vibrant experiences for visitors, and hurricane season has largely tapered off by late November, ushering in Mexico’s peak travel period. Despite the concerns laid out by government advisories, millions of travelers enjoy safe and memorable trips each year by staying informed and taking practical precautions.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI