National warning: Don’t travel to this country, feds warn

While the U.S recently added more jurisdictions to its list of potentially dangerous travel destinations, some jurisdictions just haven’t made their way off the list, and Mexico is one of them.

Earlier this month, the U.S Department of State issued a travel advisory encouraging those planning trips to Mexico reconsider or cancel the trip altogether — citing violent crime as the reason.

“Violent crime — such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery — is widespread and common in Mexico,” the advisory reads.

• Read more: U.S. issues national travel warnings: Take ‘increased caution’ when visiting here

“The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. “In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities.”

For those who choose to travel to Mexico anyway, the U.S Department of State advises travelers to keep traveling companions close and family back home informed of their travel plans.

• Read more: Travel advisory warns of possible terrorist attacks in popular European nation

If a traveler becomes separated from their group, that person should send a friend their GPS location, and if they take a cab alone, they should take a photo of the taxi number or license plate and send a photo to a friend.

Travelers are discouraged from showing any signs of wealth and should be extra vigilant when using an ATM, visiting a nightclub, or casino.

The U.S. Department of State also encourages people to:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X/Twitter.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy on Facebook and X/Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Mexico.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information related to your travel.

Advisory by state