Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico Under the New Terrorism Alert?

• Is Mexico safe?
• Expert recommends caution
• Avoid high-risk areas

According to USATODAY, the U.S. Department of State updated this week its travel advisory for Mexico, raising doubts among thousands of tourists who had already planned their vacations.

The alert, issued on August 12, raised the recommendation for those traveling to the neighboring country to Level 2, which means “exercise increased caution.”

The notice mentions risks linked to violent crimes such as homicides, kidnappings, robberies, and also refers to possible acts of terrorism.

Despite the harsh tone of the message, specialists agree that the change does not imply an immediate deterioration of the situation for international travelers.

The Mexico travel advisory update

🚨 U.S. Department of State updates travel advisory.

👉 It warns its citizens about the risks of terrorist violence when traveling in 30 of Mexico’s 32 states; Yucatán and Campeche are excluded.

🔴 Level 4, DO NOT travel to: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán… pic.twitter.com/mxXlwVKtzw

— Extra de Morelos (@ExtraMorelos) August 13, 2025

The official report explains that in some areas of Mexico, emergency services and U.S. government assistance have difficulty reaching visitors.

The document lists frequent crimes in the country, from armed robberies to kidnappings.

The reference to terrorism drew particular attention, since it rarely appears in regular travel advisories about Mexico.

For many Americans, the news was unsettling, as Mexico remains the top international destination: in 2022, it received more than 33 million visitors from the U.S.

Why was the terrorism alert included in the new travel advisory for Mexico?

According to security expert Mike Ballard, director of intelligence at Global Guardian, the Mexico terrorism alert was updated after the designation of Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

Ballard explained that there was no specific incident targeting tourists, but rather a measure to remain consistent with the new legal classification.

“It is much more serious to be accused of ties to a terrorist organization than to a drug trafficking group,” he stated.

Therefore, the alert seeks to warn about the consequences of interacting with criminal groups and to reflect the risk posed by cartels in Mexico.

Should I cancel my trip to Mexico?

Ballard maintains that, despite the alert, there is no need to cancel a planned trip to Mexico’s main tourist destinations.

“99% of visits are trouble-free,” he assured, highlighting that the majority of travelers enjoy their vacations without incidents.

In his view, the most visited beaches of the Mexican Caribbean, as well as areas like Los Cabos or Puerto Vallarta, remain safe for responsible tourists.

The key is to stay alert and avoid regions that historically show high levels of violence due to disputes between criminal groups.

Regions to avoid

If you wish to travel to Mexico, the specialist recommended avoiding the state of Guerrero, especially the Acapulco area.

The Department of State categorized that region as Level 4, which means “do not travel,” due to cartel control and extreme violence.

Ballard said he would not choose Acapulco as a destination, despite its past tourist splendor.

In contrast, areas such as Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Cabo, and Vallarta remain relatively safe for those who take precautions.

Practical safety tips

The expert advised against using street taxis, as there are reports of extortions and overcharging tourists.

He suggested hiring private transportation or using services previously verified by reputable companies.

He also recommended staying in resort complexes, as they usually have 24-hour security and protection protocols for guests.

Another key piece of advice to remain safe in Mexico is not to walk alone at night in unfamiliar areas and to remain aware of your surroundings at all times.

Keep a low profile

Ballard urged travelers to reduce risks by adopting a discreet profile.

Do not wear expensive jewelry, avoid displaying flashy items, and watch your belongings in public places.

He also advised against distractions such as excessive cellphone use in public spaces and recommended keeping an eye on drinks in bars or clubs.

The final message is clear: Mexico remains an attractive and popular destination, but it requires caution.

Travelers should not panic, but instead stay informed and apply basic safety measures to enjoy their vacations with greater peace of mind.