U.S. Updates Travel Advisory for All of Mexico

A latest replace to the U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for Mexico has caught the eye of many cruise vacationers. On August 12, 2025, the advisory was up to date to a “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” for the nation as a complete.

But what does this imply for the ports in your cruise itinerary?

Understanding the New Advisory

The foremost takeaway is that not all of Mexico falls into the identical class. The advisory gives a distinct threat stage for every state, and that is what issues most to a cruiser.

The total warning is for “terrorism, crime, and kidnapping,” with the advisory stating, “The U.S. government has limited ability to help in many parts of Mexico. U.S. government employees are not allowed to travel to certain high-risk areas.”

This means U.S. residents are suggested to comply with the identical guidelines as authorities staff.

It’s necessary to do not forget that cruise strains are lazer-focused on security and won’t deliver passengers to locations they consider are unsafe. In reality, cruise strains like Royal Caribbean are even increasing their presence in Mexico, with tasks like Perfect Day Mexico and Royal Beach Club Cozumel.

This sort of main funding means that cruise strains believe within the safety of those key locations.

Detailed Look at Cruise Ports and Their Advisories

The excellent news is that the majority main cruise ports are in states with decrease threat ranges than among the nation’s inland areas.

Over 9 million cruisers visited Mexico in 2024, according to recent data. Upwards of 10 million company are anticipated in 2025.

Here is a extra detailed take a look at the advisories for among the hottest cruise stops.

Cozumel & Costa Maya (Quintana Roo)

These widespread Caribbean ports are within the state of Quintana Roo, which has a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory.

The advisory mentions a threat of violent crime, together with shootings between rival gangs which have injured and killed harmless bystanders. However, the advisory additionally states that the tourism business is well-regulated in these areas, and native authorities work to guard guests. When visiting Cozumel or Costa Maya, it is strongly recommended to stay to well-known vacationer areas and train extra warning in downtown areas, particularly after darkish.

Progreso (Yucatan)

This port is a superb instance of the distinction in threat ranges throughout Mexico. Progreso is within the state of Yucatan, which has the bottom potential advisory of Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. This means vacationers ought to take the identical fundamental security steps they might wherever else on the earth.  So, no downside right here.

Cabo San Lucas (Baja California Sur)

This favourite Pacific coast vacation spot is within the state of Baja California Sur, which can also be at a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. The advisory is just like that for Quintana Roo, specializing in basic crime issues.

Local officers within the Cabo space have been making an attempt to extend safety, together with including extra safety personnel and surveillance, to guard the tourism business.   After all, a lack of tourism means much less income for the state.

Ensenada (Baja California)

This port is within the state of Baja California, which has a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory. The advisory mentions violent crime, terrorism and kidnapping, particularly in non-tourist areas.

The advisory states that “travelers should remain on main highways and avoid remote locations.”   The excellent news is that there are not any further journey restrictions for U.S. authorities staff within the following areas:  Tijuana, Ensenada, and Rosarito.

Puerto Vallarta (Jalisco)

This port is within the state of Jalisco, which can also be at a Level 3: Reconsider Travel. The advisory for Jalisco is extra critical, warning of violent crime and a possible threat from gangs. For this purpose, cruise strains and journey consultants typically counsel that cruisers in Puerto Vallarta take part in organized shore excursions, as they provide a extra structured and safe option to discover the realm.

Manzanillo, Mazatlán, and Acapulco (Various States)

These ports are in states with the best threat stage, Level 4: Do Not Travel. Manzanillo is within the state of Colima, Mazatlán is in Sinaloa, and Acapulco is in Guerrero. The advisory for these areas could be very critical, with Acapulco’s state of Guerrero particularly noting a threat of violence from “terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.”

This is probably the most extreme warning, and it means the U.S. authorities has little or no means to assist its residents in an emergency there. Due to this excessive threat stage, cruise strains might modify their itineraries or advise passengers to train excessive warning in the event that they go to these ports.  In regards to Manzanillo the advisory states, “Travel only to the central tourist and port areas of Manzanillo. Primary tourist areas include the historic city center and Malecon, the hotel zone, the Peninsula Santiago or Las Hadas area, and the Club Santiago Peninsula area.”

Bottom Line

Pay consideration to any updates out of your cruise line as your cruise date will get nearer.  Sticking with shore excursions by the cruise line will assist guarantee your security along with serving to the cruise line communicate with tour operators.  A recurring theme on this report focuses on these “off the beaten path” areas.  In most instances the bustling touristy areas are nonetheless secure as native authorities work arduous to maintain that tourism cash coming in.