What Americans ought to learn about winter journey to Mexico amid elevated warning advisory

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico has issued guidance to Americans headed to Mexico over the winter months, encouraging them to be conscious of the nation’s present Level 2 journey advisory and urging them to “exercise increased caution” on account of “terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.”

The embassy shared recommendation for planning protected journey earlier this month, together with “following the entry and exit requirements, reviewing local laws, and other travel guidance from the U.S. embassy or consulate.”

The Level 2 advisory — outlined on the official State Department journey web site — applies to 17 Mexican states and notes that violent crimes embrace “homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery.”

“There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Mexico,” it provides.

Seven states together with Baja California, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Morelos, and Sonora have a Level 3 advisory, which implies Americans ought to “reconsider travel.” Six states — Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas — have Level 4 advisories, indicating that Americans mustn’t journey there.

The State Department web site reminds vacationers that it has “limited ability to help in many parts of Mexico,” and authorities workers aren’t allowed to journey to sure high-risk areas.

Due to the aforementioned safety dangers, Americans are inspired to “follow the same restrictions as U.S. government employees while traveling to Mexico.”

Emergency companies are restricted or unavailable in distant or rural areas.

“If you encounter a road checkpoint, you should comply. Fleeing or ignoring instructions can lead to you being hurt or killed,” the State Department web site reads.

What to learn about Mexico Level 2 Travel Advisory

Thousands of Americans go to Mexico through the winter months, in response to the embassy. As such, vacationers ought to contemplate the next:

Crime: “Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist and expatriate destinations,” the embassy said.

Popular winter break locations the place U.S. vacationers ought to train warning, in response to the embassy, embrace San Carlos, Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point), Los Cabos, and Mazatlán, amongst others, “especially after dark.”

See the Mexico Travel Advisory for extra details about every Mexican state.

Firearms and different weapons: “Bringing firearms or ammunition into Mexico without proper local permits and permissions is a serious crime that can lead to a lengthy prison sentence,” the embassy said. “All guns and even small amounts of ammunition, used shells, empty magazines, knives, fireworks and explosives, daggers, swords, and brass knuckles are illegal.”

Entry and exit necessities:

All vacationers should acquire a Forma Migratoria Múltiple, or FMM, which individuals can apply for on-line or at an area immigration workplace. It presently prices round $47, however will enhance to $54 beginning January 2026. This doc is required to go away Mexico and ought to be stored in a protected place whereas touring.

Immigration:

All vacationers to Mexico want a passport guide or card to enter Mexico, the embassy famous. Minors should have a legitimate U.S. passport guide when touring domestically in Mexico by air.

Upon arrival, Mexican immigration authorities will decide how lengthy a traveler is allowed to remain, in response to the embassy.

“Pay attention to the date written on your entry stamp. Violating the terms of your stay in Mexico can result in fines and detention,” it said. “Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay.”

Legal and customs entry: “Know Mexican customs and laws on items you are allowed to bring into Mexico,” the embassy said. “If touring by automotive, make sure you adjust to Mexico’s temporary vehicle import law.”

See a full listing of Mexican customs and laws here to seek out out which objects are allowed into Mexico.

Cash of $10,000 or extra have to be declared when coming into Mexico, as should items value greater than $300 when arriving by land, or $500 for anybody arriving by air.

Drugs:“Drug possession and use, including medical marijuana, is illegal in Mexico and may result in a lengthy jail sentence,” the embassy said.

Additionally, it stated, “Mexican cartels, criminal organizations and terrorist organizations are active in a violent struggle to control trafficking routes. U.S. citizens should not carry packages across the border for them.”

Actions Americans can take whereas touring to Mexico

The embassy additionally reminded vacationers to make sure they put together accordingly in the event that they plan to journey to Mexico this winter.

Travelers ought to make sure you test the State Department Travel Information Pageand the Mexico Travel Advisory for particulars and entry necessities and enroll within the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP, for security updates and data on how one can get assist in an emergency from the embassy or consulate.

Travelers also needs to maintain their passport and FMM entry allow in a protected place, and ensure the date by which they need to depart Mexico.

The embassy suggested vacationers to name 911 in an emergency.

“Although there may be English-speaking operators available, it is best to seek the assistance of a Spanish speaker to place the call,” it said. “If you need roadside assistance on a Mexican federal toll highway, call the Green Angels by dialing 078 from a phone in Mexico or by calling 911.”

Those touring to Mexico ought to test their medical health insurance protection or buy journey insurance coverage. “Seek coverage that includes medical evacuation. Confirm costs of medical treatment in advance, when possible,” the embassy stated.

Travelers ought to make sure you additionally inform household and pals about any journey plans — particularly if they’re touring solo — and share copies of their passport and automobile registration “with a trusted contact in the U.S.,” the embassy famous.

Mexico’s Tourist Assistance line might be reached at 078 from any cellphone in Mexico. Multilingual Centers for the Care and Protection of the Tourist, in addition to Tourist Assistance Centers can be found for disputes with companies and the federal government, to file legal reviews, or for different particular wants, in response to the embassy.

Travelers ought to contact the U.S. Embassy in Mexico or consulate if in want of help.