The U.S. Embassy in Mexico has issued guidance to Americans headed to Mexico over the winter months, encouraging them to be mindful of the country's current Level 2 travel advisory and urging them to "exercise increased caution" due to "terrorism, crime, and kidnapping."
The embassy shared advice for planning safe travel earlier this month, including "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 travel website -- applies to 17 Mexican states and notes that violent crimes include "homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery."
"There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Mexico," it adds.
Seven states including Baja California, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Morelos, and Sonora have a Level 3 advisory, which means Americans should "reconsider travel." Six states -- Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas -- have Level 4 advisories, indicating that Americans should not travel there.
The State Department website reminds travelers that it has "limited ability to help in many parts of Mexico," and government employees aren't allowed to travel to certain high-risk areas.
Due to the aforementioned security risks, Americans are encouraged to "follow the same restrictions as U.S. government employees while traveling to Mexico."
Emergency services are limited or unavailable in remote 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 website reads.
Thousands of Americans visit Mexico during the winter months, according to the embassy. As such, travelers should consider the following:
Crime: "Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist and expatriate destinations," the embassy stated.
Popular winter break destinations where U.S. travelers should exercise caution, according to the embassy, include San Carlos, Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point), Los Cabos, and Mazatlán, among others, "especially after dark."
See the Mexico Travel Advisory for additional information about each Mexican state.
Firearms and other 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 stated. "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 requirements: All travelers must obtain a Forma Migratoria Múltiple, or FMM, which people can apply for online or at a local immigration office. It currently costs around $47, but will increase to $54 starting January 2026. This document is needed to leave Mexico and should be kept in a safe place while traveling.
Immigration: All travelers to Mexico need a passport book or card to enter Mexico, the embassy noted. Minors must have a valid U.S. passport book when traveling domestically in Mexico by air.
Upon arrival, Mexican immigration authorities will determine how long a traveler is authorized to stay, according 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 stated. "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 stated. "If traveling by car, ensure you comply with Mexico's temporary vehicle import law."
See a full list of Mexican customs and laws here to find out which items are allowed into Mexico.
Cash of $10,000 or more must be declared when entering Mexico, as must goods worth more than $300 when arriving by land, or $500 for anyone 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 stated.
Additionally, it said, "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."
The embassy also reminded travelers to ensure they prepare accordingly if they plan to travel to Mexico this winter.
Travelers should be sure to check the State Department Travel Information Page and the Mexico Travel Advisory for details and entry requirements and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP, for safety updates and information on how to get help in an emergency from the embassy or consulate.
Travelers should also keep their passport and FMM entry permit in a safe place, and confirm the date by which they must depart Mexico.
The embassy advised travelers to call 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 stated. "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 traveling to Mexico should check their health insurance coverage or purchase travel insurance. "Seek coverage that includes medical evacuation. Confirm costs of medical treatment in advance, when possible," the embassy said.
Travelers should be sure to also inform family and friends about any travel plans -- especially if they are traveling solo -- and share copies of their passport and vehicle registration "with a trusted contact in the U.S.," the embassy noted.
Mexico's Tourist Assistance line can be reached at 078 from any phone in Mexico. Multilingual Centers for the Care and Protection of the Tourist, as well as Tourist Assistance Centers are available for disputes with businesses and the government, to file criminal reports, or for other special needs, according to the embassy.
Travelers should contact the U.S. Embassy in Mexico or consulate if in need of assistance.
