The U.S. Department of State revised its travel advisory to parts of Mexico November 15, placing the country on a Level 2 warning and encouraging U.S. nationals to exercise increased caution.
Places to travel now discouraged include the states of Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa and Tamaulipas, due to recent hikes in violent crime, ranging from homicide, kidnapping, carjacking and robbery. According to the Department of State website, the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these areas.
Following this update, U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling between cities after dark, hailing taxis on the street, and traveling from the U.S.-Mexico border to or from interior Mexico.
Americans who decide to travel in Mexico should do the following: use toll roads, avoid driving alone or at night, remain vigilant when visiting bars, nightclubs or casinos, avoid wearing flashy watches or jewelry, be cautious when withdrawing money from ATMs, and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so the government can locate you in case of emergency.