Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico City. Check out USA TODAY's 17 travel safety tips from the CIA. If you want to travel solo in Mexico, you absolutely can, but you must take some extra precautions, Regardless of popular belief, Mexico is a safe destination to travel alone. Hunting in Mexico requires a license. Crime and violence are widespread in Michoacan state. European settlers first arrived in Mexico about 500 years ago. It is a crime to enter Mexico with a firearm or even just one round of ammunition. Though, granted, its not just a place you can drop into unannounced and expect everything to be hunky dory. Remember, you are a guest when you are travelling in Mexico. Crucially, youre more likely to get people who are involved in unlawful activities driving around. Is Mexico Safe to Visit for Spring & Summer 2023. The quick answer to that question is yes. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed innocent bystanders. Aguascalientes state Exercise Increased Caution. Last Updated: Reissued with updates to health information. Location. Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. To hunt for foreign nationals, they must have a diplomatic license, a special visa, and a military gun permit. But this article is written for savvy travellers from the perspective of savvy travellers. Pay attention to local laws and use reputable car rental companies. Queretaro state Exercise Increased Caution. The wildlife of Mexicos jungle is unique in North America, with species such as red and gray-brown brocket deer and ocellated turkey. Driving is a good way to see the country at your own pace. The same goes for Mexico. Oaxaca state Exercise Increased Caution. The Laredo bridges get very busy on the weekends, as you might imagine. Crime and kidnapping are the words thrown around a lot when referring to safety in Mexico. We have several dove species on our property, including the White-Wing Dove, which is the most popular and sought-after dove sub-species in North America. U.S. government employees may not drive from the U.S.-Mexico border to or from the interior parts of Mexico, except daytime travel within Baja California and between Nogales and Hermosillo on Mexican Federal Highway 15D, and between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Highway 85D. The border bridge between Brownsville, Texas . The first hurricane forecasts of the year are coming out. Baja California Sur state Exercise Increased Caution. Enjoy your travels! Let me make it clear that there are always safety protocols to follow to ensure that statement can be upheld. June 21, 2020. There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Puebla state. Colourful art, soulful music, elaborate food, rich history So before people consider travelling to Mexico, they end up asking themselves (or the internet), Though, granted, its not just a place you can drop into unannounced and expect everything to be hunky dory. In March 2018, the governor of Nuevo Leon warned travellers crossing the Mexico-Texas border not to cross via Reynosas toll bridge due to violence. Mexico is still conservative in many ways. There are no restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Nayarit state, including tourist areas in: U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Zacatecas state. In Guadalajara, territorial battles between criminal groups take place in tourist areas. Though it is a very different experience. That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. Again, before people start commenting, Ive done it. However, there are certain areas that require a special permit in order to hunt. Sometimes travelling comes down to pure luck. You should know the score when it comes to staying safe in Mexico. Travel insurance IS important. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. First class bus companies, like ADO, do checks for alcohol and drugs on the driver, and check security for passengers too. Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping. See state summaries and advisory levels below for information on your specific travel destination. In 2021, nearly 29 million American travelersheaded down to Mexico. It is possible to purchase 12 and 20 caliber bullets, as well as a variety of 12-gauge and 10-gauge shotguns. A Mexican visa is not required for visitors from the United States, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, or the European Union. A hidden bribe has been known to come in handy too. The advice I offer you in this guide to staying safe in Mexico is very similar to what I would offer you for many other places. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping. While not directed at tourists, shootings between rival gangs have injured innocent bystanders. Find the one that suits YOU. Cities such as Mazatln and Culiacn can look appealing on travel websites (and visually offer some amazing Spanish architecture) but beware of the regions sketchy people. A hunting license costs $450 in the United States, and it includes a gun permit. As one of Mexicos long-standing resort towns, this may come as a shock to those who have been or are planning a trip to Los Cabos. Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread in Zacatecas state. In Mexico, you can hunt all manner of animals, including brocket deer and ocellated turkey, which are not found anywhere else in North America. We do not represent World Nomads. On the whole, Mexico is safe to travel for families. Of particular concern is the high number of homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana. A cartel-scarred Mexican border town wonders what's next, USA TODAY's 17 travel safety tips from the CIA, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Though it is a very different experience. . Venturing out to local markets and seeing the life and colour of the country is easily done with children. From armed gangs targeting local politicians to a shortage of police, leaders dont have the structure they need to control illicit activity within the state. Veracruz state Exercise Increased Caution. There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Yucatan state, which include tourist areas in:Chichen Itza,Merida,Uxmal, andValladolid. A wide array of trophy game animals, as well as birds, may be legally harvested in certain areas of Mexico. "However, it is well documented that some areas have a higher presence of violence. Be smart and stay aware of your surroundings and you should have a safe experience. Mazatln is a beach town on the Pacific coast in the state of Sinaloa. If something seems sketchy get the hell out of there! If youre aware of the risks and you take the necessary precautions, then you should be able to enjoy a safe and successful hunt. One reader of the previous post took me to task for "touting . If youre going hunting in Mexico, you should plan ahead of time for a permit. Ive always liked the Mexican people and loved hunting there, but now, I just dont think its worth it. Travel In 2022.". But its a damn special too. But no worries, youve got this. Copyright 2023 National Rifle Association, Women On Target Instructional Shooting Clinics, Volunteer At The Great American Outdoor Show, Marion P. Hammer Women Of Distinction Award, Women's Wildlife Management / Conservation Scholarship, National Youth Shooting Sports Cooperative Program, Remington Model 700 American Hunter Rifle Project, Bringing Birds Back from MexicoWhat You Need to Know, Public-Land Turkeys: 4 Tips for Safety and Success, Mark Keefe Succeeds John Zent As NRA Publications Editorial Director | An NRA Shooting Sports Journal, NRA Publications Editorial Director John Zent Retires | An Official Journal Of The NRA, Craig Boddington Opens Virtual Hunters Convention | An Official Journal Of The NRA, Savage Arms Impulse: A Game-Changing Straight-Pull Rifle? If taking a taxi alone, take a photo of the taxi number and/or license plate and text it to a friend. Solo travel in Mexico can make one feel very vulnerable at times - though that goes for many places too. Having your kids with you will help break down barriers between you and locals, making for a more authentic, memorable experience. Depending on the type of animal to hunt, you may be able to hunt deer, turkey, or dove in Mexico with a hunting license. These areas include national parks, reserves, and protected areas. Taking proper precautions is always essential, no matter where you go. Especially in remote areas, these are not always official and will demand cash in exchange for being able to pass. There are six types of hunting permits in Mexico. Highways and casinos are treated as especially dangerous. If theres one city to avoid at all costs, its Cuidad Juarez. Driving outside the city is considered risky and foreigners are advised against traveling at night. The city was on Business Insiders list of the worlds 50 most violent cities, earning fifth place for its rate of 84.67 people per 100,000 residents. Do your research on the area you want to stay in and what trip you want to have. There are parts of the countryside that should be avoided due to somedodgy activity, especially highways in the northwest corner of the state, as listed on the State Departments website. Yes, in many cases they do keep streets safer but they are also famously corrupt too. That being said, things arent always straightforward. In fact, its one of the top-visited countries in the world and the vast majority of tourists dont encounter any problems. If you dont pay attention to what you do with your money or business, youll lose it. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping. Mariners planning travel to Mexico should check for U.S. maritime, Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Remain vigilant at all times, respect local authorities, stick to tourist destinations, and dont get involved with Mexican drug cartels. To provide a broader viewpoint, I researched online and sought out folks whose perspectives extend beyond limited experiences like mine. Its lighter chamberings make it easy for recoil-shy shooters to field and makes it ideal for target work, too. A heavy-handed response could likely mean "a wave of violence where it gets worse before it gets better," said Michael Ballard, director of intelligence at Global Guardian, a firm that specializes in travel security. There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in San Luis Potosi state. Mexicos coastline, both along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, is also excellent for sport fishing. That really is a big umbrella term when it comes to the question is Mexico safe?. As a loose note, the tourist destinations are generally the safest. There has been a major increase in bad behaviour within the city, where violence has long been prevalent. Safety-wise well, I wont sugar coat it: Mexico does pose some safety risks. It wont be down to the wire cutting edge info on the most current events, but it is layered in the expertise of veteran travellers. With any luck,local law enforcement will successfully deconstruct power among these small cartel sectors and illicit activity in Colima will drop away to its former low rate. I was detained briefly at the airport on suspicion of being a . U.S. government employees may not travel between cities after dark, may not hail taxis on the street, and must rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services like Uber, and regulated taxi stands. The one time I previously consulted the State Department website prior to a planned hunt Zimbabwe, 2003I decided to go despite its strongly worded cautions. We strive to provide the most relevant travel information on the web and always appreciate input from our readers (nicely, please!). 3,942. . There was no mention of security issues and no one told us they felt unsafe or harassed. Mexico has a high rate of violent crime, including murder, robbery, sexual assault, kidnapping, and so on. If you're reading this, you just got 15% OFF Heymondo's tailor-made travel insurance. Theres very little reason for these crimes to affect tourists. Riviera Maya and the state of Quintana Roo receive the most tourists. Its not always easy breezy but it is super rewarding. Unless things change, I would have no qualms about returning to Yucatan where NRA Outdoors partners with outfitter Galo Munoz to offer quail, duck, dove and ocellated turkey hunts. We urge Americans to read these alerts before traveling.". Tucson, Arizona. U.S. government employee travel is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions: U.S. government employees may only travel from Ciudad Juarez to Chihuahua City during daylight hours via Federal Highway 45, with stops permitted only at the Federal Police station, the Umbral del Mileniooverlook area, the border inspection station at KM 35, and the shops and restaurants on Federal Highway 45 in the town of Villa Ahumada. There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Morelos state. If yours is low, dont go, concluded Crown. As in almost every country, there are areas that are better avoided if you want to have a safe trip. Global Guardian clients, he pointed out, have a 24/7 panic button on the Global Guardian app, which will connect users to a safe haven, like a hospital. Youll need an international drivers license. Illegal roadblocks happen at random places along highways theyll ask to see your drivers license. The safety of Coahuila state clashes. Yes! Getting caught in cartel activity is less common somewhere like Cancun than it is inColima. Laura is an earth-passionate, sustainably-minded traveller who wears bright colours, no shoes, and listens to Arctic Monkeys too much. Located in the state of Oaxaca, the city is home to some stunning resorts that sit amongst nine different bays. Durango city, the capital of its namesake state, is much safer than the surrounding countryside, like most of the country. This requirement will be discussed with you by your Hunting License Agent. Brocket deer can also be hunted here, making it the only place in North America where they can be done. U.S. travelers are reminded that U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions: There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees to other parts of Oaxaca state, which include tourist areas in:Oaxaca City,Monte Alban,Puerto Escondido,andHuatulco. If you are trying to visit an area that not even locals feel comfortable going to, don't attempt it, and please, simply avoid it," she said. The tension developing in Colima is likely caused by the cartel nearby in Sinaloa, which introduced organisedillicit activity and money laundering into many other nearby states, claiming territory across Latin America. It's incredibly safe to travel to Mazatlan since thousands of tourists visit every year. Mexico is an extremely diverse and dynamic country. Cartelincidences are usually not directed at tourists, so if foreigners practise safe habits, the city is relatively hospitable for tourism. Though Im not going to encourage anything without good, solid research. The U.S. Department of State has issued a level 3 warning for the state of Durango, urging travellers to reconsider trips planned to the area. Go and enjoy the best hunting I know.. While cartelactivity isnt quite as prevalent in Michoacan as in the other 4 states listed on the travel advisory, robbery andarmed violence still reach sharp peaks compared to the safer tourist areas in Mexico. Although statistics within the cityhave decreased slightly, its still safer to be off the streets during nighthours. Nuevo Leon state Exercise Increased Caution. The fact is, risk exists in many kinds of hunting, ranging from dangerous game to treacherous terrain to boating in wintry seas to falling from a tree stand. Personally, Ive decided not to go back, Wilson concluded. Its Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range is certainly remarkable, but unless you know your surroundings, it might be best to avoid. Ballard agreed and offered this analogy: "Getting struck by lightning is a really rare occurrence, but if you are standing on top of a tree in a thunderstorm, those odds go up. Ciudad Obregn lies south of Arizona in the Sonoran Desert where the land contrasts fertile hills and cactus flats. But generally, these areas have very few safety issues. just be safe and once you get to your ranch.do not go back out. Its come a long way from being known as the setting for the ideal college spring break, perfect for backpackers looking for some of Latin Americas most wicked hiking spots and history lovers in search of Mayan ruins. get licensed cabs, use an app, or ask your hotel for help. It should also be noted that the police do pose some safety issues in Mexico too. I want to share some love for my Mexican brothers and sisters who dont deserve the bad reputation that the country generally holds. Actually, at the time of writing this, the travel advisory from the UK and the USA differed. This cartel is extremely decentralised, meaning its power lies in smaller, local groups of gangs rather than with one kingpin controlling one area of territory. Before departing on your trip to a high-risk area, the State Department. Jim Wilson, the American Riflemans field editor, lives just north of the border in West Texas and echoed those concerns. Outside of major cities, you should avoid traveling at night. The city of Torren is one to dodge if youre traveling through the area. Do not be out in town at night.. if you are hunting with a outfitter you will be good. Well, yes, it can be too. The information present in this safety guide is as accurate as possible at the time of writing. There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Veracruz state. Visitors are much better off getting a tan on the shores of Cancun or Tulum. The magic of Morelos draws steady crowds of tourists despite the level 3 reconsider travel warning from the United States, and rightfully so. He reports hearing third hand about criminals taking guns and money from hunters in the field. Hunting in the desert is usually done in the winter months. According to the State Department, if something happens, you'll probably be relying on local resources. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. 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