Is it safe to go to Mexico right now? What Arizona spring breakers need to know
Spring begins for students at Arizona's universities soon. Arizona State University, University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University students will be on break the week of March 10.
Some students travel to Mexico for the occasion, with a surge in visitors expected in hotspots like Cancun and Puerto Peñasco, which boasts the closest beach to Arizona.
The U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico recently issued an advisory for travelers planning to visit Mexico during spring break, warning in part that crime can occur anywhere in the country.
The embassy and the U.S. Department of State also urged Americans to avoid travel to the state of Tamaulipas and four cities within the state because of violent crime related to drug cartels.
Travelers driving to Puerto Peñasco, also known as Rocky Point, must also plan for longer than usual border waits at the Lukeville Port of Entry because of heightened security measures.
The answer depends on what part of Mexico you plan to visit. As of March 3, the U.S. Department of State had Level 4 travel advisories, meaning "do not travel," for six Mexican states:
Zacatecas.
Colima.
Guerrero.
Michoacan.
Sinaloa.
Tamaulipas.
A Level 4 warning means traveling there presents the highest risk of life-threatening danger and little to no ability for the U.S. government to assist when an emergency occurs.
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico issued an updated warning for Tamaulipas on Jan. 27, citing crime and kidnapping in Reynosa, Rio Bravo, Valle Hermoso and San Fernando.
It also issued a security alert on Monday, Feb. 3. The U.S. Embassy warned of "increasingly frequent gun battles" during late nights and early mornings in Reynosa and surrounding areas and said improvised explosive devices were found in and around dirt roads and secondary roads in Reynosa, Rio Bravo, Valle Hermoso and San Fernando.
In February, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico issued an advisory for U.S. travelers planning to visit Mexico for spring break. It warned that crime can occur anywhere and to use caution in downtown areas of spring break hotspots like Cancun, Playa Del Carmen and Tulum, especially after dark.
The advisory also reminded travelers that:
Drug possession and use, including medical marijuana, is illegal in Mexico and may result in a lengthy jail sentence.
Be careful of unregulated alcohol, which may be contaminated, and counterfeit pharmaceuticals.
Rape and sexual assault are possible. Travelers should be aware that perpetrators may target drunk or isolated people or use drugs that alter the person's physical or mental state.
Be aware of strong currents and riptides when swimming. Beaches may lack lifeguards, warnings or signs that conditions are not safe.
If medical treatment is required, private hospital prices in Mexico can be higher than the U.S. and may require upfront payment.
Guns and ammunition, even in small amounts, are illegal in Mexico. Violations can lead to a lengthy jail sentence.
People can be arrested for drunk and disorderly behavior, urinating in public or having open alcohol containers in vehicles.
Puerto Peñasco, also known as Rocky Point, is a popular travel spot for Arizonans as the closest beach from metro Phoenix. It's about 213 miles away, closer than Los Angeles or San Diego.
The coastal resort town and fishing village in Sonora has a reputation as a safe destination. But travelers must still use caution.
Sonora is under a Level 3 advisory by the State Department, which means reconsider travel because of serious safety and security risks.
"Sonora is a key location used by the international drug trade and human trafficking networks," according to the State Department. "Violent crime is widespread. U.S. citizens and (lawful permanent residents) have been victims of kidnapping. Travelers should maintain a heightened level of awareness of their surroundings in all their travels in Sonora. Security incidents may occur in any area of Sonora."
When visiting Puerto Peñasco, travelers should follow safety precautions that include only using Federal Highway 8 via the Lukeville Port of Entry and only driving during daylight hours.
The states of Campeche and Yucatan, the latter including the famed archaeological site Chichén Itzá, are the only places in Mexico at the lowest possible advisory from the State Department.
Both have a Level 1 advisory, which means travelers should exercise normal precautions.
Quintana Roo, which includes Cancun, Tulum, and Playa Del Carmen, has a Level 2 advisory, which means travelers should exercise increased caution.
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Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who's covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic's consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Michael.Salerno@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @salerno_phx.
Subscribe to azcentral.com today.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Mexico spring break 2025: Latest travel alerts for Americans
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