5 Mexico states get US ‘Do Not Travel’ warning

Michoacán, Mexico

US ‘do not travel’ advisory puts five Mexican states on same level as war-torn Syria, Yemen, and Somalia. The government warns citizens to avoid Tamaulipas, Sinaloa, Colima, Michoacán and Guerrero amid high levels of crime and violence. “Violent crime, such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery, is widespread,” says the advisory through the level 4 ‘do not travel’ alert, which is considered the highest warning.

Mexico overall was given a level 2 warning, which means travellers should “exercise increased caution.” Eleven additional Mexican states received a level 3 warning, meaning “reconsider travel.”

Manzanillos, Colima, Mexico

Once a Hollywood destination, Guerrero is now infamous for its criminal records. Violent clashes on Sunday, January 7, killed 11 people in Guerrero, while a separate series of shootouts on January 6 left seven dead in a beach resort of San Jose del Cabo. “Armed groups operate independently of the government in many areas of Guerrero. Members of these groups frequently maintain roadblocks and may use violence towards travellers,” warns the advisory. Sinaloa also has many criminal organizations operating in the state.