The US just updated its travel warning for Mexico for the World Cup – here’s what you need to know

With the FIFA World Cup kicking off in Mexico on June 11 and an estimated 5.5 million visitors expected in Guadalajara, Monterrey and Mexico CityThe US Department of State has updated its travel advice specifically for Americans heading south.

Mexico remains at level 2, but read the fine print

The The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reissued its travel advisory for Mexico on May 29while maintaining overalls Level 2: Be extra careful status due to terrorism, crime and kidnapping. The country overall is not Level 4, but six Mexican states are, and they have a Level 4 indication ‘Do not travel’: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas.

Only two states – Yucatán and Campeche – are rated at the lowest level 1. Everything else falls somewhere in the middle, meaning where you are in Mexico is extremely important. A security alert issued by the embassy on June 2 was specifically highlighted recent security incidents in San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur – a reminder that circumstances can change quickly.

Guadalajara is hosting a World Cup in a level 3 state

This is the detail that is missing from most travel reports. Jalisco – the state where Guadalajara is located – carries one Level 3: Rethink travel designation. According to TravelPulseThe State Department is warning of violent criminal activity in the state, including “shootings between criminal groups” that have injured bystanders in tourist areas, as well as kidnappings of US citizens.

Crucially, the advice adds to this there are no travel restrictions for the Guadalajara metropolitan area itself – the four World Cup matches scheduled for Estadio Akron will go ahead without a formal ban on American participation. Mexico City (five World Cup matches) and Nuevo León, home to Monterrey’s BVA Stadium (four matches), are both level 2.

Rules on site: taxis, driving and tickets

The US Embassy has issued firm guidelines for World Cup visitors. “Expect large crowds, heavy traffic and longer travel times,” says the spokesperson Embassy’s FIFA travel page warns. In addition, several rules are mandatory for US government employees highly recommended for all US citizens:

• No hailing taxis from the street. Only use app-based services (Uber, Cabify) or regulated taxi ranks through hotels.
• Don’t drive between cities after dark.
• Driving from US border cities into the interior of Mexico is prohibited without checking safety conditions along every state on the route.
• No ticket sales. It’s illegal in Mexico. Only buy via official FIFA channels.

What to leave at home

The embassy is unambiguous about a number of matters. Bringing firearms or ammunition into Mexico is a serious crimeeven if you have a valid US firearms permit – this does not apply in Mexico. All forms of marijuana, including medical, are illegal to import. E-cigarettes and vaping devices are also banned. Any violation may result in criminal prosecution, detention and fines. Check bags and pockets carefully before crossing.

Before you go

The most practical step for any American traveling to Mexico for the World Cup is to register for free with the State Department Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)that sends real-time alerts directly from the nearest U.S. embassy. Save the embassy emergency line – 52-55-2579-2000 – in your phone before departure and make sure you have a valid passport book for all air travel; a passport card is not sufficient to board flights in Mexico.

For risk levels by state and the latest advisory updates, visit travel.state.gov/mexico.