State Dept. Tells Americans Not To Travel To 5 Mexican States

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. State Department is warning American citizens to avoid traveling to five Mexican states because of an increase in crime.

The department now says Americans should not go to the states of Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa and Tamaulipas. It warns that homicide, kidnapping, carjacking and robbery are "widespread" in these regions.

The warning also notes that American government employees are prohibited from traveling to these regions. This means that the government would be limited in its ability to provide emergency aid to Americans who find themselves in danger.

"U.S. government employees are prohibited from intercity travel after dark in many areas of Mexico," the department said in a press release. "U.S. government employees are also not permitted to drive from the U.S.-Mexico border to or from the interior parts of Mexico with the exception of daytime travel on Highway 15 between Nogales and Hermosillo."

The department has long had warnings against travel to Mexico because of crime levels. However, placing these five states under a "do not travel" advisory is a new development.

For those who choose to travel to Mexico despite the warnings, the department issued these tips:

• Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving at night.
• Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Crime and Safety Reports for Mexico.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Travelers can visit the department's website for more information about the its view on the safety of other parts of Mexico.

Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images