With the FIFA World Cup kicking off in Mexico on June 11 and an estimated 5.5 million visitors expected across Guadalajara, Monterrey and Mexico City, the US State Department has updated its travel advisory specifically for Americans heading south.
The message is not “don’t go” — but it is “do your homework before you get on the plane.”
Mexico Stays at Level 2 — but Read the Fine Print
The State Department reissued its Mexico travel advisory on May 29, maintaining an overall Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution status due to terrorism, crime and kidnapping. The country overall is not a Level 4 — but six Mexican states are, and they carry a “Do Not Travel” designation: 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, which means where you are in Mexico matters enormously. A security alert issued by the Embassy on June 2 specifically flagged recent security incidents in San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur — a reminder that conditions can shift quickly.
Guadalajara Is a World Cup Host in a Level 3 State
This is the detail most travel coverage is missing. Jalisco — the state where Guadalajara is located — carries a Level 3: Reconsider Travel designation. According to TravelPulse, the State Department warns 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.
Critically, the advisory adds that there are no travel restrictions on the Guadalajara Metropolitan area itself — the four World Cup matches scheduled at Estadio Akron proceed without a formal ban on American attendance. Mexico City (five World Cup matches) and Nuevo León, home to Monterrey’s BVA Stadium (four matches), are both Level 2.
Rules on the Ground: Taxis, Driving and Tickets
The US Embassy has issued firm guidance for World Cup visitors. “Expect big crowds, heavy traffic, and longer travel times,” the Embassy’s FIFA travel page warns. Beyond that, several rules are mandatory for US government employees and strongly advised for all American citizens:
- No hailing taxis off the street. Use only app-based services (Uber, Cabify) or regulated taxi stands through hotels.
- No driving between cities after dark.
- No driving from US border cities into Mexico’s interior without checking security conditions along every state on the route.
- No ticket reselling. It is illegal in Mexico. Purchase only through official FIFA channels.
What to Leave at Home
The Embassy is unambiguous about a few items. Bringing firearms or ammunition into Mexico is a serious crime, even if you hold a valid US gun permit — it does not apply in Mexico. All forms of marijuana, including medical, are illegal to import. E-cigarettes and vaping devices are also banned. Each violation can result in criminal charges, detention and fines. Check bags and pockets carefully before crossing.
Before You Go
The single most practical step for any American traveling to Mexico for the World Cup is to enroll in the State Department’s free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which sends real-time alerts directly from the nearest US Embassy. Save the Embassy’s emergency contact line — 52-55-2579-2000 — in your phone before departure, and carry a valid passport book for all air travel; a passport card is not sufficient to board flights in Mexico.
For state-by-state risk levels and the latest advisory updates, visit travel.state.gov/mexico.
