SouthernWorldwide.com – The U.S. State Department has issued updated travel advisories for American citizens planning international trips this summer, with particular attention drawn to potential risks for those intending to attend matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The revised advisory, released on May 29th, specifically addresses Mexico, one of the three co-host nations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside the United States and Canada.
This advisory maintains a “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” warning. The concerns highlighted include risks related to terrorism, general crime, and kidnapping.
Mexico is scheduled to host World Cup games in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey during the tournament.
The advisory explicitly warns that violent criminal activity remains a significant concern in various regions. This includes risks of homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, sexual assault, and robbery.
Furthermore, the advisory notes that the U.S. government’s capacity to offer emergency assistance to its citizens can be restricted in certain areas. This is particularly true for remote locations where access to emergency services might be limited or unavailable.
It is important to understand that the risk levels can differ substantially across different parts of the country.
Six Mexican states are currently under a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory. These states are Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas.
Several other states have been classified as Level 3, advising Americans to reconsider their travel plans. These include Baja California, Chihuahua, Guanajuato, and Jalisco.
Among the cities designated as World Cup host locations, Mexico City remains under a Level 2 advisory. Nuevo León, the state where Monterrey is located, is also categorized as Level 2.
Jalisco, the state hosting Guadalajara, is currently designated with a Level 3 advisory.
The State Department provides specific advice for travelers. They recommend avoiding travel between cities after dark, utilizing dispatched taxis or app-based ride services, and refraining from traveling alone in remote areas.
Officials also strongly urge travelers to comply with any security checkpoints they may encounter.
The advisory explicitly states that fleeing or ignoring instructions from authorities can lead to serious injury or even death.
Americans planning international travel are strongly encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This program facilitates communication, allowing the U.S. Embassy to provide security updates and contact travelers in case of emergencies.
The State Department also advises travelers to thoroughly research local laws and customs. Monitoring embassy alerts and securing comprehensive travel insurance before departure are also recommended steps.
Officials are encouraging all Americans intending to attend the World Cup matches to review the most current guidance provided by the U.S. Embassy prior to their travel dates.
