‘Crime and kidnapping’: U.S. issues warning about Mexico before World Cup

Beginning this month, the United States will serve as a host nation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada, with each nation hosting a number of matches. However, as fans travel between the three countries for matches, the United States has issued a travel warning for Mexico.

While the United States will host the vast majority of the matches for the upcoming World Cup, Mexico will host 13 matches, including five in Mexico City, four in Monterrey, and four in Guadalajara. But as fans make preparations to attend those matches, the United States has issued a travel advisory to make sure everyone stays safe.

Travel Warning for Mexico

On May 26, the United States issued an updated Level 2 travel advisory for Mexico, warning Americans to “exercise increased caution” in the country due to “terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.”

“Many violent crimes take place in Mexico. They include homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, sexual assault, and robbery. There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Mexico,” the advisory warns.

“The U.S. government has limited ability to help in many parts of Mexico, a large country in which conditions can vary widely from state to state and even within a state.  U.S. government employees may not travel to certain high-risk areas, which may be within states that include low-risk areas.”

While the country of Mexico as a whole is under a Level 2 advisory, there are some areas of the country that are listed as Level 4 “do not travel” areas, including the states of Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas. Americans are urged to avoid those areas altogether.

It’s worth noting that none of the World Cup matches will be held in one of those states.

Be Prepared

The Mexican government is expecting 5.5 million people to travel to the country for the World Cup matches, and the United States is urging every American who makes the trip to be prepared.

Here are some helpful tips the State Department provided for anyone traveling to Mexico for the World Cup.

• Follow Mexico’s laws while you’re in Mexico. You are subject to Mexican laws when you are in Mexico. If you break the law, there can be very severe penalties.

• Do not bring weapons or ammunition into Mexico. It is a serious crime and you could face severe penalties including years in prison. Permits to own or carry a gun in the United States are not valid in Mexico. Do a thorough check before leaving home.

• Drug possession and use is illegal in Mexico. It can lead to long jail sentences or fines. This includes all forms of marijuana, even with a medical permit, even if its use is allowed where you live in the United States.

• It is illegal to bring e-cigarettes and vaping liquids into Mexico. Don’t bring them to avoid entry delays, and possible criminal charges that could include fines or prison sentences. Do a thorough check before leaving home.

• Search your belongings and clothing pockets before travel if you regularly use items prohibited in Mexico.  Bringing in banned items can result in serious penalties even if accidental.

It’s expected to be a fun time, but it’s best for everyone to remain safe, too.