Don't forget to review our Mexico Travel Advisories
The U.S. Department of State regularly issues travel advisories to Americans making plans to travel abroad.
For Mexico, the State Department advises that Americans not carry into the country any type of firearm or ammunition, concealed or unconcealed, without prior authorization from the Mexican authorities. Entering Mexico with a firearm or ammunition, even unintentionally, carries a penalty of up to ten years in a Mexican jail. Remember that the Napoleonic Code applies in Mexico, meaning that case law and extenuating circumstances do not play a role in determining guilt or innocence. In contrast to U.S. law, in Mexico you are considered guilty until proven innocent. Mexico takes its laws seriously, and it is best to keep this in mind while traveling or staying in the country.
General safety precautions should also be taken: Do not hail taxis on the streets, particularly in large cities. Do not use ATMs at night. Do not walk alone at night. Do not flash large amounts of cash or wear expensive jewelry. Do not drive at night. Do not hitchhike or pick-up hitchhikers.
Mexico has seen an increase in crime, including drug crime, in recent years, and all precautions listed here and elsewhere should be strongly heeded. However, despite the recent rise in crime, the crime rate in Mexico is less than what you may experience in the United States, and the Mexican government is taking steps to reduce crime, including investing millions on safety programs, raising pay for police and instituting a new emergency number ("066") similar to the 911 emergency number in the United States.
For in-depth travel advisories, visit the U.S. State Department's official webpage for Mexico.
