Violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery, is widespread and common in Mexico. The U.S. Government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. Citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. Government Employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted.
In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities. U.S. Citizens are advised to adhere to restrictions on U.S. Government Employee travel.
U.S. Government Employees may not travel between cities after dark, may not hail taxis on the street, and must rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services like Uber, and regulated taxi stands. U.S. Government Employees should avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas.
U.S. Government Employees may not drive from the U.S. – Mexico border to or from the interior of Mexico, except daytime travel within Baja, California and between Nogales and Hermosillo on Mexican Federal Highway 15D, between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Highway 85D and between Ciudad Juarez and interior cities as noted in the Chihuahua section.
Sonora State – Exercise Increased Caution (Date issued August 12, 2025)
LEVEL 2: EXERCISE INCREASED CAUTION
Sonora is a key location used by the international drug trade and human trafficking networks. Violent crime is widespread. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping. Travelers should maintain
a heightened level of awareness of their surroundings in all their travels in Sonora. Security incidents may occur in any area of Sonora.
U.S. Government Employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions; it is suggested that U.S. Citizens do the same:
We ask that all Tohono O’odham Members making the pilgrimage to Magdalena be cautious of your surroundings and while driving on highways in Mexico. Please make sure that you have all your documentation such as your Tribal ID, Driver’s License, vehicle registration, and birth certificates.
