State Department issues travel warning ahead of 2026 World Cup
View of the beach as seen from one of the accesses in Cancun, Quintana Roo State, Mexico. (Photo credit should read DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON - The U.S. State Department has issued an updated travel advisory for Mexico, urging Americans to exercise increased caution as the country prepares to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mexico remains under a Level 2 travel advisory, which advises travelers to "Exercise Increased Caution." The advisory was updated on May 29 due to concerns related to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.
Dig deeper:
The warning comes as officials expect large numbers of American soccer fans to travel to Mexico for World Cup matches next year. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico is encouraging travelers to review the latest safety and security guidance before departing.
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According to the State Department, violent crime continues to be a concern in some areas of Mexico. Reported incidents include homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, robbery, and sexual assault. Officials also cite the potential risk of terrorist violence and recommend travelers review the Department's Country Reports on Terrorism for additional information.
Security conditions can vary widely across Mexico, with risks differing from state to state and even between neighboring communities. As a result, the U.S. government restricts travel by its employees to certain high-risk regions. American citizens are encouraged to follow the same restrictions and remain aware of local conditions throughout their trips.
The embassy also cautioned that emergency services may be limited or unavailable in some remote and rural areas of the country.
What you can do:
Officials advise travelers to comply with instructions from authorities if they encounter military, police, or security checkpoints. Attempting to evade or ignore checkpoints could result in serious injury or death, according to the advisory.
With millions of visitors expected for the World Cup, U.S. officials are encouraging Americans to review maps of restricted areas, monitor travel advisories, and stay informed through updates from the U.S. Embassy in Mexico and the State Department.
U.S. officials are advising Americans planning a trip to Mexico to take several precautionary steps before departure.
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Travelers are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which provides important alerts and updates from U.S. embassies and consulates and helps officials contact travelers or their emergency contacts during emergencies.
The State Department also recommends reviewing the Country Security Report for Mexico, as well as resources for U.S. citizens who go missing abroad or become victims of crime while traveling.
Visitors should check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's latest travel health guidance for Mexico and consult the International Traveler's Checklist, whether traveling internationally for the first time or as a frequent visitor.
Officials strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance before departure, including coverage for medical emergencies, evacuation assistance, and trip cancellations.
Travelers can also stay informed by following the U.S. Department of State on social media platforms, including Facebook, X, and Instagram, for the latest travel and security updates.
The Source: The information in this story comes from the U.S. Department of State's travel advisory for Mexico, which was updated on May 29, as well as guidance issued by the U.S. Embassy in Mexico for Americans traveling to attend FIFA World Cup 2026 matches. This story was reported from Los Angeles.