Shocking Turn of Events
In mid-May 2025, the U.S. State Department issued an updated travel advisory for Baja California Sur, including popular destinations such as La Paz, Los Cabos, and Cabo San Lucas. The advisory cites increased cartel violence and threats against officials as primary concerns. Travelers are advised to expect heightened security measures and potential public transportation restrictions.
Specific Incidents Prompting the Advisory
The updated advisory follows a series of violent incidents in the region. On April 22, a law enforcement officer and three others were killed in separate attacks. Subsequently, on April 24, three passenger buses were set on fire in La Paz and Los Cabos, leading to the suspension of some public transportation services. A shootout occurred across several neighborhoods in Cabo San Lucas on April 25.
Nationwide Alert Issued by Mexican Authorities
In response to the escalating violence, Mexican authorities have issued a nationwide alert, increasing the presence of security forces and emergency medical services. Restrictions have been imposed on the use of public transportation in affected areas to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
Safety Recommendations for Travelers
The U.S. State Department advises travelers to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time alerts and make emergency contact details available to the U.S. Embassy. Additional recommendations include avoiding nighttime travel, using authorized transportation, and refraining from displaying signs of wealth.
Areas with Elevated Travel Advisories
Beyond Baja California Sur, the State Department maintains Level 4 (“Do Not Travel”) advisories for several Mexican states, including Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas, due to widespread crime and kidnapping concerns. Travelers are urged to avoid these regions entirely.
Precautions for Women and Solo Travelers
Women and solo travelers are advised to take extra precautions, such as using drink covers, carrying personal alarms, and staying within well-monitored tourist zones. It’s recommended to arrange airport transfers through reputable providers and use verified ride-hailing apps.
Safety Recommendations That Sound Like Survival Tips
She suggests that, along with multiple credit cards and debit cards, travelers carry some U.S. dollars and invest in an anti-theft bag to secure valuables, saying “Don’t travel with one card. If you’re going somewhere, you need a credit card and at least two debit cards. The credit card gets locked, or the debit card gets stolen,” adding “You need a third card to make sure that you’re good”. This sounds less like vacation packing and more like preparation for a disaster zone. She also suggested bringing a power bank and downloading offline maps that include your hotel, the nearest police station and other key locations in case of emergency or poor cell signals, with advice to stay aware of your surroundings and avoid looking lost, as this can mark you as a target. When travel experts are telling you to memorize police station locations for your beach vacation, something has gone terribly wrong.