The US State Department has issued an updated travel advisory for Mexico, citing heightened risks of violent crime such as kidnapping in some states.
It asks US travelers to avoid the states of Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa and Tamaulipas.
Additionally, Americans should reconsider visiting Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Jalisco, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosi, Sonora and Zacatecas.
Mexico is currently a Level 2 advisory (exercise increased caution).
It bans U.S. government employees from traveling between cities after dark, and they should not hail taxis on the street.
For vacationers, the advisory asks everyone to keep family back home informed of travel plans and avoid driving alone or at night.
Extra caution should be taken in local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
