[Editor: This is an email sent from the US Department of State’s STEP program]
Date: October 31, 2024
Location: Culiacan and Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico
Event: U.S. Consulate Hermosillo continues to receive reports of armed car thefts, gunfire, security forces operations, roadblocks, burning vehicles and closed roadways in the vicinity of Culiacan in Sinaloa state, including the Culiacan-Mazatlan Federal Highway 15 and other major thoroughfares. U.S. citizens have been victims of armed carjacking and robbery along Federal Highway 15. The U.S. Consulate General reminds U.S. citizens that Sinaloa is classified as Level 4: Do Not Travel in the State Department’s travel advisory for Mexico. Culiacan, the Mazatlan-Culiacan highway, and Mazatlan are located in this Level 4 area due to widespread crime and criminal organizations that are based in and operating in Sinaloa state. Media sources report schools have reopened as of the time of this message but have been closed or moved to online-only with little notice due to armed violence. Some universities in Mazatlan have canceled evening classes, or moved evening classes to virtual instruction, through November 1, 2024. U.S. citizens present in Sinaloa or with plans to travel there should remain alert for potential violence throughout the state and avoid any non-essential travel there including the Culiacan-Mazatlan federal highway. U.S. citizens in need of emergency services should contact their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Actions to Take:
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Maintain a high level of vigilance and keep a low profile.
- Monitor local media for updates and in case of emergency, call 911.
- Review your personal security plans and follow the instructions of local authorities.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico
From Mexico: (55) 8526-2561
From the United States: 1-844-528-6611
Department of State – Consular Affairs: +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444
Links:
Mexico International Travel information
U.S. Citizens in Mexico WhatsApp Channel
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Department of State on Facebook and X
U.S. Embassy in Mexico on Facebook and X
