U.S. Embassy urges Winter Texans to prepare for security risks as winter travel to Mexico picks up

As Winter Texans across the Rio Grande Valley prepare for holiday and seasonal trips into nearby Mexican cities such as Matamoros, Reynosa, and Nuevo Progreso, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico are urging travelers to be mindful of security risks.

The reminder, issued in a bulletin last week, comes as the U.S. Department of State’s Mexico Travel Advisory — issued in August and still in effect — continues to classify Tamaulipas as a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” state, the highest-risk category for U.S. citizens. 

The designation includes the border cities most frequented by Valley residents and Winter Texans during the winter season.

The embassy’s message opened with a warning that crime, including violent crime, “can occur anywhere in Mexico,” urging travelers to stay alert and consider safety conditions before crossing. 

The bulletin also noted stricter enforcement of weapons laws and reminded visitors of key travel protocols, including the mandatory Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) and valid passport requirements.

According to the State Department advisory, organized crime activity is common along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. Reported crimes include gun battles, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents have been victims of kidnapping. Criminal groups have also targeted buses and private vehicles traveling through Tamaulipas, sometimes kidnapping passengers for ransom.

The advisory states that heavily armed groups patrol areas from Reynosa to Nuevo Laredo and often act without fear of punishment.

Ongoing security risks

The State Department continues to impose strict movement limits on U.S. government employees in several Tamaulipas cities, reflecting the region’s elevated security threats.

In Matamoros, travel is restricted to select neighborhoods and routes, and armored vehicles are required for airport travel and for any trips to Reynosa. A midnight-to-6 a.m. curfew remains in effect.

In Nuevo Laredo, employees must remain within designated boundaries and may not use interior highways to travel between cities in Tamaulipas. Travel to Monterrey is allowed only along Highway 85D during daylight hours and requires prior authorization.

In Nuevo Progreso, employees may enter only on foot and only within a limited radius surrounding the international bridge between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.

While these restrictions apply solely to federal personnel, officials say they underscore the severity of security conditions in cities that many Winter Texans routinely visit.

Winter Texans were encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, secure travel documents, and review the full Mexico Travel Advisory before making plans.