Is Ciudad Juárez safe for travelers?
Ciudad Juárez is rated high-risk by major travel safety sources. The US State Dept advises "Exercise Increased Caution" for Mexico due to crime and kidnapping in certain regions. Extra precautions are strongly recommended; consult the sources listed below before travel.
What the sources say
Ciudad Juárez is rated Avoid. A Chihuahua border city historically ranked among the world's most violent, it experienced some improvement in the 2010s but remains extremely dangerous. Cartel violence, roadside crime, and targeted killings are ongoing. All three advisories rate Chihuahua state at Level 3–4.
The US advisory places all of Chihuahua at Level 3 and advises US government employees not to travel to Ciudad Juárez. Violence occurs across the city; there is no safe tourist district. Kidnapping, express kidnapping, and robbery affect visitors as well as residents.
Travel to Ciudad Juárez for tourism is not recommended by any of the three advisories. If crossing for family visits or business, use established crossings, travel by day only, have local contacts arrange transport, and minimise time in the city. Do not travel south into Chihuahua state rural areas.
Official statistics
- World Bank / UNODC — national intentional homicide rate for Mexico: 2023: 24.9/100k; 2022: 25.9/100k; 2021: 28.0/100k; 2020: 29.0/100k. Note: this is a country-level rate, not city-specific. Source: World Bank Open Data (VC.IHR.PSRC.P5), compiled from UNODC Crime Trends Survey.
- SESNSP — Chihuahua: Homicidios dolosos: 2025: 1491 (2024: 1705) ↓. Robos con violencia: 2025: 357 (2024: 509). Secuestros: 2025: 73 (2024: 50). Extorsiones: 2025: 10 (2024: 6). Fuente: Secretariado Ejecutivo del Sistema Nacional de Seguridad Pública (SESNSP), Registro Nacional de Incidencia Delictiva.
Common questions
Is Ciudad Juárez safe for tourists?
Ciudad Juárez is considered high-risk by major travel authorities. Travellers should thoroughly research current conditions, stay in vetted accommodations, use private transport, and minimise unnecessary movement, especially after dark.
Is Ciudad Juárez safe at night?
Ciudad Juárez is considered high-risk at night. Minimise unnecessary travel after dark, use trusted private transport, and stay in secure, well-reviewed accommodations.
What are the main safety risks for visitors to Ciudad Juárez?
Ciudad Juárez sees higher rates of robbery, vehicle theft, and in some areas more serious incidents. Official sources highlight crime and kidnapping in certain regions as key concerns in Mexico.
Sources consulted
- Australia DFAT Smartraveller — Safety
- US State Department Travel Advisory
- UK FCDO Travel Advice — Safety and Security
- Canada DFATD Travel Advice
- World Bank — Intentional Homicides per 100k (Mexico)
- SESNSP — Incidencia Delictiva Fuero Común (Chihuahua)
- Overall rating: editorial travel-security synthesis (OSAC advisories, homicide reputation)