The United States Department of State twice updated its Sonora Travel Advisory in August 2018.
One constant with previous travel advisories is that Sonora still has a Level 3 travel advisory rating (Reconsider Travel, due to crime). And as always, the travel advisories are directed at U.S. government employees traveling in Sonora, with the understanding that the prohibitions and guidance are also recommendations for U.S. tourists and other travelers to the state of Sonora, Mexico.
The first update on August 18 prohibited U.S. government employees from visiting locations south of Hermosillo, to include Alamos, Empalme, Guaymas and San Carlos. It also details two highway routes that government employees can drive during the day, including a highway route from Nogales to Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point). The advisory also added specific restrictions for government employees who visit Nogales, Mexico. Read more details and analysis from the August 18, 2018 State Department Sonora Travel Advisory.
On August 22 the State Department added information and restrictions regarding travel to San Luis Rio Colorado, Agua Prieta and Cananea. Read more details.
Text of the Current State Department Travel Advisory for Sonora, Mexico:
Sonora state – Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Reconsider travel due to crime. Sonora is a key location used by the international drug trade and human trafficking networks. However, northern Sonora experiences much lower levels of crime than cities closer to Sinaloa and other parts of Mexico. U.S. government employees visiting Puerto Peñasco may use the Lukeville/Sonoyta crossing, and are required to travel during daylight hours on Federal Highway 8. U.S. government employees may also travel to Puerto Peñasco from Nogales by using Federal Highway 15 south and east via Federal Highway 2 and State Highway 37 through Caborca during daylight hours. U.S. government employees may travel between the cities of Nogales and Hemosillo, however, travel is restricted to daylight hours and only on Federal Highway 15 through Imuris, Magdalena, and Santa Ana.
U.S. government employees are prohibited from travel to:
- The triangular region west of the Mariposa port-of-entry, east of Sonoyta, and north of Altar.
- The district within Nogales that lies to the north of Ayenida Instituto Tecnologico and between Periferico and Corredor Fiscal, and the residential areas to the east of Plutarco Elias Calles. U.S. government employees are not permitted to use taxi services in Nogales, but bus travel is permitted. Movement around the city after dark is by vehicle only. U.S. government employees should avoid El Centro and all night clubs after 10:00 p.m.
- The eastern edge of the state of Sonora, which borders the state of Chihuahua (all points along that border east of Federal Highway 17, the road between Moctezuma and Sahuaripa, and state Highway 20 between Sahuaripa and the intersection with Federal Highway 16).
- San Carlos, Guaymas, Empalme, and all points south of Hermosillo via Federal Highway 15.
Travel of U.S. government employees to the following cities is permitted with the noted restrictions:
- San Luis Rio Colorado: U.S. government employees must travel during daylight hours through the San Luis, Arizona port-of-entry and may not travel beyond the city limits.
- Cananea: U.S. government employees must travel during daylight hours through the Naco, Arizona port-of-entry and along Route 2 to Cananea, including the Cananea mine, and may not travel beyond the city limits.
- Agua Prieta: U.S. government employees must travel during daylight hours through the Douglas, Arizona port-of-entry and may not travel beyond the city limits.