Mexico : Safety by City
- Acapulco
- Aguascalientes
- Cabo San Lucas
- Cancun
- Chichen Itza
- Chihuahua
- Cozumel
- Cuernavaca
- Culiacan
- Durango
- Ensenada
- Guadalajara
- Guanajuato
- Hermosillo
- Huatulco
- Isla Holbox
- Isla Mujeres
- Ixtapa
- Juarez
- Leon
- Los Cabos
- Manzanillo
- Matamoros
- Merida
- Mexicali
- Mexico City
- Monterrey
- Morelia
- Nogales
- Nuevo Laredo
- Oaxaca
- Piedras Negras
- Playa del Carmen
- Puebla
- Puerto Morelos
- Puerto Vallarta
- Queretaro City
- Reynosa
- Saltillo
- San Luis Potosi
- San Miguel de Allende
- Sayulita
- Tijuana
- Tulum
- Valladolid
- Veracruz
- Zacatecas
- Zamora
- Zapopan
- Zihuatanejo
Nuevo Laredo looks like a convenient city to go visit if you’re staying in South Texas, and many people cross the border each day.
However, Nuevo Laredo has become one of the more dangerous cities in Mexico, with the state of Tamaulipas landing a Level 4 travel advisory from the U.S. Department of State.
This is the level that plainly states to not travel to the area.
Yet people still go.
So, does that mean it’s safe? It’s difficult to say whether everything is unsafe or if there are any areas where you’d be just fine.
There are a lot of people who comment online about the city center by the border being OK, but even that area isn’t without risk.
There is a section of the city center where U.S. government employees are allowed to go — the rest of the city is off-limits — but other than that area, assume the rest of the city is a no-go zone for you, too.
Warnings & Dangers in Nuevo Laredo
OVERALL RISK: HIGH
Some of the risks in Nuevo Laredo are either ones you can't help, like natural disasters, or ones you find anywhere in Mexico, like tap water quality. But other risks like terrorism and mugging are very high in the city. The U.S. State Department does allow U.S. government employees to go to Nuevo Laredo if they stay in a specific area, and it's highly recommended that you follow this restriction, too. The area in question has Calle 15 de Septiembre to the south, Boulevard Colosio to the east, and Avenida Cesar Lopez de Lara to the west. On the north side of that area is the border crossing.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH
There have been reports of kidnappings on buses (kidnappers will literally pull people off buses and out of cars), and theft is a risk, too.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
Pickpocketing and petty theft are a big risk, especially on public transportation. Never wear flashy clothing or jewelry when visiting Nuevo Laredo, and please secure your bags, wallet, keys, and any other valuables. Be aware of who is around you at all times, and look boring, like you have nothing of value on you.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
High for some and medium or low for others. Extreme heat in summer is a serious risk, so pay attention to weather reports and stay in an air-conditioned place during the heat of the day whenever possible. Drink bottled water, too, and don't overexert yourself. The city is also at risk from hurricanes and tropical storms that push inland with wind and rain. Sudden storms can also cause severe flooding. The area is also prone to wildfires. However, it doesn't have a big seismic risk, and the risk of the Rio Grande flooding is low.
MUGGING RISK: HIGH
In general, crime is high in Nuevo Laredo. You should stick to the area that the U.S. State Department allows government employees to go to. Again, this is the area with Calle 15 de Septiembre to the south, Boulevard Colosio to the east, and Avenida Cesar Lopez de Lara to the west. That is not a guarantee that the area is completely safe. The State Department's approval for employees to go to that area merely means the risks are reduced enough to be acceptable for the government.
TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
Cartels, criminal gangs, terrorist groups, and other criminal organizations are all very active in Tamaulipas and Nuevo Laredo, and they have been for years. Stories about someone's child crossing the border to attend a party and then never coming back have been common for years. Americans have been kidnapped and held in Nuevo Laredo for ransom, and in at least one case, the kidnappers raided a wedding reception in Texas and kidnapped two people because of their car, taking them over the border. In other parts of Tamaulipas, U.S. citizens crossing the border for a medical procedure have been attacked. In 2023, four were kidnapped (two killed, along with a bystander) when they just crossed over for some medical appointments in Matamoros. Despite many online stating the tourist area by the border is fine if you don't go looking for trouble, you really do need to take care and be aware of your surroundings.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
While you might encounter classic tourist scams like overcharging, those haven't been that much of a concern because the violent crime problem and cartel/gang issues have been so bad. The main scams that get attention now are vehicle export scams, and these target people trying to move their U.S. cars into Mexico long-term.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH
It's true that a lot of people cross into Nuevo Laredo daily to see doctors or what have you, and if you're by the border, during the day, in a tourist zone that's populated, you may be at less of a risk of being a victim of crime. But it's not guaranteed, and U.S. citizens have been kidnapped and killed while on short trips to the city. People have been kidnapped off buses, too. Avoid going alone, especially if you're female, and don't go out at night. Lock your doors and windows even during the day.
TAP WATER RISK: HIGH
Despite being right next to the city of Laredo, Texas, Nuevo Laredo's tap water is similar to that in the rest of Mexico. You have to assume it's contaminated with bacteria and that it's unsafe to drink, use for brushing teeth, and so on. Use bottled water. Laredo's water has also had its contamination issues in the past, but on the U.S. side of the border, the tap water is considered safe to drink.
Safest Places to Visit in Nuevo Laredo
“Safe” is relative here.
Stick to the area that U.S. government employees can travel to: Calle 15 de Septiembre to the south, Boulevard Colosio to the east, Avenida Cesar Lopez de Lara to the west, and the border crossing to the north.
Places to Avoid in Nuevo Laredo
Everywhere outside that central area.
If you have to travel between border cities, too, then do what U.S. government employees have to do and cross over into Texas.
Travel along highways there and then cross back into Mexico at your destination.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Nuevo Laredo
- Stick to the city center near the border. That appears to be a lower-risk zone due to the State Department’s approval for employees to go there.
- Watch out for the heat in summer.
- Join the STEP mailing/texting list. This is the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, which keeps you up to date about new travel advisories and other emergency information.
- Go with another person, if at all possible.
- You might consider staying in Laredo, if this is a multi-day trip, and crossing into Nuevo Laredo as needed.
- Don’t walk around at night, especially alone.
- Do make sure someone knows where you’re going when you do go out.
- Avoid the tap water.
- Don’t stand out. Don’t wear anything that might make you look wealthy as even smaller displays of wealth have been used as a kidnapping excuse before.
- Keep the weather in mind, and keep an eye on tropical systems that may hit the Texas Gulf coast and push inland.
So... How Safe Is Nuevo Laredo Really?
Not very.
That’s not to say that merely looking at the border crossing will result in harm.
But the zone where you may have less of a problem is small, and it’s not a guaranteed safer region.
If you travel to Nuevo Laredo in spite of the State Department warnings, stick to the city center, and be on the lookout for anything unusual.
How Does Nuevo Laredo Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Nuevo Laredo |
35 |
| Ixtapa |
70 |
| Cancun |
70 |
| Cabo San Lucas |
72 |
| Tijuana |
38 |
| Matamoros |
35 |
| Saltillo |
70 |
 Whitewater | 85 |
| Aiken | 57 |
| Haverhill | 74 |
| Leavenworth | 48 |
 Puerto Madryn | 70 |
 Aleppo | 28 |
Useful Information
Visas
If you're a U.S. citizen, you won't need a visa to visit Mexico for fewer than 180 days. You may need an FMM, which is a form of entry permit. You might also need to pay a fee. If you fly into Nuevo Laredo, you'll need an FMM but will have to pay the fee only if your stay will be greater than six days or if you'll be traveling outside of a specific zone that runs along the border. If you enter by land, you'll only need the FMM and fee if you plan to stay longer than six days. So, if you stay in Laredo and cross over by foot, for example, to get lunch in Nuevo Laredo, you won't need an FMM for that one-day trip.
Currency
Nuevo Laredo businesses use Mexican pesos and centavos, but many of them, especially close to the border, may take U.S. dollars. Because both currencies use the $ sign, you may want to double-check which currency a price is in, if it isn't already labeled. As of the end of January 2026, US$1 gets you MEX$17.33. If crossing over from Laredo, get some pesos at a casa de cambio (exchange office) before crossing; get some change, too, and save it for when you cross back to pay the bridge toll. If you fly into Nuevo Laredo, there are currency exchanges at the airport, though the rates may not be the best.
Weather
Nuevo Laredo's weather is just about the same as the weather in south Texas: Hot in summer, mild in winter, and subject to storms, including tropical systems that work their way inland. Average winter highs (in Fahrenheit) are in the upper 60s and low 70s (barring cold fronts that can bring chilly temperatures), while the lows are often in the upper 40s. Summer highs can edge into the low 100s on average (that's without a heat wave), while the lows stay in the upper 70s. Humidity can be relatively high all year, although fall is a little worse. If traveling in winter, plan for mostly mild temperatures during the day and jacket weather in the evening, but be sure to bring an extra jacket, gloves, hat, and scarf in case you encounter a cold spell. In summer, hats, lightweight clothing, and something to carry water bottles in are good. Don't mess with the summer heat -- it's a quick slide from just being hot to developing heat illness.
Airports
You have two choices for airports if you travel to Nuevo Laredo. One is Nuevo Laredo International Airport, a.k.a. Quetzalcoatl International Airport, located on the southwest side of the city. You can rent a car there or take a taxi, but be sure to take only authorized taxis. Don't go off with people who approach you, claiming to be taxi drivers. Uber is also available in Nuevo Laredo and may be a safer bet than taxis because Uber pricing is set before the ride. The other option is to fly into Laredo International Airport in Laredo, Texas, and then cross over the border. Laredo's airport is located on the northeast side of the city, and you can take an uber or taxi down to the border. (It's a little too far to walk.) Note that the bridge to cross between Laredo and Nuevo Laredo is a toll crossing for both vehicles and pedestrians. However, the toll is usually cheap, such as just a few dollars for cars.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance isn't required by Mexican law just to enter the country. However, it's strongly recommended that you and anyone traveling with you have travel insurance, especially if you're going to Nuevo Laredo. You just never know what could happen. You could have to call off your trip, there could be an increase in crime near your hotel that makes you decide to stay in Laredo instead (so you have to change your reservations and possibly lose a deposit), and so on. If you drive over the border or rent a car, you'll need Mexican auto insurance. You can get that from specialized agencies in Laredo or another border city, or through the rental car company. Keep in mind that if you drive in from Texas, you'll need a specific permit if you want to travel farther into Mexico instead of staying in a special zone that's adjacent to the border.
Nuevo Laredo Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
21 | 23 | 27 | 30 | 33 | 35 | 36 | 36 | 33 | 29 | 24 | 21 |
| Low °C |
8 | 10 | 13 | 17 | 20 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 21 | 17 | 12 | 9 |
| High °F |
70 | 73 | 81 | 86 | 91 | 95 | 97 | 97 | 91 | 84 | 75 | 70 |
| Low °F |
46 | 50 | 55 | 63 | 68 | 73 | 75 | 75 | 70 | 63 | 54 | 48 |
Only visit if you want to die
Does not seem to be a high recommendation for visiting the city
I go there every year it’s only unsafe if u don’t have family there and ur going by yourself if u have family there u good the cartel might stop you and ask u to pay like 1000 pesos=49.53 but they won’t mess with u
If you want to die feel free to visit
Time of day to visit if you want to live
If you want to visit; and live, then go into the downtown area early in the morning (~9:00 a.m.) and do your business and shopping then. Not too bad in day time and even early evening but best to leave when it gets dark.
It is a 5 star place to have your funeral
Safe but use common sense
It’s not as bad as it used to be. As of mid 2020 it has become more safe, but common sense should prevail. Stick to down town area at night and suggest crossing back to USA before late night. Cabs are plentiful and safe but suggest agreeing on price before getting in. People here are friendly, military and Federal police are everywhere so it’s quite safe now, especially in the downtown area. Lots of dentists but few have an xray machine so suggest bring your own xrays if possible. All n all, come and enjoy Nuevo Laredo, just use common sense and leave expensive jewelry behind.
Question
Hi, do you know how safe are the bust stations now? If they have police or Military personnel around. I’m asking because las year there was no security guards or police personnel and they had groups of guys questioning you without any authority. I’m planning a trip but I’m trying to find out how’s the situation over there right now
yeah there’s no police or military people around. If you have family there its best that they pick you up from the bus station. just be careful… especially at night. daytime is pretty good just be cautious of your surroundings.
Picture on this site is not correct
I’m pretty sure the picture above is not a picture of Nuevo Laredo. I used to live there and there wasn’t that much color or mountains.
I have never been asked for medical travel insurance crossing into Mexico or flying into any other country. Now they do require liability auto insurance, so maybe thats what the author should have said. But not medical.
Be smart! Dental care is very affordable. Do what you went there for… not the one time fun zone.
Casual dress is best… do nothing to indicate you are uncomfortable ! As anywhere your life is in your good judgement … fly under the radar!
Be alert it's Pretty Safe but it depends if you're gonna crumble with fear
As a white man who goes over at different points along the.border I’ve never feared for my safety but be aware have your destination planned before hand don’t draw attention to.yourself ..Don’t look worried or weak be decisive.. Get over early and get back early..Have a plan if stopped by anyone have a good reason for the visit and maybe have a good will $50 to donate as money is why they are at War..Why it’s a risk Say I was going.to the dentist..But the Cartels are in with the.people..But they are worried about their turf rivals or the Mexican Military..Don’t take Pictures don’t panic if stopped but stay alert. ..
Not safe at all. Even driving through the town to go south should be considered very very dangerous. July 2021
None stay clear of this place
We just went to our hometown Nuevo Laredo and it was very safe and pleasant. We visit here 2 times a year except for the last 2 years. Lots of soldiers but very safe.
I’m irish. And want to cross from here in to the USA. Do I need an American visa to cross the border?
Scared for my life
I came here because the company I work for started to produce here to make our products because of cheaper labor. Let me tell you this will be my last visit. I was terrified for my life. I was asked for money at gun point in broad day light with a group of people. I gave them everything I had. The police are not helpful at all. Almost didn’t care. They know who the tourist are and who aren’t. Stay away..
I was headed to Nuevo Laredo, but I was turned backed by my people, so no it’s not safe to go right now, I lost a lot of family over there due to the violence, I use to live there but I would rather be in prison in USA than to live over there again , even if u have ties to the big dogs nobody is safe, to my family I got left over there I love yall ill try to see yall again soon.
I’ve never seen such poverty in my life . It’s very scary and the whole place looks like a zombie town. You need a gun but probably won’t do any good most definitely and some bribe money. Don’t stop for stop sighs and just run for the border. You better have God on your side visiting this place and dress poor and talk little as possible or you will be targeted
You need Jesus to go there unsafe
Death trap
Like the old west/salty spitoon
only for the toughest of the the tough like clint Eastwood and Charles bronson. if you’re not then try the weenie hut jr.
I never expected to find such amazing healthcare just across the border; it’s like a hidden gem for anyone needing a quick check-up!
Stumbling upon Nuevo Laredo felt like being in a hidden gem, especially when I caught a local baseball game; the energy in the stadium was infectious, and it made me appreciate how vibrant a community can be beyond the usual tourist spots.
It’s kind of wild how so many still head over there despite the warnings, like a little adventure mixed with a lot of caution. The city center might feel okay, but it definitely keeps you on your toes!
Seems like a fun little trip if you enjoy living on the edge and don’t mind a little ‘restricted’ adventure thrown in.
I’ve crossed into Nuevo Laredo a few times and while the city has a certain charm, it’s hard to shake the feeling of unease, especially knowing how much caution is advised. It’s a tough spot because you want to explore, but there’s definitely a heavy cloud of risk hanging over it.
Is it really that sketchy out there, or are there spots where you can feel somewhat safe?
Crossing over for tacos and cheap meds always sounds like a great idea right up until you’re driving back over the bridge with your stomach in knots because that “it’s fine by the border, just don’t wander off” advice suddenly feels a lot less reassuring in real life.
I crossed into the city center by the border once and even though some folks say that pocket is okay I felt on edge the whole time and wouldn’t risk going past the area where U.S. government employees are allowed.
He he cruzado varias veces por la garita y siempre me pone nervioso ver tanta presencia policial y las vallas, así que ya no me quedo después del atardecer.
You really sat down for tacos at the plaza by the border bridge and felt oddly relaxed the whole time, right?
He cruzado por el centro un par de veces y de noche se siente tenso, así que ya no ando solo después de las 7.
I crossed over last weekend and, oddly enough, the taco stand by the border was the only place that made me relax a bit even though I kept glancing over my shoulder and feeling a little on edge.