The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Mexico at Level 2, indicating travelers should exercise increased caution due to crime. Reconsider travel to the State of Sonora due to crime. Due not travel to the state of Sinaloa due to crime.
Overall Crime and Safety Situation
The U.S. Consulate General in Hermosillo does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The ACS Unit cannot recommend a particular individual or location and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided.
Please review OSAC’s Mexico-specific webpage for proprietary analytic reports, Consular Messages, and contact information.
The U.S. Consulate General Hermosillo consular district covers the southern two-thirds of the state of Sonora and the entire state of Sinaloa. Hermosillo is approximately 220 miles south of Tucson, Arizona, and is the economic and political capital of Sonora. Parts of Sonora and Sinaloa, including Mazatlan, Bahia de Kino, Alamos, and San Carlos, have well-established U.S. expatriate populations. Major cruise lines resumed ports of call to Mazatlán in 2012. The peak tourist season is October through March.
Crime Threats
There is considerable risk from crime in Hermosillo. Violent crime in Sinaloa, particularly surrounding the illegal drug trade, continues at a much higher rate than in Sonora. Armed robbery, homicide, assault, burglary, vehicle theft, theft from vehicles, economic fraud, and petty crime occur. While Mexico employs strict gun-control laws, criminals usually carry knives or handguns. There is no evidence to indicate that criminals are specifically targeting U.S. citizens or the U.S. private sector. Criminals often select victims based on an appearance of vulnerability, prosperity, or inattention. Sinaloa remains among the top states in Mexico for Transnational Criminal Organization violence.
Sonora also experiences crime and drug violence. In general, this violence is targeted at those involved or opposing the illegal drug trade. While those affected by this type of violence are typically associated with illegal activity, there is the potential bystander injuries or deaths.
Cloning or counterfeiting debit and credit cards occurs in Mexico. Plan your cash needs, using only reputable ATMs in secure areas. Card skimming and double charging are common types of economic fraud. For more information, review OSAC’s Report, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud.
The majority of crime in Mexico goes unreported; therefore, use any reported national crimes statistics for trend analyses and not as statistical representation. Research areas you plan to visit beforehand to ascertain the crime situation.
Other Areas of Concern
There are many areas to avoid within Hermosillo’s consular district. The U.S. Department of State updates its Travel Advisory periodically in response to the evolving security situation. Due to the high level of crime and drug-related violence in Sinaloa and parts of Sonora, consult any travel within these areas against the Department’s warnings and advisories.
Transportation-Safety Situation
For more information, review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.
Road Safety and Road Conditions
Driving in Mexico requires vigilance. Drivers are not uniformly experienced, and often drive cars in disrepair. Be alert for vehicles moving more slowly than the rest of the traffic flow, or speeding through traffic signals at the last minute. Drivers can normally correct minor steering mistakes on a road with wide and level shoulders; these are not as easy to correct on Mexican roads, and may cause drivers to lose control of their vehicle. Additionally, be aware of vehicles with defective or inoperable lights at night. Signage and traffic lights are improving, but are still not always clear. Road damage is not always quickly repaired, leaving potholes which can damage your car or cause drivers to swerve or brake unexpectedly. Give a wide berth to public buses and trucks. Speed, nighttime travel, weather (especially the summer rainy season), unfamiliarity with the road, lack of lighting, and other elements are contributing factors to serious traffic accidents and incidents on highways.
Avoid nighttime travel and use intercity toll highways when possible. Toll roads (cuotas) appear with the capital letter "D" printed below the highway route number on area maps. Plan routes ahead of time, and purchase fuel at filling stations in populated areas. Carry enough cash for tolls and emergency needs. The prevalence of wild animals, as well as wandering livestock, on highways is an added concern. For more information on self-driving, review OSAC’s Report Driving Overseas: Best Practices.
U.S. car insurance is not valid in Mexico; obtain Mexican car insurance or risk police detention in the event of an accident. Travelers outside of the Sonora “hassle-free” zone must obtain a vehicle import permit or risk Mexican authorities seizing their car with reduced chances of reacquisition.
The military has an increased presence in many regions as part of a nationwide effort to address drug-related violence. Drivers are likely to encounter military checkpoints. Police also set up various administrative checkpoints in and around cities (e.g. speed control, sobriety checkpoints) and along the highways (e.g. vehicle registration checkpoints).
It is common for strangers to approach vehicles asking for directions or change, handing out flyers, washing windows, or selling goods. Be alert and ensure you lock doors and roll windows far enough up in case they are not well intentioned. When stopped in traffic, leave adequate distance between vehicles to escape. Be alert when using drive-up ATMs, never pick up hitchhikers, and do not stop to assist strangers whose vehicles appear to be broken down.
Public Transportation Conditions
Pickpocketing and petty theft is common on public transportation. If traveling via intercity bus, do not lose sight of bags, suitcases, and personal belongings. It is common for thieves to wait at roadside gas and bus stations in order to steal luggage. Hijackers have targeted buses for roadside robbery.
Taxis in many cities are safer and more reliable than buses. Only patronize taxis from designated taxi stands or called from an established taxi company. In Hermosillo, on-demand car services are reliable. For more information on ride sharing, review OSAC’s Annual Briefing Report Safety and Security in the Share Economy.
Aviation/Airport Conditions
Be prepared for U.S.-styled security screening and unpredictable wait times.
Terrorism Threat
Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns
There is minimal risk from terrorism in Hermosillo. While international terrorist groups do not appear to be active in Mexico, lax immigration controls, the abundance of fake Mexican travel documents and Mexico's geographic location make the country an attractive transit point for potential transnational terrorists. These vulnerabilities make cross-border transit of people and goods a key concern. Businesses conducting cross-border trade should be aware of this vulnerability, as terrorist and criminal organizations could use legitimate business transport to smuggle people or items across borders. U.S. Customs and Border Protection operates the C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) program to mitigate this risk.
Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence
Civil Unrest
There is considerable risk from civil unrest in Hermosillo. Demonstrations do occur within the Hermosillo consular district; however, they are typically small, non-violent, and well policed. In recent years, these have not targeted the U.S. or U.S. policy.
Religious/Ethnic Violence
Some communities have disputes and legal cases involving land, water, and other issues; few have sparked violent episodes or the formation of groups responding with violence. Over the last three years, a local indigenous group has blockaded Federal Highway 15 in the Obregon area on several occasions in localized protest.
Post-specific Concerns
Environmental Hazards
Hurricanes make landfall in Sinaloa and Sonora during the Pacific hurricane season (June to November). Heavy rains may leave sections of roads damaged or washed out, and can hamper the ability to drive inland from coastal regions. Minor tropical storms can develop into hurricanes very quickly, limiting the time available for a safe evacuation. Infrastructure damage to airports and limited flight availability has forced travelers in affected regions to delay their return; you might not be able to depart easily before or after a hurricane. Notify family/friends of your whereabouts and keep in close contact with a tour operator, hotel staff, and local officials for evacuation instructions in the event of a weather emergency.
Prepare for hurricanes and tropical storms by organizing supplies of bottled water, non-perishable food items, battery-powered or hand-crank electronics, vital documents (including passport and identification), and medications in a waterproof container. Emergency shelters often have access only to basic resources and limited medical and food supplies. Monitor local radio, the National Weather Service and Mexican weather authorities (in Spanish).
Although uncommon, the possibility of earthquakes does exist. Additionally, many areas of Sonora and Sinaloa also experience extreme temperatures.
Critical Infrastructure Concerns
Parts of Federal Highway 15 tollway (cuota) in Sonora are under construction and have limited or non-existent shoulders; exercise caution. Roadwork is not always well marked, and temporary traffic diversions can be hazardous.
Electrical, telecommunications, and internet service can be unreliable in areas of Mexico.
Personal Identity Concerns
Same-sex sexual relations are legal in Mexico. The law provides for protections against discrimination based on gender identity. Travelers will find more openness and acceptance in urban areas, and conservative stances in rural areas.
Drug-related Crimes
Mexico is well known for its illegal drug trade and the violence and corruption that the industry fosters. Mexico is a primary route for transporting illegal drugs into the U.S. Drug-related violence in Mexico is mostly confined to those involved in the drug trade or those fighting against it.
Kidnapping Threat
Kidnapping-for-ransom is an established criminal activity in Mexico, but most incidents go unreported. Express kidnappings, a common type of abduction in Mexico, rely on the 24-hour withdrawal limit placed on ATM cards industry-wide. Kidnappers generally hold victims for 24-48 hours and force them to withdraw funds from various ATMs.
Virtual kidnapping, a form of telephonic extortion, is another form of criminal activity common to Mexico. There have been reports of virtual kidnapping calls made to family members in the U.S. claiming that a loved one traveling in Mexico is kidnapped. A good defense is to communicate travel plans to family/friends/co-workers, providing detailed contact information and having multiple means of communication. For more information, review OSAC’s Report, Kidnapping: The Basics.
Police Response
Mexican security and police forces generally have been ineffective in maintaining security in border areas and other parts of Mexico. Consequently, citizens are often indifferent to police authority, and the general perception is that crime victims do not report crimes due to fear of reprisals by the police, the belief that the police are corrupt, or the feeling that nothing would come from filing reports. As a result, many crimes go unreported. Criminal groups have targeted police and security forces, who are outmanned and outgunned.
Bringing a firearm and/or ammunition into Mexico is a punishable offense unless you obtain proper permits. Small weapons (pocketknives) can result in concealed weapons charges. Contact a Mexican Consulate in the U.S. for information regarding importing hunting weapons.
How to Handle Incidents of Police Detention or Harassment
Cooperate fully with police, but do not offer tips or bribes to officers during a traffic stop. In the event that an officer should suggest anything other than a normal resolution to a traffic violation, note their badge number, nametag, vehicle number, and provide it to the American Citizen Services section of the U.S. Consulate General in Hermosillo.
Crime Victim Assistance
As in the U.S., 911 is the standardized emergency number in Sonora and Sinaloa for police, fire, and emergency medical response. Operators may not speak English; enlist a Spanish speaker to assist placing the call for help. In Hermosillo and Mazatlan, emergency response centers have made efforts to staff emergency phone lines with English-speaking operators, but this is not failsafe. If involved in a traffic accident or a crime, a driver may need to accompany the investigating officer to the local police station to file a complaint or respond to questions. Should an insurance claim require a police report, a nominal fee may apply.
Police/Security Agencies
Police forces operate at the federal, state, and municipal levels. Police authority maintains two primary functional areas: preventative policing and investigative policing. Policing proceeds along two parallel systems, making it distinctly different from police authority in the U.S. Municipal police operate regionally, providing services to municipalities. Municipal police forces may only have preventative police forces; all investigative duties fall to either state or federal police depending on the law(s) involved.
Other Mexican security forces include the Army (SEDENA, Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional) and the Navy/Marines (SEMAR, Secretaría de Marina). SEDENA and SEMAR forces sometimes combat drug operations. SEDENA operates checkpoints along key highway routes.
Medical Emergencies
Find useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Your Health Abroad.
Contact Information for Available Medical Services
Review the Consulate General’s List of Doctors for Sonora and for Sinaloa.
Available Air Ambulance Services
Find medical evacuation information on the website for the American Citizen Services section of the U.S. Consulate General. For international treatment and medical insurance: International SOS.
Insurance Guidance
Health insurance is an important consideration. Obtain adequate travel insurance to cover unexpected expenses during an emergency while traveling in Mexico. Medicaid and Medicare rarely cover services performed outside the U.S.
Very few hospitals in Mexico, and none in the Hermosillo consular district, accept U.S. medical insurance. Instead, travelers must pay the hospital and seek reimbursement from their insurance provider. Expect to pay upon leaving the hospital. In some instances, hospitals have refused to discharge patients until payment has been made.
Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance
Take normal tourist precautions concerning drinking water and when eating fresh fruits, vegetables, and locally prepared foods. For more information, refer to OSAC’s Report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?
Some travelers have adverse reactions to pollution and the dusty environment in Hermosillo and other parts of Sonora. Travelers with asthma or similar ailments may want to take extra precautions. Check weather trends for expected atmospheric conditions.
The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Mexico.
OSAC Country Council Information
There is no Country Council in Hermosillo. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s Western Hemisphere team with any questions.
U.S. Consulate Location and Contact Information
Consulate Address and Hours of Operation
Calle Monterrey 141 Poniente, Col Esqueda, CP 83000 Hermosillo, Sonora
Hours of Operation: 0800-1630 Monday-Friday
Consular Agency in Mazatlán: Playa Gravitas 202, Local 10. Zona Dorada, Mazatlan, Sinaloa
Consulate Contact Numbers
Hermosillo Telephone: (from the U.S., dial 011-52 first) 662-289-3500
After hours emergency Duty Officer cellular phone: 044 662-256-0741
044 should be replaced by 045 if dialing from outside your local area on a Mexican cellular phone, if calling from the U.S., dial 011 52 1 662-256-0741
Website: https://mx.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/hermosillo/
Mazatlan (Daytime phone number) 669-916-5889; (Evening cell phone number) 669-916-7531
Nearby Posts: Embassy Mexico City, Consulate Ciudad Juarez, Consulate Guadalajara, Consulate Matamoros, Consulate Mérida, Consulate Monterrey, Consulate Nogales, Consulate Nuevo Laredo, Consulate Tijuana
Consulate Guidance
U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Registration will make your presence and whereabouts known.
Additional Resources
Mexico Country Information Sheet
