Operating in Mexico? Speak with a security consultant.
Mexico is the second-largest economy in Latin America and a major trade partner for both the United States and the European Union. Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey are significant corporate destinations. The country’s security context is one of the most discussed in international business travel.
FCDO advises against all travel to five Mexican states and warns of elevated risk in many others. The State Department rates Mexico as a whole at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution), but several Mexican states are rated higher: Jalisco sits at Level 3 (Reconsider Travel), and Colima, Sinaloa, Guerrero, Zacatecas, Michoacan and Tamaulipas at Level 4 (Do Not Travel). The critical analytical point for corporate travellers is that Mexico’s security conditions are geographically varied in the extreme.
The geographic distinction
Northern border states (Tamaulipas, Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Sonora) experience cartel violence at levels that make corporate travel without specialist security arrangements extremely high-risk. These regions are categorically different from Mexico City or Guadalajara.
Mexico City itself carries risks that are primarily urban crime-related: express kidnapping, unlicensed taxi robbery, and drink spiking. These are serious threats requiring specific countermeasures, but they are different from the armed conflict environment in cartel-controlled northern territories.
The transport discipline rule
In Mexico City and all major Mexican cities, street taxi use is prohibited for corporate and security-conscious travellers. Unlicensed taxis are a documented robbery vector. Use registered rideshare apps or pre-vetted drivers exclusively. This is the most impactful single risk mitigation measure in Mexico.
Security industry
Mexico has a large executive protection market with many operators having ex-military or federal police backgrounds. Armoured vehicles are used extensively among the business elite. Regulatory oversight exists but is variable. Verified operator quality matters significantly in the Mexican market.
Our vetted operators provide close protection and executive protection and security driver services across Mexico. For a detailed local assessment, see our Mexico City city briefing.
Cities We Cover
Mexico City
High riskLatin America's largest city. Express kidnapping and unlicensed taxi robbery are primary threats. World Cup 2026 increases foreign visitor concentration.
View city guide →Security Regulations
Firearms
Carrying firearms is governed by the Ley Federal de Armas de Fuego y Explosivos. A private security company needs a collective licence (licencia particular colectiva) from the Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional, revalidated every 2 years, and a favourable opinion from the Secretaría de Seguridad y Protección Ciudadana first (arts. 25 and 26; Ley Federal de Seguridad Privada, art. 24). A foreign national may be authorised to carry a firearm only as a permanent resident, apart from temporary sporting permits for tourists (art. 27).
Licensing
Private security provided in 2 or more states needs prior authorisation from the Dirección General de Seguridad Privada, now part of the Secretaría de Seguridad y Protección Ciudadana, under the Ley Federal de Seguridad Privada (DOF 6 July 2006). The authorisation lasts 1 year and is renewable (art. 17), protection of persons is one of the modalities it covers (art. 15, I), and operational staff must be registered in the Registro Nacional del Personal de Seguridad Pública (art. 28). Services provided within a single state are authorised by that state. Ask any provider for its current authorisation.
Foreign Operators
The Ley Federal de Seguridad Privada requires a federally authorised provider to be a Mexican individual or company (art. 16). A foreign firm therefore works through an authorised Mexican provider. Foreign nationals may carry firearms only as permanent residents (Ley Federal de Armas de Fuego y Explosivos, art. 27). Take local legal advice before a foreign team carries out protective duties.
Sources, checked : Cámara de Diputados, Ley Federal de Seguridad Privada (DOF 6 July 2006, last reformed 17 October 2011); Cámara de Diputados, Ley Federal de Armas de Fuego y Explosivos (last reformed 29 May 2025); Diario Oficial de la Federación, SSPC Dirección General de Seguridad Privada sanction notice under the Ley Federal de Seguridad Privada (17 September 2026).