# Security Services in Mexico Canonical page: https://closeprotectionhire.com/countries/mexico/ Security services in Mexico. Close protection, secure transport, and risk assessments for Mexico City and major Mexican cities. Cartel context managed professionally. ## Regulations - **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. - **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). - **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 2026-10-06: - [Cámara de Diputados, Ley Federal de Seguridad Privada (DOF 6 July 2006, last reformed 17 October 2011)](https://www.diputados.gob.mx/LeyesBiblio/pdf/LFSP.pdf) - [Cámara de Diputados, Ley Federal de Armas de Fuego y Explosivos (last reformed 29 May 2025)](https://www.diputados.gob.mx/LeyesBiblio/pdf/LFAFE.pdf) - [Diario Oficial de la Federación, SSPC Dirección General de Seguridad Privada sanction notice under the Ley Federal de Seguridad Privada (17 September 2026)](https://sidof.segob.gob.mx/notas/docFuente/5800066) ## Cities covered - **Mexico City**: Latin America's largest city. Express kidnapping and unlicensed taxi robbery are primary threats. World Cup 2026 increases foreign visitor concentration. 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](/services/executive-protection/) and [security driver services](/services/security-drivers/) across Mexico. For a detailed local assessment, see our [Mexico City city briefing](/cities/mexico-city/). ## Frequently asked questions ### How bad is cartel violence in Mexico for business travellers? Cartel violence is severe in northern border states (Tamaulipas, Sinaloa, Chihuahua) and specific production corridors. Mexico City is relatively insulated. Corporate travellers staying in Polanco, Santa Fe, and established business areas face a different risk profile from those travelling to cartel-affected regions. Understanding the geographic distinction is essential. ### Is Mexico City affected by World Cup 2026 security changes? Mexico City is hosting World Cup 2026 matches, which brings increased visible security and police presence in venue areas but also higher concentrations of foreign visitors. Criminal networks are aware that World Cup periods increase foreign visitor numbers. The assessment impact is positive on overt security but increases the pool of foreign targets. ### What areas of Mexico City are recommended for corporate stays? Polanco is the primary recommendation: upscale, strong security presence, accessible to major corporate offices. Santa Fe is the financial district alternative. Condesa and Roma are functional for lower-profile visits. Tepito, Doctores, and Iztapalapa should be avoided entirely.