Travelers heading to Mexico are urged to "exercise increased caution" after the U.S. State Department updated its travel advisory for our North American neighbor.

The Level 2 advisory was issued to warn travelers about an increased risk of terrorism , crime and kidnapping or hostage-taking, according to the State Department’s website .

Mexico travel risks

What they're saying:

"Many violent crimes take place in Mexico," the State Department says. "They include homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery. There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Mexico."

"The U.S. government has limited ability to help in many parts of Mexico. U.S. government employees are not allowed to travel to certain high-risk areas. Due to security risks, U.

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