Border tourism in Mexico registers its first drop in three years

The upward trend in tourism at the borders was broken in September. Experts analyze whether it is an isolated event or the beginning of a new normal.

The streak is over: border tourism plummets

It seems that the party of international travelers at our borders had its post-pandemic hangover. After three years of climbing like there was no tomorrow, the flow of tourists who stay at least one night on the Mexican border strip decided to take a break. In September, the figure was 1,748 million people, which translates into a drop of 5.6% compared to the same month last year. Basically, it is the first setback since we came out of total confinement, according to the data from the International Traveler Surveys that the Inegi released this Tuesday. Kind of like when your favorite series has a disappointing season after a spectacular start.

The news came to us with that “we could already see it coming” tone that all economic forecasts have. Francisco Madrid, director of the Advanced Research Center for Sustainable Tourism (STARC), explained it with the elegance of someone trying to justify why he dropped his dessert: “We had a sustained trend of growth in border tourism that was interrupted during the national month.” That is, in September, the month of independence, people probably preferred other plans. Now, the big question is whether this was a simple one-month setback or the beginning of a “normalization” after growth that seemed taken from a video game with tricks. The next few months will be key to see if this was a bug in the matrix or the new reality.

RelatedInternational tourism in Mexico registers growth of 14 percent

The reasons behind the tourist downturn

To understand the drama, you first have to know who these border tourists are. They are those people who cross the border by land, either from the north or the south, and stay to sleep at least one night. Over the past three years, this segment was the life of the party, with an average annual growth of 16.8%. But, like all good excesses, it had to end. According to the analysis of the Madrid expert, this collapse is due to a trio of factors that sound like perfect excuses for a bad streak.

The first was the dollar, which at the beginning of 2025 was strong like a wrestler in spandex pants, but over time it lost steam. The second is the post-pandemic recovery, because, although we have made progress, the border flow has not yet reached the pre-covid levels of 2019. And the third, the most controversial, has to do with the immigration policy of the Donald Trump government, which may have pressured some Mexicans in the United States to return to Mexico, at least temporarily. Come on, a cocktail of economy, health and politics that explains why tourism took a break.

In short, what seemed like a smooth ride now faces a red light. The Inegi data does not lie: after an impressive rebound, normalization could be coming. And although it may sound like bad news, deep down it’s like when you finish a Netflix marathon and need a break before starting another one. Border tourism, after years of overwhelming growth, seems to be seeking its new balance. Of course, the experts will closely follow every movement, because in this game of numbers, even the smallest detail counts.

Are you surprised by this drop in tourism? Share this note on your social networks and discover more analysis on the trends that are shaping the economy and the tourism sector in Mexico. Your opinion can start a fascinating conversation!

Update your INE credential: requirements for change of address

Documents and steps to modify your address in the INE without setbacks.

If you moved this year, updating the address on your voter registration card is a key step. The INE recommends doing so to participate in decisions in your new area and maintain an official document with true data.

What do you need?

Go to an INE module with these documents:

  • Legable birth certificate or Naturalization Letter (if you were not born in Mexico).
  • Recent proof of address: electricity, property or water bill.
  • Identification with valid photo: passport, professional ID card, driver’s license, military card, previous credential or school ID with photo.

Schedule your appointment

To speed up the process, the institution suggests scheduling an appointment on its official site. Go to www.ine.mx/credencial/, complete the required information with your CURP and full name. If you do not know your CURP, you can access it with name, date of birth and place of origin. There you will also locate the nearest module.

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Three are linked to trial for kidnapping Indians in Juárez

Three alleged members of the Northeast Cartel, arrested for the kidnapping of five Indians in Juárez.

A Control judge linked Tomás “N”, Diana “N” and Jaqueline “N” to the trial for their probable responsibility in organized crime crimes for the purposes of kidnapping and aggravated kidnapping. The victims were five citizens of India, kidnapped in June 2025 in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua.

As a precautionary measure, the three defendants were placed in informal preventive detention in State Prisons 2 and 3 of the entity. The judge granted four months for the complementary investigation.

Investigation and capture

The case began when the Consul of the Indian Embassy in Mexico reported via email that five compatriots were deprived of their liberty. Based on that notice, the Special Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime (FEMDO) began the investigations.

Days later, agents of the Federal Ministerial Police, experts from the Federal Forensic Expert Center and elements of the National Guard executed a search warrant in five homes in Ciudad Juárez. Before these operations, the victims had already been released. During the investigations, they located the three men identified, who had current arrest warrants; They were secured and placed at the disposal of the judge.

Regional context

The connection to the process of these individuals—presumably linked to the Northeast Cartel—evidences the challenge that organized crime represents in the border area. The authorities have indicated that this type of crime affects both Mexican citizens and foreigners, and they maintain operations to dismantle kidnapping networks.

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Families celebrate Father’s Day in the Zócalo with a calm atmosphere

Parents and children enjoyed the Fan Fest in the Zócalo on Sunday.

This Sunday, the plaza of the capital’s Zócalo welcomed families who came to celebrate Father’s Day. The Fan Fest, installed in the Historic Center, was the meeting point for those looking to mingle and watch the Mexican National Team match.

Roberto arrived accompanied by his wife Paola and his baby Ramsés. With the National Team shirt, they sought to follow the game and have a pleasant time.

“I think it’s nice to spend the day together as a family. We came prepared to watch the game and have a nice time. We wanted to take advantage of Father’s Day to be together,” he commented.

Despite the enthusiasm, Roberto pointed out that the turnout was smaller than expected.

“We thought there would be many more people because of the game and the date, but it was calmer than we imagined,” he added.

Víctor Manuel came with his son – of the same name -, his sister-in-law and two grandchildren. The family considered the experience positive to live together and share activities.

“It’s cool that they do this type of events because you can come with your family, watch football and have a good time without spending so much,” he commented.

The grandchildren enjoyed the atmosphere and the activities available. Víctor Manuel also noticed fewer visitors than expected.

“Yes, it caught our attention that there were few people; we thought it would be much more crowded for Father’s Day and the game,” he said.

The day passed without any reported incidents. Families took advantage of the public space to celebrate in a festive environment but with smaller attendance than at similar events.

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