AN updated Mexico Danger Map prompted US government officials to warn travelers about "widespread" crime, as murders, kidnappings, carjackings and robberies continue to rise.

The stark warning was issued this week by the US State Department who urged Americans to avoid traveling to certain Mexican states where violent crime is rife.

6 A woman kisses her daughter goodbye as Mexican soldiers stand guard outside a school during a security operation at a violent neighbourhood in Acapulco, Guerrero State - listed as a 'Level 4' state to be avoided Credit: AFP or licensors

"Exercise increased caution in Mexico due to crime and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk," it read. "Homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery – is widespread."

The map shows Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa and Tamaulipas are states to be avoided by tourists, while the travel warning implemented new restrictions for US officials.

"Do not travel [to Colima]," read the chilling warning published this week. "In Manzanillo, US government employees are limited to the tourist and port areas."

The government "has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in many areas of Mexico," according to the disturbing advisory.

In grim Guerrero state, armed groups don't answer to the government, where they implement terrifying roadblocks and use violence towards holiday makers.

6 The country has been engulfed in a wave of violence that has left more than 200,000 murders and 30,000 missing since the war on drug cartels in 2006 Credit: Getty - Contributor

6 Policemen and experts surround the body of a man who died during a police chase after robbing a car trying to flee in a municipal vehicle, in 'Level 4' Jalisco State Credit: Getty - Contributor

Criminal organizations are also lurking in Sinaloa state, where violent crime is commonplace - likewise in Tamaulipas, crime is rampant and dangerous.

Here, sexual assault, murder, armed robbery, carjackings, gun battles, kidnappings, disappearances, and extortion are all prevalent and ongoing issues.

Even government officials are at risk there, which is why they are now prevented from travelling between cities after dark and cannot hail street taxis.

Only "app-based services like Uber" or regulated taxi stands are their approved means of travel in the crime-riddled country going forward.

6 State police officers inspect a vehicle at a checkpoint during a security operation in Puerto Vallarta in the western Mexican state of Jalisc Credit: AFP or licensors

Tourists were urged to “reconsider travel” in 11 'Level 3' states, which included Chihuahua, Mexico, San Luis Potosi, Sonora and Zacatecas.

But countrywide, travelers are advised to “exercise increased caution" - even at popular party spots like Los Cabos, Cancun and Cozumel.

Although Mexico City is listed as a 'Level 2', it's surrounded by 'Level 3 states,' where violent crime is more likely to occur, the report states.

The department urged people to keep their travel companions and family at home informed.

The full U.S. State Department travel advisory is available on their website.

MOST READ IN NEWS Exclusive GRIM FIND Cadaver dogs smell HUMAN REMAINS by Carole Baskin's missing husband's lake house PANIC STATIONS Panic buying sweeps country AGAIN clearing Tesco, Asda & Morrisons' shelves Exclusive HAPPY MEAL McDonald’s worker who paid for lad’s meal has secretly bought food for MONTHS WHERE WERE THE PARENTS? Sobbing toddler found wandering Hull streets completely ALONE HUNTED DOWN 'Gun seller' arrested for supplying firearm that killed Matt Ratana SEE THE SPIKE Burnley now England's new Covid hotspot - so how does YOUR town compare?

Mexico has been riddled with 200,000 murders, 30,000 missing, as well as complaints against the heavily armed security forces for violations, extrajudicial executions and forced disappearances since 2006.

This is when the Mexican army was deployed to fight against the drug trafficking cartels in 2006 during the presidency of Felipe Calderon.

It is this chaotic war on drugs President Andrés Manuel López Obrador inherited last year when he took over the office from his predescesor, Enrique Pena Nieto.

6 US police agents stand guard near the US-Mexico border fence last year Credit: AFP or licensors

6 federal police officer keeps watch after the U.S. Attorney General William Barr's convoy arrived at the Mexico's Attorney General Office this month Credit: Reuters