Another new warning on travel to Mexico just ahead of spring break
Editor’s note: This post has been updated with new information.
As tens of thousands of Americans prepare to spend spring break in Mexico, there is yet another new warning for tourists.
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico issued a travel alert warning Americans about high levels of crime and the dangers of spiked alcohol, illicit drugs, fake prescription drugs and more.
The alert reads, in part:
Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations. Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations. ... U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in the downtown areas of popular spring break locations, including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum, especially after dark.
Additionally, the bulletin cautions people to be aware that U.S. citizens have been the victims of rape and sexual assault: "Perpetrators may target inebriated or isolated individuals or may employ drugs that alter the victim’s physical or mental state."
The new alert also warns tourists about the danger of illegal drug use in Mexico, "U.S. citizens have become seriously ill or died in Mexico after using synthetic drugs or adulterated prescription pills."
According to the embassy, counterfeit medication is common and could contain dangerous unregulated ingredients.
It comes just days after the state of Texas issued an unusual travel warning for Mexico, saying it’s too dangerous to visit for spring break this year. That warning came on the heels of the U.S. Department of State reiterating its calls for caution on travel to Mexico.
The Texas Department of Public Safety urges residents to avoid the country because of drug cartel violence and other crime.
“Based on the volatile nature of cartel activity and the violence we are seeing there, we are urging individuals to avoid travel to Mexico at this time,” DPS director Steven McCraw said in a statement.
The State Department also recently renewed its warning to Americans on travel to Mexico. The U.S. government advises Americans to either skip Mexico trips, reconsider travel or at least use extra caution when traveling to parts of the country because of the potential for violence.
“Violent crime — such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery — is widespread and common in Mexico,” reads the advisory from the U.S. Department of State. Currently, a travel advisory is in place for 30 of Mexico’s 32 states.
Related: Cancun travel advisory over taxis
The advisories come as we learn of violence that involved Americans in Matamoros, a town in Mexico near the Texas border.
Current US State Department advisories
The State Department breaks down its Mexican risk assessment on a detailed, state-by-state basis.
Six Mexican states have a “Do not travel” warning: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas.
Related: The difference between CDC and State Department travel warnings
Seven states are under a “Reconsider travel” advisory, including Baja and Jalisco – home to the popular destination of Puerto Vallarta.
Another 17 states get an “Exercise increased caution” advisory, including Baja California Sur – home to the popular resorts of Cabo San Lucas — and Nayarit, where you’ll find Riviera Nayarit. Mexico City is also included in that category.
The state of Quintana Roo on the Caribbean side of Mexico is also in the “Exercise increased caution” category due to crime and the potential for kidnapping. Quintana Roo includes Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum. It’s a region that’s generally considered safe for foreigners and is certainly popular for leisure travel.
Campeche and Yucatan are the only states that aren’t under any special advisory for U.S. travel.
Mexico travel safety tips
The State Department suggests visitors review personal security plans, be aware of their surroundings, pay attention to local media and immediately call Mexican 911 in case of any issues.
The government also suggests Americans should register with a local Mexican consulate or embassy before they travel to Mexico through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
For its part, the Mexican government insists Mexico is safe for travelers.
“There is no problem in traveling safely in Mexico,” President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said in a news conference this week.
Bottom line
While headlines like travel warnings can be scary, remember that millions of tourists visit Mexico every year without ever encountering problems.
In this environment, however, it is probably best to be prepared and use common sense. Of course, that remains true when traveling to any foreign destination.
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- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
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- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.