Going to Mexico for spring break? Here is the latest travel alert

Ahead of spring break travel in mid- to late March, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico issued a new warning for travelers Feb. 26 that urges "increased caution" in downtown Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

Even so, the embassy noted that the "vast majority" of citizens who visit Mexico during this period do so safely.

While this new warning was issued, it's important to note that the U.S. Department of State did not issue an enhanced alert in conjunction with the aforementioned warning from the embassy. In fact, the State Department has not updated its Mexico Travel Advisory since Aug. 22, 2023.

The agency assigns most countries a Level 1 to 4 tiered warning: 1 is the lowest level, indicating relative safety, and 4 is the highest, meaning travelers should not visit.

Mexico is a special case given the prevalence of U.S. Consulates and its proximity to the U.S. Thus, the department provides state-by-state travel advisory levels for specific states throughout Mexico.

The overall warning for Mexico highlights "widespread and common" violent crime, including homicide, kidnapping, carjacking and robbery. As is the case with Level 4 countries, consular and embassy services are limited in some Mexican states.

"The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted," per the State Department's warning. "In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities."

Ahead of spring break, Americans should survey state warnings specific to their destinations.

"Spring break travel…often attracts a younger crowd. We do everything we can to have them be as informed as possible," said Angela Kerwin, deputy assistant secretary for Overseas Citizens Services. "We would really like even our youngest travelers to take a look at our travel advisories, whether it's Acapulco or Puerto Vallarta or Baja, wherever they're going, to look at the specific ones that can give information for that particular state in Mexico."

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In addition to being informed of travel advisories, all travelers should know how to contact the closest embassy or consulate when traveling; they should also double-check the country's emergency number, as some countries do not offer a 911 system.

Regardless of the destination, especially for younger travelers or solo female travelers, Kerwin reminds travelers to check in with friends and family at home regarding their whereabouts.

"Call your mom, call your dad, call your loved ones, whoever it is — let them know you're OK when you're overseas," she said. "That's always a good thing for both our spring breakers and our first-time travelers. Just check in."

Bottom line

Whether or not you are traveling to Mexico for spring break, the State Department's travel advisories and embassy alerts can be useful for all Americans traveling abroad, independent of destination or time of year.

"The best thing you can do is prepare in advance," Kerwin said. This includes reviewing your passport expiration date, keeping updated on any timely alerts and news, potentially purchasing travel insurance and collecting the relevant contact information in case you need help abroad.

Related reading:

• The difference between CDC and State Department travel warnings
• 5 travel discounts that can save you money
• TSA PreCheck travelers will no longer have to show ID or boarding pass at certain airports
• What to do if you lose your passport while traveling internationally
• Best credit cards with travel insurance