Going to Mexico for spring break? Here is the latest travel alert
Editor's Note
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."
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
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | 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. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- 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.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- 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.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $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.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- 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.