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
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.