US Ends Playa del Carmen Travel Restrictions
After bombings and the closure of the US Consular Agency in Mexico's Playa del Carmen, the US government has lifted the travel restrictions in the popular tourist destination.
The US Embassy in Mexico eased some of the travel warnings last week but has now announced that it's completely lifting all restrictions for US government employees and warnings for US tourists.
On March 16, the US Embassy released an updated statement saying US government personnel are permitted to travel to all parts of Playa del Carmen and permitted to use to use ferry services between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel. After two bombings of passenger ferries in February, the US government halted its employees from going to certain areas of Playa del Carmen and taking the ferry between the two resort cities.
The statement cites Mexican authorities' efforts to "put into place new security procedures in tourist areas" as the reasoning for the end of the restrictions.
Although, the statement still holds a warning for US citizens:
"As noted in our Mexico Travel Advisory for the state of Quintana Roo, U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution due to crime. According to Government of Mexico statistics, the state experienced an increase in homicide rates compared to the same period in 2016. While most of these homicides appeared to be targeted, criminal organization assassinations, turf battles between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens. Shooting incidents injuring or killing bystanders have occurred."
The US Government recommends its citizens to take these actions when traveling in the area:
- Be aware of your surroundings and exercise increased caution due to crime as noted in our Mexico Travel Advisory.
- Purchase travel insurance that specifically covers you in Mexico and includes medical evacuation insurance.
- Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate if you need assistance.
Other areas of Mexico, including popular tourist destinations, have received travel warnings from US authorities over the last year.
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