Spring break is just around the corner, and while Mexico has long been a popular destination for college and high school students, the U.S. Department of State is advising travelers to avoid the country due to the risk of kidnappings and homicides.
Violent crime, including homicide, kidnapping, carjacking and robbery, is widespread and common throughout Mexico. The government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of the country because travel by U.S. government employees to certain regions is prohibited or restricted.
In light of the danger in Mexico, the State Department as issued its highest level warning against traveling to Mexico, and has outright said travelers should avoid visiting Guerrero, Colima, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas.
Travel Safety Tips
Of course, some of you will still venture out and travel to Mexico. If you do, just make sure you’re safe about it. The State Department has issued a few guidelines and restrictions all travelers should abide by:
- Don’t traveling between cities after dark.
- Don’t hail taxis on the street. Instead, use dispatched vehicles, including app-based services like Uber, and regulated taxi stands.
- Review the U.S. Embassy’s webpage on COVID-19 prior to leaving the country.
- Keep traveling companions and family back home informed of travel plans.
- Use toll roads when possible.
- Avoid driving alone or at night.
- Don’t display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive alerts
- Follow the Department of State and U.S. Embassy on Facebook and Twitter.
- Don’t take unnecessary risks when traveling to Mexico.
- Review the Country Security Report for Mexico.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
Spring break is about having fun and making memories, but never forget that tour safety should always come first.
