As spring break approaches, you may have booked a trip to Mexico, and you may we wondering if it’s safe to travel there after violence erupted in the country only a few weeks ago.
The U.S. Embassy and Mexican Consulate released a message for U.S. citizens on March 2, urging visitors to “travel smart” and “be informed” as many areas of Mexico remain at an elevated travel advisory level as of March 4.
“ While the widespread violence that took place on February 22 following Mexican security operations has ended, risks of crime and kidnapping remain,” the embassy wrote in the notice, directing travelers to a U.S. State Department Mexico Travel Advisory map.
The embassy also advised travelers to consider that crime, including violent crime, “can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations. This includes homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery. U.S. citizens should exercise caution in popular spring break spots, especially after dark.”
There is also warning regarding unregulated alcohol, which could be contaminated, the embassy said. “U.S. citizens have lost consciousness or been injured after consuming tainted alcohol. Guard against someone spiking your drink — don’t leave beverages unattended or accept them from strangers.”
The message to travelers comes after The U.S. State Department had issued a security warning on Feb. 22 advising Americans in Mexico to “shelter in place” but that has now been lifted. The alert came following the death of the leader of “El Mencho,” a Jalisco New Generation Cartel, who was killed by the Mexican army.
Is it safe to go to Cancun right now?
Cancun (found in the state of Quintana Roo) is at an elevated “Level 2,” according to the Mexico Travel Advisory map released by the U.S. Department of State.
A “Level 2” means that visitors should exercise increased caution due to “terrorism and crime.”
The U.S. Department of State also states that in Quintana Roo, there is “a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.”
What’s happening in Mexico?
The U.S. State Department had issued a security warning on Feb. 22 advising Americans in Mexico to “shelter in place” but that has now been lifted. The alert came following the death of the leader of “El Mencho,” a Jalisco New Generation Cartel, who was killed by the Mexican army.
The powerful drug lord’s death sparked an outbreak of violence, particularly in Puerto Vallarta, including vehicle burnings and gunmen blocking roadways in more a dozen states in Mexico. While an initial “shelter in place” has been lifted, several parts of the country remain under an elevated advisory travel advisory level.
The U.S. Embassy warns that risks of crime and kidnapping remain, even for tourists.
If you decide to travel to Mexico
If you do decide to travel, here are some steps to take to help you stay safe, courtesy of the U.S. Department of State.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on x; natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma Thompson on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Cancun travel advisory: Risk of crime remains, U.S. Embassy says
Reporting by Natassia Paloma, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
