STATEN ISLAND, NY — For years, Mexico has been one of the most popular destinations for spring break travelers, but high crime rates have prompted the US government to issue “Do Not Travel” notices for several Mexican states.
“Violent crime, such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery, is widespread and common in Mexico. The US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by US government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted.” . according to a US State Department travel advisory.
The Department of State has issued Level 4 “Do Not Travel” notices in six Mexican states, including the state of Guerrero for crime, as well as the states of Colima, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas for crime and kidnapping.
In addition, the federal government has issued Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” alerts in the states of Durango and Morelos for crime, as well as in the states of Baja California, Chihuahua, Guanajuato, Jalisco, and Sonora for crime and kidnapping.
Only two Mexican states, the state of Campeche and Yucatan, are currently listed with a Level 1 “Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling” advisory, and all other states receive a Level 2 “Exercise Extra Caution When Traveling” advisory.
Popular vacation spots for spring break, Cancun and the Riviera Maya are in states with Level 2 advisories, which means travelers should exercise extra caution, but are not urged to reconsider or cancel their trip.
Cancun, Riviera Maya and Mexico City were recently listed among the most popular spring break destinations this year by AAA Travel.
Paula Twidale, AAA Senior Vice President of Travel, told the hill that Americans can still travel safely to Mexico, but should carefully research their destination and operate with increased precautions.
“There’s a lot going on in Mexico, it’s a very popular destination,” Twidale said. “People travel to Mexico and they travel safely to Mexico. You have to know where you’re going.”
Twidale offered the following tips for traveling to Mexico.
- When traveling with others, especially children, go places in groups of two or more.
- Do not carry large amounts of cash with you.
- Find a safer place to store items than under a towel.
- Do not leave drinks unattended.
- Keep copies of your passport, ID, credit and debit cards, and other important documents at home.
- Stay inside the complex; If you don’t know the area, avoid wandering.
- Have travel insurance, in case of emergency.
- Make sure that your insurance covers you and/or your children internationally.
- Check if your phone plan covers international calling/texting; if not, try WhatsApp.
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