Spring Break Plans? US Embassy in Mexico Issues Travel Advisory

The US Embassy and Consulates in Mexico have issued a travel advisory to urge Americans planning to visit for spring break to exercise caution. Meanwhile, the travel advisory particularly refers to popular tourist locations, including Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen.

US Embassy and Consulates in Mexico issue travel advisory for Spring Break

The new travel advisory emphasizes that, while most travelers visit Mexico safely, crime – including violent crime – can happen anywhere.

It stresses that this can even happen in areas popular with tourists, especially after dark. Moreover, the advisory directs tourists to check the US State Department’s Mexico Travel Advisory web page for more information on the state they are planning to visit.

Meanwhile, besides the crime concerns, the travel advisory highlights certain other risks when on spring break in Mexico, including those related to drugs. The advisory points out that the possession and use of drugs, including marijuana, is illegal in Mexico and carries a jail sentence. Moreover, it warns of the dangers of fake prescription medications or synthetic drugs, and also unregulated alcohol which could potentially be contaminated.

Other potential risks for US travelers

Other potential hazards Americans could encounter in Mexico include sexual assault, especially those drunk or high individuals at a potentially higher risk. Moreover, it warns about drowning due to strong ocean currents or rip tides, and medical emergencies that would require the traveler to be hospitalized.

Travelers should also bear in mind that firearm restrictions are strictly enforced in Mexico, where all guns and even small amounts of ammunition are highly illegal. Meanwhile, violators could be faced with lengthy stints in jail.

A number of other offenses, including urinating in public, having open alcohol containers in vehicles or being drunk and disorderly, are also against the Mexican law and could lead to arrest and possible jail time.

Recommended safety measures on spring break in Mexico

The US Embassy of Mexico’s advisory also lists several proactive safety measures that American tourists can take to protect themselves. These include reviewing the US State Department’s country information page and signing up for its Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to ensure they receive safety updates and can be reached in an emergency.

Meanwhile, the Embassy advises travelers to avoid isolated areas at night, stay with friends when going out and be mindful of drink safety in bars and clubs.

When swimming at the beach, travelers should take several actions for their own protection, including avoiding strong ocean currents, swimming when unsafe conditions are indicated or swimming when inebriated.

The warning further advises travelers to guard personal possessions closely, monitoring credit or debit card accounts for fraudulent activity, and ensuring their health insurance plan covers them while on vacation in Mexico. If not, it would be wise to purchase travel insurance that includes medical treatment and, ideally, evacuation in case of an emergency.

As a reminder, check the US State Department’s Mexico Travel Advisory web page for more information.