Is it secure to go to Mexico? What the brand new US journey warning means

• The U.S. State Department issued a Level 2 journey advisory for Mexico on account of terrorism, crime, and kidnapping dangers.
• Security specialists say the chance degree stays largely unchanged and most visits are trouble-free with precautions.
• Recommended security measures embrace utilizing pre-arranged transportation, staying conscious of environment, and avoiding shows of wealth.

The U.S. State Department warned Americans touring to Mexico about terrorism dangers earlier this week, leaving some to wonder if they need to proceed or cancel their journeys.

The company up to date its travel advisory on Aug. 12 for the beloved Caribbean vacation spot to Level 2, which means vacationers ought to “exercise increased caution,” on account of violent crimes similar to terrorism, crime and kidnapping. In some areas of the nation, U.S. authorities help and emergency companies are restricted in reaching anybody who would possibly need assistance.

“Many violent crimes take place in Mexico. They include homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery,” the up to date abstract states. “There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Mexico.”

The information could also be unsettling for a lot of Americans, given Mexico’s recognition, particularly areas like Cancún, Tulúm, Cabo, Mexico City and extra. In 2022, 33.5 million Americans traveled to Mexico, making it the preferred worldwide vacation spot that 12 months.

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However, vacationers need not cancel their journeys simply but. According to safety skilled Mike Ballard, though the journey advisory was up to date, the protection panorama in Mexico stays principally the identical because it has been and vacationers can nonetheless take pleasure in their visits so long as they hold some precautions in thoughts.

“Ninety-nine percent of (our clients’) visits have no issue, and it’s probably a similar percentage for your average American that’s visiting Mexico,” mentioned Ballard, who’s the director of intelligence at worldwide safety agency Global Guardian. “But, you know, I would just say you want to maintain situational awareness.” 

Here’s what vacationers ought to find out about going to Mexico proper now.

What are the terrorism dangers for vacationers in Mexico?

According to Ballard, the journey advisory for Mexico was probably up to date following the U.S. authorities’s recent designation of Mexican drug cartels as international terrorist organizations slightly than an incident involving vacationers.

“The penalties obviously are going to be quite a bit stiffer, and it’s a bigger deal to be involved and to be found guilty of aiding and abetting a terrorist organization than a drug trafficking or arms trafficking organization,” he mentioned. “So, I think this move was really to maintain consistency. If we’re labeling the leading drug cartels in Mexico as terrorist organizations, then we probably should include a risk and an advisory about terrorist groups and terrorism in Mexico.”

The State Department didn’t reply to USA TODAY’s request for remark.

Is it secure to journey to Mexico beneath the up to date advisory?

For essentially the most half, sure, relying on the place you go. “We’re not really seeing a particular uptick (for violent crimes) in some of the tourist spots,” mentioned Ballard.

Travelers ought to proceed to maintain their guard up, particularly in some areas of Mexico, the place violent crimes are recognized to happen. “You still want to avoid those areas that are hotly contested by the cartels or are under outright total control of the cartels,” mentioned Ballard. “There are certain states within Mexico that are really hot zones for this, but those typically are not your prime vacation spots.”

Where in Mexico ought to vacationers keep away from visiting?

Mexico’s hottest locations, similar to Cancún, Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, and Playa del Carmen, ought to nonetheless be comparatively secure to go to so long as you are being a sensible traveler.

However, there may be one trip spot persons are suggested to avoid, the coastal Acapulco. “It’s in one of the most dangerous states, Guerrero in Mexico, and it’s not a place that I would go personally,” mentioned Ballard. The State Department designates Guerrero with a Level 4 “do not travel” advisory due to a threat of violence from drug cartels.

Safety ideas for Mexico

Here are some security precautions to bear in mind, in keeping with Ballard.

• Avoid hailing taxis. According to Ballard, taxis have been recognized to “shake down” passengers by means of extortion, generally for a whole lot of {dollars}. “Our preference at the top would be a vetted, secure transportation with a company,” he mentioned, so do your analysis and reserve a shuttle or automotive forward of time with a good firm.
• Stay on resort property. Most resorts have around-the-clock safety holding watch of the property. If you do wish to go into city, do not go alone or at evening.
• Be conscious of your environment. “Don’t walk around with your head buried in your phone,” mentioned Ballard, additionally noting to make sure you watch your drinks whenever you’re out.
• Maintain a low profile by not carrying costly or flashy jewellery.