The State Department wants those seeking a warm-weather respite in Mexico to consider certain risks and key things to remember before their trip.
In addition to having their proper travel documents, tourists may need to complete an entry/exit document when visiting Mexico. Also, be aware of Mexico’s relevant customs laws regarding what must be declared depending on your mode of transportation into the country, and what you may be required to pay import fees on. Additionally, road checkpoints may be run legally by Mexican authorities or illegally by criminals. Regardless of the type you may encounter, the State Department advises complying with whoever is running the checkpoint and avoiding any “aggressive” behavior.
“Each year, thousands of U.S. citizens visit Mexico during the winter season,” says the State Department. “Whether you are escaping from the cold for a warmer seasonal stay or visiting for a few days during the holiday season, U.S. citizens should consider the following,” the authority continues.
“Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist and expatriate destinations,” the source further warns. “U.S. citizens should exercise caution in popular winter break spots. This includes San Carlos, Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point), Los Cabos, and Mazatlán, among others, especially after dark.”
Additionally, in a separate recent warning, the State Department advised travelers on Highway 85 through Monterrey in the state of Nuevo León to be cautious. Per the authority, robberies by armed groups and criminal activity have occurred on the highway.
What Else Should Travelers Know About Travel To And In Mexico?
In its current travel advisory, the State Department classifies Mexico as a “Level 2” country where travelers should “exercise increased caution.” However, certain areas of the country are described as having different levels of risk, including Levels 1, 3, and 4. The State Department’s travel advisories range from Level 1 to Level 4, with the latter areas deemed the most dangerous and/or risky.
The State Department also highlights concerns of terrorism, crime, and kidnapping (or hostage-taking) in Mexico. The authority notes that travelers should not bring vaping devices, illegal drugs, or marijuana (including that which is medically prescribed) into the country.
The State Department currently lists six Mexican states as “Level 4 – Do Not Travel” zones. They are Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas. The source also notes that many hospitals in Mexico will require patients to pay their bill before they’re discharged, and that “emergency services may be unavailable in remote or rural areas.” Moreover, do not possess any firearms or ammunition “without proper local permits and permissions.”
