Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – With spring break on the horizon, the U.S. Embassy has issued a new travel alert for Americans planning trips to Mexico. Citing potential risks such as crime and drug-related violence, the alert advises travelers to stay informed and take necessary precautions.
State Department Advisories
According to the U.S. State Department, the majority of Mexico remains under various levels of travel advisories. Key destinations frequented by American tourists include:
- Sonora (Puerto Peñasco): Level 3 (reconsider travel). This advisory was first issued in August 2023.
- Cancún and Cabo: Both under Level 2 (exercise increased caution).
- Puerto Vallarta: Level 3 (reconsider travel).
Additionally, the State Department has labeled six Mexican states with a Level 4 advisory, which signifies “do not travel” due to heightened security concerns.
High-Risk Areas and Warnings
The U.S. Embassy specifically warns travelers to remain cautious in downtown areas popular for spring break festivities—especially after dark. Places like Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum often attract large crowds of visitors, heightening the risk of petty crime or other dangers.
While the vast majority travel safely, visitors should consider the following :
- Crime: Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations. See the Mexico Travel Advisory for specific information for each Mexican state. U.S. citizens should exercise caution in the downtown areas of popular spring break spots. This includes Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum, especially after dark.
- Drugs: Drug possession and use, including medical marijuana, is illegal in Mexico and may result in a lengthy jail sentence. U.S. citizens have suffered severe illness or death after using synthetic drugs or fake prescription pills.
- Unregulated Alcohol: Unregulated alcohol may be contaminated, and U.S. citizens have reported losing consciousness or becoming injured after consuming tainted alcohol.
- Pharmaceuticals: Counterfeit medication is common and may be ineffective or dangerous. Buy medication from reputable places and consult a medical professional.
- Sexual Assault: U.S. citizens have been victims of rape and sexual assault. Perpetrators may target drunk or isolated individuals or use drugs that alter the victim’s physical or mental state.
- Drowning: Some beaches have strong currents and rip tides. Beaches may lack lifeguards, warnings, or signs of unsafe conditions.
- Medical Emergencies: Illness or accidents may require medical treatment or hospitalization. Private hospital prices can be higher than in the U.S. and may require upfront payment.
- Guns and Ammunition: All guns and even small amounts of ammunition are illegal in Mexico. Violations can lead to lengthy jail time.
- Arrests: In Mexico, it is illegal to be drunk and disorderly, urinate in public, or have open alcohol containers in vehicles. If you break Mexican law, you can be arrested.
- Immigration: Violating the terms of your stay in Mexico can result in fines and detention.
Cartel Activity and Expert Analysis
Scott Stewart, vice president of intelligence at the global security and risk mitigation firm TorchStone, notes that there is an ongoing cartel war in Sonora. Stewart, a former State Department special agent and member of the diplomatic secret service, has worked on quarterly reports related to drug cartels.
“Millions of people vacation in Mexico without any problems each year,” Stewart said. “Typically, the ones that do have problems are in places where they shouldn’t be at the time.”
Stewart also stresses the importance of verifying health insurance coverage before leaving the country. He suggests purchasing supplemental travel insurance if your current plan does not cover international medical expenses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends checking whether your insurance has any exclusions and clarifying whether it will pay hospitals abroad directly, to avoid unexpected medical bills.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - With spring break on the horizon, the U.S. Embassy has issued a new travel alert for Americans planning trips to Mexico. Citing potential risks such as crime and drug-related violence, the alert advises travelers to stay informed and take necessary precautions.
