This Travel Alert updates security information for U.S. citizens traveling and living in Mexico. It supersedes the Travel Alert for Mexico dated
October 15, 2008, and expires on August 20, 2009.
While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year (including thousands who cross the land border every day for study, tourism or
business), violence in the country has increased recently. It is imperative that travelers understand the risks of travel to Mexico, how best to avoid
dangerous situations, and whom to contact if one becomes a crime victim. Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and
tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe
and enjoyable.
Crime and Violence Throughout Mexico
The greatest increase in violence has occurred near the U.S. border. However, U.S. citizens traveling throughout Mexico should exercise caution in
unfamiliar areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Mexican and foreign bystanders have been injured or killed in violent attacks in
cities across the country, demonstrating the heightened risk of violence in public places. In recent years, dozens of U.S. citizens have been
kidnapped across Mexico. Many of these cases remain unresolved. U.S. citizens who believe they are being targeted for kidnapping or other crimes
should notify Mexican officials and the nearest American consulate or the Embassy as soon as possible, and should consider returning to the United
States.
U.S. citizens should make every attempt to travel on main roads during daylight hours, particularly the toll ("cuota") roads, which generally are more
secure. Occasionally, the U.S. Embassy and consulates advise their employees as well as private U.S. citizens to avoid certain areas, abstain from
driving on certain roads because of dangerous conditions or criminal activity, or recommend driving during daylight hours only. When warranted, U.S.
government employees are restricted from traveling to or within parts of Mexico without prior approval from their supervisors. When this happens, the
Embassy or the affected consulate will alert the local U.S. citizen Warden network and post the information on their respective websites, indicating
the nature of the concern and the expected time period for which the restriction will remain in place. U.S. citizen visitors are encouraged to stay in
the well-known tourist areas of the cities. Travelers should leave their itinerary with a friend or family member not traveling with them, avoid
traveling alone, and should check with their cellular provider prior to departure to confirm that their cell phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G
international networks. Do not display expensive-looking jewelry, large amounts of money, or other valuable items.
Violence Along the U.S. - Mexico Border
Mexican drug cartels are engaged in an increasingly violent conflict - both among themselves and with Mexican security services - for control of
narcotics trafficking routes along the U.S.-Mexico border. In order to combat violence, the government of Mexico has deployed troops in various parts
of the country. U.S. citizens should cooperate fully with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways.
Some recent Mexican army and police confrontations with drug cartels have resembled small-unit combat, with cartels employing automatic weapons and
grenades. Large firefights have taken place in many towns and cities across Mexico but most recently in northern Mexico, including Tijuana, Chihuahua
City and Ciudad Juarez. During some of these incidents, U.S. citizens have been trapped and temporarily prevented from leaving the area. The U.S.
Mission in Mexico currently restricts non-essential travel to the state of Durango and all parts of the state of Coahuila south of Mexican Highways 25
and 22 and the Alamos River for U.S. government employees assigned to Mexico. This restriction was implemented in light of the recent increase in
assaults, murders, and kidnappings in those two states. The situation in northern Mexico remains fluid; the location and timing of future armed
engagements cannot be predicted.
A number of areas along the border are experiencing rapid growth in the rates of many types of crime. Robberies, homicides, petty thefts, and
carjackings have all increased over the last year across Mexico generally, with notable spikes in Tijuana and northern Baja California. Ciudad Juarez,
Tijuana and Nogales are among the cities which have recently experienced public shootouts during daylight hours in shopping centers and other public
venues. Criminals have followed and harassed U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles in border areas including Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, and Tijuana.
The situation in Ciudad Juarez is of special concern. Mexican authorities report that more than 1,800 people have been killed in the city since
January 2008. Additionally, this city of 1.6 million people experienced more than 17,000 car thefts and 1,650 carjackings in 2008. U.S. citizens
should pay close attention to their surroundings while traveling in Ciudad Juarez, avoid isolated locations during late night and early morning hours,
and remain alert to news reports. A recent series of muggings near the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez targeted applicants for U.S. visas.
Visa and other service seekers visiting the Consulate are encouraged to make arrangements to pay for those services using a non-cash method.
U.S. citizens are urged to be alert to safety and security concerns when visiting the border region. Criminals are armed with a wide array of
sophisticated weapons. In some cases, assailants have worn full or partial police or military uniforms and have used vehicles that resemble police
vehicles. While most crime victims are Mexican citizens, the uncertain security situation poses serious risks for U.S. citizens as well. U.S. citizen
victims of crime in Mexico are urged to contact the consular section of the nearest U.S. consulate or Embassy for advice and assistance. Contact
information is provided at the end of this message.
Demonstrations and Large Public Gatherings
Demonstrations occur frequently throughout Mexico and usually are peaceful. However, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn
confrontational and escalate to violence unexpectedly. Violent demonstrations have resulted in deaths, including that of an American citizen in Oaxaca
in 2006. In 2008, a Mexican Independence Day celebration was the target of a violent attack. During demonstrations or law enforcement operations, U.S.
citizens are advised to remain in their homes or hotels, avoid large crowds, and avoid the downtown and surrounding areas. Since the timing and routes
of scheduled marches and demonstrations are always subject to change, U.S. citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments and
exercise extreme caution while within the vicinity of protests. The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such
actions may result in detention and/or deportation. U.S. citizens are therefore advised to avoid participating in demonstrations or other activities
that might be deemed political by Mexican authorities. As is always the case in any large gathering, U.S. citizens should remain alert to their
surroundings.
Further Information
For more detailed information on staying safe in Mexico, please see the Mexico Country Specific Information at: http://travel.state.gov/travel..._tw/cis/cis_970.html. Information on security and travel to popular tourist destinations is also provided in the
publication: "Spring Break in Mexico- Know Before You Go!!" at http://travel.state.gov/travel...eak_mexico_2812.html For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor
the Department's internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security
can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and canada, or, for callers from Mexico, a regular toll line at
001-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). American
citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department's travel
registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov/.
For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens in Mexico, please contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico
City at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, telephone from the United States: 011-52-55-5080-2000; telephone within Mexico City: 5080-2000;
telephone long distance within Mexico 01-55-5080-2000. You may also contact the Embassy by e-mail at: ccs@usembassy.net.mx. The Embassy's internet
address is http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/.cantinflas - 2-21-2009 at 04:41 PM
Sure glad I live in Mexico and don't have to travel there.Bajajack - 2-21-2009 at 05:05 PM
Only about 2 year's late, but that's par for the govt.Woooosh - 2-21-2009 at 05:17 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by cantinflas
Sure glad I live in Mexico and don't have to travel there.
Me too. Like a bird in a cage. My neighbrs and I only half-joke that we are prisoners in our own homes.
"The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation. U.S. citizens are
therefore advised to avoid participating in demonstrations or other activities that might be deemed political by Mexican authorities."
[Edited on 2-22-2009 by Woooosh]Bajahowodd - 2-21-2009 at 05:27 PM
Like the U.S. wouldn't bust chops of some foreign national involved in a demonstration? My thought is that there are too many small minds running
government. And I mean any government. Any country.
Whaa?
Dave - 2-21-2009 at 06:21 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Like the U.S. wouldn't bust chops of some foreign national involved in a demonstration?
Ever seen an Arab anti-discrimination or La Raza rally? You'd think you were either in Beirut or DF.Bajahowodd - 2-21-2009 at 07:09 PM
Yes. The world is more alike than not. Sadly, people don't get it.
