( We encourage parents and traveling students to share this email supplemental. The information contained below will rarely be supplied by travel companies, airlines, schools, etc. )
U.S. Dept. of State
Overseas Secrurity Advisory Council
Bureau of Diplomatic Security
2/3/2018
Location: Mexico – Countrywide Event: Each year, thousands of U.S. citizens visit Mexico during Spring Break. While the vast majority of travelers have safe and enjoyable trips, Spring Break travel can sometimes include unforeseen problems such as the following:
Medical Emergencies: An illness or accident could result in the need to seek medical treatment or hospitalization in Mexico. Private hospital prices are comparable to those in the United States. Many facilities require payment in advance of treatment.
Drowning: Some beaches have strong undercurrents and rip tides. Beaches may lack life guards, warnings, or signs of unsafe conditions.
Unregulated alcohol: U.S. citizens have reported losing consciousness or becoming injured after one or two drinks, and may have consumed unregulated alcohol.
Sexual assault: U.S. citizens have reported incidents of rape or sexual assault. Perpetrators may target inebriated or isolated individuals.
Drugs: Drug possession and use, including medical marijuana, is illegal in Mexico and may result in a lengthy jail sentence.
Arrests: Drunk and disorderly behavior and urinating in public are illegal in Mexico. If you break Mexican law, you will be arrested.
Actions to Take:Purchase travel insurance that specifically covers you in Mexico and includes medical evacuation insurance.
(See Added Resources Below)Avoid strong currents and do not swim while drinking or when warning flags note unsafe conditions.
Drink responsibly and watch your drink at all times. If you begin to feel ill, seek medical attention immediately.
Know your drinking companions and stay in a group of friends who have your safety in mind when you are in clubs, bars, out walking in dimly-lit areas, or in a taxi at night. Obey Mexican law and remember Mexican laws may differ from U.S. laws.
Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate if you need assistance.
Assistance:U.S. Embassy Mexico City, Mexico
(011-52-55) 5080-2000
ACSMexicoCity@state.govhttps://mx.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/ State Department - Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
Mexico Country InformationEnroll in
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The original security alert can be viewed here:
ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
State Department security alerts, county assessments and other publicly available reports are intentionally written with a subdued, diplomatic style and prose so as to not officially insult a foreign nation.
Given this reality, AlertsUSA offers these additional resources for your consideration:
1.) In 2016, Mexico was rated as the 2nd most deadly country in the world, surpassed only by Syria.
Source: Int'l Inst. for Strategic Studies annual Armed Conflict Survey:
Armed Conflict Survey 2017 press release (pdf):
Armed Conflict Survey 2017 website:
2.) In 2017, Mexico's homicide rate was much worse.
3. ) The official U.S. State Dept. Travel Advisory Level for Mexico is deceptive and requires close scrutiny. For instance, while the current overall Travel Advisory Level for the country is set at "2" (which urges travelers to exercise increased caution), many individual Mexican States are rated at "3" (reconsider travel) and "4" (do not travel).
The current country assessment is significantly influenced by pressure from U.S. and Mexican tourism industry stakeholders. Following the release of an August, 2017 travel warning, reservations by US guests decreased by 20 percent and led to the Mexican tourism minister traveling to Washington DC to lobby for a softening of the warning and a reclassification of threat levels.
4.) On March 1, AlertsUSA subscribers informed of a security alert following discovery of two explosive devices on ferry operating between Cozumel and Playa del Carmen, Mexico. The U.S. government now prohibits employees from taking ferries operating along the route until further notice. Both areas are Spring Break hot spots.
5.) On Feb 21, AlertsUSA subscribers were informed of an explosion on a passenger ferry dockside in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Originally thought to have been caused by a fuel leak, it was subsequently revealed that the cause was an explosive device. The Cartel de "El Pumba" y "Tata" and Los Zetas have claimed responsibility and have threatened more attacks.
6.) Those traveling outside of the U.S. for Spring break are strongly encouraged to obtain a quality travel / rescue/ medical evacuation insurance policy.
The only companies we recommend for consideration (because we use them ourselves) are as follows:
