Mexico: US diplomatic authorities issue Spring Break travel warning

Event

The US Department of State issued in early March a series of guidelines and warnings for individuals planning to travel to Mexico during the Spring Break holiday period. Violence in or near tourist areas and criminal acts impacting foreign nationals, including cases of armed assault, sexual assault, and robbery, typically increase during this period due to the influx of travelers.

Context

Mexico is a popular tourist destination during spring holidays, especially among American college students. Annually, American tourists are killed and wounded in drug, alcohol, and gang-related incidents while on holiday in Mexico. Violence near popular Spring Break destinations, such as the deadly March 2 shootout between rival gangs in central Cancún (Quintana Roo state), poses elevated risks to the safety and security of travelers.

Advice

Individuals in Mexico over the coming weeks are advised to remain vigilant for criminal activity, be aware of their surroundings, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments. Keep in mind that criminals may be armed; maintain a heightened sense of awareness when traveling and do not resist if confronted by attackers. Further advice provided by American diplomatic authorities can be found here.