Mexico: US Consulate in Playa del Carmen reopens March 12 /update 1

Event

US diplomatic authorities have announced that the US Consular Agency in Playa del Carmen (Quintana Roo state), closed since March 7, would reopen Monday, March 12, but stressed that there are still ongoing security concerns. The consulate continues to advise US personnel to avoid the city’s Centro, Calica, Gonzalo Guerrero, Quintas del Carmen, and Villas del Carmen neighborhoods and reaffirmed that US personnel are still prohibited from taking the ferry operating between Playa del Carmen and the island of Cozumel. Diplomatic authorities are advising all US nationals in the area to remain vigilant.

An increased security presence is to be expected surrounding the US Consular Agency and surrounding the maritime terminals in Playa del Carmen, where 60 federal police officers and four sniffer dogs are to be deployed.

Context

Authorities announced on March 7 that the US Consular Agency would be closed due to undisclosed security concerns.

On February 21, an explosion rocked a ferry operating between Cozumel and Playa del Carmen, wounding 25 people. On March 1, Mexican authorities discovered two undetonated explosive devices on a ferry that provides service on the same route. The second incident prompted the US Embassy in Mexico to issue a security alert prohibiting US government employees from taking these ferries until further notice. The Mexican government has since claimed that there is no known connection between the two incidents and organized crime.

Generally speaking, Quintana Roo, including Playa del Carmen and the nearby city of Cancún, has experienced a spike in violence crime over the past year.

Advice

Individuals in Quintana Roo are advised to remain vigilant, to adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities, and to report any suspicious objects or behavior. Potentially affected travelers are advised to contact the nearest US Embassy or Consulate for more information.