Mexico Warning: USA Issues Travel Advisory Amid Threats of Crime, Kidnapping, Gang Fights

Mexico is one of the top travel destinations for Americans for its warm and sunny beaches, delicious food, and ancient Aztec ruins. However, the U.S. State Department has now issued a travel warning to multiple states around Mexico.

According to NBC 4 Los Angeles, the State Department cited cartel-related criminal activities in their advisory. The biggest threats to tourists stated in the advisory are crime and kidnapping.

The advisory came just a week after members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) burned buses and businesses as retaliation for the arrest of one of their leaders, "El Doble R."

Which Mexican States Are Under the Advisory?

While the State Department stated that the largest reasons not to travel to these Mexican States are the threats of crime and kidnapping, the advisory also cautioned against COVID-19, as several areas around the country have high rates of infections. However, the most common reasons for the advisory against these states are crime-related.

The "Do Not Travel" advisory was put in place for Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas. Meanwhile, the "Reconsider Travel" advisory was placed for Baja California, Chihuahua, Durango, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Morelos, and Sonora.

Only Yucatan and Campeche have the "Normal Precautions" advisory, while all others, including Oaxaca, Nueva Leon, Puebla, Tlaxcala, Tabasco, and Veracruz, have the "Exercise Increased Caution" advisory.

Express noted that while gangs rarely target tourists, gang conflict is increasingly spreading to tourist areas. This may be why tourist-heavy states like Quintana Roo have increased precautions placed in them. The U.K. government has also released an advisory in Eastern Mexico, cautioning tourists to take "extreme care" in the area.

U.S. State Department Also Issues Travel Tips to Those Traveling to Mexico

The advisory not only listed the states Americans are advised against traveling to but also included some precautionary measures for those who still want to travel to these "dangerous" areas despite the warning.

The State Department advises American travelers that they must always inform family and loved ones of their plans to travel to areas in Mexico. When separating from a travel group, the government also suggests sending a friend your GPS location. It also advises taking a photo of any taxi that a traveler is taking, note its license plate number, and then send it to a friend.

They also advised travelers to use toll roads whenever possible and avoid traveling at night as police presence in many states is extremely limited outside of major cities.

Other precautionary advice includes being extra vigilant whenever visiting a bank or taking money from the ATM and not displaying signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry. Travelers are also advised to exercise caution whenever visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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