The U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico has issued an advisory for spring break travelers headed to Mexico.
The travel advisory recommends those traveling to Mexico for spring break “travel smart” and “be informed,” while including a list of potential hazards to be aware of. Those hazards include crime and violent crime, which “can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations,” according to a news release.
In addition, the advisory also warns that drug possession and use, including medical marijuana, is illegal in Mexico, as are “all guns and even small amounts of ammunition,” according to the release. Travelers should also be aware of unregulated alcohol that may be “contaminated” and counterfeit pharmaceuticals that may “contain dangerous ingredients.”
Physical hazards to be aware of include sexual assault, drowning or medical emergencies. The U.S. Embassy warns that private hospital prices in Mexico are often more costly than those in the U.S., and many require payment – sometimes cash only – before providing treatment or discharging a patient.
In turn, the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico recommends the following safety tips for spring breakers in Mexico:
– Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage in Mexico, or purchase travel insurance that will cover you while traveling. Seek coverage that includes medical evacuation
– Keep family and friends at home informed of your travel plans, especially if traveling alone
– Drink responsibly and always watch your drink. Always know your drinking companions and stay with friends who have your safety in mind while visiting clubs and bars, walking in dimly lit areas, or traveling via taxi
– Protect your personal possessions when using public transportation, and limit the amount of cash you carry in public
– Avoid strong currents and do not swim after drinking or when warning flags note unsafe conditions
– Regularly monitor your credit and/or debit cards to ensure there are no unauthorized transactions
– Keep your passport and entry permit, if applicable, in a safe place
– Consider downloading the “Guest Assist” app if traveling to Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or other areas in the state of Quintana Roo. The app shares information on emergency services and assistance for tourists as provided by the Mexican government
Travelers can also enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for more information on safety conditions in Mexico and to help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency.
