US government shares 'do not travel warnings for Mexico
American travelers and cruisers have a new reason to be wary of visiting Mexico.
The United States and Mexico may not be on the best political terms right now, but millions of American visit their southern neighbor every year.
In many cases, American tourists see a sort of sanitized version of Mexico. They visit all-inclusive resorts and never leave the property.
Related: US government issues sudden warning on Switzerland travel
The many Americans who visit Mexican cruise ports like Cozumel and Costa Maya may never leave the port area or the safety of cruise-line sponsored excursions.
Staying in a gated resort or letting your cruise line show you where to go (while guiding you there) represents the safest way to visit any country, It's also not a great way to explore your destination or see its native culture.
A cruise port visit gives you sort of the Walt Disney version of visiting a country. You will see some native dancers, shops will sell a mix of crap aimed at tourists and actual local products.
You might find a locally-produced rum or crafts made by hand, but you will also find T-shirts advertising where you visited and lots of other products you will probably regret buying.
Visiting Mexico safely and seeing more than your resort or the cruise port is possible, but you have to heed two very different U.S. State Department warnings.
Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise. Image source: Dan Kline/Come Cruise With Me
Be safe when visiting Mexico
The U.S. State Department has a broad warning for travel in Mexico.
"Violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery – is widespread and common in Mexico. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities," it shared on its website.
The State Department advises that Americans don't travel at all to certain parts of the country.
Do Not Travel To:
- Colima state, due to crime and kidnapping.
- Guerrero state, due to crime.
- Michoacan state, due to crime.
- Sinaloa state, due to crime.
- Tamaulipas state, due to crime and kidnapping.
- Zacatecas state, due to crime and kidnapping.
Ports areas are generally considered safe, even when they are in "do not travel" zones. The U.S. State Department also shares some specific instructions to stay safe:
- Keep traveling companions and family back home informed of your travel plans. If separating from your travel group, send a friend your GPS location. If taking a taxi alone, take a photo of the taxi number and/or license plate and text it to a friend.
- Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night. In many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital or major cities.
- Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
- Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
- Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
The State Department also recommends that travelers to Mexico follow its social media pages for updates.
Remember it's hurricane season in Mexico
In addition to crime risks, Mexico has also entered a season of dangerous weather. The U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Mexico shared its own weather-related travel warning.
"Mexico’s hurricane season is May through November, with most storms developing between July and October on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Hurricanes and tropical storms can cause life-threatening flash floods, dangerous winds, treacherous surf and rip currents, and other hazardous conditions," it shared.
Hurricanes can force cruise ships to skip ports in order to avoid the storm. Sometimes, fast-moving weather cannot be avoided when already in port.
"Torrential rain from these storms can cause flooding hundreds of miles inland, sometimes lasting several days after the storm dissipates. Minor storms can quickly become hurricanes, limiting the time to get out," the embassy added.
The warning laid out how bad things could get (although cruisers have the advantage of being able to get back on the ship).
"There may be significant damage to infrastructure (such as roads, electricity, and phone and internet service) and serious shortages of food, water, accommodation, and medical supplies and facilities. Storms may result in airport closures or limit flight availability. U.S. citizens in affected areas may face delays returning home and may have to stay in emergency shelters with limited food, water, medicine, and other supplies," it shared.
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
