US travel advisory for Mexico: Extreme caution advised, violence up in Cancun


Updated Aug 24; Posted Aug 24


State Department officials issued a warning about travel in Mexico after an uptick in violent crime. (Contributed photo/Dronepicr)
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By Leada Gore
lgore@al.com

The State Department has issued an updated travel advisory for portions of Mexico.

The advisory was issued in relation to a security alert by the U.S. Consulate in Ciudad Juarez. While not directly connected, it also comes amid an upswing in violence - including the discovery of as many as eight bodies - in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, home to the popular tourist destination Cancun.

A Level 2 travel advisory remains in place for Quintana Roo, advising visitors to exercise increased caution due to crime:

"According to Government of Mexico statistics, the state experienced an increase in homicide rates compared to the same period in 2016. While most of these homicides appeared to be targeted, criminal organization assassinations, turf battles between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens. Shooting incidents injuring or killing bystanders have occurred.

There are no restrictions on U.S. government employees for travel in Quintana Roo state, which includes tourist areas such as: Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and the Riviera Maya."

All travelers are advised to use increased caution in Mexico due to widespread violent crimes such as homicide, kidnappings, carjackings and robbery. No-travel warnings are in place for five states: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa and Tamaulipas.

If you decide to travel to Mexico, the State Department advises: