A Revised Travel Advisory For Mexico

Due to the high crime rate and the prevalence of tainted alcohol, illegal narcotics, and counterfeit prescription medications, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico have issued a travel notice for American citizens. The advisory also warns that U.S. citizens have fallen victim to rape and sexual assault, adding that offenders may target drunken or solitary persons or may utilise substances that impair the victim's physical or mental condition.

U.S. citizens have become extremely sick or died in Mexico after consuming synthetic drugs or contaminated prescription tablets, the latest notice added. The embassy claims that fake drugs are widespread and may include harmful, untested chemicals.

The announcement comes only a few days after the state of Texas issued an extraordinary travel warning for Mexico, stating that the country is too unsafe to visit during spring break this year. The advice also followed recent statements from the United States Department of State, which urged its citizens to exercise extreme care while visiting Mexico due to the danger posed by drug cartels and other criminals.

DPS director Steven McCraw issued a statement urging people to postpone trips to Mexico due to the country's "volatile nature of cartel activity and violence". Moreover, due to the risk of crime and violence, the United States government recommends that its citizens either avoid or rethink visiting Mexico.

The U.S. Department of State warns that "violent crime" such as murder, abduction, car-jacking, and robbery is "widespread and pervasive" in Mexico. Thirty of Mexico's 32 states are now under a travel alert, as the United States Department of State provides a comprehensive, state-by-state analysis of security.

It is advised that you do not go to the following states: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas. Puerto Vallarta, a major tourist attraction, is located in the states of Baja and Jalisco, both of which are under a "Reconsider travel" alert. Baja California Sur, where you'll find the famous resorts of Cabo San Lucas, and Nayarit, where you'll discover the Riviera Nayarit, are two of the other 17 states given an "increased caution" advice, Mexico City included. For the same reasons, you should take extra precautions if you go to the Mexican Caribbean state of Quintana Roo. Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum are all located in the state of Quintana Roo, a popular destination for holidaymakers and typically safe for international visitors.

Only the states of Campeche and Yucatan are not subject to any kind of travel warning from the United States.

While travelling to Mexico, the U.S. Department of State advises tourists to examine their own personal security measures, stay vigilant, pay close attention to local media, and dial emergency services in case of a life-threatening situation. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program recommends that U.S. citizens enrol with a Mexican consulate or embassy in their home country before visiting Mexico.

On the other hand, the Mexican administration claims that the country is totally safe for tourists to visit.

Source: thepointsguy.com