Travel Warning: Is It Safe To Head To Mexico On Spring Break?

After a cold and icy winter in many parts of the USA, people are already happily planning their Spring Break vacations. However, while Mexico is always a popular option for spring breakers, the headlines are warning of violence in the country. In fact, the US State Department currently has “do not travel” warnings in place for six states.

Is it safe to spend Spring Break in Mexico?

The media headlines continue to warn of violence in Mexico, leaving travelers to wonder if it is a good idea to visit the popular Spring Break location. Recently, the headlines include warnings from the US State Department against visiting Mexico in the time leading up to the busy season there.

 

While the department has “do not travel” warnings in place for six Mexican states, a representative told The Washington Post that it has not updated the travel advisories since October 2022.

However, US Embassy and Consulates in the country have issued a number of security alerts since January for Ciudad Juárez and several cities in Sinaloa and Quintana Roo states. Moreover, Reuters has reported that an Aeromexico plane was struck by gunfire in early January. The Miami Herald is reporting an increase in cartel-related violence in mega-popular Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Do not travel to these six states for Spring Break

According to the US State Department, US travelers should avoid six Mexican states – Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas. The reason for the warning is the risk of crime and, in most of those states, kidnapping. Moreover, the popular resort town of Acapulco is located in Guerrero state, while the cruise port of Mazatlán is in Sinaloa.

Basically, US officials advise US travelers to follow the travel restrictions in place for US government employees. For instance, US government workers can visit Mazatlán by air or sea, but should stay in the town center and “Zona Dorada,” which includes the beaches and resorts.

However, officials also state that US travelers should “reconsider travel” to seven other states in Mexico, namely: Baja California, Chihuahua, Durango, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Morelos, and Sonora.

Which states require ‘increased caution?’

Currently, the US State Department, most Mexican states have a “Level 2” designation. This means that travelers should “exercise increased caution.” Moreover, the same advice is given relating to other countries, including the Bahamas, Costa Rica, France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

However, there are 16 Mexican states and federal districts where travelers should exercise “increased caution.” This applies to a number of highly popular spring break destinations in Mexico City and Quintana Roo. Of course, this applies to destinations such as Cancún, Cozumel, and Tulum. Moreover, it also applies to Baja California Sur, where Cabo San Lucas is located and to Oaxaca.

In fact, the only two Mexican states that are on the lowest-risk designation, where spring break travelers should “exercise normal precaution” are Campeche and Yucatán.

Hopefully, this news won’t too badly impact spring breakers from having a party in Mexico. As they say, “better safe than sorry!” Wherever you do go, we wish you a wonderful vacation during Spring Break 2023.