Security Briefing: Threats to Safety and Security

The information below has been excerpted from the following: 1) the US Department of State's "International Travel" website (travel.state.gov/travel/), 2) the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's "Smartraveller" website (www.smartraveller.gov.au), and 3) the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office's "Foreign Travel Advice" website (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/). Additional information is available from these sources. World Trade Press annually assesses the information presented on this page.

United Kingdom: Foreign and Commonwealth Office Foreign Travel Advice

Kidnapping

Short-term opportunistic kidnapping - called ‘express kidnapping’ - can occur, particularly in urban areas. Victims are forced to withdraw funds from credit or debit cards at a cash point to secure their release. Where victims have friends or relatives living locally, a ransom may be demanded from them. You should comply with requests and not attempt to resist such attacks.

Longer-term kidnapping for financial gain also occurs, and there have been allegations of police officers being involved. Be discreet about discussing your financial or business affairs in places where you may be overheard by others.

Violence

Drug-related violence in Mexico has increased over recent years. The violence is concentrated in specific areas, and some regions are almost completely spared. Nearly all of the fatalities are suspected gang members killed in turf wars between the different organisations that compete for control of trafficking routes into the US. Drug-related violence is a particular problem in the states of Baja California (Norte), Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Guerrero, Jalisco, Michoacán, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Sinaloa, Sonora and Tamaulipas. Armed clashes between security forces and drug groups can occur at any time without warning.

Outbursts of politically-motivated violence also occur from time to time in certain parts of the country, particularly in the southern states of Chiapas, Guerrero and Oaxaca.

Baja California Norte

Public shootouts during daylight hours in shopping centres and other public venues as well as large firefights have occurred in the city of Tijuana.

Chihuahua

The FCO no longer advise against all but essential travel to Ciudad Juarez. You should, however, take care, travel during daylight, inform relatives or friends of your travel plans and use reputable hotels only.

Coahuila

The area known as ‘La Laguna’, which includes the city of Torreon, has experienced an increase in violence. Torreon has seen a number of violent attacks, many of which have taken place in bars and restaurants.

Durango

The cities of Durango and Gomez Palacio have experienced sharp increases in violence, including in popular restaurants and bars.

Guerrero (including Acapulco)

You should be extremely careful outside the main tourist areas in Acapulco. In February 2013 six female Spanish tourists were raped and held at gunpoint by masked men in their rented beach house on Playa Bonfil in Barra Vieja, which is outside the main tourist area of Acapulco.

Jalisco (including Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara)

Guadalajara - Mexico’s second largest city - has seen a sharp rise in drug-related violence over recent years.

Michoacán

There are high levels of organised crime in Michoacán, particularly in remote rural areas and major cities like Morelia.

Nayarit

The number of drug-related murders in Nayarit has increased dramatically over recent years.

Nuevo Leon (including Monterrey)

Drug traffickers have set up temporary vehicle checkpoints and roadblocks as a means to carry out car and bus-jackings in Monterrey and other major cities in the state, including on the main road to Monterrey airport and on highways leading from Monterrey to the US border. Take extreme care on the roads between Monterrey, Nuevo Laredo and Reynosa, as there have been reports of disappearances.

Oaxaca

The Mexican Authorities caution against travel to the area around the town of San Juan Copala.

Quintana Roo

In February 2013 there were reports of an Italian national being raped by police officers in the resort of Playa del Carmen.

Sinaloa

There have been several incidents of vehicles on Highway 15 in Sinaloa being stopped at checkpoints and money being extorted.

Sonora

The border crossings at Nogales and Agua Prieta in Sonora are known drug routes into the US. You should take extreme care in this area.

Tamaulipas

There have been violent incidents and gun battles in and around the cities of Nuevo Laredo, Reynosa, Matamoros and Tampico.

In May 2012, a car bomb exploded at a hotel in Nuevo Laredo. Arson attacks also occurred at three nightclubs in the city during the night. Gun battles were also reported on various streets.

In April 2011, mass graves containing at least 177 bodies were found in the municipality of San Fernando, near the US border. Most of the victims are thought to have been Central American migrants abducted from long-distance buses travelling north to the US border. The bodies of 72 Central and South American migrants were found in the same area in 2010.

Veracruz

Veracruz state has seen an upsurge in violence, blamed on a struggle between rival drug cartels for control of drug smuggling routes.

Swimming and water sports

Water sports equipment may not meet UK or international safety standards and you may not be covered by accident insurance. This applies particularly to scuba diving, parasailing and jet-skiing. Make sure the company meets the required safety standards. Check that you’re covered by your travel insurance.

Shark attacks are relatively rare in Mexico, but you should take care, particularly when surfing.

Hotel safety

In some hotels, balcony balustrades may not be at the same height as you would find in the UK or elsewhere in Europe and there is a risk of falling.

Political situation

Mexico has an established multiparty democracy. Political demonstrations can occur across the country. These can be tense and confrontational and could potentially turn violent. Onlookers can be quickly drawn in. You should monitor local media and avoid all demonstrations.

The Mexican constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners. Participation in demonstrations may result in detention and deportation.

United States: Department of State International Travel Information

All travelers to Mexico should review the Department of State’sTravel Warning for Mexico that provides updated and detailed information about security issues affecting  the country on a state-by-state basis.  Millions of U.S. citizens visit Mexico safely each year.  However, crime and violence, much of it fueled by transnational criminal activity, affect many parts of the country, including both urban and rural areas.  Visitors should remain alert and be aware of their surroundings at all times, particularly when visiting areas identified in the Travel Warning with special advisories.  In its efforts to combat violence, the Mexican government has deployed federal police and military troops to various parts of the country.  Government checkpoints, often staffed by military personnel, have been erected in many parts of the country, especially, but not exclusively near the border.  U.S. citizens are advised to cooperate with personnel at government checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways.

Stay up to date by:

• Bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts  as well as the Worldwide Caution;
• Following us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well;
• Downloading our free Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips;
• Calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the U.S. and Canada, or by calling a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries;
• Taking time before you travel to improve your personal security. Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations are common and occur in all parts of the country, both urban and rural.  Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.  Demonstrators in Mexico may block traffic on roads, including major arteries, or take control of toll booths on highways. U.S. citizens are urged to avoid areas of demonstrations, and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any protests.  Travelers should avoid participating in demonstrations and other activities that might be deemed political by the authorities as the Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners; such actions may result in detention and/or deportation.

Australia: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Travel Advice

Terrorism

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General advice to Australian travellers.

Civil unrest/Political tension

Protests, demonstrations and strikes are common in Mexico. They have the potential to cause major traffic congestion and restrict movement around the affected areas. You should avoid all large public gatherings, protests and demonstrations as they may turn violent. Travellers should monitor the local media for developments and follow the advice of local authorities.

The Mexican constitution expressly prohibits political activity by foreign nationals while they are in Mexico. This includes participation in protests or demonstrations. Such activity may result in detention or expulsion from Mexico for up to 10 years.

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