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Mexico Travel Warnings and Restrictions – A Comprehensive Guide

  • Safety Tips
  • Renee Martin
  • 6 minutes

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Mexico has always been a popular spring break destination because of its stunning beaches, magnificent resorts, and affordable prices. If you’re planning a trip there, here’s what you should know about travel restrictions to Mexico and what to expect once you’re there.

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Travel to Mexico: Advisory

The U.S. Department of State has warned against the spring breakers visiting Mexico recently after it gave security alerts for people traveling to Jamaica and the Bahamas in January. Currently, Mexico is under the radar for organized crimes and kidnapping, among other reasons. According to the embassy, thousands of Americans visit Mexico during spring break each year. The U.S. Embassy issued a similar warning last year, too. Different states are under different warning levels.

Mexican Sea
Image Courtesy: jdross75

State Department Advisory

According to the latest Mexico Travel Advisory, the Mexican states are categorized into 4 levels:

Travel Advisory Levels States
Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To: Level 1 states
  • Campeche state
  • Yucatan state
Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To: Level 2 states
  • Aguascalientes
  • Baja California Sur state
  • Chiapas state
  • Coahuila state
  • Hidalgo state
  • Mexico City
  • Mexico State
  • Nayarit state
  • Nuevo Leon
  • Oaxaca state
  • Puebla state
  • Queretaro state
  • Quintana Roo state
  • San Luis Potosi state
  • Tabasco state
  • Tlaxcala state
  • Veracruz state
Reconsider Travel To: Level 3 states
  • Baja California state
  • Chihuahua state
  • Durango state
  • Guanajuato state
  • Jalisco state
  • Morelos state
  • Sonora state
Do Not Travel To: Level 4 states
  • Colima state
  • Guerrero state
  • Michoacan state
  • Sinaloa state
  • Tamaulipas state

Spring Break Travel Warning and Restriction in Mexico 2024

The Angel of Independence in Mexico
Image Courtesy: Alonso Reyes

General things you need to know while traveling to Mexico:

  • You must carry a valid passport
  • Get a tourist visa if you are visiting for more than 180 days
  • Currency restrictions on entry is $10,000
  • Currency restrictions on exit is $10,000.

Travel Warnings

Here are the list of travel warnings to be aware of so that you can travel smart:

Crime

Crimes, including violent ones, can happen anywhere in Mexico, especially in major tourist areas. Be aware of your situation, avoid regions where illegal activities occur, and leave potentially harmful circumstances as soon as possible.

Drugs

Mexico prohibits the possession and use of drugs, including medical marijuana. If you are caught, you can be sentenced to a lengthy prison sentence. There have also been reports of travelers becoming very ill and/or dying after consuming synthetic drugs or contaminated prescription medicines in Mexico.

Unregulated Alcohol

There have been reports of travelers from the United States losing consciousness or being hurt after consuming alcohol that was probably unregulated.

Pharmaceuticals

Counterfeit medication is a potential threat in the area. These can be ineffective and toxic or contain the wrong strength of ingredients. It’s best to purchase medicines prescribed by a medical professional to stay safe.

Sexual Assault

American citizens have been raped and sexually assaulted in several tourist regions. Perpetrators may prey on drunken or solitary victims. They may also use drugs that impair the victim’s physical or mental state.

Drowning

Strong undercurrents and riptides can cause drowning on some beaches. Some beaches may not have lifeguards, warnings, or evidence of hazardous circumstances.

Medical Emergencies

Disease or accidents may necessitate medical treatment or hospitalization in Mexico. Prices in Mexican private hospitals may be higher than in the U.S. Several facilities ask for a cash payment before giving treatment or discharging a patient.

Guns and Ammunition

Mexico prohibits all firearms and ammunition, even tiny amounts. Possession can get you severe prison sentences.

Arrest

Drunk and disorderly behavior, public urinating, and driving with open alcohol containers are all banned in Mexico. You may get arrested if you violate Mexican law.

Immigration

Violations of the terms of your stay in Mexico might result in hefty penalties and jail.

Tips for Traveling to Mexico

Mexico Tourist Spot
Image Courtesy: Diegograndi

Staying informed is the first step while you travel to Mexico for this spring break.

Ways to Stay Informed

Keep an eye on the Mexico Travel Advisory and Country Information page for the latest updates on entry requirements and restrictions. Enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) can help you get to know the safety conditions in Mexico. This will also help the U.S. Embassy contact you in case of emergencies. You can call 911 for emergencies.

Health Insurance

Check if your health insurance plan has coverage in Mexico. If not, get yourself travel insurance that can cover you in Mexico. It is best to get insurance that has medical evacuation (medevac).

Safety Precautions

These are some of the safety precautions you need to take while you are in Mexico for the Spring Break:

  • Stay out of strong currents.
  • Avoid swimming after drinking.
  • Stay out of the water while there are warning flags.
  • Drink responsibly and keep an eye on your drink. Note: You can also file a complaint if you come across any unregulated alcohol or contaminated alcohol via a call or online Mexican Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risk (COFEPRIS)
  • Seek a medical professional if you get ill.
  • Stay with people who you know will watch over you, whether it’s in a bar, on the streets, or in a taxi. Also, keep in mind that Mexican laws are different from those of the U.S.
  • Do not carry too much money with you when you are in public. Monitor your credit and debit cards. Be careful when you withdraw money, especially when you are in a dim light area.
  • While using the transportation, watch out for your safety and personal possessions. Radio taxis, sitio taxis, and app-based services such as Uber and Cabify are the best options when considering safety.
  • If you are traveling alone, keep your loved ones updated about your travel plans.
  • Download the Guest Assist App if you are planning to travel to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Cozumel. You can get emergency services as well as assistance on the app and their website.
  • Your passport and entry permit should be kept safe while you are there. Also, double-check and confirm the date of departure from Mexico.
  • You can get in touch with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.

FAQs 

Is Cancun safe to travel to right now?  

Cancun is a major tourist attraction in Quintana Roo, and currently, the state is under Level 2 travel advisory, which means you have to exercise increased caution when traveling there.

Is it safe to travel to Riviera Maya now? 

Riviera Maya in Quintana Roo is currently under Level 2 travel advisory. You have to exercise increased caution when traveling there. 

How safe is Playa del Carmen? 

Playa Del Carmen is in Quintana Roo and has a Level 2 travel advisory. You must exercise increased caution when traveling to the place. 

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