The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and State Department are urging Americans to “avoid travel to Mexico” due to “very high levels of COVID,” but that’s not the only warning for travelers who may be looking ahead to Spring Break.
Last week, U.S. consular authorities in Mexico reminded Americans to be careful when traveling to several top vacation spots after two Canadians were killed at a luxury hotel in Playa Del Carmen.
“In light of recent security incidents and criminal activity in popular tourist destinations including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum, U.S. citizens are reminded to exercise increased caution when traveling to the state of Quintana Roo,” The U.S. Consulate General Merida wrote in a travel alert posted days after the Jan. 21 shooting. “Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state, including areas frequented by U.S. citizen visitors.”
The incident was preceded by several others in recent months, including the October deaths of a California woman and another tourist caught in an apparent gang-related crossfire in Tulum.
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“The Department of State’s first priority is the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas,” Karin King, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Overseas Citizens Services at the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, said in a statement. “U.S. citizens should always take stock of their personal safety and security when traveling overseas.”
Tourists are reminded to check travel advisories and alerts for any country they plan to visit, be aware of their surroundings, avoid crowds, monitor news, review personal safety plans, write down the contact information for the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate and reach out if they need help.
“As always, we urge U.S. citizens to enroll with our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, STEP.state.gov, to receive important messages about their destination, including timely alerts and updates to travel advisories,” King concluded.
Source: CDC
