The U.S. State Department warned Americans traveling to Mexico about terrorism risks earlier this week, leaving some to wonder whether they should continue or cancel their trips.
The agency updated its travel advisory on Aug. 12 for the beloved Caribbean destination to Level 2, meaning travelers should “exercise increased caution,” due to violent crimes such as terrorism, crime, and kidnapping. In some areas of the country, U.S. government assistance and emergency services are limited in reaching anyone who might need help.
“Many violent crimes take place in Mexico. They include homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery,” the updated summary states. “There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Mexico.”
The news may be unsettling for many Americans, given Mexico’s popularity, specifically regions like Cancún, Tulúm, Cabo, Mexico City, and more. In 2022, 33.5 million Americans traveled to Mexico, making it the most popular international destination that year.
However, travelers don’t need to cancel their trips just yet. According to security expert Mike Ballard, although the travel advisory was updated, the safety landscape in Mexico remains mostly the same as it has been, and travelers can still enjoy their visits as long as they keep some precautions in mind.
Click here to read the complete, original article by Kathleen Wong on USA Today
Source: USA Today
