clock: What you need to know to travel safely in Mexico
Mexico has long been a popular travel destination for Americans, but it has been thrust into the spotlight after four people were kidnapped at gunpoint in Tamaulipas over the weekend. are back
AAA reports a 30% increase in international travel compared to last year, with Cancun, Riviera Maya and Mexico City among the top spring break destinations.
A source close to the investigation told ABC News that investigators believe the shooter mistakenly believed the kidnapped American was a rival trafficker who was in a “travel ban” classified area of Mexico. He said he believed
The State Department has so far issued six Level 4 “no travel” warnings to parts of Mexico.
“Tamaulipas’ travel advisory remains at Level 4. Do not travel. We encourage Americans to heed that advice,” State Department spokesman Ned Price said Tuesday. rice field.
Along with Tamaulipas, the State Department has issued “do not travel” warnings to Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa and Zacatecas. Level 4 travel warnings are also in place in places such as North Korea and Afghanistan.
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Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations have been rated Level 2 by the State Department, advising travelers to “exercise extra caution.” This is the same rating given to France, Germany, the UK, and 10 other countries.
Violence in Cancun made headlines in 2021 after multiple shootings occurred near a popular beach.
Mexico has since sent hundreds of its National Guard to patrol beaches along the Atlantic coast.
Expert tips for staying safe while traveling abroad
“This January, passenger numbers between the US and Mexico in January 2023 actually increased by 24% compared to the same month in 2019,” said Scott Keyes, founder of Scott’s Cheap Flights. told “Good Morning America.”
“We’re not seeing a huge price increase to places like Cancun or Cabo because airlines have seen increased demand, added capacity, added flights to their schedules and responded with bigger planes. is.”
As with all international travel, professionals should avoid traveling with large sums of money and all important documents, use only reputable taxis, and avoid areas where drugs may be sold. I advise you to stay away.
“It’s important to keep in mind most areas you can travel to, and as long as you follow these standard, common sense precautions, you’ll feel safe and secure,” Keys said. increase.
Shannon Crawford and Kirit Radia contributed to this report.
