U.S. Embassy in Mexico Issues Warning for Spring Break Travel

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico have issued a travel advisory for the thousands of U.S. travelers expected to visit Mexico during spring break.

The advisory urges travelers to “travel smart” in certain areas popular with spring breakers, including Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.

“Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations… U.S. citizens should exercise caution in the downtown areas of popular spring break spots. This includes Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, especially after dark,” the advisory reads.

The warning also reminds travelers of Mexico’s laws—drug possession and use are illegal, as are firearms and ammunition. The advisory also cautions visitors about strong currents and rip tides at some of the country’s beaches.

This type of advisory is issued annually ahead of spring break as thousands of Americans prepare to travel to Mexico. It is not a directive to avoid travel but rather a reminder to exercise caution.

Currently, the U.S. State Department has a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory for most of Mexico, including Quintana Roo, which encompasses Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. That is the same advisory level issued for Italy, the U.K., and the Netherlands.

The Embassy is currently warning U.S. citizens against travel to certain parts of Mexico, particularly along the U.S. border, due to crime concerns. However, these areas do not include major tourist destinations. Instead, six Mexican states—Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas—are under Level 4: Do Not Travel advisories, while Baja California, Chihuahua, and Sonora are under Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisories.