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Travel Alert!! (Mexico)

JES11583

By JES11583,
in Carnival Cruise Lines

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Howards_girl

Howards_girl

Posted
Posted

This is what it says....

 

This information is current as of today, Fri Feb 27 09:50:24 2009.



Mexico

February 20, 2009

 

This Travel Alert updates security information for U.S. citizens traveling and living in Mexico. It supersedes the Travel Alert for Mexico dated October 15, 2008, and expires on August 20, 2009.

 

While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year (including thousands who cross the land border every day for study, tourism or business), violence in the country has increased recently. It is imperative that travelers understand the risks of travel to Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and whom to contact if one becomes a crime victim. Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable.

 

Crime and Violence Throughout Mexico

 

The greatest increase in violence has occurred near the U.S. border. However, U.S. citizens traveling throughout Mexico should exercise caution in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Mexican and foreign bystanders have been injured or killed in violent attacks in cities across the country, demonstrating the heightened risk of violence in public places. In recent years, dozens of U.S. citizens have been kidnapped across Mexico. Many of these cases remain unresolved. U.S. citizens who believe they are being targeted for kidnapping or other crimes should notify Mexican officials and the nearest American consulate or the Embassy as soon as possible, and should consider returning to the United States.

 

U.S. citizens should make every attempt to travel on main roads during daylight hours, particularly the toll ("cuota") roads, which generally are more secure. Occasionally, the U.S. Embassy and consulates advise their employees as well as private U.S. citizens to avoid certain areas, abstain from driving on certain roads because of dangerous conditions or criminal activity, or recommend driving during daylight hours only. When warranted, U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to or within parts of Mexico without prior approval from their supervisors. When this happens, the Embassy or the affected consulate will alert the local U.S. citizen Warden network and post the information on their respective websites, indicating the nature of the concern and the expected time period for which the restriction will remain in place. U.S. citizen visitors are encouraged to stay in the well-known tourist areas of the cities. Travelers should leave their itinerary with a friend or family member not traveling with them, avoid traveling alone, and should check with their cellular provider prior to departure to confirm that their cell phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G international networks. Do not display expensive-looking jewelry, large amounts of money, or other valuable items.

 

Violence Along the U.S. - Mexico Border

 

Mexican drug cartels are engaged in an increasingly violent conflict - both among themselves and with Mexican security services - for control of narcotics trafficking routes along the U.S.-Mexico border. In order to combat violence, the government of Mexico has deployed troops in various parts of the country. U.S. citizens should cooperate fully with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways.

 

Some recent Mexican army and police confrontations with drug cartels have resembled small-unit combat, with cartels employing automatic weapons and grenades. Large firefights have taken place in many towns and cities across Mexico but most recently in northern Mexico, including Tijuana, Chihuahua City and Ciudad Juarez. During some of these incidents, U.S. citizens have been trapped and temporarily prevented from leaving the area. The U.S. Mission in Mexico currently restricts non-essential travel to the state of Durango and all parts of the state of Coahuila south of Mexican Highways 25 and 22 and the Alamos River for U.S. government employees assigned to Mexico. This restriction was implemented in light of the recent increase in assaults, murders, and kidnappings in those two states. The situation in northern Mexico remains fluid; the location and timing of future armed engagements cannot be predicted.

 

A number of areas along the border are experiencing rapid growth in the rates of many types of crime. Robberies, homicides, petty thefts, and carjackings have all increased over the last year across Mexico generally, with notable spikes in Tijuana and northern Baja California. Ciudad Juarez, Tijuana and Nogales are among the cities which have recently experienced public shootouts during daylight hours in shopping centers and other public venues. Criminals have followed and harassed U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles in border areas including Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, and Tijuana.

 

The situation in Ciudad Juarez is of special concern. Mexican authorities report that more than 1,800 people have been killed in the city since January 2008. Additionally, this city of 1.6 million people experienced more than 17,000 car thefts and 1,650 carjackings in 2008. U.S. citizens should pay close attention to their surroundings while traveling in Ciudad Juarez, avoid isolated locations during late night and early morning hours, and remain alert to news reports. A recent series of muggings near the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez targeted applicants for U.S. visas. Visa and other service seekers visiting the Consulate are encouraged to make arrangements to pay for those services using a non-cash method.

 

U.S. citizens are urged to be alert to safety and security concerns when visiting the border region. Criminals are armed with a wide array of sophisticated weapons. In some cases, assailants have worn full or partial police or military uniforms and have used vehicles that resemble police vehicles. While most crime victims are Mexican citizens, the uncertain security situation poses serious risks for U.S. citizens as well. U.S. citizen victims of crime in Mexico are urged to contact the consular section of the nearest U.S. consulate or Embassy for advice and assistance. Contact information is provided at the end of this message.

 

Demonstrations and Large Public Gatherings

Demonstrations occur frequently throughout Mexico and usually are peaceful. However, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate to violence unexpectedly. Violent demonstrations have resulted in deaths, including that of an American citizen in Oaxaca in 2006. In 2008, a Mexican Independence Day celebration was the target of a violent attack. During demonstrations or law enforcement operations, U.S. citizens are advised to remain in their homes or hotels, avoid large crowds, and avoid the downtown and surrounding areas. Since the timing and routes of scheduled marches and demonstrations are always subject to change, U.S. citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments and exercise extreme caution while within the vicinity of protests. The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation. U.S. citizens are therefore advised to avoid participating in demonstrations or other activities that might be deemed political by Mexican authorities. As is always the case in any large gathering, U.S. citizens should remain alert to their surroundings.

Further Information

 

For more detailed information on staying safe in Mexico, please see the Mexico Country Specific Information at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html. Information on security and travel to popular tourist destinations is also provided in the publication: "Spring Break in Mexico- Know Before You Go!!" at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/spring_break_mexico/spring_break_mexico_2812.html For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and canada, or, for callers from Mexico, a regular toll line at 001-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department's travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov/.

 

For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens in Mexico, please contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, telephone from the United States: 011-52-55-5080-2000; telephone within Mexico City: 5080-2000; telephone long distance within Mexico 01-55-5080-2000. You may also contact the Embassy by e-mail at: ccs@usembassy.net.mx. The Embassy's internet address is http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/.

 

Consulates:

 

Ciudad Juarez: Paseo de la Victoria 3650, tel. (52)(656) 227-3000. http://ciudadjuarez.usconsulate.gov.

Guadalajara: Progreso 175, telephone (52)(333) 268-2100. http://guadalajara.usconsulate.gov/.

Hermosillo: Avenida Monterrey 141, telephone (52)(662) 289-3500. http://hermosillo.usconsulate.gov.

Matamoros: Avenida Primera 2002, telephone (52)(868) 812-4402. http://matamoros.usconsulate.gov.

Merida: Calle 60 no. 338 k, telephone (52)(999) 942-5700. http://merida.usconsulate.gov.

Monterrey: Avenida Constitucion 411 Poniente, telephone (52)(818) 047-3100. http://monterrey.usconsulate.gov.

Nogales: Calle San Jose, Nogales, Sonora, telephone (52)(631) 311-8150. http://nogales.usconsulate.gov.

Nuevo Laredo: Calle Allende 3330, col. Jardin, telephone (52)(867) 714-0512. http://nuevolaredo.usconsulate.gov/.

Tijuana: Tapachula 96, telephone (52)(664) 622-7400. http://tijuana.usconsulate.gov/service.html.

 

Consular Agencies:

 

Acapulco: Hotel Continental Emporio, Costera Miguel Aleman 121 - local 14, telephone (52)(744) 484-0300 or (52)(744) 469-0556.

Cabo San Lucas: Blvd. Marina local c-4, Plaza Nautica, col. Centro, telephone (52)(624) 143-3566.

Cancún: Plaza Caracol two, second level, no. 320-323, Boulevard Kukulcan, km. 8.5, Zona Hotelera, telephone (52)(998) 883-0272.

Ciudad Acuña: Ocampo # 305, col. Centro, telephone (52)(877) 772-8661

Cozumel: Plaza Villa Mar en el Centro, Plaza Principal, (Parque Juárez between Melgar and 5th ave.) 2nd floor, locales #8 and 9, telephone (52)(987) 872-4574.

Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo: Hotel Fontan, Blvd. Ixtapa, telephone (52)(755) 553-2100.

Mazatlán: Hotel Playa Mazatlán, Playa Gaviotas #202, Zona Dorada, telephone (52)(669) 916-5889.

Oaxaca: Macedonio Alcalá no. 407, interior 20, telephone (52)(951) 514-3054 (52)(951) 516-2853.

Piedras Negras: Abasolo #211, Zona Centro, Piedras Negras, Coah., Tel. (878) 782-5586.

Playa del Carmen: "The Palapa," Calle 1 Sur, between Avenida 15 and Avenida 20, telephone (52)(984) 873-0303.

Puerto Vallarta: Paradise Plaza, Paseo de los Cocoteros #1, Local #4, Interior #17, Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, telephone (52)(322) 222-0069.

Reynosa: Calle Monterrey #390, Esq. Sinaloa, Colonia Rodríguez, telephone: (52)(899) 923 - 9331

San Luis Potosí: Edificio "Las Terrazas", Avenida Venustiano Carranza 2076-41, Col. Polanco, telephone: (52)(444) 811-7802/7803.

San Miguel de Allende: Dr. Hernandez Macias #72, telephone (52)(415) 152-2357 or (52)(415) 152-0068.

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floatingaway2525

floatingaway2525

Posted
Posted
Hmmm are you at work? Let's see if this works...

 

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html

 

OK that worked:D

 

Fortunately, while all of this is true and there is much trouble in MX right now:(, it really is related to the drug cartels and does not have much presence in the port areas for the cruise lines. That said, it's not a great idea to go running around at night, in isolated areas, etc etc. Mostly the same common sense you would need to have in many US cities.:)

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JES11583

JES11583

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Posted

** I do apologize--I didnt realize it wouldnt work.. sorry..just trying to help and inform everyone **

Travel Alert

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Bureau of Consular Affairs

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

This information is current as of today, Fri Feb 27 10:51:52 2009.

 

Mexico

 

February 20, 2009

 

 

This Travel Alert updates security information for U.S. citizens traveling and living in Mexico. It supersedes the Travel Alert for Mexico dated October 15, 2008, and expires on August 20, 2009.

 

While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year (including thousands who cross the land border every day for study, tourism or business), violence in the country has increased recently. It is imperative that travelers understand the risks of travel to Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and whom to contact if one becomes a crime victim. Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable.

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JES11583

JES11583

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OK that worked:D

 

Fortunately, while all of this is true and there is much trouble in MX right now:(, it really is related to the drug cartels and does not have much presence in the port areas for the cruise lines. That said, it's not a great idea to go running around at night, in isolated areas, etc etc. Mostly the same common sense you would need to have in many US cities.:)

 

 

haha you wont find me running around at night there...altho you might find me runnning around on the ship doing drunken cartwheels.. hehe.. thank you for your insight :)

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guru66

guru66

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Cozumel although part of Mexico is one of the safest places on earth regardless of any alerts. We go to the Riviera Maya every year and feel more comfortable their then at home in the U.S. This is a stiffening of the border repercussion issue and isolated situations around bordering territories in Mexico which are hardly where anyone vacations. If you want to worry about anywhere worry about Jamaica

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JES11583

JES11583

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Cozumel although part of Mexico is one of the safest places on earth regardless of any alerts. We go to the Riviera Maya every year and feel more comfortable their then at home in the U.S. This is a stiffening of the border repercussion issue and isolated situations around bordering territories in Mexico which are hardly where anyone vacations. If you want to worry about anywhere worry about Jamaica

 

Yeah, I have never had a problem when going to Mexican ports, esp. Cozumel. Now, Jamiaca on the other hand.. I hear ya there.. NOT a fan!

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floatingaway2525

floatingaway2525

Posted
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haha you wont find me running around at night there...altho you might find me runnning around on the ship doing drunken cartwheels.. hehe.. thank you for your insight :)

 

And thanks for posting this, it's good to stay current on what's going on, I am reading it now and it seems Cancun has escalated quite a bit, which is sad for the area:( I am sure though, that it is not anywhere near where the visitors are, and not in the daytime most anywhere. Except maybe Juarez, the border town with El Paso, which is truely one of the most scary places I have ever been, even in daylight:eek:

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Kurbanfan

Kurbanfan

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It is very bad right now. We have friends that own a condo in Rosarito beach down in Baja.......and nobody can leave their homes after dark.......

It will only get worse before it gets better........

It will only change if the U.S. government changes the way drugs are handled.........

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tkportersat

tkportersat

Posted
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Actually the news this morning stated that some of the activity was making it's way into some of the resort areas - including Cancun. I guess it is good to make people aware, to be more diligent and careful while on vacation.

 

 

OK that worked:D

 

Fortunately, while all of this is true and there is much trouble in MX right now:(, it really is related to the drug cartels and does not have much presence in the port areas for the cruise lines. That said, it's not a great idea to go running around at night, in isolated areas, etc etc. Mostly the same common sense you would need to have in many US cities.:)

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floatingaway2525

floatingaway2525

Posted
Posted
It is very bad right now. We have friends that own a condo in Rosarito beach down in Baja.......and nobody can leave their homes after dark.......

It will only get worse before it gets better........

It will only change if the U.S. government changes the way drugs are handled.........

 

I have heard this from friends in San Diego, and that makes me soooo sad, love Rosarito so much, haven't been back in 7 or 8 years now...the Rosarito Beach Hotel rocked!!!

I was wondering if any of it has escalated in Ensenada? I haven't cruised on that side yet and only went down there once....

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Stella62

Stella62

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We're cruising to Mexico in a few weeks, so I was reading and researching about this last night. I read about one cruise passenger that was walking back to his ship in daylight and was robbed at gunpoint on Cozumel - so don't think that because it's not mainland that it's safe.

 

Most of what I read applies to people staying in hotels in Mexico. Women are frequently drugged at bars and a lot of posts and articles about robberies - in the resort areas, not just border towns.

 

Be aware, stay with the groups, etc. We were going to go to the Maya Palms at the Costa Maya port, but have decided against it. It is a long ride in a cab, and just the sort of situation that they warn about. So, we're disappointed, but better to be safe than sorry.

 

Do some Yahoo or Google searches - you might be surprised by what you learn.

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Magic City Cruiser

Magic City Cruiser

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We're cruising to Mexico in a few weeks, so I was reading and researching about this last night. I read about one cruise passenger that was walking back to his ship in daylight and was robbed at gunpoint on Cozumel - so don't think that because it's not mainland that it's safe.

 

Most of what I read applies to people staying in hotels in Mexico. Women are frequently drugged at bars and a lot of posts and articles about robberies - in the resort areas, not just border towns.

 

Be aware, stay with the groups, etc. We were going to go to the Maya Palms at the Costa Maya port, but have decided against it. It is a long ride in a cab, and just the sort of situation that they warn about. So, we're disappointed, but better to be safe than sorry.

 

Do some Yahoo or Google searches - you might be surprised by what you learn.

 

There's a difference in being robbed at gunpoint in Cozumel and the violence that is occurring due to the Mexican drug cartels. But, I think you're right in that many might feel a false sense of security in Cozumel because it has a relatively low crime rate. I'm pretty sure it's a whole lot lower than the city I live in! And, I am pretty sure that today, Coz isn't having the problems as some of the mainland cities. However, that could change.

You have to be careful wherever you go, wherever you are. As I primarily go to Coz, I'm hoping it remains peaceful for the duration.

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