Mexican marines have been deployed to Cancun beaches including but not limited to Playa del Carmen and Tulum to keep the area safe during the spring break season.
The decision was made in response to a series of shootings that have claimed the lives of a number of tourists in the last three months.
In some cases, the victims were involved in criminal activity in the area, in other cases they were just passing through.
Related:
– Is it safe to travel to Cancun?
How dangerous is Mexico for tourists right now?
The US Department has recently warned citizens against traveling to Baja California, Tijuana, Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa and Tamaulipas, due to increasing criminal activity. Americans and other foreign visitors, as well as local hospitality employees, have lost their lives in different attacks in the last few months.
If you still decide to head up to Mexico, please make sure to follow most of the following recommendations.
- Be aware of your surroundings and take extra caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
- Do not wear expensive watches or jewelry.
- Be especially cautious when visiting banks or ATMs.
- Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security alerts. It also makes it easier to locate you in case of an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
- Avoid risky situations like walking or driving alone late at night.
- Constantly update family and friends of your whereabouts.
- Prepare a plan B for emergency situations.
Also read: US Issues Alert Against Traveling To Cancun As Violence Is On The Rise
Safety App
Quintana Roo Tourist Board has developed the Guest Assist app for free download.
The app provides safety information, legal advice, a complaint line, and coronavirus information as well as access to a 24/7 bilingual call center for visitor assistance.
The app includes links and services for emergencies, extortion and kidnapping, robbery, lost or stolen passports, roadside assistance and even a way to file complaints for local tourism service providers.
“Ongoing security and protection strategy in place, and … is continuing communications with the State Police, alongside federal and local agencies and the private sector to maintain updated security measures to keep a safe and enjoyable environment for residents and visitors.” said the Director of the State Tourism Board.
The US State Department changes national warnings to specific states
While the State Department normally issues a Level 1 to 4 warning for each country in the world based on concern for the overall safety for travelers, the travel advisory for Mexico changed to specific states on May 2.
The change for Mexico warnings is a result of the State Department moving away from Covid-19 concerns, which is also the focus of warnings from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“The Department of State’s goal is that U.S. citizens planning travel to Mexico focus on the particular area of Mexico to which they will be traveling,” they said.
Safety Report:
August 11 – Tourists traumatized after seeing a man shot in face in Costa Mujeres
A man was tragically shot on a beach at the Riu Dunamar resort. Some tourists were shocked to witness such an event, but no one else was injured.
It is not known what caused the incident or why the shooting occurred. The identity or other specific information is also unknown. The horrific incident occurred on Costa Mujeres beach, a small piece of land with beautiful sandy beaches north of downtown Cancun.
“It was meant to be a holiday of a lifetime but it turned into absolute hell. I’ve now got a 14-year-old boy who is struggling to sleep because he’s still so terrified that it could’ve been him or us that got shot,” said Tracey Campbell one of the witnesses.
FAQ
Not for the moment. Traveling to Tijuana and Rosarito, Baja California, poses a “serious risk,” according to US officials. Following the arrest of a key cartel boss, the US Embassy in Mexico has advised American tourists to avoid Tijana, Rosarito, and Baja California due to serious safety concerns.
Ensenada is generally a quiet and safe city. The risk of crime is low and travelers can feel safe here. Citizens have a high level of trust in the police.
Best places to visit in Mexico in COVID times
Whether you are interested in spending your vacation at the sunny beach, trying new watersports, or just enjoying the cultural experience, Mexico has something to offer to everyone.
However, before booking your trip, you must consider reviewing the Mexican States that have made it to the orange, yellow, and green epidemiology lists. Aim for the yellow, and Green although orange ones can offer you plenty of fun too.
Hotspots to visit this summer in Mexico
1. Cancun and the Mayan Riviera
Blessed with sugar-white beaches and countless high-end resorts, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, the island of Cozumel, and beyond compose a magnificent area along the eastern edge of the Yucatán Peninsula. It’s a must-see for international travelers.
2. Puerto Vallarta
Known as America’s social elite hotspot, Vallarta has become incredibly popular among expats looking for second homes in a sunny, warmer climate.
3. Cabo San Lucas
Featuring luxurious spas, golf courses, and beautiful beaches, Cabo San Lucas is one of the luxury hotspot destinations in Mexico. This does not mean that people traveling on a budget will not enjoy it. The city offers all types of activities from swimming to diving, snorkeling, and fishing.
Traveling in Mexico during Covid: Updates Archives
July 29: Shooting in Playa del Carmen
On Monday morning, a gunshot occurred on Fifth Avenue in Playa Del Carmen.
According to reports from the Solidaridad municipal police, the shots were fired between Calle 1 and Calle 14, on the famous Fifth Avenue. The first three people were reported injured but they are currently stable.
Following the report, the security authorities arrested seven Mexican individuals, and seized three firearms and 31 small bags of marijuana, according to the Secretary of Security of the municipality of Solidaridad, where the famous tourist center is located.
June/July – Safety update: Two Canadians found dead in Playa de Carmen
Some days ago, prosecutors and police said the remains of two Canadians were found in an apartment in the Mexican resort town of Playa del Carmen, with their necks slashed.
According to the prosecutor’s office, a security guard at the tourist apartment complex in the city center was also injured.
Investigators found an identification card of the male victim with three different names in the apartment where the remains were discovered. Authorities further stated that the person was wanted worldwide for fraud.
Investigators have not yet determined if the victims were long-term residents or visitors, although they are believed to have been in the area for several months.
March – Violence continues on the rise on Cancun resorts
Armed marines patrol Cancun’s beaches to safeguard local business owners, their establishments, and tourists from organized crime and rising violence.
Robert Almonte, a retired deputy chief of the El Paso Police Department and former U.S. marshal for the Western District of Texas who is an expert on Mexican drug cartels, said that tourist resorts in Cancun are currently a war zone.
“It is not safe to go to the resorts right now.”
Almonte does not believe that visitors would be targeted directly, but he is concerned that they may become collateral damage.
“The cartels are not very careful about how they kill,” he said. “They just go in and spray bullets and if an innocent person gets killed, that’s collateral damage and the cartels don’t lose sleep over that.”
February 2 – Current COVID-19 restrictions by state
Mexico has updated its epidemiological traffic light system.
Aguascalientes is now the only “red” state, which means that hotels can only accommodate visitors who are engaged in “critical activities.”
Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sonora, Chihuahua, Durango, Zacatecas, Coahuila, Quintana Roo and Nuevo Leon are now “orange,” Meaning that entering indoor venues will be restricted.
Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosí, Jalisco, Guanajuato, Querétaro, Estado de México, Morelos, Yucatán and Mexico City are also “yellow,” meaning hotels, bars, and restaurants must operate at reduced capacity.
The rest of the states are “green,” so all activities are permitted.
January 15 – 3 Mexican hotspots to require vaccines or test to enter restaurants, bars, and clubs
As of yesterday, January 14, Jalisco restaurants, bars, clubs, concert halls, and other venues require their customers to provide proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test.
Two other Mexican regions followed the suit, including Tlaxcala and Baja California. However, in the State of Baja California, the proof of vaccination is rather a recommendation than a requirement.
For more information, check our full article on the topic here.
November 3 – U.S.-Mexican borders to reopen on November 8
19 months into the pandemic and the U.S. is finally reopening the border with Mexico for vaccinated tourists.
Non-citizen passengers should have their proof of vaccination ready. They should also be prepared to verbally state their reason for travel and vaccination status while boarding.
Vaccines approved by the CDC are Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. Vaccines listed for Emergency Use (EUL) by the World Health Organization will also be accepted.
Unvaccinated visitors who travel for essential reasons will be allowed this time. However, starting in January 2022, all incoming passengers will have to be vaccinated.
Source: Fox29 News
December 9 – Mexico City administers first COVID-19 booster shots
On Tuesday, December 7, the first COVID-19 booster shots became available for residents aged 60 and over in Mexico City. They are AstraZeneca doses and are first administered to residents of the southern Tlalpan neighborhood.
To become eligible, patients must have completed their vaccination at least six months ago regardless of the vaccine makers.
Apart from the capital city, booster shots also rolled out in Jalisco, Chiapas, Oaxaca, Sinaloa, and Yucatán.
Source: Reuters, Mexico News Daily
September 16 – COVID-19 cases drop in Mexico
Last month, Mexico registered some of the highest numbers of daily COVID-19 incidence since the beginning of the pandemic. Luckily, its third wave seems to be easing.
In the past 7 days, there were 11,374 daily new cases, on average. Whereas the week before, it was around 13,200 new infections daily.
On the other hand, on September 15, there were 83,834 active cases reported in Mexico, a 1% decrease compared to Tuesday, September 14.
The same day, Deputy Health Minister Hugo López-Gatell said at a morning press conference that the third wave was on the wane in all 32 states.
He also mentioned that most current cases were mild thanks to the high vaccination rate.
Source: Mexico News Daily, Worldometers
September 1 – Mexico to begin vaccinating youngsters
On September 3, Mexico will start vaccinating the 18 to 29 age group in five of its municipalities.
In Cuautitlán Izcalli, Cuautitlán, Huixquilucan, Metepec, and Zinacantepec, youngsters will be able to get their first dose from September 3 to September 7.
Also, pregnant women will have a chance to get their jab after their first trimester in the above mentioned municipalities.
To prevent people from waiting in front of the vaccination centers, local government officials stressed out again that vaccines are free and that everyone will get the jab in the following weeks.
Source: Infobae
August 18 – Mexico to receive 8.5 million vaccines as COVID figures break record
The United States will send Mexico 8.5 million more doses of COVID-19 vaccines as the delta variant spreads like wildfire across all Mexican states.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris informed Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador of the new vaccine batch on call Monday, said Foreign Affairs Secretary Marcelo Ebrard.
On Tuesday, Mexican Federal health authorities reported another 7,172 new Covid-19 as the third wave of the coronavirus gathers pace.
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has come under fire for its lack of action to contain the virus.
Total accumulated cases now come to 3.108 million and deaths, 248,652.
Source: AP
