Should you travel to Mexico now? Experts explain the risks and advice

The US State Department updated its travel advisory for Mexico on 12 August, to a Level 2, warning Americans to “exercise increased caution” due to the threat of terrorism, crime and kidnapping. “Due to security risks, U.S. citizens should follow the same restrictions as US government employees while traveling,” stated the agency.

This raises the question of whether American tourists should rethink any holiday plans they may have to travel to the popular tourist destination. Security expert Mike Ballard told USA Today that despite the updated travel advisory there is no need to go about canceling your trip. However, there are some precautions that you will want to keep in mind to have a safe holiday.

The safety landscape remains mostly unchanged

Ballard, who is the director of intelligence at international security firm Global Guardian, told the outlet that 99% of visits to Mexico by his firm’s clients proceed without incident. “And it’s probably a similar percentage for your average American that’s visiting Mexico,” he explained.

However, he added that “I would just say you want to maintain situational awareness.”

The change to the travel advisory for Mexico is most likely related to the recent designation of Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations in his opinion and not because of any specific incident. “If we’re labeling the leading drug cartels in Mexico as terrorist organizations, then we probably should include a risk and an advisory about terrorist groups and terrorism in Mexico,” Ballard said.

For the most part it is safe to travel to Mexico

Most popular tourist destinations such as Cabo, Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Vallarta are considered generally safe for tourists but they should be smart. However, there are parts of Mexico that the US State Department has placed at a Level 4 travel advisory, or “do not travel”, due to the extensive control exerted by drug cartels.

These include the states of Colima, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Guerrero. Acapulco, a once popular vacation spot, is located in this last state. “It’s not a place that I would go personally,” Ballard said.

The US State Department advises tourists to follow travel restrictions it issues to government employees. These include the following:

Ballard gave some other tips to stay safe like staying on resort properties as they have 24-hour security. But if you do choose to go into town, always do so with company and only during the day. Also maintain a low profile, don’t flaunt wealth by wearing flashing jewelry.

Furthermore, be aware of your surroundings, “don’t walk around with your head buried in your phone,” he warned. And be careful to watch your drinks when you are out.

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