US elevates Mexico travel advisory level over violent crime spike

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The US Department of State is warning American travelers to use “increased caution” when visiting Mexico, citing violent crime.

The US Department of State is warning American travelers to use “increased caution” when visiting Mexico. The government raised the travel advisory to level two, citing violent crime such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery, is widespread.

The government says they have limited ability to give emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico as government employees cannot travel to those areas. U.S. government employees are prohibited from intercity travel after dark in many areas of Mexico. U.S. government employees are also not permitted to drive from the U.S.-Mexico border to or from the interior parts of Mexico with the exception of daytime travel on Highway 15 between Nogales and Hermosillo.

Though not directly related, the advisory came after eight bodies were discovered last week in Cancun, located in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. Mexican authorities say none of the killings took place in the city’s beachside hotel zone.

The State Department says there are no restrictions on U.S. government employees for travel in the Quintana Roo state, which includes several other tourist areas. However, they have warned anyone from traveling to five areas in Mexico due to crime.

Do not travel to:

•Colima state due to crime.

•Guerrero state due to crime.

•Michoacán state due to crime.

•Sinaloa state due to crime.

•Tamaulipas state due to crime.

If you decide to travel to Mexico, the State Department advises:

•Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving at night.

•Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.

•Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.

•Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.

•Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

•Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.

•Review the Crime and Safety Reports for Mexico.

•U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations.

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Chief Assignment editor is Oleg Siziakov

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