Location: Highway 85D between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey
Event: In response to reports of increased criminal activity, Mexican authorities have increased police patrols along Highway 85D in Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon. As a result, travelers might encounter additional police checkpoints causing unexpected delays. Tamaulipas is rated Level 4 – Do Not Travel due to crime and kidnapping. Organized crime activity—including gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault—is common along the northern border of Tamaulipas and in Ciudad Victoria. Criminal groups target public and private passenger buses, as well as private automobiles traveling through Tamaulipas, often taking passengers and demanding ransom payments.
Actions to Take:
- Travel during daylight hours and avoid unnecessary stops.
- Keep your loved ones informed about your travel plans and progress as you travel.
- Travel with a charged and functional cell phone capable of making calls in Mexico.
- Use toll (“cuota”) roads rather than the less secure free (“libre”) roads whenever possible.
- Do not hitchhike or accept rides from or offer rides to strangers anywhere in Mexico.
- Travelers encountering police or security checkpoints should comply with instructions.
- See the U.S. Embassy’s web page regarding COVID-19.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Assistance:
- For Emergency Assistance for U.S. citizens in Mexico, call (55) 8526 2561 from Mexico or 1-844-528-6611 from the United States.
- State Department – Consular Affairs: 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
- Follow the U.S. Embassy in Mexico on Facebook and Twitter.
- Review the Crime and Safety Reports for Mexico.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.