Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Mexico City
Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Mexico City
Location: Mexico – Countrywide
Event: Each year, thousands of U.S. citizens visit Mexico during Spring Break. While the vast majority of travelers have safe and enjoyable trips, Spring Break travel can sometimes include unforeseen problems such as the following:
- Medical Emergencies: An illness or accident could result in the need to seek medical treatment or hospitalization in Mexico. Private hospital prices are comparable, and often higher, to those in the United States. Many facilities require payment either before providing treatment or before discharging a patient.
- Drowning: Some beaches have strong undercurrents and rip tides. Beaches may lack lifeguards, warnings, or signs of unsafe conditions.
- Unregulated Alcohol: U.S. citizens have reported losing consciousness or becoming injured after consuming unregulated alcohol.
- Sexual Assault: U.S. citizens have reported incidents of rape and sexual assault in some resort areas. Perpetrators may target inebriated or isolated individuals.
- Drugs: Drug possession and use, including medical marijuana, is illegal in Mexico and may result in a lengthy jail sentence.
- Guns and Ammunition: All guns and even small amounts of ammunition are illegal in Mexico and may result in lengthy jail time.
- Arrests: Drunk and disorderly behavior and urinating in public are illegal in Mexico. If you break Mexican law, you can be arrested.
Actions to Take:
- Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas or purchase travel insurance that specifically covers you in Mexico. Seek coverage that includes medical evacuation. Confirm costs of medical treatment in advance, when possible.
- Avoid strong currents and do not swim after drinking or when warning flags note unsafe conditions.
- Drink responsibly and watch your drink at all times. If you begin to feel ill, seek medical attention immediately. Report cases of unregulated alcohol to the Mexican Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risk (COFEPRIS) at contactociudadano@cofepris.gob.mx.
- Know your drinking companions and stay in a group of friends who have your safety in mind when you are in clubs and bars, out walking in dimly-lit areas, or in a taxi at night. Obey Mexican law and remember Mexican laws may differ from U.S. laws.
- Be aware of your safety and protect your personal possessions when using public transportation. Use radio taxis or those from “sitio” taxi stands.
- Keep your friends and family back home informed of your travel plans, especially if traveling alone.
- Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate if you need assistance.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy in Mexico City
01-55-8526-2561 (From Mexico)
1-844-528-6611 (From the United States)
State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
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