NEWS: U.S. State Department Issues Warning for Upcoming Travel

The U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico have issued tips to citizens traveling to the country for the World Cup, based on current travel advisories issued by the U.S. State Department.

The Department of State is urging U.S. citizens to exercise increased caution. Be sure to pay close attention to these advisories, country information, and recent security alerts issued by the Department of State if you’re heading to Mexico to watch World Cup games.

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The U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico are advising travelers of important information they need to know before entering the country for the World Cup.

The top issues to be aware of when traveling to or within Mexico include:

• Do not bring any weapons or ammunition into Mexico. It is a serious crime, and you could face severe penalties. Permits for gun ownership in the United States are not valid in Mexico.
• Drug possession or importation of drugs, including medical marijuana, is illegal in Mexico. It can lead to long jail sentences or fines. This includes all forms of marijuana, including for medical use with a permit, even if allowed where you live in the United States.
• It is illegal to bring e-cigarettes and vaping liquids into Mexico.
• Check your bags and clothing pockets before travel if you regularly use items prohibited in Mexico. Bringing in banned items can result in serious penalties, even if accidental.

Currently, Mexico has been issued a Level 2 advisory, with some areas at levels 1, 3, and 4. Those traveling to Mexico should exercise increased caution due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping. According to the State Department, “many violent crimes take place in Mexico. They include homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, sexual assault, and robbery. There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Mexico.”

Level 1 – Exercise normal precautions: This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risks. There is some risk in any international travel, and conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States.

Level 2 – Exercise increased caution: Be aware of increased risks to safety and security. Specific risks are described in the Travel Advisory.

Level 3 – Reconsider travel: Reconsider your travel to the destination due to serious risks to safety and security. Specific risks are described in the Travel Advisory.

Level 4 – Do not travel: This is the highest advisory level due to life-threatening risks. Specific risks are described in the Travel Advisory. The U.S. government may have very limited or no ability to help, including during an emergency. We advise that U.S. citizens do not travel to the country, or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so.

If you are planning a trip to Mexico or any other country — during the World Cup or otherwise, it is always a good idea to check for travel advisories issued by the Department of State. As well, when you are traveling, make sure you are being cautious and remaining alert. The State Department has information about each country, so it is also a good idea to read through that before your trip.

We’ll be on the lookout for additional travel advisories you may need to know about. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to AllEars for the latest travel news and more.

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