International travelers can rest assured they will be safe and sound in their upcoming spring break to Mexico. Local authorities have disclosed they are taking the necessary steps to ensure everyone can enjoy a hassle-free vacation without the need to be constantly on guard.
To accomplish this task, the Mexican Army and the National Guard have deployed more than 200 officers to fight organized crime in Quintana Roo State.
This military personnel’s main mission is focused on planning and executing intelligence actions to address security problems, especially in the internationally popular Tulum resort.
These agents are currently working in coordination with the local Regional Task Force to reduce the homicide rate, which is mostly linked to criminal organizations active in the zone.
This security force is now known for its incredible operational capacity, great mobility, cutting-edge weapons, and first-class military training.
As per local authorities, the new security strategy looks to create a protected environment for national and international tourists who will be visiting the country over the spring break.
U.S. Embassy Warning for Spring Breakers
Concerned about Americans’ safety, the U.S. State Department has issued a “Spring Break Travel Warning” for those planning to visit Mexico over the next few weeks.
For those worried about what the U.S. agency has to say, it’s important to notice that this warning has not been triggered by any special dangerous situation happening in Mexico at the moment.
Every year right before spring, the U.S. State Department makes sure U.S. citizens are well-informed about the current situation in the country and gives thoughtful recommendations on how to enjoy a safe trip.
As with other advisories, this time around the U.S. government has requested Americans to “exercise increased caution,” particularly in Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum.
However, different states in Mexico have been assigned a different “risk level.”
To make traveling easier, visitors can now consult an interactive map to learn about the recommendations tailored for each state.
General guidelines remind Americans that the possession and use of both recreational and medical marijuana are forbidden in Mexico.
Visitors should also be aware that fake medicines and unregulated alcohol can be sold in the territory. So, be careful.
The U.S. government also asks its citizens to limit the amount of cash they carry around and register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to be updated about last minute occurrences and to make it easier to find you when needed.
Last but not least, it reminds Americans that violent crime can occur in Mexico, even in popular hotspots. Thus, in case of noticing something suspicious, travelers must leave “potentially dangerous situations” at once.
Fatal Incidents Involving Tourists in Mexican Caribbean
Although local authorities have implemented strong strategies to reduce crime and make the country safer for tourists, it is not possible to prevent all dangerous situations.
Not long ago, a woman going by the name of Niko Honarbakhsh (44) from Los Angeles, was killed in the crossfire of a failed drug transaction in the popular Tulum. It’s important to say that everything suggests she was just an innocent bystander.
But this has not been the only fatal incident. Last year, the FBI had to intervene when two tourists were murdered in Playa del Carmen in the span of a week.
Before all of this happened, two Canadian visitors were also assassinated at Hotel Xcaret, a renowned venue close to Playa del Carmen.