
The Diplomatic Pouch
Latest Messages from the U.S. Embassy:
Travel Warning
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
MEXICO
May 06, 2010
The Department of State has issued this Travel Warning
to inform U.S. citizens traveling to and living in Mexico about the security
situation in Mexico, and to advise that the authorized departure of family
members of U.S. government personnel from U.S. Consulates in the northern
Mexico border cities of Tijuana, Nogales, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo,
Monterrey and Matamoros has been extended. This Travel Warning
supersedes the Travel Warning for Mexico dated April 12, 2010 to note
the extension of authorized departure and to update guidance on security
conditions and crime.
Millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each
year. This includes tens of thousands who cross the border every
day for study, tourism or business and at least one million U.S. citizens
who live in Mexico. The Mexican government makes a considerable
effort to protect U.S. citizens and other visitors to major tourist destinations. Resort
areas and tourist destinations in Mexico do not see the levels of drug-related
violence and crime reported in the border region and in areas along major
drug trafficking routes. Nevertheless, crime and violence are serious
problems. While most victims of violence are Mexican citizens associated
with criminal activity, the security situation poses serious risks for
U.S. citizens as well.
It is imperative that U.S. citizens understand the
risks involved in travel to Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations,
and who to contact if one becomes a victim of crime or violence. Common-sense
precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas
during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where criminal activity might
occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable. U.S.
citizen victims of crime in Mexico are urged to contact the consular
section of the nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy for advice and assistance.
Contact information is provided at the end of this message.
General Conditions
Since
2006, the Mexican government has engaged in an extensive effort to combat
drug-trafficking organizations (DTOs). Mexican DTOs, meanwhile,
have been engaged in a vicious struggle with each other for control of
trafficking routes. In order to combat violence, the government
of Mexico has deployed military troops throughout the country. U.S.
citizens should expect to encounter military and other law enforcement
checkpoints when traveling in Mexico and are urged to cooperate fully. In
confrontations with the Mexican army and police, DTOs have employed automatic
weapons and grenades. In some cases, assailants have worn full
or partial police or military uniforms and have used vehicles that resemble
police vehicles. According to published reports, 22,700 people
have been killed in narcotics-related violence since 2006. The
great majority of those killed have been members of DTOs. However, innocent
bystanders have been killed in shootouts between DTOs and Mexican law
enforcement.
Recent
violent attacks and persistent security concerns have prompted the U.S.
Embassy to urge U.S. citizens to defer unnecessary travel to Michoacán
and Tamaulipas, to parts of Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Durango, and Coahuila,
(see details below) and to advise U.S. citizens residing or traveling
in those areas to exercise extreme caution.
Violence Along the U.S. - Mexico Border
Much
of the country’s narcotics-related violence has occurred in the
northern border region. For example, since 2006, three times as many
people have been murdered in Ciudad Juarez, in the state of Chihuahua,
across from El Paso, Texas, than in any other city in Mexico. More
than half of all Americans killed in Mexico in FY 2009 whose deaths were
reported to the U.S. Embassy were killed in the border cities of Ciudad
Juarez and Tijuana.
Since
2006, large firefights have taken place in towns and cities in many parts
of Mexico, often in broad daylight on streets and other public venues. Such
firefights have occurred mostly in northern Mexico, including Ciudad
Juarez, Tijuana, Chihuahua City, Nogales, Nuevo Laredo, Piedras Negras,
Reynosa, Matamoros and Monterrey. During some of these incidents, U.S.
citizens have been trapped and temporarily prevented from leaving the
area.
The
situation in northern Mexico remains fluid; the location and timing of
future armed engagements cannot be predicted. U.S.
citizens are urged to exercise extreme caution when traveling throughout
the region, particularly in those areas specifically mentioned in this
Travel Warning.
In
recent months, DTOs have used stolen trucks to block major highways and
thus prevent the military from responding to criminal activity, most
notably in the area around Monterrey. Also in Monterrey, DTOs have
kidnapped guests out of reputable hotels in the downtown area, blocking
off adjoining streets to prevent law enforcement response. DTOs
have also attacked Mexican government facilities such as military barracks
and a customs and immigration post.
U.S.
citizens should defer non-essential travel to Ciudad Juarez and to the
Guadalupe Bravo area southeast of Ciudad Juarez. U.S. citizens should
also defer travel to the northwest quarter of the state of Chihuahua,
including the city of Nuevas Casas Grandes and surrounding communities. From
the United States, these areas are often reached through the Columbus,
NM and Fabens and Fort Hancock, TX ports-of-entry. In both areas,
American citizens have been victims of drug related violence.
The
Consular agency in Reynosa, Tamaulipas was closed temporarily in February
2010 in response to firefights between police and DTOs and between DTOs. In
April 2010, a grenade thrown into the Consulate compound at 11:00 PM
caused damage to the U.S. Consulate General in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas.
The Consulate General in Nuevo Laredo and the Consular Agency in Piedras
Negras, Coahuila, were closed for one day as a result. The Consulate
General in Nuevo Laredo prohibits employees from entering the entertainment
zone in Nuevo Laredo known as “Boys Town” because of concerns
about violent crime in that area.
Between
2006 and 2009, the number of narcotics-related murders in the state of
Durango increased ten-fold. The cities of Durango and Gomez Palacio,
and the area known as “La Laguna” in the state of
Coahuila, which includes the city of Torreon, have experienced sharp
increases in violence. In late 2009 and early 2010, four visiting
U.S. citizens were murdered in Gomez Palacio, Durango. These are
among several unsolved murders in the state of Durango that have been
cause for particular concern.
Travelers
on the highways between Monterrey and the United States (notably through
Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros) have been targeted for robbery that has resulted
in violence and have also been caught in incidents of gunfire between
criminals and Mexican law enforcement. Criminals have followed
and harassed U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles in border areas
including Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, and Tijuana. U.S. citizens traveling
by road to and from the U.S. border through Nuevo Leon, Coahuila, Durango,
and Sinaloa should be especially vigilant. Criminals appear to
especially target SUVs and full-size pick-up trucks for theft and car-jacking
along these routes. DTOs have also erected unauthorized checkpoints
on roads and killed motorists who have not stopped at them.
The
situation in the state of Chihuahua, specifically Ciudad Juarez, is of
special concern. Mexican authorities report that more than 2,600
people were killed in Ciudad Juarez in 2009. Three persons associated
with the Consulate General were murdered in March, 2010. U.S. citizens
should pay close attention to their surroundings while traveling in Ciudad
Juarez, avoid isolated locations during late night and early morning
hours, and remain alert to news reports.
There
have been recent incidents of serious narcotics-related violence in the
vicinity of the Copper Canyon in Chihuahua.
Crime and Violence Throughout Mexico
Although
narcotics-related crime is a particular concern along Mexico’s
northern border, violence has occurred throughout the country, including
in areas frequented by American tourists. U.S. citizens traveling
in Mexico should exercise caution in unfamiliar areas and be aware of
their surroundings at all times. Bystanders have been injured or
killed in violent attacks in cities across the country, demonstrating
the heightened risk of violence in public places. In recent years,
dozens of U.S. citizens living in Mexico have been kidnapped and most
of their cases remain unsolved.
One
of Mexico’s most powerful DTOs is based in the state of Sinaloa. Since
2006, more homicides have occurred in the state’s capital city
of Culiacan than in any other city in Mexico, with the exception of Ciudad
Juarez. Furthermore, the city of Mazatlan has experienced a recent increase
in violent crime, with more murders in the first quarter of 2010 than
in all of 2009. U.S. citizens should defer unnecessary travel to
Culiacan and exercise extreme caution when visiting the rest of the state.
The
state of Michoacán is home to another of Mexico’s most dangerous
DTOs, “La Familia”. In April 2010, the Secretary for
Public Security for Michoacán was shot in a DTO ambush. Security
incidents have also occurred in and around the State’s world famous
butterfly sanctuaries. In 2008, a grenade attack on a public gathering
in Morelia, the state capital, killed eight people. U.S. citizens
should exercise extreme caution when traveling in Michoacán, especially
outside major tourist areas.
U.S.
citizens should also exercise extreme caution when traveling in the northwestern
part of the state of Guerrero, which likewise has a strong DTO presence. U.S.
citizens should not take the dangerous, isolated road through Ciudad
Altamirano to the beach resorts of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo. The
popular beach resort of Acapulco has been affected by narcotics-related
violence. In April 2010, three innocent bystanders were killed
in a shootout between Mexican police and DTO members during broad daylight
in one of the city’s main tourist areas. Also that month,
numerous incidents of narcotics-related violence occurred in the city
of Cuernavaca, in the State of Morelos, a popular destination for American
language students.
U.S.
citizens traveling to towns and villages with large indigenous communities
located predominantly but not exclusively in southern Mexico, should
be aware that land disputes between residents and between residents and
local authorities have led to violence. In April 2010, two members
of a non-governmental aid organization, one of whom was a foreign citizen,
were murdered near the village of San Juan Capola in Oaxaca.
Safety
Recommendations
U.S.
citizens who believe they are being targeted for kidnapping or other
crimes should notify Mexican law enforcement officials and the U.S. Embassy
in Mexico City or the nearest U.S. consulate as soon as possible. Any
U.S. visitor who suspects they are a target should consider returning
to the United States immediately. U.S. citizens should be aware
that many cases of violent crime are never resolved by Mexican law enforcement,
and the U.S. government has no authority to investigate crimes committed
in Mexico.
U.S.
citizens should make every attempt to travel on main roads during daylight
hours, particularly the toll ("cuota") roads, which generally are more
secure. When warranted, the U.S. Embassy and consulates advise
their employees as well as private U.S. citizens to avoid certain areas,
abstain from driving on certain roads because of dangerous conditions
or criminal activity, or recommend driving during daylight hours only. When
this happens, the Embassy or the affected consulate will alert the local
U.S. citizen Warden network and post the information on their respective
websites, indicating the nature of the concern and the expected time
period for which the restriction will remain in place.
U.S.
citizen visitors are encouraged to stay in the well-known tourist areas. Travelers
should leave their itinerary with a friend or family member not traveling
with them, avoid traveling alone, and check with their cellular provider
prior to departure to confirm that their cell phone is capable of roaming
on GSM or 3G international networks. Cell phone coverage in isolated
parts of Mexico, for example, the Copper Canyon, is spotty or non-existent.
Do
not display expensive-looking jewelry, large amounts of money, or other
valuable items. Travelers to remote or isolated venues should be
aware that they may be distant from appropriate medical, law enforcement,
and consular services in an emergency situation.
U.S.
citizens applying for passports or requesting other fee-based services
from consulates or the Embassy are encouraged to make arrangements to
pay for those services using a non-cash method. U.S. citizens should
be alert for credit card fraud, especially outside major commercial establishments.
American
employees of the U.S. Embassy are prohibited from hailing taxis on the
street in Mexico City because of frequent robberies. American citizens
are urged to only use taxis associated with the organized taxi stands
(“sitios”) that are common throughout Mexico.
U.S.
citizens should be alert to pickpockets and general street crime throughout
Mexico, but especially in large cities. Between
FY 2006 and FY 2009 the number of U.S. passports reported stolen in Mexico
rose from 184 to 288.
Demonstrations and Large Public Gatherings
Demonstrations occur frequently throughout Mexico and
usually are peaceful. However, even demonstrations intended to
be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate to violence unexpectedly. Violent
demonstrations have resulted in deaths, including that of an American
citizen in Oaxaca in 2006. In 2008, a Mexican Independence Day
celebration was the target of a violent attack. During demonstrations
or law enforcement operations, U.S. citizens are advised to remain in
their homes or hotels, avoid large crowds, and avoid the downtown and
surrounding areas. Since the timing and routes of scheduled marches
and demonstrations are always subject to change, U.S. citizens should
monitor local media sources for new developments and exercise extreme
caution while within the vicinity of protests.
The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities
by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation. U.S.
citizens are therefore advised to avoid participating in demonstrations
or other activities that might be deemed political by Mexican authorities. As
is always the case in any large gathering, U.S. citizens should remain
alert to their surroundings.
Further Information
For more detailed information on staying safe in Mexico,
please see the Mexico
Country Specific Information. Information on security and travel
to popular tourist destinations is also provided in the publication: "Spring
Break in Mexico- Know Before You Go!!".
For the latest security information, U.S. citizens
traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's internet web
site at http://travel.state.gov/ where
the current Worldwide
Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date
information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747
toll free in the United States and Canada, or, for callers from Mexico,
a regular toll line at 001-202-501-4444. These numbers are available
from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except
U.S. federal holidays). American citizens traveling or residing
overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy
or Consulate on the State Department's travel
registration website.
For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens in Mexico,
please contact the U.S. Embassy or the closest U.S. Consulate. The
U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia
Cuauhtemoc, telephone from the United States: 011-52-55-5080-2000; telephone
within Mexico City: 5080-2000; telephone long distance within Mexico
01-55-5080-2000. You may also contact the Embassy by e-mail at: ACSMexicoCity@state.gov The
Embassy's internet address is http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/.
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Public Announcement
Warden Message
Violence in Michoacan
July 15, 2009
The U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens residing or
traveling in the state of Michoacan, Mexico, to be aware of recent violent
attacks targeting state and federal police officials, and wishes to remind
U.S. citizens of the Travel
Alert for Mexico dated February 20, 2009. Several Mexican
police officials have been killed at various locations throughout the
state. The U.S. Embassy is not aware of any attempts to target
U.S. citizens with this violence; however, citizens are advised to maintain
awareness of their surroundings when travelling throughout the state
and to avoid large crowds and demonstrations.
Actions to Take if Caught in the Middle
of a Gunfight/Gunfire
The U.S. Embassy takes this opportunity to remind U.S.
citizens of guidance sent on October 22, 2008, recommending the following
courses of action to take if you find yourself in a situation in or near
gunfire:
- Always be aware of your surroundings.
- Whenever possible, carry a cell-phone with up to date contact information
for emergencies.
- When gunfire/explosions are heard, immediately move to a safe area
with good cover. For example, look for something substantial
to hide behind, seek cover in a room made of solid construction (e.g.
concrete, steel, etc.), stay away from doors and windows, and do not
venture out to try and observe the conflict.
- Immediately convey the sense of danger/threat to those around you.
- Do not attempt to move to a vehicle if you are in a safe area. Remain
there until local security tells you that it is safe to move.
- Always carry information about your personal medical needs.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling
abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where
the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and
Public Announcements can be found. Up to date information on security
can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United
States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular
toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m.
to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal
holidays). American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged
to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State
Department's travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov.
By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate
to contact them in case of emergency.
For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens, please
contact the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, Office of American Citizens
Services, Reforma Ave 305, Col Cuauhtemoc Mexico, D. F., Mexico CP 06500
Tel: (011)(52)(55) 5080-2000 or e-mail: ACSMexicoCity@state.gov. For
additional information, please refer to the Embassy website: http://mexico.usembassy.gov. This
warden message remains in effect until August 1, 2009.
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H1N1 Lifted
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
MEXICO
May 15, 2009
The Department of State wishes to inform U.S. citizens
traveling to and residing in Mexico that on May 15 2009, the U.S. Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lifted its recommendation that
American citizens avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico. As a
result of the CDC's decision, the State Department's Travel Alert relating
to the 2009-H1N1 influenza outbreak is no longer in effect.
The CDC continues to suggest precautions that travelers
and U.S. citizens resident in Mexico (especially those at high risk for
complications of influenza) should take to reduce their risk of infection
while in Mexico; provides recommendations for those who must travel to
an area where cases of 2009-H1N1 influenza have been reported; and recommends
measures travelers should take following their return from an area that
has reported cases of 2009-H1N1 influenza. Complete CDC guidelines
regarding H1N1 influenza can be found at the following link: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/. Please
check this site frequently for updates. Americans departing Mexico for
non-U.S. destinations should be aware that some governments have imposed
quarantine or other screening procedures for all travelers from Mexico. Travelers
may wish to check the website of the foreign country's Embassy in the
United States or Mexico for available information on current screening
or quarantine procedures for travelers from Mexico. Information
about entry screening procedures in other countries can be found at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/content/news-announcements/delays-H1N1-screening.aspx
The Government of Mexico restarted high school (grades
10-12) and university classes on Thursday, May 7. Federal health
and education officials announced that all schools from pre-school to
secondary would reopen as of Monday, 11 May. However, Chiapas,
Guerrero, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Michoacán, Nayarit, San Luis Potosí,
and Zacatecas states extended at least some school closures until Monday,
May 18 due to increases in suspected or confirmed cases of influenza
2009-H1N1, and fatalities in Jalisco and Michoacán.
Consular services at all posts in Mexico have resumed.
Information on rescheduling immigrant visa appointments is available
on the web page of the U.S. Consulate in Ciudad Juarez at http://ciudadjuarez.usconsulate.gov/.
The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens in Mexico that
most cases of influenza are not 2009-H1N1 influenza. Any specific
questions or concerns about flu or other illnesses should be directed
to a medical professional. Mexico City medical authorities are
urging people to avoid hospitals and clinics unless they have a medical
emergency, since hospitals can be centers of infection; instead, those
with health concerns are encouraged to stay home and call their physicians
to avoid potential exposure. Although the U.S. Embassy cannot give
medical advice or provide medical services to the public, a list of hospitals
and doctors can be found on our website at the following links: http://mexico.usembassy.gov/sacs_medical_info.html (Spanish) http://mexico.usembassy.gov/eng/eacs_medical_info.html (English).
For additional information, please consult the State
Department's website at www.travel.state.gov,
the CDC website at www.cdc.gov,
or the website of the World Health Organization at www.who.int. The
U.S.-based call center for U.S. citizens can be reached at 1-888-407-4747
from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday
or, if calling from outside the U.S., at (202)-501-4444. The U.S.
Embassy will post additional information as it becomes available at: http://mexico.usembassy.gov. American
citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with
the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department's travel
registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov/.
For any emergencies involving American citizens, please
contact the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, Office of Citizens' Consular
Services, Reforma Ave 305, Col Cuauhtemoc Mexico, D. F., Mexico CP 06500
Tel: (011)(52)(55) 5080-2000 or e-mail: ccs@usembassy.net.mx. For
additional information, please refer to the Embassy website: http://usembassy-mexico.gov.
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Citizens' Consular Services
American Embassy Mexico City
Reforma Ave 305
Col. Cuauhtémoc
México, D. F., México CP 06500
Tel: (011)(52)(55) 5080-2000, ext. 4780 or 4543
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. & 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
e-mail: ccs@usembassy.net.mx
website: usembassy-mexico.gov
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Department of State travel information and publications
are available at Internet address: http://travel.state.gov.
U.S. travelers may hear recorded information by calling the Department
of State in Washington, D.C. at 202-647-5225 from their touchtone telephone,
or receive information by automated telefax by dialing 202-647-3000
from their fax machine.
Please direct further inquiries to the Embassys
e-mail address, ccs@usembassy.net.mx.
The telephone number of the Embassy is (52) (55) 5080-2000, fax (52)
(55) 5525-5040.
Website: http://mexico.usembassy.gov
*******************************************
Deborah Mione
U.S. Consular Agent in Ixtapa
Office: Hotel Fontan in Ixtapa on the ground floor with the entrance
on the circular driveway - do not enter the hotel lobby.
Tel. (755) 553-2100
Fax: (755) 553-2772
E-Mail:
consularixtapa@prodigy.net.mx
Mailing Address:
Apdo. Postal 169
Zihuatanejo, Gro. 40880
Office Hours: Monday-Friday: 1:00-5:00 p.m.
U.S
Bureau for Consular Affairs
Please visit our website for information about services for Americans
abroad, travel warnings and announcements. |