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Clashes between taxi and Uber drivers in Cancun have raised US security alarms.
The US State Department has issued a travel advisory in Mexico after taxi drivers began harassing and assaulting Uber drivers and passengers.
Cody Godwin, Associated Press
With its warm climate, beautiful beaches and proximity to the US, Mexico is a popular tourist destination for many Americans. However, recent events may have some people thinking they should reconsider their travel plans.
In the past few months, taxi drivers have been harassing Ubers in Cancun, and in October, there were the deaths of three Americans in Mexico City. The updated travel advisory now warns of crime and kidnapping.
“We find this a lot, especially with people who haven’t traveled much, haven’t been out of the country before, or read stories about ‘Mexico is dangerous,’ but don’t know it’s a big, diverse country,” Jared Benoff, a vacation travel agent who specializes in destination weddings in Mexico, told USA Today. Benoff’s clients plan to travel to Cancun and the Riviera Maya, known for their turquoise beaches and many resorts.
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The State Department updated its Mexico travel advisory on Oct. 5, which it does regularly. Several tourist destinations such as Mexico City, Cabo and Cancun now have warnings related to cartel-related crime.
A State Department spokeswoman said: “The safety and security of US citizens overseas is one of the department’s top priorities, and US citizens are well informed before they travel.”
Read below to learn more about travel advice for Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations and safety tips for visiting those areas.
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What is the updated travel advice for Mexico?
Instead of providing one general assessment for the entire country, each region is assessed individually as certain areas are more vulnerable to crime and kidnapping.
► The agency issued a “do not travel” warning to the states of Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas due to violent crime.
► A “reconsider travel” warning has been issued for Baja California and Jalisco. Popular tourist spots like Cabo and Puerto Vallarta are in these respective states.
► Mexico City, Nayarit, Quintana Roo and Oaxaca are warned to “use caution when traveling to”. In Nayarit, many tourists visit the surf town of Sayulita. Quintana Roo is home to Cancun, Cozumel and Playa del Carmen. Travelers want to visit Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca.
Travelers can “take standard precautions” when traveling to the Yucatan, home to Tulum and the Riviera Maya. The state of Yucatan is higher than Quintana Roo, where people should be extra cautious because of crime and kidnappings, according to the State Department.
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What are some safety travel tips for visiting Mexico?
The State Department has many resources to help keep travelers safe. The agency encourages U.S. travelers to read the full Mexico travel advisory and travel checklist for more information about traveling abroad.
There is also a Smart Traveler Registration program where US travelers can get real-time security alerts from the US Embassy.
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“Generally, if you’re in a resort town and in a popular location, you’re at a much lower risk,” says travel agent Benoff.
Most resorts have security guards and gates, so staying on property is very safe. “If you are leaving the resort property, make sure you have a valid address and notify the front desk when you are leaving and plan to return,” he said.
“Use the same safety precautions you would when traveling anywhere,” Benoff added.
Some of the top tips include:
- Don’t ask for cash.
- Use an ATM at a bank or resort.
- Use the safe in your room.
- Bring two copies of your passport and other important documents such as prescriptions or a driver’s license.
- Travel insurance can protect you if personal property is stolen or lost.
Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter based in Hawaii. You can reach her at kwong@usatoday.com
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