The US State Department issued a March 2023 travel advisory for Mexico. Learn about the warning and how it may affect your travel plans.
Introduction
If you're planning a trip to Mexico in March 2023, it's important to stay informed about the latest travel advisory issued by the United States government. With safety concerns and COVID-19 restrictions changing rapidly, it's crucial to know what's happening on the ground and what steps you can take to protect yourself. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the US Mexico March 2023 travel advisory and what it means for travelers. We'll explore the latest safety concerns, travel restrictions, and vaccination requirements, and provide tips for staying safe and healthy during your trip.
Table of Contents
Safety Concerns
Mexico is a country where violent crimes are widespread, including serious offenses like homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery. Unfortunately, these crimes are quite common, and it is crucial for U.S. citizens to exercise caution while in Mexico.
It's essential to note that the U.S. government's ability to provide emergency services to its citizens in many parts of Mexico is limited. This is because certain areas are either prohibited or restricted for U.S. government employees to travel. Moreover, local emergency services are limited in many states, particularly outside of major cities or the state capital.
To ensure safety, U.S. citizens are advised to comply with the restrictions imposed on U.S. government employee travel. Specific limitations can be found in the individual state advisories. For instance, U.S. government employees are not allowed to travel between cities after dark. They are also prohibited from hailing taxis on the street and must rely on dispatched vehicles like Uber or regulated taxi stands. When traveling alone, especially in remote areas, U.S. government employees should exercise extra caution.
It's important to note that U.S. government employees are not permitted to drive from the U.S.-Mexico border to or from the interior parts of Mexico. Exceptions are made for daytime travel within Baja California and between Nogales and Hermosillo on Mexican Federal Highway 15D, and between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Highway 85D.
Crime
Mexico has long struggled with high levels of crime, including drug-related violence and organized crime. Travelers should exercise caution and take steps to protect themselves, such as staying in well-lit areas, avoiding public transportation at night, and not carrying large amounts of cash.
The US Mexico March 2023 travel advisory warns that some areas of Mexico are especially dangerous and should be avoided altogether. These areas include:
Tamaulipas
Colima
Guerrero
Michoacán
Sinaloa
If you must travel to these areas, you should take extra precautions, such as hiring a private security escort or traveling in a group.
Additional information on travel to Mexico.
Do Not Travel To:
- Colima state due to crime and kidnapping.
- Guerrero state due to crime.
- Michoacan state due to crime and kidnapping.
- Sinaloa state due to crime and kidnapping
- Tamaulipas state due to crime and kidnapping.
- Zacatecas state due to crime and kidnapping.
Reconsider Travel To:
- Baja California state due to crime and kidnapping.
- Chihuahua state due to crime and kidnapping.
- Durango state due to crime.
- Guanajuato state due to crime and kidnapping.
- Jalisco state due to crime and kidnapping.
- Morelos state due to crime.
- Sonora state due to crime and kidnapping.
Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To:
- Aguascalientes state due to crime.
- Baja California Sur state due to crime.
- Chiapas state due to crime.
- Coahuila state due to crime.
- Hidalgo state due to crime.
- Mexico City due to crime.
- Mexico State due to crime.
- Nayarit state due to crime.
- Nuevo Leon state due to crime and kidnapping.
- Oaxaca state due to crime.
- Puebla state due to crime and kidnapping.
- Queretaro state due to crime.
- Quintana Roo state due to crime and kidnapping.
- San Luis Potosi state due to crime and kidnapping.
- Tabasco state due to crime.
- Tlaxcala state due to crime.
- Veracruz state due to crime.
Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To:
COVID-19
In addition to safety concerns, travelers to Mexico in March 2023 should also be aware of COVID-19 restrictions and requirements.
The US Mexico March 2023 travel advisory notes that Mexico has implemented a range of measures to control the spread of COVID-19, including:
- Mandatory mask-wearing in public places
- Restrictions on large gatherings and events
- Limits on the number of people allowed in public spaces
- Quarantine requirements for travelers arriving from certain countries
- Travelers should check the latest restrictions and requirements before they travel and be prepared to comply with them.
Travel Restrictions and Vaccination Requirements
Border Restrictions
The US Mexico March 2023 travel advisory notes that the land border between the United States and Mexico remains closed to non-essential travel. This restriction does not apply to air travel, but travelers should be aware that there may be additional restrictions or requirements for international flights.
Vaccination Requirements
Mexico currently does not require visitors to be vaccinated against COVID-19, but travelers should check the latest requirements before they travel. The US Mexico March 2023 travel advisory notes that some destinations in Mexico may require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result for entry. Travelers should check with their airline or hotel to confirm any vaccination requirements before they travel.
Tips for Staying Safe and Healthy
Be Prepared
Before you travel to Mexico in March 2023, take some time to research your destination and the latest travel advisories. Make sure you have all the necessary travel documents and have booked any necessary accommodations in advance. It's also a good idea to pack a travel first aid kit with any necessary medications, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Stay Alert
When traveling in Mexico, it's important to stay alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Keep your valuables secure and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. If you're traveling in a group, stay together and avoid going out alone at night.
Follow COVID-19 Guidelines
To protect yourself and others from COVID-19, it's important to follow all local guidelines and restrictions. Wear a mask in public places, wash your hands frequently, and maintain social distancing when possible. If you feel sick or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, seek medical attention immediately and avoid contact with others.
FAQs
Is it safe to travel to Mexico in March 2023?
The US Mexico March 2023 travel advisory notes that there are safety concerns in some areas of Mexico, and travelers should exercise caution. However, many parts of Mexico are safe for travel, and with the right precautions, it is possible to have a safe and enjoyable trip.
Do I need to be vaccinated to travel to Mexico in March 2023?
Mexico currently does not require visitors to be vaccinated against COVID-19, but travelers should check the latest requirements before they travel. Some destinations in Mexico may require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result for entry.
What COVID-19 restrictions are in place in Mexico in March 2023?
Mexico has implemented a range of measures to control the spread of COVID-19, including mandatory mask-wearing in public places, restrictions on large gatherings and events, and limits on the number of people allowed in public spaces. Travelers should check the latest restrictions and requirements before they travel.
EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FOR U.S. CITIZENS IN MEXICO
From Mexico: 800-681-9374 or 55-8526-2561
From the United States: 1-844-528-6611
U.S. Citizen Services Inquiries: Contact Form
U.S. Embassy Mexico CityPaseo de la Reforma 305
Colonia Cuauhtémoc
06500 Ciudad de México
U.S. Consulate General Ciudad Juarez
Paseo de la Victoria #3650
Fracc. Partido Senecú
32543 Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua
U.S. Consulate General Guadalajara
Progreso 175
Colonia Americana
44160 Guadalajara, Jalisco
U.S. Consulate General Hermosillo
Monterey, Esqueda 141
El Centenario
83260 Hermosillo, Sonora
U.S. Consulate General Matamoros
Constitución No. 1
Colonia Jardín
87330 Matamoros, Tamaulipas
Calle 60 No. 338-K x 29 y 31
Colonia Alcalá Martin
97050 Mérida, Yucatán
U.S. Consulate General Monterrey
Avenida Alfonso Reyes 150
Colonia Valle del Poniente
66196 Santa Catarina, Nuevo León
U.S. Consulate General Nogales
Calle San José s/n
Fracc. Los Álamos
84065 Nogales, Sonora
U.S. Consulate General Nuevo Laredo
Paseo Colon 1901
Colonia Madero
88260 Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas
U.S. Consulate General Tijuana
Paseo de las Culturas s/n
Mesa de Otay
Delegación Centenario
22425 Tijuana, Baja California
Consular Agencies
Acapulco
Hotel Continental Emporio
Costera M. Alemán 121 – Office 14
39670 Acapulco, Guerrero
Cancun
Blvd. Kukulcan Km 13 ZH
Torre La Europea, Despacho 301
77500 Cancún, Quintana Roo
Los Cabos
Las Tiendas de Palmilla L-B221, Km. 27.5 Carretera Transpeninsular
23406 San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur
Playa Gaviotas 202, Local 10
Zona Dorada
82110 Mazatlán, Sinaloa
Oaxaca
Macedonio Alcalá 407, Office 20
68000 Oaxaca, Oaxaca
Piedras Negras
Abasolo 211, Local 3, Centro
26000 Piedras Negras, CoahuilaPlaya del Carmen
Plaza Progreso, Local 33
Carretera Federal Puerto Juarez-Chetumal, Mz. 293 Lt. 1.
77710 Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
Puerto VallartaParadise Plaza, Paseo de los Cocoteros 85 Sur, Local L-7
63732 Nuevo Nayarit, NayaritSan Miguel de Allende
Plaza La Luciérnaga, Libramiento Jose Manuel Zavala 165, Locales 4 y 5
Colonia La Luciérnaga
37745 San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
The US Mexico March 2023 travel advisory provides important information for travelers planning a trip to Mexico. With safety concerns and COVID-19 restrictions changing rapidly, it’s crucial to stay informed and take steps to protect yourself. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this article, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to Mexico in March 2023. Remember to stay alert, be prepared, and follow all local guidelines and restrictions to stay healthy and safe.
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