U.S. says these mistakes could get spring breakers hurt or killed in Mexico

Posted: Mar 8, 2024 / 07:42 PM PST

Updated: Mar 8, 2024 / 07:42 PM PST

A travel warning was issued by the U.S. for Americans planning to visit Mexico for spring break. 

The warning, which was issued by the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico, noted that "violent crime - such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery - is widespread and common in Mexico."

Every year, thousands of travelers, especially in Southern California, head to Mexico for spring break vacation. 

Federal officials said while the majority of travelers do not encounter any serious issues, there are still many things visitors should watch out for, especially when partying in another country. 

• Crime - Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and immediately leave any potentially dangerous situations.
  • Visitors should be extra cautious in the downtown areas of popular spring break locations such as Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum, especially after dark.
• Drugs - Drug possession and use, including medical marijuana, is illegal in Mexico and could result in a lengthy jail sentence.
  • Visitors have become critically ill or even died in Mexico after using synthetic drugs or adulterated prescription pills.
• Unregulated Alcohol - Unregulated alcohol may be contaminated and could result in the drinker losing consciousness or becoming injured.
• Pharmaceuticals - Counterfeit medication is common and could be ineffective, have the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients.
  • Medication should be purchased after consulting with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.
• Sexual Assault - Visitors should be aware of the dangers of rape and sex assault overseas. Suspects may target drunk or isolated people or potentially drug them.
• Drowning - Some beaches have strong undercurrents and rip tides. Beaches may not have any lifeguards, warnings, or signs of unsafe conditions.
• Medical Emergencies - An illness or accident could require medical treatment or hospitalization in Mexico.
  • Private hospital prices can be higher than those in the U.S. Many facilities require payment (sometimes only in cash) either before providing treatment or before discharging a patient.
• Guns and Ammunition - All guns and even small amounts of ammunition are illegal in Mexico. Firearms and other weapons violations could result in lengthy jail time.
• Arrests - Drunk and disorderly behavior, public urination, and open alcohol containers in vehicles are illegal in Mexico. 
• Immigration - Violating the terms of your stay in Mexico could result in steep fines and detention.

• In this March 10, 2012 photo, people hang out on the beach during spring break in Cancun, Mexico. While American tourism to Mexico slipped a few percentage points last year, the country remains by far the biggest tourist destination for Americans, according to annual survey of bookings by the largest travel agencies. (AP Photo/Israel Leal)
• A woman drinks from the bottle at a nightclub in Cancun, Mexico, Tuesday, March 4, 2008, during Spring Break. (AP Photo/Israel Leal)
• Spring breakers drink at the beach in the resort city of Cancun, Mexico, Thursday, March 12, 2009. (AP Photo/Israel Leal)
• Spring Break revelers enjoy a foam party at a nightclub in the resort city of Cancun, Mexico, Monday, March 4, 2013. Cancun is one of the No. 1 foreign destination for U.S. college students wanting to enjoy Spring Break. (AP Photo Israel Leal)
• In this Monday March 17, 2003 file photo, students from the United Sates on spring break sunbathe at Cancun beach, Mexico. The U.S. State Department and universities around the country are warning college students headed for Mexico for some spring-break partying of a surge in drug-related murder and mayhem south of the border. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)
• The Mexican federal police patrol a beach in Cancun, Mexico, on Jan. 18, 2017, where a shooting occurred in a nightclub the day before. (Credit: STR/AFP/Getty Images)
• US students walk on the beach as they watch girls sunbathing during spring break at Cancun beach, Mexico, Monday March 17, 2003. Thousands of US students came to Cancun to enjoy spring break unconcerned about terrorism and a possible war in Iraq. Authorities however, are concerned that Cancun, a narrow peninsula packed with young Americans, could be the perfect terrorist target, and they have beefed up security to prepare for anything. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
• Police patrol the beaches of Cancun, Mexico, March 6, 2005 in a operation aimed at maintaining order during the year's spring break tourist season. A surge in student interest in the Pacific resort city of Acapulco comes as Mexico's spring-break king, the Caribbean resort of Cancun, is taking baby steps to restrict the college crowd's increasingly reckless behavior and to tone down its nonstop party image.(AP Photo/Israel Leal)**EFE OUT**
• A coastal stretch of Mexico's Caribbean coast resort city of Playa del Carmen is seen in a file photo. (Credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus)
• People enjoy a day on the beach in the seaside tourist resort of Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo State, on February 15, 2019. - Playa del Carmen and nearby Cancun are the top tourist destinations in Mexico, famous for their turquoise waters and white-sand Caribbean beaches. (Photo by Daniel SLIM / AFP) (Photo credit should read DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty Images)
• Tourists enjoy the beach at the Playa del Carmen in Quintana Roo state, Mexico, on March 28, 2017. (Credit: Daniel Slim / AFP / Getty Images)
• Tourists, required to wear protective face masks amid the coronavirus pandemic, visit the Mayan ruins of Tulum in Quintana Roo state, Mexico Jan. 5, 2021. (Emilio Espejel/Associated Press)
• Springtime in Mexico. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
• A "Happy travels" sign hangs at the start of the Paso del Norte bridge where commuters leave Ciudad Juarez and enter El Paso, Texas, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2019. (AP Photo/Christian Chavez)
• Students have fun during Spring Break 2008 at the Cocobongo nightclub in Cancun, Mexico, Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008. Cancun continues to be the No. 1 foreign destination for U.S. college students wanting to enjoy Spring Break.(AP Photo/Israel Leal)
• An aerial view of Cancun, Mexico, is seen in this file photo. (Credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Anyone planning to visit Mexico soon is advised to prepare for emergencies by reading the Mexico Travel Advisory and Country Information Page for details on Mexican travel including entry requirements.

Enrolling in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive up-to-date safety conditions in Mexico is advised and will help the U.S. Embassy contact you during an emergency.

Other tips to stay safe while traveling in Mexico include:

• Always call 911 in an emergency. "Although there may be English-speaking operators available, it is best to seek the assistance of a Spanish speaker to place the call," officials advise.
• Ensure your health insurance provides coverage in Mexico or purchase extra travel insurance beforehand. Confirm the costs of any medical treatment in advance whenever possible.
• When partying or having fun, always drink responsibly and keep a close eye on your drink in case of tampering.
• Always stay with a group of friends or family when spending time in clubs, bars, casinos, walking in dimly lit areas, or riding a taxi at night.  
• Avoid displaying signs of wealth such as expensive watches, jewelry or accessories.
• Be sure to follow Mexican laws as some may differ from U.S. laws.
• Limit the amount of cash carried in public and monitor credit/debit cards for unauthorized charges. Be careful when withdrawing cash and avoid using ATMs in isolated or dimly-lit areas.
• Be aware when using public transportation. Embassy officials recommend using radio taxis or those from "sitio" taxi stands. Mobile app-based car services such as Uber and Cabify are available in many Mexican cities as a safe alternative to taxis.
• Inform loved ones at home of all travel plans.
• Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate if further assistance is needed.

Specific travel advisories issued by the U.S. State Department for Mexican states and cities can be found here. More information on the spring break travel warning from the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico can be found here.