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Mexico Travel Warning in Perspective
Looking at the Facts...
Updated August 15, 2010 As of March 14, 2010 the U.S. government has issued a Mexico Travel Warning now which supersedes the Travel Alert dated February 22, 2010. The warning has been renewed on July 16, 2010. The Mexico travel “warning” was issued based on one event in Ciudad Juarez where there has been a history of drug related violence. There were 3 murders in the same day that Houston Texas had 9 and these were not drug war related. In other words this “Warning” the U.S. is sending out to Universities and other travel site is really unfounded at least in Baja as you can see by the statement issued by the mayor of Rosarito beach below.
Baja California Sur - One of the safest destinations
The state of Baja California Sur is one of the safest states in Mexico and was specifically omitted from the Travel Warning issued by the Department of Homeland Security. There have been police confrontations in the last 18 months with the arrest of two cartel kingpins at their residences in La Paz. These were planned police 'take-downs' and much of the surrounding populace was evacuated before the arrests began. No one was killed.
BajaInsider.com is not saying there are not problems, crimes and violence in Mexico and even Baja but the crime rate has dropped in northern Baja and Baja Sur has seen very little serious crimes. According to the U.S. Department of State “Travel Warnings are issued to describe long-term, protracted conditions that make a country dangerous or unstable.”
Almost all of the events that have occurred in Mexico also occurred in tourist destination in the US during the same time period. The war between the drug traffickers, each other and the government has not targeted tourists at this time. Tourists world wide are often the targets of local crime, because of their unfamiliarity with the locale and propensity for carrying cash and valuables. Travelers should remain alert to their surroundings. Without a doubt, the world wide economic situation has added to petty crimes in tourist areas world wide.
Oscar Escobedo, Baja California's Secretary of Tourism said, "It is illogical to change the alert for Tijuana due to events in Ciudad Juarez. Let's say something happened in Austin, Texas and you would have that same reaction for California. It's thousands of miles away. And what happens in one town doesn't mean it happens all over the country. So I don't think it is justified. As a tourist you should of course be careful and aware of where you are in any country these days.
View letter for Mayor Hugo Torres to the US Consulate regarding the Travel Alert for Mexico
The column on the left contains the portions of the Mexico Travel Warning that apply to travelers of the Baja peninsula and some portions refer to travel in Mexico in general. With all the "Mexico Bashing" going on in the US media let us take a look at the REAL statistics.
First and foremost, let us remember that more Americans will visit Mexico by noon tomorrow than will visit London in a year. A vast majority enjoy that visit without incident. Most of foreign destinations, with the exclusion of Canada, are more dangerous to visit for Americans than is Mexico, on an incident per visit ratio. With more than 50,000 Americans vacationing here per day and another million that live here, there are bound to be some reported incidents.
Mexico is dangerous – if you work for the Cartel!
Looking at the statistics, Tijuana is one of the more dangerous cities in Mexico, but it would be in the lower third of large US cities in terms of violent crime. Philadelphia, about the same size as TJ, has roughly the same crime statistics. Most of homicides in the Mexican border areas have been inter drug cartel exclusively. The Travel Warning (left) indicates that "innocent by-standers' have been affected. This includes no foreign visitors. In Tijuana a 9 year old Mexican boy was killed by stray gunfire. In the same 1 year time period 4 Los Angels youths were injured by stray gang gunfire there.
If you deduct the gangland related murders from the statistics, visiting Mexico is safer than visiting most US cities. New Orleans, the most dangerous city in the US, is about 3 times more dangerous than TJ.
In late 2007 there were a significant number of stories in the US press regarding incidents involving Mexican travelers, particularly in Baja California ('norte' for the rookies) and that the government is ambivalent or even complicit in these attacks. By late 2009 the positive actions of both local and federal authorities has made the region safer for tourists again. But, please read on, this statement is not without caveats...
Also read response to US Media Coverage
The Drug War in Baja California
Although the situation with drug cartels and the government crackdown remains active, no US citizens have yet been injured in these actions in Baja California or Baja California Sur. Since 2007 there have been none of the false roadblocks or tourist related incidents reported in either the state of Baja California or Baja California Sur.
What is REALLY happening...
Mexico has become more aggressive in pursuing drug traffickers. This has resulted in some gun battles in both Baja California and Baja California Sur in the last 6 months of 2009. No foreigners were injured in these events. Two of these arrests occurred here in La Paz. The suspects initially resisted the well orchestrated military and police teams with gunfire, but were eventually subdued, arrested and carted off to Federal prisons on the mainland. No innocent parties were injured.
In both states of Baja California and Baja California Sur police or other justice officials have been murdered in retaliation for the additional government pressure on their illegal business.
Kidnapping in Mexico and Baja
Mexico has statistically become the world leader in kidnapping for profit. To a great extent, the focus of this is in Mexico City. Mexican corporate execs, family members and even doctors employed by corporate hospitals have been abducted for the anticipated ransom. Kidnapping and kidnapping attempts have occurred in both states, of locals of profitable targets. It appears only one of these appeared to be a tourist in Tijuana. As a tourist, kidnappers have no idea what you might be worth in random. Take off the Rolex before you visit, don't appear overly flamboyant and enjoy Baja.
Petty Crime
Travelers should always take precautions against thefts of personal belongings when traveling in their native country or abroad, as thieves everywhere find tourists an easy mark. Just as everywhere in the world during these economic times are tough, petty crime is on the rise here in Baja.
DWG - Driving While Gringo
Corruption (as we gringos see it) remains an issue in Baja. This has long been a method for local police to get a free lunch to some extent or another. Certain areas like Constitucion, Catavina, on Baja's Highway 1, Tijuana and Santa Rosalia have developed a reputation for this, so mind your P's and Q's when driving in those towns. The economic woes have hit local Mexican governments as well and with the reduced number of travelers your chances of being picked out of the crowd for special treatment has in fact increased.
See Bad Cop - No Donut
Unfortunately, we have also received reports from our readers that the Highway Patrol is now 'resolving infractions on location'. Paying Mordita (bribes) in Mexico is as illegal as taking them. Many visitors voluntarily take the option of 'resolving the problem here' to avoid delays or hassles. That is indeed your choice but in doing so you are fostering a problem that Mexico is slowly trying to resolve.
By making sure you do not expose yourself to infractions is the best way to avoid this entanglement. If you are signaled to stop by a police officer, remain in a visible area. If there are passers-by you are more likely to get a fair shake.
You MUST have a legally registered car, no matter where it is registered to. For many years it was the popular opinion that Mexican police had no authority to write infractions for out of date US registered cars. WRONG! Just as when you drive to any other US state from your own; your car must be legal in the state in which it is from. Also make sure all your vehicle lighting works.
Do not use your cell phone while operating a motor vehicle; it is an infraction to call or text while driving. You can no longer have an open container of any alcohol in the vehicle. The Highway Patrol is now using forward firing radar on Highway 1and anything over 65mph would put you at risk.
Seat belts are requried at all times in Baja.
Only carry a small yet reasonable amount of cash in your wallet. Having just $200 pesos visible could dramatically reduce your 'fine'.
I have been presented with a (poor) photocopied list of the potential fines during a traffic stop indicating my infraction was a $120 DOLLAR offence. On further research I later discovered that the key alteration on the alleged fines was the conversion of the word PESOS to DOLLARS, Most legitimate traffic violation fines are less that $60 USD, some MUCH less. Don't be duped!
It is an interesting comparison that issuance of traffic violations in California has risen dramatically in the past 12 months, some say as much as 38%. Do we really believe that motorist are driving 38% worse, or is it all about the revenue?
Although possession of small quantities of some drugs has been decriminalized, driving 'under the influence' is still an offence and whether or not you had been using while driving could provide for an extended interruption of your vacation. It is easy to avoid this issue, just don't.
Always drive with full coverage Mexican Auto Insurance, your US policies will not provide coverage in Mexico and the cost is very affordable by the day or even more so, by the year. You can and will be detained and your car impounded until liability in an accident has been determined and in case of travelers, resolved. In some cases this could prevent injured parties from receiving proper medical attention or being evacuated.
If you are in Baja any length of time per year, get Baja license plates. It will save you time and money, period.
We have always advised not driving at night in Baja, mainly for the danger of hitting large animals in the road. But it is also a great way to reduce you exposure to roadside crime. There have been no recent reported incidents of highway robbery in Baja Sur and just one in the last 14 months in Baja California.
We have received reports from readers that some Mexican insurers may have been less helpful than in years past in resolving accident claims. The largest Mexican insurance insurer in Mexico is a US based company, and like many insurance companies, has been stressed by the current economy. Know your policy and persevere in your rights. Local adjusters may just be acting on orders from above to reduce costs arbitrarily. A trick that is certainly not unheard of in the US as well.
What is being done...
Make no mistake; the government of Mexico is well aware of the importance of US investment and tourist dollars in the development of Baja. Mexico has just appointed Gloria Guevara as the new secretary of tourism. She is not a politician but headed up Saber’s Mexico’s division (major airline reservation system) so she has a lot of experience in the travel industry and definitely has a lot of work in assisting Mexico out of its current tourism slump.
Patrols have been increased dramatically in the tourist regions of Tijuana, Rosario Beach and Ensenada. Military checkpoints now check southbound vehicles as well as those headed north.
What it is like - here on the ground...
Since we are here in Baja California Sur this first hand report must be limited to our field of vision. La Paz and the Los Cabos area remains one of the safest places to visit. With the rise in unemployment, largely resulting from the slow-down of the construction business here and a more who have returned from working illegally in the US, we take additional steps to protect ourselves from petty crime. Don't leave anything of value in your car, wear expensive jewelry or flash large amounts of cash.
It is a fact, that even locals are more aware of those 'ratons con dos patas' (rats with two feet) are out to generate more revenue on the highways and roadways. Enough said.
Travel safely, use your head and enjoy the warmth of the Baja sun and the people of this amazing peninsula. As the real numbers show, the odds of a successful and pleasant stay in Baja is overwhelming favorite bet….
The Motivation for Misinformation
There are certain publications that seem to be beating the anti-Baja drum, not the least of which being the San Diego Union Tribune and the Los Angles Times. From quashing press releases from Mexican government offices working to improve the situation to rehashing and rewording stories that are months old, there would appear to be a concerted effort to give Baja a black eye. Every time the issue sees to fade from the headlines these certain publications bring it to the forefront again.
Why? Perhaps it is because billions of dollars are at stake.
The Travel Dollar
Protectionism could also be at play here as well. With the suffering economies world wide, the major players have agree NOT to implement protectionist policies. Mexico is the United States largest foreign tourist destination with more than 12 million visitors per year. Discouraging Mexican travel keeps millions of travel dollars at home, hurting the Mexican economy which depends in a very large percentage on the US Travel Dollar.
The pressure may be coming from even a higher level. A few years back the Bush administration used similar anti-tourism tactics to pressure Mexico into selling additional crude oil to the US at prices set nearly a decade before. Tourism and foreign investment are critical in the continued growth of Mexico and both are heavily dependant on public perceptions to flourish. The answer may be as simple as to keeping every US travel dollar at home – to support a floundering US economy.
July 19, 2010 The US Department of State renews this travel statement every 90 days. In April, 2010 the statement was upgraded to an official Mexico Travel Warning in response to the murder of 3 US Consulate employees in Ciudad Juarez. Many outlets of US media paint travel to Mexico with a very broad brush. a vast majority of the violence is directly related and exclusively involving police and the drug cartels they are combating. The statement is written very carefully and should be read with equal care.
Below is the official DHS statement with the parts particularly pertaining to Baja California and Baja California Sur. Click here to read the full Mexico Travel Warning.
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. 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 remains in place. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning for Mexico dated May 6, 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 prevent and combat violence, the government of Mexico has deployed military troops and federal police 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. DTOs have erected unauthorized checkpoints, and killed motorists who have not stopped at them. 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 or between rival DTOs.
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. Firefights have also occurred in Nayarit, Jalisco and Colima. 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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
As is always the case in any large gathering, U.S. citizens should remain alert to their surroundings.
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/.
The Embassy's Internet address is http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/.
Tiijuana (Baja California Norte and Baja California Sur): Tapachula 96, telephone (011)(52)(664) 622-7400.
Consulary Offices in Cabo San Lucas: Blvd. Marina Local C-4, Plaza Nautica, Col. Centro, telephone (52)(624) 143-3566.
The Motivation for Misinformation
There are certain publications that seem to be beating the anti-Baja drum, not the least of which being the San Diego Union Tribune and the Los Angles Times. From quashing press releases from Mexican government offices working to improve the situation to rehashing and rewording stories that are months old, there would appear to be a concerted effort to give Baja a black eye. Every time the issue sees to fade from the headlines these certain publications bring it to the forefront again.
Why? Perhaps it is because billions of dollars are at stake.
The Travel Dollar
Protectionism could also be at play here as well. With the suffering economies world wide, the major players have agree NOT to implement protectionist policies. Mexico is the United States largest foreign tourist destination with more than 12 million visitors per year. Discouraging Mexican travel keeps millions of travel dollars at home, hurting the Mexican economy which depends in a very large percentage on the US Travel Dollar.
The pressure may be coming from even a higher level. A few years back the Bush administration used similar anti-tourism tactics to pressure Mexico into selling additional crude oil to the US at prices set nearly a decade before. Tourism and foreign investment are critical in the continued growth of Mexico and both are heavily dependant on public perceptions to flourish. The answer may be as simple as to keeping every US travel dollar at home – to support a floundering US economy.
One of our Insider Readers writes:
Thank you so much for your article "Looking at the Facts" regarding the recent panic about travel to Mexico. I will be returning to Merida, Mexico for the third time next week and am frankly sick of fielding questions about safety.
Yes, of course safety is of concern, regardless of where you travel, but being from Chicago, I can say with certainty that I have always felt nothing but absolutely safe in Mexico. I only hope more people are of clear-enough mind to make the trip to Mexico and find that out for themselves