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The United States issued a travel alert for Mexico in which asks not to travel to five states of the country due to criminality , according to the information provided by the Department of State.
Specifically, the alert, which also indicates the situation of the COVID pandemic – 19 in Mexico , warns about “exercising a greater caution ”if you travel to the country because of the“ crime ”and the risk of“ kidnapping ”. “Some areas carry a higher risk,” he added.
Thus, Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa and Tamaulipas are the states indicated by crime, except Tamaulipas, where the danger of being kidnapped is also alerted.
In addition, the travel alert asks to “reconsider” trips to Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Jalisco, State of Mexico, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, Sonora and Zacatecas.
According to the indications of the US government, alert level one means “Take the usual precautions”, number two, is, “Carry out your activities with due caution”, the third corresponds to “Reconsider your trip”, and finally, the fourth is “Don’t travel”.
As travelers face ongoing risks due COVID – 19, we have updated our Travel Advisories to better reflect @ CDC ‘s scie nce-based Travel Health Notices. We also considered logistics like testing availability and travel restrictions for US citizens. https://t.co/Eu0gas8DZg . pic.twitter.com/R7GMnk8DIN
– Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) April 19, 2021
Reconsider trips for crimes
The State Department explained that crime travel reconsideration applies in places where violent crime and gang activity are common and the vast majority of homicides are targeted killings against members of criminal organizations.
Battles for territory between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by US citizens and government employees, including restaurants and shopping centers during daylight hours. Bystanders have been injured or killed in shooting incidents.
The State Department acknowledges that the United States government has a “limited capacity” to provide its citizens with emergency services in various areas of Mexico, since travel by government employees to certain areas is “prohibited” or ” significantly restricted. ”
When traveling, it is recommended that US government employees do not travel between locations at night or take taxis on the street , among others.
Also s noted that US citizens traveling to Mexico should consider the following:
– Consult the website of the US Embassy regarding COVID – 19
– Visit CDC’s Travel & COVID webpage – 19
– Keep your travel companions informed and relatives of the travel plans. If you get separated from the tour group, send a friend your GPS location. If you take a taxi alone, take a photo of the taxi number and / or license plate and send a text message to a friend.
– Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night. In many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside of the state capital or major cities.
– Use extra caution when visiting Local bars, nightclubs and casinos.
– Show no signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
– Be more vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
– Enroll in the Smart Traveler Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easy to locate you in an emergency.
– Follow the State Department at Facebook and Twitter .
– Review crime and security reports for Mexico