Students may need to think twice before traveling across the border to Mexico this spring break.
The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs issued a Travel Alert for U.S. citizens traveling and living in Mexico Feb. 20. A previous alert was issued Oct. 15, 2008, but the State renewed it making it expire Aug. 20.
Advisories are given on two levels for U.S. travelers: Travel Alerts and Travel Warnings.
A Travel Alert is issued to distribute information about short-term conditions. This focuses on a particular country that may pose imminent risks to the security of U.S. citizens.
Travel Warnings are issued to describe long-term conditions that make a country potentially dangerous for U.S. citizens. A Travel Warning is also issued when the U.S. government's ability to assist American citizens is constrained because of the closure of an embassy or consulate, according to the Department of State.
Alan Magers, owner of Cancun Vista Travel and Tour, said even though Cancun isn't a concern, police presence and military checkpoints along the highway have increased.
"They have beefed up security here so we won't have the same issues that the border cities are having," Magers said.
The most increase in violence has been along the border in Mexico City, Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Monterrey, Acapulco and the state of Sinaloa, according to the Department of State.
A U.S. citizen was among the three decapitated victims found this Tuesday on a lot near the U.S. border fence in Tijuana, Baja California authorities said.
Ciudad Juarez has had more than 1,800 murdered since January 2008. Also, more than 17,000 car thefts and 1,650 carjackings have been reported since 2008, according to Mexican authorities.
In Mexico City, the most frequently reported crimes involving tourists are taxi robbery, armed robbery, pick pocketing and purse-snatching. As the same with traveling on highways, the State suggests avoiding "libre" (free) taxis and roads. Toll "cuota" roads and "sitio" taxis are preferred.
Taxis can easily be reached by calling a radio taxi in advance and asking for the driver's name and car's license plate number.
"Students should focus on the driving aspect of traveling on spring break," said Bill James, the Public Safety director for Lee County.
James said being aware of surroundings and concentrating on not drinking and driving could be really beneficial to student's safety.
"Just be smart of what you are doing," James said.
Points that should be remembered when traveling to Mexico:
Register with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's Web site.
Political activities are prohibited by foreigners and can result in detention or deportation.
Carry a driver's license at all times. A U.S. driver's license is valid in Mexico.
Mexican law requires vehicles only be driven by their owners.
Leave an itinerary with a friend or family member.
Magers said students should stay away from the drug scene when vacationing in Cancun. He also advises against going anywhere alone whether it be partying, shopping or just walking from one place to another.
"They have to realize they are in a foreign country and it is not the same as the United States," Magers said. "They have to play by Mexican rules."
Students can contact Cancun Vista at 1-800-860-5917 toll-fee for more information on spring break rates and reports.
The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc. It can also be reached at 011-52-55-5080-2000.
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