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It’s not uncommon for the U.S. State Department or U.S. Embassy to issue warnings about traveling to certain international regions. So it’s not surprising that the U.S. has issued a travel alert for Mexico ahead of the spring break season.
Alerts are common, especially during times when Americans are expected to travel internationally in larger numbers, like during holidays and school breaks, for example.
Reason For New Travel Alert
Hundreds of thousands of young Americans travel to Los Cabos during the spring break months to take a break from school, enjoy the warm weather, and party until the sun comes up.
Because it is a party atmosphere, where a lot of drinking takes place, it isn’t uncommon for spring breakers to put themselves in dangerous situations.
The alert, and the suggestions that go along with it, are a way to remind spring breakers of the dangers that might exist when visiting a foreign place.
@instacabo is Cabo safe? you tell me 💙 #cabo #healthadepopit #travel #travelsafe ♬ original sound – @Cabo
U.S. State Department Travel Alerts
The travel alerts issued by the U.S. State Department come in four different forms, or levels, each more severe than the next.
These levels are based on how risky it is for American travelers to travel to a specific destination.
They are also color-coded and include the following:
- Blue – Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions
- Yellow – Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution
- Orange – Level 3 – Reconsider Travel
- Red – Level 4 – Do Not Travel
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@danstravelguide Traveling to Mexico soon? You may have to reconsider if you are heading to one of these 13 mexican states. The US State Department has recently issued a “do not travel” warning due to increased crime in the area. Always be safe and mindful when traveling to a new location! 🌎 #traveladvisory #mexicosafety #travelhelp #travelnews #travelmexico #travelguide #traveling #travellife ♬ La Llorona – Angela Aguilar
Current Travel Alert For Baja California Sur
Currently, the U.S. State Department Travel Alert level for Baja California Sur, the state in which Los Cabos resides, is Yellow, or Level 2.
This alert applies to the state as a whole and is a general indication of the security status of the region.
More specific alerts come in the form of Risk Indicators, which more thoroughly explain the reasons for the alert level.
@kjheaton6 ♬ moonlight on the river – howard hamlin apologist
U.S. State Department Travel Alert Risk Indicators
In addition to travel alert levels, the U.S. State Department also assigns risk indicators to specific regions to help travelers understand the reasons for the alert.
These are classified by a letter assignment, and the main risk indicators include:
- C – Crime
- T – Terrorism
- U – Civil Unrest
- H – Health
- N – Natural Disaster
- E – Time Limited Event
- K – Kidnapping or Hostage Taking
- O – Other
@traveloffpath A record number of U.S. citizens are relocating south of the border, where they can enjoy year-round warmer weather ☀️ let’s go to Los Cabos!!! #loscabosmexico #loscabos #travelnews #traveloffpath #travellife #traveling #traveltocabo ♬ som original – Fran
Risk Indicators That Apply To Los Cabos
In the case of the alert regarding spring break travel to places like Los Cabos, a mixture of some of the main indicators, as well as some additional ones that apply more to this specific demographic, have been assigned.
They are:
- Crime – Crime can occur anywhere in Mexico.
- Drugs – Drug possession is illegal in Mexico.
- Unregulated Alcohol – Can be contaminated.
- Pharmaceuticals – Counterfeit medication.
- Sexual Assault – Inebriated visitors often targeted.
- Drowning – Strong, unpredictable currents.
- Medical Emergencies – May demand cash.
- Guns And Ammunition – Both illegal in Mexico.
- Arrests – Disorderly conduct, open containers, etc.
- Immigration – Fines and detention for violating.
@readyaimtravel Safest states in Mexico according to the current State Dept. travel advisories ✅ #travel #tiktoktravel #mexicotravel #traveltomexico #traveltiktok #destination #wheretovisit #placestovisit #visitmexico #mexicovacation #wanderlust #wander #travellife #travelbucketlist #traveling #traveler #travelling #traveller #vacationvibes #yucatan #yucatanmexico #cabo #cabosanlucas #bajacalifornia #traveltheworld #vacationideas #wheretotravel #safetravel #traveltips #trip #worldtravel #CatOnALeash #🇲🇽 ♬ Fiesta Mexicana – Musica Mexicana
Safety Suggestions From The U.S. State Department
The U.S. State Department and U.S. Embassy also issued some practical suggestions for staying safe when visiting places like Los Cabos and other tourist destinations.
We’ll list some of those below.
- If you don’t have insurance that covers you in Mexico, purchase travel insurance.
- Do not swim on unswimmable beaches in Los Cabos, indicated by a red or black flag.
- Always watch your drink.
- Stay with friends and avoid being alone with strangers.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Keep your passport in a safe place.
- Inform your family back home of your plans.
@dryden.benoit Replying to @JLea BE SAFE OUT THERE! The Cabo waves are no joke even when they seem calm. #safetyfirst #cabowaves #cabosanlucas #waves #riuhotel ♬ original sound – Dryden Benoit
It’s important to note that these travel alerts are more of a reminder for travelers to take control of their own safety.
This is something that should always be done, no matter where you travel, even in the relatively safe vacation destination of Los Cabos.
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Valeria
Sunday 19th of March 2023
I live in Los Cabos and to be honest all this things are because of crazy gringos thinking that because they're in Mexico they can loose it and that they can do anything they want. Gringos in here are the ones consuming and buying drugs, and alcohol. Getting wasted withouth controlling it and then make problems out of it. So don't come and tell me Cabos is dangerous when the same a travellers are responsible for all the crazyness.
Enrique Rodriguez
Sunday 19th of March 2023
LOL! Those greengoes mentioned exactly what happens in the USA. It is more dangerous in Chicago and Oakland than in Mexico.
Randy W
Saturday 18th of March 2023
I arrived in Cabo on 1/16/23 for a 4 night stay. As I was going thru customs (after showing my passport at immigration) I realized my passport was missing. I filled out a lost and found report before leaving the airport then got my rental car and headed to my hotel. I had never lost my passport before and got online to see what I needed to do. Find the local consular office. It's located at the Palmilla Stores. Found it the next morning but a notice on the door said it was closed and to contact the office in Tijuana. Emailed and called that office three times but no response. Found a message online from someone going thru the same issue. The solution was to fly to a border town then walk across the border using your driver's license then arrange travel to get home. Luckily, I went back to the airport two days later and asked an official if they found my passport. They did. So, if you're going to Cabo soon, DO NOT LOSE YOUR PASSPORT. THERE IS NO US GOVERNMENT SUPPORT TO HELP YOU.