Important Information Regarding Travel to Mexico

Recently the US State Department issued a travel alert for Mexico. Below is an official statement from the Mexico Tourism Board and Q & A addressing those concerns.

"Mexico remains a safe tourist destination and this is reflected in the 22.6 million international visitors that arrived in 2008, of which, 18 million were Americans. This number represents a 5.9 percent increase from the previous year. Tourists who suffered any incidents were minimal.

Mexico is the tenth most visited tourist destination in the world and is a very large country with many safe destinations to visit and enjoy. The violence associated with drug trafficking is isolated in cities that are far away from tourism destinations. We suggest using common precautions as when traveling to any foreign country."

Q. Is Mexico an unsafe place to travel?

Mexico ranks tenth as an international travel destination in the world and is the number one international tourism destination for North Americans traveling abroad. Many tourists to the country are repeat visitors, which demonstrate that the vast majority of tourists are satisfied and leave with overwhelmingly positive impressions.

Nevertheless, visitors to any destination in the world should exercise caution and common sense, and the same holds true when traveling to Mexico.

Q. With the travel alert issued by the US State Department cautioning that even travel within the country beyond the border is dangerous. Should I just avoid traveling to Mexico completely?

No, common sense and proper precautions must be taken when traveling anywhere in the world, and Mexico is no exception. Whether traveling on the border or if you find yourself in another area of the country, stick to high-traffic businesses and tourist areas; be aware of your surroundings, chart your course before-hand, and your stay should be a memorable and safe experience. Mexico’s frontier, like many other frontiers in other countries, at times experiences certain conflicts. Those visiting or crossing border cities should do so while taking the proper precautions.

Q: But then what do you make of the U.S. State Department cautioning against travel to the border due to infighting among drug cartels?

The recent isolated incidents involving drug traffickers have prompted U.S. and Canadian authorities to suggest travelers exercise extra caution when visiting certain border towns. It is important to note, however, that this temporary announcement does not advise travelers against visiting our many safe tourist destinations.

In fact, Leslie Bassett, Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, declared that the intention of the alert is to inform of the punctual violent acts that are taking place in specific states of Mexico as well as in other nations. She clarified that in no way does this alert seek to negatively portray the tourist destinations.

Q. Shouldn’t everyone just avoid going to Mexico, with everything that is going on with the crime and drug dealers?

More than 22.6 million international tourists visited Mexico in 2008 representing a 5.9 percent increase compared to 2007 out of that the number of tourists who suffered accidents were minimal.

Mexico is the tenth most visited tourist destination in the world and is a very large country with many safe destinations to visit and enjoy. As the country’s promotion agency, the Mexico Tourism Board recommends visitors to contact our many offices for more information on the destination they are planning to visit.

Q. Is the drug situation out of control in Mexico, and should international visitors be concerned?

Drug dealing and possession are a social problem that every nation faces, and Mexico is no exception. Fortunately, in Mexico and elsewhere, the violence associated with drug trafficking is isolated in cities that are far away from tourism destinations.

The possession and consumption of drugs are illegal in Mexico, and the country has strict laws governing these offenses. Perpetrators are punished with harsh fines and prison sentences in Mexico. Visitors can be confidant that local authorities are working hard to apprehend all those who violate the law to bring them to justice.

Q. We are worried because what if something does happen? Will emergency services be able to help?

Federal and local governments are constantly working on improving emergency services, not only for tourists but for locals. Visitors should take precautions if they have any pre-existing medical needs and speak to their doctors before they travel abroad. We are also working on raising the bar in our standards to that our guests are kept safe, such as de-legalizing open bars in areas known as spring break destinations.

Q. Reports of drug violence in Mexico have been widely circulated. Have these stories affected tourism to the country?

These incidents have mostly taken place in some border cities and have not affected the decision of tourists to travel to Mexico, which received thousands of tourists in the past months. More than 22.6 million international tourists visited Mexico in 2008 representing a 5.9 percent increase compared to 2007.

In addition, and according to the central Bank of Mexico, border tourism increased 11 percent, compared to 2007.

Mexico is the number one most popular international tourism destination for Americans, with more than 18.34 million US visitors in 2008. Tourism revenues increased 4.6 percent in 2008 compared to 2007 to almost 13.2 billion dollars.