- Blog
- Bios
- Boards
- Classifieds
- DIY
- Gallery
- Vendor Reviews
- Shop Weddingbee
Weddingbee boards
i sure hope its not that dangerous as they say
we are booking for oour honeymoon in play del carmen. i think they generally keep tourist spots pretty safe because thats how those cities even survive
ive heard before that acupolco isnt really that safe anymore, and that was before all this mexio drug war thing even started...idk
The warning issued by the Federal Government only applies to certain Mexican cities, and those are mostly border cities.
If you're going to one of those places, of course, rethink. Otherwise, it seems unecessary to avoid the entire country!
My fiance and I are headed to Cancun, and our wedding is the same day as yours. We have no concerns or thoughts about changing! We're just going to stay on our resort and avoid the city.
I really think that there are only certain cities that are dangerous. Most of the places that you would want to go on a honeymoon are safe!
The last thing I read and I'll post it when I find it again is that the tourists are the target. People pretend to be police officers and they kidnap Americans to hold them ransom. They hold the buses hostage or they hid out in taxis to kidnap Americans. One place they just opened fire on random people!
Totally freaks me out. I dont want to have anything horrible like that happen to us. I'll keep you posted though. My mother in law said she saw the news and they reported human heads being strung along the roads. I haven't heard that yet. I hope I dont.
if you stick to the well populated touristy areas, you are fine. i wouldnt go venturing off in random places though. the border towns are the ones you have to worry about.
Safety and security
Terrorism
There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.
Crime
General advice
Street crime is on the increase. Around 100 cases of stolen passports are reported to the Embassy every year. You should dress down and avoid wearing expensive jewellery or watches. You should be particularly alert on public transport, at airports, bus stations and tourist sites. Passengers have been robbed and/or assaulted by unlicensed taxi drivers, particularly in Mexico City. At airports, use only authorised prepaid airport taxi services. In Mexico City, use better regulated “sitio” taxis from authorised cab ranks.
Theft on buses is also common. All bus travel should be during daylight hours and on first-class buses if possible. Although there have been several reports of bus hijackings and robberies on toll roads ("de cuota"), buses on toll roads have a markedly lower rate of incidents than buses (second and third class) that travel the less secure free ("libre") roads. Although most first-class bus companies perform security checks when passengers' board buses, armed robberies of entire bus loads of passengers still occur. Be vigilant; watch your hand luggage. Long distance bus travellers should stay alert.
Women travelling on their own should be particularly alert. There have been incidents of rapes on urban buses (micros) on routes in the south of Mexico City. Most attacks have occurred early in the morning or late at night. A number of serious sexual offences have also occurred in tourist areas in Cancun. Care should be taken even in areas close to hotels, especially after dark.
Business travellers should keep a close watch on their briefcases and luggage at apparently secure locations such as the lobby of their hotel. Pick pocketing is common on the Mexico City Metro. Exercise caution when withdrawing money from cashpoints or exchanging money at a Bureau de Change. It is safer to limit withdrawals or currency exchanges to small sums, and to only use cashpoints during daylight hours and inside shops or malls. Be especially vigilant when leaving a Bureau de Change as there have been incidents of people being followed and attacked, particularly following withdrawals at Mexico City airport. Extra police have been drafted in to improve security at the airport as part of a recent government initiative to combat crime.
Be wary of strangers approaching you in person or contacting you by telephone, requesting personal information or financial help. They may be part of a scam operation. In particular, be wary of persons presenting themselves as police officers attempting to fine or arrest you for no apparent reason. There have been instances of visitors becoming victims of theft, extortion or sexual assault by persons who may or may not be police officers. When in doubt, ask for identification and if possible note the officer's name, badge number, and patrol car number.
Exercise caution when accepting food, drinks or rides from strangers. You are advised not to leave your food and drinks unattended in bars and restaurants. Cases of travellers being robbed or assaulted after being drugged have been reported.
For more general information see Rape and Sexual Assault Abroad.
Kidnapping
Short-term opportunistic kidnapping - called "express kidnapping" - continues in urban areas, particularly in Mexico City. Victims are required to withdraw funds from credit or debit cards at a cashpoint to obtain their release. Where victims have friends or relatives living locally, a ransom may be demanded from them.
Longer-term kidnapping for financial gain also occurs, and there have been allegations of complicity by police officers. You should be cautious and discrete about openly discussing your financial or business affairs.
Serious Violence
Drug-related violence affects many states and is a particular problem in Sinaloa, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, Baja California (Norte), Michoacán and Guerrero, including Acapulco.
Chihuahua
Because of the escalating violence in Ciudad Juarez, we advise against all but essential travel to Ciudad Juarez and immediate surrounding areas.
Early in 2009, more than 1,500 Mexican troops moved into Cuidad Juarez on the US border, which is being fought over by rival drug gangs. Although not specifically targeted, foreign visitors and residents have been among the victims of violent, durg related incidents in this region, including the fatal shooting of two US citizens and one Mexican citizen connected with the US Consulate in Ciudad Juarez on 13 March 2010.
Nuevo Laredo, Reynose, Monterrey
There has been a recent increase in violent incidents and gun battles taking place in and around the cities of Nuevo Laredo and Reynosa, north and east of Monterrey. There have also been incidents where drug trafficking organizations have set up vehicle “checkpoints,” leading to an increase in car-jackings in the cities and on the highways, including on the motorways to Nuevo Laredo and Reynosa.
A review of recent violence suggests that, although criminal acts and violence can occur unexpectedly at any time, it may be safer to travel during the hours of morning and early afternoon.
Michoacan
In July 2009, the Government sent additional police and troops to Michoacán, in response to a series of co-ordinated attacks by cartels against state and federal forces. Travellers to the area should exercise caution and avoid large crowds and demonstrations.
Mexico City
There have been a high number of drug related murders in 2009-10, including the shooting of a number of high ranking, security officials in Mexico City. Attacks are aimed primarily at members of drug trafficking organisations. Mexican police forces, criminal justice officials, prominent Mexican citizens and journalists.
There were a number of attacks aimed at banking institutions in Mexico City in 2009, involving small explosives. The attacks have occurred in the early hours of the morning and are unlikely to affect customers, but we do advise British Citizens to be vigilant.
Acapulco
On 13 March 2010, at least 13 people were killed in an outbreak of drug related violence in the southern Mexican beach resort of Acapulco according to Mexican officals. Acapulco is one of Mexico's biggests tourist resorts, but in recent years it has been the scene of violent turf wars between rival drug cartels. In June 2009, 18 people were killed iin a shootout between durg gangs and soldiers in the city.
You should stay abreast of media coverage of events in the areas through which you intend to travel.
For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.
Political demonstrations can occur across the country. These can be tense, confrontational and turn violent, and onlookers can be quickly drawn in. You should avoid all demonstrations and monitor local media.
The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and participation in activities such as demonstrations may result in detention and/or deportation.
Local travel
You should exercise particular caution if you have to travel after dark, and keep away from isolated beaches, ruins or trails at all times.
There have been a recent number of unexpected and unpredictable demonstrations across the country particularly in Monterrey and northern border areas. Visitors to these areas should be aware of the potential for disruption to their travel plans and should ensure they follow the advice of local authorities.
There is still tension in parts of the state of Chiapas, where armed groups are present. If you visit the highlands around San Cristobal de las Casas and the municipality of Ocosingo and the jungle area towards the Guatemalan border, you should exercise caution, particularly where crowds are gathered, and should not venture off main roads without seeking local advice.
Road travel
UK and International Driving licences are valid in Mexico.
The Mexican style of driving and standards are very different from the UK. Be prepared to stop unexpectedly, and beware of potholes, slow moving vehicles, vehicles changing lane without indicating and going through red lights. Many local drivers do not have any form of car insurance. Keep your car doors locked at all times and the windows shut, especially at traffic lights.
In order to reduce air pollution, Mexico City and some other regions of the country have introduced restrictions on driving such as forbidding cars from entering certain areas on particular days, based on their number plates. This applies equally to permanent, temporary and foreign plates. These regulations are strictly enforced and offenders face heavy fines and temporary confiscation of their vehicle.
There is an additional driving restriction in Mexico City, where vehicles without plates from the State of Mexico (Estado de Mexico) or the Federal District (DF) are not permitted to enter Mexico City from Monday to Friday, 05:00 to 11:00. For more information (only in Spanish) visit http://www.sma.df.gob.mx/.
Incidents of car-jackings have increased significantly in and around the San Pedro Garza Garcia and Monterrey areas in the state of Nuevo Leon. Reports indicate that over four dozen vehicles have been stolen by force in January 2010 alone. You should remain vigilant and be aware of your surroundings at all times. If surveillance is detected or suspected, you should call the local police, then proceed to a police station, fire station, or other public safehaven.
For more general information see Driving Abroad.
Sea travel
If you visit Mexican beach resorts, you should be aware that sports and aquatic equipment may not meet UK safety standards and may not be covered with any accident insurance. This applies particularly to scuba diving, parasailing and using jet-skis. Check that your own travel insurance covers these activities if you decide to rent equipment or take classes.
There were shark attacks along the Pacific coast in 2008. The three attacks, all involving surfers, took place close to Pantla and Troncones beaches near Zihuatanejo and approximately 150 miles from the Pacific resort of Acapulco. Two of the attacks were fatal, one involving a foreign tourist. Shark attacks are relatively rare in Mexico. However, caution should be taken in these coastal areas, particularly when surfing.
For more general information see River and Sea Safety.
Local laws and customs
Do not become involved with drugs of any kind. Penalties for drug offences are severe. Convictions carry very long sentences – up to 25 years. The police sometimes ask foreigners to show some form of identification. You may wish to carry photocopies of the relevant pages of your passport and important documents and leave the originals in a safe place.
Although civil unions between same sex partners are now legal in Mexico City and the state of Coahuila, homosexuality in Mexico is generally tolerated, rather than accepted. Public displays of affection between same sex couples may be frowned upon. For more general information for different types of travellers see Your trip.
Entry requirements
Visas
If you are visiting Mexico as a tourist you do not need a visa. You do need a tourist card (known as the "FMT"), which can be obtained by completing an immigration form available at border crossings or onboard flights to Mexico. Alternatively they can be obtained at a Mexican Consulates prior to travel. Certain adventure or eco-tourism activities (eg caving, potholing, entomology) may also require visas, especially if they involve any scientific or technological research. Be aware that the Mexican authorities may define scientific or technological research activities far more broadly than other countries. If in any doubt, you should check carefully with the Mexican Embassy well in advance of your visit and request written confirmation if necessary.
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the intended date of entry.
Travelling with children
Families with children should note that since January 2005, it is no longer required that minors travelling alone or with only one parent needing to have a notarised letter from their parents. Minors only need a valid passport to fulfil the general migration requirements applied to their nationality.
Travelling to or via the US
British citizens travelling to the US under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), which allows most British passport holders to visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa, must first get an authorisation via the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) prior to their journey. Visitors should register through the ESTA website at https:www.esta.cbp.dhs.gov and are advised to do so at least 72 hours prior to travel. If you do not have an ESTA you will be refused travel to the US.
Further information can be found on the FCO’s US Travel Advice.
Working in Mexico
Tourists are not permitted to undertake voluntary work or any form of paid employment. If you intend to work in Mexico you should obtain the proper visa before travelling.
Imports
You should not bring meat or dairy products to Mexico. The importation of these products from the EU is prohibited.
Health
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert phase to level 6. See the WHO website for further details.
The latest figures from the Mexican Ministry of Health show over 59,000 confirmed cases of (A)H1N1, with 452 deaths, since the outbreak in April. The highest number of cases has been recorded in Mexico City, followed by the states of Chiapas, Yucatan, Nuevo Leon and San Luis Potosi.
Travellers arriving at and departing from Mexican airports may be required to complete a health questionnaire detailing whether they are suffering any ‘flu-like symptoms. Travellers are also required to pass in front of a thermal imaging camera to check their body temperature.
Yes, Ciudad Juarez and a lot of those other cities are dangerous because they are in the center of the drug trade. I have also heard stuff in Acapulco. The deaths are not typically Americans, they are people involved in the drug trade an innocent bystanders. As far as extortion for money, that happens a bit more often, but in more isolated areas. If you stay within a large city you shouldn't have any trouble. Most tourist areas are completely safe. I go to Cabo San Lucas about once a year and have also been to Cancun and Puerto Vallarta. We will probably go for our honeymoon also.
The same rules apply as in most foreign countries...I wouldn't go to really isolated areas, I wouldn't take a lot of valuables, but I have never felt unsafe in Mexico.
We just got back from Cancun and felt incredibly safe the whole time there and in Tulum where we spent most of our time. I think the warnings are warranted if you were going to Juarez or some other drug trafficking area, but otherwise you should be fine, fine, fine!
Our hotel is booked in San Jose Del Cabo. You cant even swim in the ocean there so we would have to travel 30 minutes to get to the beach or we'd have to opt out and spend 7 days in a hotel....yuck. The bus part scared me because that is what we would have to take to cabo san lucas. The taxi is too expensive. I just dont want to chance anything. Call me a chicken, call me whatever, but can you imagine going on your honeymoon only to have one or both of you held hostage or killed??? It's not like you will know ahead of time if it will happen or not but holy cow that would just really suck! I would never forgive myself...if I lived through it that is.
It's ashame because Mexico has so many beautiful parts and I mean gorgeous. I've never been, but I am an avid Spanish soap opera girl lol and most of them are based in Mexico where they shoot at the most beautiful beaches, hotels...you name it, but it is extremely dangerous. The Mexicans are trying to get out of Mexico...why would anyone want to go. Watch Spanish news channels like Univision and Telemundo if you want to see all the killings. I hate to be a downer, but yes it is very dangerous. I was watching Dateline and a man and his wife (He's Mexican she's American) they had a gorgeous ranch in a sleepy town, and the kidnappers thought he had tons of money so they kidnapped him. That's how things work down there. Luckily, the man survived, but where are they now in America, and the Mexican police doesn't help. They are usually in on it or take kickbacks not to say anything. Until the Mexican government fixes things, no one should be traveling there. Again, no offense to anyone of Mexican nationality or people who have traveled there, but things have gotten progressively worse.
I feel comfortable traveling to tourist places like Cabo or Cancun. Unfortunately other areas are under fire right now, but as long as you play it safe I think you'll be fine and have a great time.
i'M going to Cancun next week. My travel agent told me that we, in st louis, are essentially closer to the problems than we will be in cancun. It's so touristy i'm not worried. we won't be leaving our hotel compound, though.
I think I would take what a travel agent says with a grain of salt. They want you to travel, not stay home. ;)
I have some family that lives in San Diego and they are frequent visitors to Mexico. They tell me there is no way in the world they'd go to Mexico right now because of the violence there. I have no opinion based on my own experience, having never been.
My fiance and I were dead set on Secrets Maroma in Riviera Maya. But once they drug cartell and murders happened, our families did not want us to go. I know it's nowhere near Cancun/Riviera Maya, but my thought was what if by the time the honeymoon was going to happen, there were some problems there. We don't want to chance it, we changed our minds and are now heading to the new Secrets property in Jamaica.
I was just wondering why you think you can't swim in the ocean in San Jose. My family has a time share in San Jose, and we always swim in the ocean outside of the resort. We usually only go to San Lucas one time during our trip. Usually the resorts will have everything you need, and there is really no reason to go in to town.
The hotel we are staying at and on trip advisor, they say that the black sign is constantly out warning swimmers that death is imminent. There was one guy who decided to go against the sign and the waves pulled him under, causing him to break his neck. He survived but ouch!
I'm happy you all are being very honest with me. I think for the sake of our parents nerves and mine....this wedding has stressed me out enough I dont need my honeymoon doing the same...I'm going to change places. Mexico is lovely. I went to cancun in 2005 and it was amazing and FH has been there 2 times already. We aren't missing much by not going so I think its only fate we change it one last time....3rd times a charm...I HOPE!
@ejoyb why would it matter to the travel agent if you dont go to mexico? you can always book a trip to jamaica, alaska, or italy with a travel agent
they want you to travel anywhere, they arent going to send you somewhere unsafe.
they want your repeat business. so they want you alive.
yes, parts of mexico are dangerous. the borders are dangerous.
You must log in to post.
| Visit our sister sites | eHarmony Online Dating |
eHarmony Advice Dating Advice |
Project Wedding Wedding Songs |
JustMommies Pregnancy Calendar |
Create the honeymoon of your dreams.
My FH and I decided to downgrade from our St. Lucia honeymoon to a Mexico honeymoon and now I'm sweating bullets. Everywhere I read on Mexico travel it encourages Americans not to travel to Mexico. I even went to the official travel site and it encouraged people to stay out of Mexico! Travel hot spots such as Acapulco just had 13 people killed there this past week. At first it was just the border and now it's spreading around Mexico. Am I overreacting by not wanting to go? Where would you suggest to go other than Mexico?
3 weeks before the big day......eeeek.....all I know is I dont want to find out if it's a bad place to honeymoon the hard way.