by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 4:55 PM ET, Wed March 4, 2026
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico has a message for Americans traveling to Mexico over spring break: Even though widespread violence in Mexico has ended, there are still risks associated with travel to the country.
A March 2 alert from the U.S. Embassy says “risks of crime and kidnapping remain” and advises Americans to read the Embassy’s state-by-state travel advisories when deciding whether to travel to Mexico and where to go.
The message follows gang violence that erupted in the Mexican state of Jalisco in late February. The violence was said to be retaliation for the Mexican military’s killing of a major cartel leader, and it triggered shelter-in-place warnings by the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, along with increased travel safety concerns for Americans.
The new alert from the Embassy this week includes a variety of advisories and cautions for Americans in advance of spring break, a time when scores of Americans head to popular hotspots in Mexico such as Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas and more.
The March 2 advisory from the Embassy advises Americans that crisis and crime are still very real threats, noting:
- Crisis Preparedness: “Crises can occur anywhere and can affect popular vacation destinations,” says the alert. “Be prepared, be safe and stay connected."
Americans who are planning to proceed with visits to Mexico over the coming spring break are advised to enroll in the U.S. State Department’s STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ) to receive critical safety and security updates
- Crime: The new alert also points out that crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations. “This includes homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery,” says the alert. “U.S. citizens should exercise caution in popular spring break spots, especially after dark.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. (Photo Credit: diegograndi / Adobe Stock)
If you're traveling to Mexico
If you're planning to proceed with travel to Mexico read the Mexico Travel Advisory and Country Information Page for travel details and entry requirements. Additional actions and steps to take include, per the Embassy alert, include:
- Carrying your passport and ensuring it hasn’t expired before you depart.
- Drink responsibly and seek medical attention if you feel ill
- Monitor your credit or debit card accounts for unauthorized transactions and limit the amount of cash you carry. It’s also important to be cautious when withdrawing funds from an ATM, and avoid isolated ATMs
- Protect your personal possessions on public transportation. Use official airport taxi stands, or app-based services like Uber and Cabify
- Tell your friends and family about your travel plans, especially if traveling alone. Drive only during daylight hours
- In Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel, or other areas in Quintana Roo, download the “Guest Assist” app for emergency services and assistance.
If you do need assistance, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
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