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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 04 STATE 109945 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: CASC PTER ASEC MX
SUBJECT: Travel Alert 
 
¶1.  This Travel Alert updates security information for 
U.S. citizens traveling and living in Mexico.  It 
replaces the Travel Alert for Mexico dated April 14, 
2008, and expires on April 14, 2009. 
 
¶2.  While millions of U.S. Citizens safely visit Mexico 
each year, including thousands who cross the land border 
every day for study, tourism or business, increased 
levels of violence make it imperative that travelers 
understand the risks of travel to Mexico, how best to 
avoid dangerous situations, and whom to contact if one is 
a victim of crime.  Common-sense precautions, such as 
visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas, 
avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might 
occur, and exercising prudence in where one visits during 
the evening hours and at night, can help ensure that 
travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable. 
 
Violence Along the U.S. - Mexico Border 
--------------------------------------- 
 
¶3.  Mexican drug cartels are engaged in an increasingly 
violent fight for control of narcotics trafficking routes 
along the U.S. - Mexico border in an apparent response to 
the Government of Mexico's initiatives to crack down on 
narco-trafficking organizations.  In order to combat 
violence, the government of Mexico has deployed military 
troops in various parts of the country.  U.S. citizens 
should cooperate fully with official checkpoints when 
traveling on Mexican highways. 
 
¶4.  Some recent Mexican army and police confrontations 
with drug cartels have taken on the characteristics of 
small-unit combat, with cartels employing automatic 
weapons and, on occasion, grenades.  Firefights have 
taken place in many towns and cities across Mexico but 
particularly in northern Mexico, including Tijuana, 
Chihuahua City and Ciudad Juarez.  The situation in 
northern Mexico remains fluid; the location and timing of 
future armed engagements cannot be predicted. 
 
¶5.  A number of areas along the border are experiencing 
rapid growth in the rates of many types of crime.  More 
than 1,600 cars were reportedly stolen in Ciudad Juarez 
in the month of July 2008, and bank robberies there are 
up dramatically.  Rates for robberies, homicides, petty 
thefts, and carjackings have all increased over the last 
year across Mexico generally, with notable spikes in 
Tijuana and northern Baja California.  Cuidad Juarez, 
Tijuana, and Nogales are among the cities which have 
recently experienced public shootouts during daylight 
hours in shopping centers and other public venues. 
Criminals have followed and harassed U.S. citizens 
traveling in their vehicles in border areas including 
Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, Tijuana, and along Route 15 
between Nogales and Hermosillo. 
 
¶6.  The situation in Ciudad Juarez is of special concern. 
Mexican authorities report that more than 1,000 people 
have been killed there this year.  U.S. citizens should 
pay close attention to their surroundings while traveling 
in Ciudad Juarez, avoid isolated locations during late 
night and early morning hours, and remain alert to news 
reports.  A recent series of muggings near the U.S. 
Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez has targeted 
applicants for U.S. visas.  Visa and other service 
seekers visiting the Consulate are encouraged to make 
provisions to pay for those services with something other 
than cash. 
 
¶7.  U.S. citizens are urged to be alert to safety and 
security concerns when visiting the border region. 
 
STATE 00109945  002 OF 004 
 
 
Criminals are armed with a wide array of sophisticated 
weapons.  In some cases, assailants have worn full or 
partial police or military uniforms and have used 
vehicles that resemble police vehicles.  While most of 
the crime victims are Mexican citizens, the uncertain 
security situation poses risks for U.S. citizens as well. 
¶8.  U.S. citizen victims of crime in Mexico are urged to 
contact the consular section of the nearest U.S. 
consulate or Embassy for advice and assistance.  Contact 
information is provided at the end of this message. 
 
Crime and Violence Throughout Mexico 
------------------------------------ 
 
¶8.  While the largest increase in violence has occurred 
near the U.S. border, U.S. citizens traveling elsewhere 
in Mexico should also exercise caution in unfamiliar 
areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times. 
Mexican and foreign bystanders have been injured or 
killed in some violent attacks, demonstrating the 
heightened risk in public places.  In recent years, 
dozens of U.S. citizens have been kidnapped across Mexico 
and many cases remain unresolved.  U.S. citizens who 
believe they are being targeted for kidnapping or other 
crimes should notify Mexican officials and the nearest 
American consulate or the Embassy as soon as possible. 
U.S. citizens should make every attempt to travel on main 
roads during daylight hours, particularly the toll 
("cuota") roads, which are generally more secure.  U.S. 
citizens are encouraged to stay in well-known tourist 
destinations and tourist areas of the cities with more 
adequate security, and provide an itinerary to a friend 
or family member not traveling with them.  U.S. citizens 
should avoid traveling alone,and should carry a GSM- 
enabled cell phone that functions internationally. 
Refrain from displaying expensive-looking jewelry, large 
amounts of money, or other valuable items. 
 
Demonstrations and Large Public Gatherings 
------------------------------------------ 
 
¶9.  Demonstrations occur frequently throughout Mexico and 
usually are peaceful.  However, even demonstrations 
intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and 
escalate to violence unexpectedly.  People have died 
during violent demonstrations, including an American 
citizen who was killed in Oaxaca in 2006.  During 
demonstrations or law enforcement operations, U.S. 
citizens are advised to remain in their homes or hotels, 
avoid large crowds, and avoid the downtown and 
surrounding areas.  Since the timing and routes of 
scheduled marches and demonstrations are always subject 
to change, U.S. citizens should monitor local media 
sources for new developments and exercise extreme caution 
while within the vicinity of protests.  The Mexican 
Constitution prohibits political activities by 
foreigners, and such actions may result in detention 
and/or deportation.  Therefore, U.S. citizens are advised 
to avoid participating in demonstrations or other 
activities that might be deemed political by Mexican 
authorities.  In a recent incident, a Mexican 
Independence Day celebration was the target of a violent 
attack.  As is always the case in any large gathering, 
U.S. citizens should remain alert to their surroundings. 
 
Further Information 
------------------- 
 
¶10.  For more detailed information on staying safe in 
Mexico, please see the Mexico Country Specific 
Information at: 
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/ cis_970.html 
.  Information on security and travel to popular tourist 
destinations is also provided in the publication: "Spring 
Break in Mexico- Know Before You Go!!" at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/spri ng_break_mexico/spring_break_mexico_2812.html 
 
STATE 00109945  003 OF 004 
 
 
ico/spring_break_mexico_2812.html .  For the latest 
security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad 
should regularly monitor the Department's internet web 
site at http://travel.state.gov where the current 
Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can 
be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be 
obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the 
United States, or, for callers from Mexico, a regular 
toll line at 001-202-501-4444. These numbers are 
available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, 
Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). 
American citizens traveling or residing overseas are 
encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy 
or Consulate on the State Department's travel 
registration website at 
https://travelregistration.state.gov/ 
 
 
¶11.  For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens in 
Mexico, please contact the closest U.S. Embassy or 
Consulate. The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City at 
Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, telephone 
from the United States: 011-52-55-5080-2000; telephone 
within Mexico City: 5080-2000; telephone long distance 
within Mexico 01-55-5080-2000. You may also contact the 
Embassy by e-mail at: 
ccs@usembassy.net.mx. The Embassy's internet address is 
http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/ . 
 
¶12.  Consulates: 
 
Ciudad Juarez: Avenida Lopez Mateos 924-n, telephone 
(52)(656) 611-3000. 
 
Guadalajara: Progreso 175, telephone (52)(333) 268-2100. 
 
Hermosillo: Avenida Monterrey 141, telephone (52)(662) 
289-3500. 
 
Matamoros: Avenida Primera 2002, telephone (52)(868) 812- 
¶4402. 
 
Merida: Calle 60 no. 338 k, telephone (52)(999) 942-5700 
 
Monterrey: Avenida Constitucion 411 Poniente, telephone 
(52)(818) 345-2120. 
 
Nogales: Calle San Jose, Nogales, Sonora, telephone 
(52)(631) 311-8150. 
 
Nuevo Laredo: Calle Allende 3330, col. Jardin, telephone 
(52)(867) 714-0512. 
 
Tijuana: Tapachula 96, telephone (52)(664) 622-7400. 
¶14.  Consular Agencies: 
 
Acapulco: Hotel Continental Emporio, Costera Miguel 
Aleman 121 - local 14, telephone (52)(744) 484-0300 or 
(52)(744) 469-0556. 
 
Cabo San Lucas: Blvd. Marina local c-4, Plaza Nautica, 
col. Centro, telephone (52)(624) 143-3566. 
 
Canczn: Plaza Caracol two, second level, no. 320-323, 
Boulevard Kukulcan, km. 8.5, Zona Hotelera, telephone 
(52)(998) 883-0272. 
 
Ciudad Acuqa: Ocampo # 305, col. Centro, telephone 
(52)(877) 772-8661 
 
Cozumel:  Plaza Villa Mar en el Centro, Plaza Principal, 
(Parque Juarez between Melgar and 5th ave.) 2nd floor, 
locales #8 and 9, telephone (52)(987) 872-4574. 
 
Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo: Hotel Fontan, Blvd. Ixtapa, telephone 
(52)(755) 553-2100. 
 
STATE 00109945  004 OF 004 
 
 
Mazatlan: Hotel Playa Mazatlan, Playa Gaviotas #202, Zona 
Dorada, telephone (52)(669) 916-5889. 
 
Oaxaca: Macedonio Alcala no. 407, interior 20, telephone 
(52)(951) 514-3054 (52)(951) 516-2853. 
 
Piedras Negras: Abasolo #211, Zona Centro, Piedras 
Negras, Coah., Tel. (878) 782-5586. 
 
Playa del Carmen: "The Palapa,"  Calle 1 Sur, between 
Avenida 15 and Avenida 20, telephone (52)(984) 873-0303. 
 
Puerto Vallarta: Paradise Plaza, Paseo de los Cocoteros 
 #1, Local #4, Interior #17, Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, 
telephone (52)(322) 222-0069. 
 
Reynosa: Calle Monterrey #390, Esq. Sinaloa, Colonia 
Rodrmguez, telephone: (52)(899) 923 - 9331 
 
San Luis Potosm:  Edificio "Las Terrazas", Avenida 
Venustiano Carranza 2076-41, Col. Polanco, telephone: 
(52)(444) 811-7802/7803. 
 
San Miguel de Allende: Dr. Hernandez Macias #72, 
telephone (52)(415) 152-2357 or (52)(415) 152-0068. 
 
¶13.  Minimize considered. 
RICE