In any type of crisis situation, the most important thing to do is stay calm. Your country’s embassy abroad is usually your best resource when things go wrong; registering with that embassy upon arrival in Mexico is often a good idea. The government offices listed in the Travel Advisories box can provide information on the services they offer their citizens in case of emergencies abroad.
Travelers are advised to comply with the Mexican legal codes detailed below, or risk severe penalties. Although the Mexican government is working hard to strengthen its police force, police officers remain infamous for their corruption. Remember to exercise caution when approached by individuals identifying themselves as police officers. Some tourists have fallen victim to mistreatment by local officials, including harassment and extortion. Some may try to bribe tourists, generally asking for about US$5, but usually stop when asked to be taken to the police station to speak to higher authorities. Should you encounter an officer, be sure to take their name, badge number, and patrol car number in case you file a complaint. Several larger urban areas maintain a separate tourist police force; contact the local tourist office for more information. While in Mexico, visitors should be aware that the Mexican judicial system operates under Napoleonic law: offenders are presumed guilty until proven innocent.
Drugs. Contrary to international opinion, Mexico rigorously prosecutes drug cases. A minimum jail sentence awaits anyone found guilty of possessing any illegal drug, and Mexican law does not distinguish between marijuana and other narcotics. Even if you aren’t convicted, getting arrested and tried will be a long and incredibly unpleasant process, and it is not uncommon to be detained for a year before a verdict is reached. Foreigners and suspected drug traffickers are never released on bail. Ignorance of Mexican law is no excuse, and a flimsy “I didn’t know it was illegal” won’t get you out of jail. If you are arrested, there is little your embassy can do other than inform your relatives and bring care packages to you in jail. (For information on how to address those packages, see Keeping in Touch.)
Travelers should also exercise caution with prescription drugs. The US State Department cautions against bringing large amounts of prescription drugs into the country. Mexican police can arrest you if they feel that your drugs are being abused or exceed the amount needed for personal use. It may be helpful to bring a doctor’s letter certifying the drugs’ legitimacy. It is also not advisable to buy large amounts of prescription drugs in Mexico—foreigners have been arrested even though they bought drugs legally. Counterfeit drugs are also prevalent, and depending on your home country, importing large amounts of prescription drugs may be illegal.
Alcohol. Mexicans get annoyed with foreigners who cross the border for nights of debauchery, so avoid public drunkenness—it is against the law and could land you in jail. Drinking to excess is unsafe for other reasons. The US State Department warns of tourists—almost always traveling alone—at nightclubs or bars who have been drugged or intoxicated and then beaten, robbed, abducted, or raped.
Firearms. Transporting firearms across Mexico’s borders is illegal. This applies to guns, knives and ammunition. Under no circumstances should weapons be brought into the country. Doing so requires obtaining permission in advance from Mexican authorities. This law is strictly enforced regardless of whether or not the possessor is licensed to carry a firearm in their native country. Violating this rule may result in fines, arrest, or incarceration.
Wildlife And Artifacts. Mexico prohibits the unauthorized exportation of certain wildlife products, whether as souvenirs or otherwise. These include any native birds, sea-turtle products, black coral jewelry, taxidermied animals, crocodile leather, and furs from spotted cats. The same laws apply to the possession of pre-Hispanic relics.
Earthquakes. Mexico is prone to seismic activity, often with devastating consequences. Should an earthquake occur, take cover under a heavy piece of furniture, such as a table or a desk, or a sturdy doorway, and protect your head. If outside, avoid standing near buildings or walls, as debris may begin to fall. Do not stand near windows that may shatter. Listen for radio or television announcements for developing information. Beware of aftershocks.
Hurricanes. Mexico’s Gulf and Pacific coasts often fall victim to hurricanes. Tourists should take into consideration the hurricane season (July-Nov.) when traveling. In the event of a hurricane, stay indoors and away from windows. Avoid going outside until the storm has passed, and be wary of the local water supply.
Volcanoes. Mexico is situated along the Pacific Ocean’s Ring of Fire and has its share of volcanoes. While most of these are dormant, some can erupt lava unexpectedly. An active volcano in Colima erupted most recently in 2005, sending ash and lava several kilometers into the sky. If you travel to a volcanic region, be aware of evacuation procedures in the event of an eruption.
From May-Nov. 2006, a massive teachers’ strike in Oaxaca City resulted in numerous deaths; since then political gatherings in Oaxaca have escalated into violent demonstrations. Additionally, Mexican presidential elections (the most recent in 2006) tend to be quite turbulent. During election years, expect widespread political protests. It is illegal for foreigners to participate in demonstrations deemed political by officials. Such actions violate tourist cards/visas and can result in arrest, fines, or deportation. Travelers are advised to avoid mass gatherings and keep close tabs on current political conditions.
There are several insurgent groups operating in Chiapas, Guerrero, and Oaxaca, the most prominent of which are the Zapatistas, the Popular Revolutionary Army, and the Insurgent People’s Revolutionary Army. While these groups are not heavily active, they have initiated violent uprisings in the recent past. In addition, the Zapatistas have occasionally been hostile towards foreigners.
Beaches. Crime has infiltrated even the most beautiful and pristine parts of the country, and tourists have not escaped attack. Avoid hidden or secluded beaches unless they are known to be especially safe. If you are going to the beach, it’s a good idea to go during daylight hours, when families and visitors are more numerous. Several US citizens have been killed while frolicking alone on beaches; some of these attacks happened during the morning hours. Avoid beaches that have been black-flagged and always exercise caution.
Border Cities. Because of their position along the US border, the narcotics trade has flourished in Ciudad Juárez, Nuevo Laredo, Tijuana, Nogales, Reynosa and Matamoros. Many foreigners involved in the trade have been kidnapped or murdered, and the violence occasionally affects innocent bystanders. The US State Department urges special caution for those visiting the “entertainment” and red-light districts in these cities.
Cancún. This international tourist mecca draws pickpockets and petty thieves from all over the country. Muggings, purse-snatchings, and hotel-room burglaries are on the rise. Use common sense and protect your valuables. Sexual assaults and rapes are known to occur during evening or early morning hours in the Zona Hotelera. Intoxicated clubbers separated from friends are at higher risk of being attacked. Such assaults, while few and far between, are on the rise. There have also been reports of increased harassment and abuse by police officers.
Chiapas. Due to recent Zapatista activity, tourists should be especially careful when traveling in Chiapas. While the Mexican government has brought much of the area under control, armed rebels are occasionally active in the highlands north of San Cristóbal de las Casas, Ocosingo, and in the jungles east of Comitán. These rebels have been openly hostile toward foreigners in the past.
Guerrero And Oaxaca. Due to political unrest in the rural parts of these states, visitors might encounter roadblocks and increased military presence. If your bus or car is pulled over, be prepared to show ID. There is no evidence, however, that the insurgent groups, the Popular Revolutionary Army and the Insurgent People’s Revolutionary Army, have targeted tourists. Violent protests in Oaxaca City during May-Nov. 2006 resulted in multiple fatalities. Many of the issues that were the basis for these demonstrations remain unresolved, and travelers are advised to monitor political conditions in Oaxaca City prior to planning a visit.
Mexico City. Mexico City, like most crowded metropolitan areas, has more than its share of crime; in fact, it has the highest crime rate in Mexico. Keep in mind that most crimes against tourists fall under the category of petty street crimes—muggings, pickpocketings, and purse-snatchings. Although the government has prided itself on reducing crime in the city, visitors should still exercise extreme caution, especially on public transportation.
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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