Us Freezes Mexico Travel: What Does This Mean?

can us freeze mexico travel

The US government has not frozen travel to Mexico, but it has issued a Reconsider Travel advisory, warning of violent crime, including homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery. The US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by US government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted.

US citizens are advised to adhere to restrictions on US government employee travel, including not travelling between cities after dark, not hailing taxis on the street, and relying on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services and regulated taxi stands. US government employees are also advised to avoid travelling alone, especially in remote areas.

In addition, there are specific advisories for different Mexican states, with some states deemed safe for travel, and others to be avoided.

Characteristics Values
Crime Widespread and common in Mexico
U.S. government travel Restricted in certain areas
U.S. citizen travel Recommended to adhere to U.S. government travel restrictions
U.S. citizen safety precautions Avoid travelling alone, displaying signs of wealth, and driving at night
U.S. citizen emergency assistance Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate
Temporary travel restrictions In place from May 21, 2020, to June 22, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic

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Crime and safety concerns

US citizens are advised to adhere to restrictions on US government employee travel. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Mexico, with US citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) being victims of kidnapping and homicide. Criminal organisations compete in the border areas to establish narco-trafficking and human smuggling routes, with US citizens and LPRs being victims of kidnapping.

In some areas, armed groups operate independently of the government, and frequently maintain roadblocks, using violence towards travellers. Criminal groups also target public and private passenger buses, as well as private automobiles, taking passengers and demanding ransom payments.

US citizens are advised to exercise increased caution in the downtown areas of popular tourist destinations, especially after dark, and to avoid areas where illicit activities occur. It is also recommended to avoid travelling at night outside major cities, including on major highways, and to use toll roads when possible.

In the case of an emergency, dial 911. Although there may be English-speaking operators available, it is best to seek the assistance of a Spanish speaker to place the call.

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Travel restrictions

US-Mexico travel restrictions

The US government has restricted travel to Mexico for US government employees. US citizens are advised to adhere to these restrictions. These include:

  • Not travelling between cities after dark
  • Not hailing taxis on the street, instead relying on dispatched vehicles, such as Uber, and regulated taxi stands
  • Avoiding travelling alone, especially in remote areas
  • Not driving from the US-Mexico border to or from the interior of Mexico, except for daytime travel within certain areas

Mexico's travel restrictions

Mexico has not imposed any travel restrictions on US citizens. However, there are safety concerns in the country, including violent crime, such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery. The US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in many areas of Mexico.

COVID-19-related travel restrictions

In May 2020, the US Customs and Border Protection restricted non-essential travel between the US and Mexico at land ports of entry and ferry terminals. This restriction was in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and was in place until June 2020.

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Language barriers

  • Airports and Public Transport: Announcements at airports are usually made in both English and Spanish. However, signage at bus and metro stations may be in Spanish only. It is recommended to use a translation app or carry a dictionary to help with navigation.
  • Restaurants: In tourist areas, some restaurants may have English menus or waiters who speak English. However, in local eateries, English menus may not be available. Learning some basic food-related Spanish phrases or carrying a menu translator can be helpful.
  • Attractions and Museums: Museums sometimes provide English explanations or guidebooks. However, it is always a good idea to carry a translation app or dictionary to help you understand the information provided.
  • Communication: Mexicans are generally tolerant of non-Spanish speakers. Learning some basic Spanish phrases or carrying a phrasebook can go a long way in facilitating communication and making your trip smoother.
  • Apps and Tools: Translation apps, dictionaries, and language learning apps can be extremely useful when navigating language barriers. Consider downloading and familiarising yourself with these tools before your trip.
  • Expat Areas: In expat areas like Cancun, Tulum, and Los Cabos, you are more likely to encounter people who speak English.

While language barriers can be challenging, they should not deter you from visiting Mexico. With some preparation and basic Spanish phrases, you can effectively navigate the language barrier and have a memorable trip.

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Poor road conditions

Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of U.S. citizen deaths in Mexico. Poor road conditions and maintenance across Mexico vary, with many road surfaces needing repair. Travel in rural areas poses additional risks, including spotty cell phone coverage and delays in receiving roadside or medical assistance.

U.S. citizens are advised to avoid driving on Mexican highways at night and to exercise caution at all times. They should use toll ("cuota") roads rather than the less secure free ("libre") roads whenever possible.

In many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital or major cities.

In the event of an emergency while driving, dial "911". If you are driving on a toll highway ("cuota") or any other major highway, you may contact the Green Angels, a fleet of trucks with bilingual crews, by dialling 078 from any phone in Mexico.

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Poorly maintained RV parks

RV parks in Mexico vary in quality, but many are poorly maintained. Amenities can vary, but you can expect a communal area, bathrooms, and showers—although hot water is not always available. Parks in warmer parts of the country often have pools or beach access, and laundry facilities are more common in Baja California than in mainland Mexico.

Most Mexican RV parks provide full hookups for electricity, water, and sewerage, but some may only offer electricity and water. It's also common to find only 15-amp outlets, so bring a 50-amp or 30-amp adapter. The electrical current can be unreliable and inconsistent, so it's important to invest in an Electrical Management System (EMS) Surge Protector. Well-known RV tourist areas, such as San Felipe, Puerto Penasco, and Mazatlan, tend to have more stable electricity and cater to American RVers.

Drinking tap water is not recommended in Mexico, as it can cause illness. Many RV parks offer water hookups for washing and flushing toilets, but it's best to get drinking water from a 5-gallon garrafon or a countertop water dispenser. Garrafons can be refilled at grocery stores, convenience stores, or water purification plants (Agua Purificadora). Another option is to fill your tanks directly at an Agua Purificadora, but this can be tricky for larger RVs and may require special equipment. Alternatively, you can purify water by mixing a few tablespoons of chlorine into your tanks.

Internet access can be unreliable, but many RV parks offer free WiFi. For a better connection, consider bringing Starlink or getting a local Telcel SIM card, which can be purchased at OXXO convenience stores.

Pets are allowed in Mexican RV parks, but it's important to be cautious as campground managers often have dogs onsite, and unleashed dogs from other visitors or strays are common. Mexican street dogs are usually friendly but can set off "alarm systems" in residential areas. It's a good idea to walk the area by yourself before bringing your dog.

RV parks in Mexico are generally cheaper than in the US or Canada, with an average cost of $10–$20 USD per night. In popular tourist destinations, expect to pay closer to $25–$40 USD. Free dispersed RV camping is available in the Baja California Peninsula and parts of mainland Mexico, but even dry camping often requires a payment of around $200–$300 pesos.

Many Mexican RV parks do not take reservations, so it's a good idea to call or message ahead to check if space is available. Nicer RV parks in top tourist destinations are more likely to have phone or online reservation systems.

Noise can be an issue at Mexican RV parks, with fireworks, loud music, traffic, and barking dogs.

Frequently asked questions

The US can and has frozen non-essential travel to Mexico. This was done in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and was in place from May 21, 2020, to June 22, 2020.

Essential travel includes US citizens and lawful permanent residents returning to the US, individuals travelling for medical purposes, to attend educational institutions, or to work, and individuals travelling for emergency response and public health purposes.

Non-essential travel includes individuals travelling for tourism purposes, such as sightseeing, recreation, gambling, or attending cultural events.

If you are travelling in an RV, it is recommended that you carry limited amounts of cash, dress down, and travel as part of a caravan. It is also important to avoid travelling at night, as Mexican highways often have speed bumps and potholes that are hard to see, and to bring extra supplies in case of emergencies.

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