Urgent Mexico Travel Warnings!
Holy Week/Spring Break Advisories
If you plan to travel to Mexico during Holy Week (Semana Santa) or Spring Break, the US government has issued several urgent advisories to US residents who plan to cross the border.
WARNINGS ABOUT TRAVEL FROM THE US TO MEXICO:
First, the US State Department advises against travel to six Mexican States (shown on the map below in red) and urges US residents to reconsider travel to seven other Mexican States (shown on the map below in orange) due to the danger of becoming a victim of a violent crime or kidnapping.
You can find current information about US Travel Advisories for all Mexican states HERE.
IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO CANCUN, COZUMEL, PLAYA DEL CARMEN OR TULUM?
Second, if your travel plans include a trip to the "Riviera Maya" (including Cancun, Cozumel, or Playa del Carmen), the State Department advises visitors to "exercise increased caution" in all of Quintana Roo state due to crime:
"Criminal activity and violence may occur in any location, at any time, including in popular tourist destinations. While not directed at tourists, shootings between rival gangs have injured and killed innocent bystanders, including U.S. citizens. Violent crime, including homicides and assaults, has increased in Tulum. Exercise increased caution after dark in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, and remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones." - US State Department Travel Advisory for State of Quintana Roo, Mexico.
EXPECT LONG LINES & WAITS AT BORDER CROSSINGS DURING "HOLY WEEK"
US Customs & Border Protection (CBP) says to expect heavy traffic and delays at International Bridges and Border Crossings between the US and Mexico around "Semana Santa" (Holy Week) so plan accordingly. If you plan to cross between Laredo and Nuevo Laredo (or any other International Crossing) this CBP Advisory offers some valuable tips to smooth your travel.
WHAT ABOUT BRINGING EGGS FROM MEXICO INTO THE US FOR EASTER?
If you are bringing brightly-colored eggs filled with confetti (cascarones) from Mexico into the US, the CBP says that's fine - so long as you follow a few rules:
A dozen cascarones per car passenger are allowed to be brought into the US (and the shells may be decorated, etched, or painted and may contain confetti), BUT they must be clean, dry, and free of any egg residue.
With egg prices high in the US and low in Mexico, travellers to the US are being warned against trying to either save a buck (or make a buck) by bringing raw eggs across the border (which is prohibited by US law). And yes, in case you were wondering, egg smuggling has become a thing along the US border:
In January and February, CBP officers in El Paso encountered more than 90 people attempting to import raw eggs from Mexico - resulting in more than $4,000 in fines being levied.
However, the San Diego Sector is experiencing an " explosion" in these cases:Â CBP Officers are reporting a 158% increase in egg interceptions there compared to last year.
Federal officers warn this is no "yolking" matter - as individuals caught trying to bring prohibited Mexican eggs into the US risk up to a $1,000 fine.
Are you considering traveling to Mexico in the upcoming days?
Share your opinion in the comments to this article.
Abrazos,
Jack Beavers
