Because of the increasing violence in Mexico, the US State Department has issued a travel advisory increasing the number of areas visitors should avoid for safety reasons – and our own DFA warns about exchanging or withdrawing money at Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City.
This is the second such advisory to be issued within the past year. The advisory just issued urges US citizens to avoid all but essential travel to 14 states in Northern and Central Mexico, stating that US visitors have been victims to drug cartel-related activity “including homicide, gun battles, kidnapping, carjacking, and highway robbery”.
Last April it issued a similar advisory covering 10 states. More than 47,500 people have been killed in Mexico since 2006.
The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs website last updated its extensive advice on Mexico on 26th January. It includes: “Most visits to Mexico are trouble-free, however, we advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico because of the high level of violent crime. Pay close attention to your security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
“Recently there have been reports of foreigners being violently targeted for assault and robbery at Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City. Victims are followed after exchanging or withdrawing money in the arrival areas the airport. It is therefore recommended to avoid withdrawing or exchanging money in the public areas of the airport. Should you absolutely need to do so, financial transactions should be done before exiting the customs area.”
