Tag: Government

U.S Government Reissues Level 4 Do Not Travel Warning To This Caribbean Island
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Haiti is a beautiful country that boasts miles of white sandy beaches and a host of culturally and historically rich attractions.

In fact the beaches in Haiti are so beautiful that Royal Caribbean continues to sail to Labadee: A private dock on Haiti’s northern coast where visitors can sunbathe on the pristine sands and snorkel to coral reefs, all against the backdrop of jungle-covered hilltops.

However, Haiti is also considered to be a very dangerous country with incredibly high levels of crime, kidnapping risk, and civil unrest. The levels of crime and gang violence continue to increase in the country.

To reflect just how dangerous they perceive Haiti to be, the U.S Government has reissued its ‘Level 4 Do Not Travel’ warning to the country.

Here’s what you need to know:

Why Has The Advisory Been Reissued?

The U.S. Government has reissued a Level 4 ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory to reflect that they have ordered the departure of all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and their eligible family members.

The advisory also states that U.S. citizens in Haiti should leave Haiti as soon as possible using commercial or other privately available transport options. This decision has been reached due to the current security situation and infrastructure challenges in Haiti.

Citizens in Haiti wishing to leave Port-au-Prince right now are advised to “monitor local news and only do so when considered safe.”

Why Is Haiti Considered Dangerous?

There are many reasons why the U.S. government considers Haiti to be dangerous and has issued the Level 4 Do Not Travel advisory. These include:

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- Gang violence. This has always been a real issue in Haiti but this has now increased to extreme levels. Since April the mob killings of presumed criminals have also been on the rise.
- Violent crime is commonplace. This includes armed robbery and carjackings involving the use of firearms. Travelers are often followed and either robbed or violently attacked. This includes places that they may perceive to be safe, such as close to Port-au-Prince airport.
- Protests, demonstrations, and tire burning in protest against the government are commonplace. These are unpredictable and can often turn violent. Local police lack the resources to respond to criminal incidences, meaning that U.S. citizens that are victims of crime in Haiti will have limited support.
It’s important to note that the U.S. government is very limited in the support that it can provide to U.S. citizens who need emergency assistance in Haiti. Your only assistance will be from the limited resources of the local authorities.

Staying Safe In Haiti

Despite this government warning, you may decide that you still wish to visit Haiti. While the security situation in the country is volatile, many tourists still travel to Haiti to explore the beaches, the art, the unique voodoo ceremonies, and the music-filled streets.

In their advisory, the U.S. government states that citizens who decide to travel to Haiti should avoid demonstrations and crowds and never attempt to drive through roadblocks.

Because the streets around Port-au-Prince airport can be dangerous, travelers should arrange airport transfers in advance or have their host meet them at the airport.

Be careful about sharing your personal information with anyone, and if you feel like you might be being followed, then you should drive or walk to the nearest police station immediately.

Walking in public can be very risky, so aim to travel by car are much as possible and keep your windows and doors locked when driving in Haiti.

In short, if you are traveling in Haiti, it is important to be cautious and alert at all times. And ensure that you have private travel insurance and medical evacuation insurance in place before you travel so that you are prepared for every eventuality.

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July 29, 2023
The Latest Alcohol Rules For Tourists In Dubai After Government Reduces Prices

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Trips to Dubai just got cheaper for travelers who enjoy a drink on vacation with the government removing its 30% municipality tax on alcohol sales. The country has also removed its AED 270 (US$73) fee for liquor licenses that allow people to buy alcohol to drink at home. The reduction in fees and taxes has gone into effect now and will be trialed for a year.

Major alcohol purveyors are already celebrating the news on their social channels, instantly reflecting the new pricing on their stock in-stores but are caveating that the 5% VAT fee will still apply.

“You no longer need to make trips across the country to stock up on your favourite drinks. With the removal of 30% municipality tax and FREE alcohol licence, buying your favourite drinks is now easier and cheaper than ever!” said MMI Dubai, a major purveyor of alcohol, on its Instagram.

This move is expected to boost the appeal of Dubai as a destination for tourists and digital nomads, to compete with its neighboring countries that also carry hefty taxes on alcohol. Tourism is an important income stream for Dubai, with tourist numbers growing more than 180% in the first half of 2022, compared to the same time period a year prior, while new establishments are constantly popping up to meet this demand.

Do I Need A Liquor License To Drink At My Accommodation?

For tourists staying in hotels, the answer is NO.

Tourists that are staying in private accommodations like rentals or Airbnb’s will have different rules if they are looking to buy bottles to bring home. Tourists can apply for a free 30-day license to purchase alcohol, which is a simplified process that you can do at two of the main purveyors of alcohol in Dubai – MMI and African + Eastern. You just need to be at least 21 years of age and will need to bring your passport and a valid visitor visa to the store to obtain the license.

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Where Can I Buy Alcohol?

MMI and African + Eastern are the two main legally operated liquor stores in Dubai and collectively have almost 40 stores in Dubai, which stock the most popular wines, spirits, and beer brands.

Tourists also have access to the Legal Home Delivery service, which is the only legal alcohol delivery service in Dubai operated by MMI and African + Eastern. This service means you can avoid going into the store and opt for delivery to your accommodation instead, which is available 7 days per week between 10 am and 10 pm.

The system doesn’t currently offer same-day delivery, so you will need to order before 12 pm to get next-day delivery and order a minimum of UAE 150 (US$40). Currently, there is no limit set by law on how much alcohol you can purchase, as long as you have a liquor license to purchase it.

Where Can I Drink Alcohol?

Drinking alcohol is restricted to certain locations that are considered legal. This includes your residence or accommodation, and in licensed venues around the city.

Alcohol is not widely served in Dubai due to its Muslim population and Islamic laws, so you can only drink at officially licensed establishments such as hotels, restaurants, bars, and clubs that are targeted toward expats and tourists. It is recommended by the Embassy of the UAE not to ask for alcohol if it isn’t on the menu. If you come across locations with signs saying “dry,” this means they do not serve alcohol.

Dubai’s clubs normally kick into gear around 10am and close around 3am, with alcohol service stopping at around 1 am, but each location has its own schedule.

Is Alcohol Expensive In Dubai?

A wide range of alcohol is served in Dubai, but it typically comes with a larger price tag than home. Drinking alcohol in Dubai is considered a privilege, but the recent removal of the 30% of tax should make it more attractive for tourists.

Some remain skeptical that these savings will be passed on when drinking on-site at bars and restaurants. According to The Washington Post, a pint of Budweiser costs about $13 at a hotel bar close to Dubai airport, while Legal Home Delivery advertises prices for a 1L of Absolut Vodka at UAS 191 (US $52), while wines start from UAE 22 (US $6), excluding 5% VAT tax.

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January 9, 2023
US Government Launching Platform That Will Enable Passengers To Compare Airline Services
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With the ongoing chaos affecting air travel lately, have you ever wondered which airline would be ‘safer’ to book with, based on what benefits they offer in the event of a delay or cancelation? Pretty soon, the U.S. Government will launch an online platform enabling Americans to do just that, and make better informed decisions when planning a trip.

As the world reopened following Covid and millions flocked into airports, especially after the U.S. dropped the controversial inbound testing requirement, industry operators finally realized, perhaps a little too late, they were not prepared for dealing with a pent-up travel demand amid a crippling worker shortage and other operational issues.

Consequently, throughout summer, thousands of flights were either axed or did not depart as scheduled, with some carriers even blatantly denying customers refunds. Now, the Government is finally stepping in:

Buttigieg Wants To Increase Customer Protection Amid The Travel Chaos

After being personally affected by the spate of cancelations dragging down the aviation sector’s recovery, U.S. Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg decided to take matters into his own hands and called out airlines out on their behavior. According to Buttigieg himself, this flight cancelation wave is ‘unacceptable’ and carriers should take responsibility.

Reuters reports that the Transport Secretary sent a letter of reprimand to airline executives, from those on a regional level all the way to the top of the chain, warning the U.S. Government is mulling over a new set of laws that would ‘expand the rights of airline passengers‘. In essence, Buttigieg wants travelers to be able to access:
- Clear information concerning an airline’s flight cancelation policies
- Food vouchers when flights are delayed for 3 hours or more
- Lodging when staying at the airport overnight due to delays within an airline’s control
Should any such law be implemented, this would be a landmark event in U.S. aviation History. At present, U.S. carriers are not required to provide passengers with complimentary meals, or hotel rooms, when unable to fulfill their own schedule. Despite not being legally bound to do so, a majority of them offers compensation out of common decency.

This does not change the fact that this isn’t a right, and thus, it can be refused at an airlines’ discretion. That’s a scary thought, and Buttigieg agrees air passengers need more protection urgently. This year, roughly 24 per cent of flights operated by U.S. carriers were delayed, giving rise to concerns airlines could eventually cease honoring their part of the deal.

A deal that does not exist in paper, for that matter. Additionally, the Transport Secretary has confirmed the U.S. Government is launching a new dashboard on September 2, right before Labor Day weekend, allowing Americans to verify how exactly each carrier plans on reimbursing their cancelation costs in a worst-case scenario:

All We Know So Far About The New Interactive Platform Launching

As Buttigieg shared, the ‘interactive’ dashboard would compile ‘easy-to-read’, comparative information on the services every large U.S. airline provide upon delaying or canceling a flight in a single online venue. He has not shared in detail how the information will be displayed, or how exactly users can go about viewing it.

All we know so far is it will be based off ‘airlines’ customer service plans’, since Buttigieg expressly told CEOs on his letter that this is their opportunity to ensure their Customer Service Plan ‘guarantees adequate amenities and services’ to help passengers through inconveniences. Interestingly, as far as we’re concerned, this is the first initiative of the sort by the Government.

Previously, airlines were able to operate free from Washington’s watchful gaze, though their current underperformance has led to increased scrutiny. The fact that the Transport Secretary is actively advocating for passenger rights, as well as debuting a promising comparative dashboard, are both indications the Government is siding with customers for once.

It remains to be seen whether the novelty will live up to expectations, and actually prove useful with time. This is the first time we hear of a national government gathering data to assist citizens in planning trips, and certainly an unusual move for the Department of Transportation. What’s more: Washington is not alone in its clash against the aviation giants.

North of the border, Ottawa had a few tricks up its sleeve as well:

North American Governments Come To Their Citizens’ Aid

The Canadian Government drafted its own laws requiring airlines to refund passengers in the event of any cancelation, including those outside their control, after Canada came under fire for being, at the time, an epicenter for the summer travel chaos. Of course, Washington has not gone as far, yet, but it is certainly closing in on what’s a poorly-regulated market.

Lastly, Buttigieg is developing other rules that would require carriers to refund travelers when their baggage is delayed or lost, and prohibit them from charging extra when families request to sit together in planes. Besides the interactive dashboard, coming this September, the remaining proposals are just that: proposals.

They need to be appraised and they may either be enshrined into law, or completely discarded. We will keep you updated once more information is shared by the Department of Transport.

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This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

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August 22, 2022
Mexico Government Confirms Mayan Train Will Launch From Cancun In 2023

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The Mexican Government has confirmed this week its ambitious Mayan Train project will be going ahead as planned, with a final launch date set for 2023. Despite some major setbacks recently, including the temporary suspension of construction in key sections, Cancun will soon be connected by rail to numerous other hotspots in the Yucatan Peninsula.

Marred by controversy since it was first presented, the scenic train risked never leaving the drawing board. From triggering the ire of hoteliers, who strongly opposed the installation of train tracks close to their beach front, to being delayed a number of times following strict environmental reviews, it seemed unlikely it would open anytime soon… Until now.

Starting next year, tourists will be able to travel the Riviera Maya extensively, including inland sites that were once largely inaccessible:

A Quick Recap: What Is The Mayan Train?

The Mayan Train, or Tren Maya in Spanish, is a 948 mile long intercity train that has been in the works for a number of years. It is Mexico’s boldest attempt yet to ease travel across its sparsely populated Yucatan Peninsula, which comprises three of Mexico’s most popular states: the eponymous Yucatan, Quintana Roo and Campeche.

While highways in Mexico offer access to a number of cities and destinations off the beaten path, the country has never invested heavily in railway infrastructure, like its North American counterparts, until recently. Although its main goal is boosting tourism in less-visited areas, the Tren Maya will also massively improve connectivity for locals.

Planned Route Of The Mayan Train, Yucatan Peninsula, Riviera Maya, Mexico

Beginning in Palenque, in the non-Yucatan state of Chiapas, it will travel northeast-bound towards Cancun, encircling the whole historical peninsula. On its East Coast route, the train will call at Chetumal, Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Puerto Morelos, offering easy access to all the main tourist destinations in Mexico’s Riviera Maya.

On the Peninsula’s North and West Coast, visitors will be able to travel by rail to Nuevo Xcan, Valladolid, the famous pre-Columbian city of Chichen Itza, Izamal, the historical Merida, home to Mexico’s oldest cathedral, and San Francisco de Campeche. In the Southern line, destinations include Boca del Cerro, El Triunfo, Escarcega, Xpujil and Bacalar.

What Has The President Actually Said?

Regardless of the battle being fought in court against environmentalists, who are urging the Government not to move forward with the so-called fifth section of the train, citing irreversible damage to archaeological sites, Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Orador has at last confirmed the Mayan Train will leave its Cancun terminal ‘by 2023’.

During a press conference, Obrador reaffirmed that launching the train is ‘an affair of the State’, and ensured it be fully operational next year, though he didn’t specify a date. Besides reiterating his full commitment to the project, the President hit back at protesters, effectively accusing them of pursuing their own agenda and calling them ‘corrupt’.

What Is The Status Of The Mayan Train?

Even though Obrador’s statements are reassuring, and he seems adamant the remaining tracks will be laid in time for a launch next year, a settlement to the ongoing legal dispute is yet to be reached. Earlier this year, a Yucatan judge ruled that no more tracks should be laid on the fifth section until further environmental evaluations are carried out.

This stretch is perhaps one of the most important on the rail map, as it connects Tulum, famous for its Mayan ruins, to the paradise beaches of Playa del Carmen, running for roughly 37 miles. Additionally, until the section is completed, Cancun is virtually cut off from the Southern Riviera Maya, as all trains bound for Chetumal will call at Tulum.

One of the authorities behind the venture, Fonatur, Mexico’s National Fund for the Promotion of Tourism, released a new report asserting that progress has in fact been made in laying tracks. Namely, 4 of the 7 sections have had advancements, but due to pending environmental and archaeological reviews, the Tulum-Playa del Carmen stretch is not among them.

On July 3, during his tour of the construction sites, Obrador visited the Merida-Cancun route, or section number four, starting in Izamal and terminating at Cancun International Airport. This route runs for 159 miles and, as claimed by Obrador, is 50% complete. Interestingly, this is the first time the President has ever offered an update as precise as this.

Train Ridership Is Increasing As Air Travel Turns Chaotic

As air travel descends into chaos, following reports of staffing constraints at airports, more and more travelers are turning to alternative transportation as a means to avoid being affected by the increasingly common flight delays. Train travel is one such alternative, with ridership in parts of America now up 25% compared to last year’s figures.

After two years of being placed on hold, Amtrak’s cross-border service to Canada relaunched last month, bringing back international train travel between the United States and its Northern neighbor. Over in Europe, Germany launched a seasonal train pass, allowing passengers to travel to various destinations within the country for only 9 euros.

The irresistible offer, in place during summer, is the German Government’s bid to ease air traffic congestion and promote sustainable travel. Once a thing of the past, sleeper trains are making a comeback of their own as well, as slow/solo travel trends peak. You get our point: while airlines do not get their act together, it seems no one is in a rush to fly anywhere.

It should come as no surprise, then, that Mexico is keen on investing on its own rail infrastructure. More Tren Maya updates can be found on the Mexican Government’s website and at our partners’ The Cancun Sun, another Off Path Enterprises production specialized in Cancun/ Riviera Maya news.

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July 10, 2022
Travel Industry Continues Pressing U.S. Government For Removal Of Pre-Departure Testing

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The U.S. travel industry – including the nation’s major airline carriers – has once again urged the American government to remove the pre-departure testing requirement for vaccinated travelers entering the country.

On May 31, representatives from the travel industry met with members of the White House to discuss the matter – in an attempt to have the pre-departure testing requirement removed for fully vaccinated international travelers wanting to enter the United States of America.

And, not only are those in America’s travel industry arguing that the pre-departure testing requirement is a deterrent to those looking to visit the country, but they also claim it is harming the nation’s economy.

The President and CEO of Airlines for America echoed this in a statement – following yesterday’s meeting – by saying: “Quite frankly, the only impact the pre-departure testing requirement is having is a chilling effect on an already fragile economy here in the U.S.”

Major U.S. Airlines Believe Removing The Pre-Departure Testing Requirements Will See More Tourists Enter The Country

The biggest airlines in the U.S. are calling for the Biden administration to remove the pre-departure testing requirements for international visitors – as they argue that this is likely to be acting as a deterrent to those considering visiting the U.S. for tourism purposes.

And, there is no doubt that this could well be the case – especially with the number of international travelers to the States still more than 10 percent below pre-pandemic levels.

This is in contrast to its neighboring country, Mexico – which has had zero covid-related entry requirements for months, and is on the verge of seeing a return to pre-pandemic tourist numbers.

The nation is expecting as many as 40 million international visitors to enter its doors this year.

This Is Not The First Time That The U.S. Government Has Been Urged To Remove The Pre-Departure Testing Requirement

A few weeks ago we reported that more than 260 companies had signed a letter addressed to the Coronavirus Response Coordinator, Dr. Ashish Jha, asking for the White House to remove the covid testing measures for fully vaccinated visitors arriving into the United States.

The letter had been signed by the nation’s largest airline companies – including American Airlines, Delta Airlines and Southwest – as well as major companies from the travel industry such as Hilton, Marriott and Disney.

The U.S. Is One Of The Few Nations That Still Requires Travelers To Undergo Pre-Arrival Testing

Just over a month ago we reported that the United States of America was one of the only few nations that still requires travelers – in particular those who are vaccinated – to undergo pre-departure testing for Covid-19 before being able to enter the country.

And, the fact that the nation still requires fully vaccinated travelers to undertake a Covid-19 test prior to their departure to the U.S. is sure to come as a surprise – especially as more and more countries around the world are removing ALL of their Covid-related entry requirements.

In the last few days and weeks we have seen some of the most popular destinations for tourists – including the likes of Italy, Germany, Belgium, and Vietnam – having removed all of their entry requirements, following in the footsteps of the many countries that had previously done so.

It will therefore not come as a surprise that the U.S. travel industry continues to push for the removal of the pre-departure testing requirements – in particular for those who have received their full Covid-19 vaccination.

You can keep up to date with the latest travel requirements for international visitors wanting to enter the U.S. by clicking here.

Read more:

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June 3, 2022
U.S. Government Restores Flights To Cuba And Eases Restrictions
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Travelers must comply with requirements and understand all restrictions and measures before planning a trip to Cuba.

The Biden Administration published a press statement on Monday announcing that they will support the Cuban people by easing and removing restrictions imposed by the ex-president of the United States, Donald Trump, including travel measures to Cuba.

The US Department of State informed that commercial flights to different Cuban cities will be restored—previously U.S. airlines could only fly to Havana, the capital. Spokesman Ned Price said that the new measures “will make it easier for families to visit their relatives in Cuba and for authorized U.S. travelers to engage with the Cuban people, attend meetings, and conduct research.”

The recent changes to Cuba policy—applied as a strategy to support “Cubans’ aspirations for freedom” after recent anti-government protests— include reestablishing the family reunification program, allowing group travel for educational and professional purposes, increasing visa processing, lifting the family remittances cap previously limited to $1,000 per quarter per person, and supporting the private sector. These new measures attempt to ease the Cuban political and humanitarian crisis —which worsened during the pandemic.

Despite the removal of the COVID-19-related entry requirements in April, travel to Cuba is still complicated, and individual travel remains restricted for U.S. residents.

American citizens who want to visit the beautiful island must first understand the implications, restrictions, and all applicable rules, as well as stay up to date with news and future updates determined by the US government after this announcement.

What U.S. Travelers Must Know About Travel To Cuba

According to the official information shared by U.S. authorities, “travel to Cuba for tourist activities remains prohibited by statute”. However, American travelers have still been allowed to visit the island but under certain circumstances and by complying with all requirements.

Those interested in traveling to Cuba must understand that besides the traditional travel considerations all countries have, there are special restrictions stated by the U.S. Department of State—there is a large list of hotels and other touristic companies banned by the US government for acting on behalf of the Cuban military or intelligence—, and U.S. travelers must be approved under one of the 12 motives for visiting Cuba.

Requirements might change depending on the travel category, but these are the main demands and considerations when traveling to Cuba:
- Valid US Passport: with a validity of over 6 months after leaving Cuba.
- Cuba Tourist Card: It allows travelers to visit for 30 days, and can be bought online —costs $103 through the official site—, or directly from the airline —prices vary, from $50 to $100, depending on the carrier and the fees charged.
- Travel Insurance: Must cover unexpected medical expenses during the visit.
- Fill out Health and customs forms: Travelers must request a form online called D’Viajeros and fill it out before traveling to Cuba.
- Travelers can be required to show the return ticket and proof of sufficient funds as well as accommodation booked or established.
- Comply with Covid-19 related restrictions: covid testing and vaccination requirements are gone, but travelers can be selected for random testing upon arrival. If the PCR is positive, travelers could go under government quarantine.
- An approved “Travel License” to visit Cuba: A permit provided by the US Government for travel to Cuba under one of the 12 active categories for legal travel and meeting all criteria.
The Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued general licenses for 12 categories of travel:
- Family visits.
- Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations.
- Journalistic activity.
- Professional research and professional meetings.
- Educational activities (recently reactivated with the new measures).
- Religious activities.
- Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions.
- Support for the Cuban people (a popular category among US travelers).
- Humanitarian projects.
- Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes.
- Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials.
- Certain authorized export transactions.
Travelers will find more details on the official US Government Cuba Travel page, Cuba’s Easy Tourist Card Page, and the D’Viajeros site.

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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May 19, 2022
Mexico Government Asks U.S. To Stop Including Tourist Spots In Travel Advisories

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Standing up for its tourism sector, currently plagued by numerous reports of increased violence in popular destinations, the Mexican Government has formally asked the United States to not ‘generalize’ when issuing travel advisories.

Namely, it has suggested any alerts affecting whole cities and/or states should be more specific.

Although Mexico unarguably remains a top rated holiday destination for millions of Americans, security concerns raised by U.S. authorities have led to speculation the country may no longer be as safe. Even in Cancun, where the National Guard has been deployed to keep tourists safe, the advisories have proven particularly damaging.

Now, Mexico is fiercely defending its hard-earned reputation as a tourist oasis:

Mexico Wants More Transparency From U.S. Authorities On Travel Warnings

Having succeeded in the mission of crowning Mexico one of the most visited countries in the world after Covid, Secretary of Tourism Miguel Torruco is now working to tackle the scrutiny the country’s security forces have been under lately. Despite Mexico’s best efforts, many now believe it is a country to be avoided due to high crime rates.

The change in perception can be attributed to the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Advisory, which lists only two Mexican states out of 32 as being completely safe for American travelers, those being Campeche and Yucatan. Comparatively, travel warnings have been slapped on all other major tourist zones, including Quintana Roo, Baja California Sur and Jalisco.

As stated on the Travel Advisory, Americans should either reconsider, or exercise increased caution when traveling to these destinations due to crime and even risk of kidnapping. Foreseeing the trouble ahead, Torruco requested a meeting with Rena Bitter, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs.

During the Washington meeting, where other concerns were also debated, Torruco suggested that the travel alerts issued by the U.S. Department of State should be more specific in their classification of risk zones in Mexico. As Torruco puts it, they should ‘detail the areas that could represent problems and not generalize’.

While the Travel Advisory is quite extensive, and security alerts are somewhat more detailed under every Mexican state’s designated section, it does fail to define more precisely which neighborhoods, or zones, are affected by crime in relevant cities.

Instead, the U.S. Department of State opts for advising Americans to be cautious when visiting them as a whole.

Quintana Roo Is One Of The Destinations Targeted By The U.S. Department Of State

Let’s take the example of Quintana Roo: the advisory mentions ‘criminal activity and violence may occur in any location, at any time, including in popular tourist destinations’. On top of that, the advisory states travelers should exercise ‘increased caution’, especially after dark, when walking downtown Cancun, Tulum or Playa del Carmen.

There may be a grain true in it, but the same could be said about any other destination, or any other country. Like Torruco affirmed, ‘some isolated cases of insecurity are found several kilometers from tourist destinations’, bringing into question the U.S. Department of State’s classification of Quintana Roo’s top 3 cities as unsafe.

While we could expect Torruco to defend Quintana Roo’s honor, we also know that there have been shootings in tourist zones, including inside luxury complexes, giving some weight to the U.S. classification.

However, in his defense, they have not targeted tourists and are instead a result of gang disputes, something even the United States acknowledges.

The Mexican Government Is Prepared To Deal With Violence Surges In Tourist Spots

Despite clear disagreements as to what constitutes a safe tourist destination, Torruco considered the meeting ‘cordial’ and found ‘openness and willingness to take up the suggestion’. Meanwhile, Mexico has been taking further steps to quash the crime trend, including cracking down on corrupt police that have been known to extort tourists.

Torruco also personally handed Bitter a document describing actions taken by municipal, state and federal authorities to protect American tourists in Quintana Roo, hoping the U.S. would reconsider its travel warnings. Or then, in the least, concede that the Mexican Government is prepared to deal with the violence surge.

Lastly, he noted 3.18 million Americans have traveled to Mexico during the first quarter of the year, highlighting the close links between the two North American countries and the need for cooperation on safety issues.

So far, the U.S. Department of State is yet to make significant changes to its classification of Mexican states, though any updates will be published here.

Read More:

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May 14, 2022