Travel agents are being advised to closely monitor events in Mexico after the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) updated its guidance against all but essential travel to many states and cities in the west of the country and Tamaulipas in the northeast.
This follows incidents of violence in the wake of security forces killing a major drug cartel boss in the state of Jalisco, which is home to popular tourist spots Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, one of the host cities for this summer’s World Cup.
Although these “serious security incidents” are mainly away from main resorts on the Gulf of Mexico frequented by British holidaymakers such as Cancun, the latest advisory warns that security incidents have also been reported in other parts of the country, including in tourist areas in Quintana Roo and Oaxaca states.
Jalisco is beginning to return to a state of normality, as tourists who were trapped make their way to Puerto Vallarta’s international airport.
FCDO issues guidance
“Serious security incidents have been reported since February 22 across the state of Jalisco, including in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, following a federal law-enforcement operation against organised crime in the municipality of Tapalpa,” the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office says.
The latest guidance online reads: “If you are currently in Jalisco, minimise movements and follow any local shelter in place instructions.
“These conditions significantly affected access to reliable transport and services, with local shelter in place instructions in some areas and suspension of certain local transport services reported in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. Services appear to be resuming operations on February 24, although you should continue to follow local security advice.
“Flight schedules to and from Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara have also been disrupted. Check for messages from your airline or tour operator before travelling to the airport, and monitor local and international media for updates.
“There continue to be some reports of blockades in Jalisco state. Be alert to potential disruptions and check local media, official guidance, and updates from transport providers before deciding whether to travel. If you do choose to travel, remain vigilant and be prepared for possible delays or changes to routes.
“Security incidents were reported in other parts of Mexico, including in tourist areas in Quintana Roo and Oaxaca states, but things appear to have returned to normal outside of Jalisco. Wherever you are in Mexico, stay alert and follow local security advice.”
Advantage responds
Commenting on the travel advice, Julia Lo Bue-Said OBE, CEO of Advantage Travel Partnership, said: “Earlier this week the FCDO advised against all but essential travel to Jalisco State, Mexico, and a recent update has shared additional areas that are being considered high risk including Sinaloa, Guerrero, parts of Baja California and Chihuahua.
“We are monitoring this news closely, and recommend travellers to avoid visiting these areas unless it is essential and particularly urge travellers to avoid provincial and free roads due to the lack of monitoring and maintenance which could put visitors at risk.
“Popular tourist destinations such as Cancún, Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya do remain open and are considered safe, however, we encourage travellers to remain vigilant as there have been reports of flight disruption particularly in Cancún. Flights to and from Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara also remain disrupted, with several airlines cancelling or diverting services at short notice.”
Agents should advise travellers to ensure their passport is valid for the duration of their stay and that they retain an entry stamp or immigration receipt upon arrival as well as holding comprehensive travel insurance.
They should also monitor the latest information and advice and advise clients to check with their airline directly before travelling to the airport, and to monitor local and international media for updates.
