Recent message from the American Consulate

Recent increases in violent crime rates in Mexican regions sharing a border with the United States serve as a reminder that everyone should take an active role in their own personal security. U.S. citizens residing and traveling in Mexico should exercise caution when in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

Violence by criminal elements affects many parts of the country, urban and rural. Visitors to the U.S. – Mexico border region, including cities such as Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Nogales, Reynosa, Matamoros, and Monterrey, should remain alert and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Crime in Mexico continues at high levels, and it is often violent, especially in Mexico City, Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Monterrey, Acapulco, and the state of Sinaloa. Other metropolitan areas have lower, but still serious, levels of crime. In its efforts to combat violence, the Government of Mexico has deployed military troops in various parts of the country. Military checkpoints increased in border areas in early 2008. U.S. citizens are advised to cooperate with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways.

There is no evidence that U.S. citizens are specifically targeted because of their citizenship. However, American bystanders have been injured or killed in violent attacks, demonstrating the heightened risk in public places. The United States Government does not have any information about specific threats to American Citizens but would like to share a self-assessment questionnaire used by government employees to help you increase your own personal security.