How dangerous is Mexico for your safety, health and insurances?
How to stay safe and out of trouble in Mexico?
- Mexico is not a very safe country, but as long as you avoid certain areas and pay close attention it is fine. Furthermore, on public roads you may encounter checkpoints by the military and police, pay attention and follow the directions during the search.
- Travelers are advised to exercise vigilance in the state of Guerrero and avoid demonstrations and gatherings.
What to look out for regarding crime in Mexico?
- The number of robberies on public transport and at bus stations in Mexico City is significant.
- Armed robberies also take place on cars at traffic lights at some points in Mexico City. Should this happen to you, do not resist, and immediately surrender your belongings.
- Robberies are particularly common in the states of Guerrero, Oaxaca and Chiapas. There is still some tension in the state of Chiapas; armed groups have established "autonomous areas" there. These are not recognizable as such, but you are at greater risk there, as neither police nor insurance companies of car rental companies enter these areas without question. If you visit the highlands of Chiapas, it is advisable to be extra careful.
What to look out for regarding drugs in Mexico?
- There is unrest in Mexico between rival drug cartels and the police and military, especially in the Tierra Caliente region of Michoacán. There is also growing unrest in Cancun and surrounding areas. This is accompanied by increasing violence, which can also affect civilians and tourists. Many deaths have already occurred in this drug war, most of which are not directed against the general public.
- People are advised not to travel after sunset, especially in the northern states, and to be very careful when going out after sunset in the big cities.
- It has occurred that at the airports in Mexico City, and especially Cancun, luggage tags were removed from suitcases of travelers to Europe, including the Netherlands. These labels were then placed on other suitcases in which drugs were hidden. It is recommended that you label your luggage inside and out with your name and address, and if you notice that a luggage tag is missing when you return to Europe, report it immediately to airport police. In addition, after you check in your luggage at the airport in Mexico, consider taking a photo that clearly shows the attached luggage tags. Should you become a victim of this baggage label mix-up in Mexico itself, upon departure, alert the Dutch embassy immediately.
What to look out for regarding natural disasters in Mexico?
- Tropical storms and hurricanes can occur in Mexico between May and October. Inland, these disturbances often cause heavy rainfall, which - especially in mountainous areas - can cause landslides, making roads impassable. Mexico is located in an earthquake-prone area. Severe earthquakes can occur. For information regarding earthquakes locally, it is recommended to follow media coverage. The Popotcatepetl volcano (near Mexico City) is active and closed to the public. Risk areas have been established around this volcano.
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