Travel Alert

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 04 STATE 109945

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CASC PTER ASEC MX
SUBJECT: Travel Alert


1. This Travel Alert updates security information for
U.S. citizens traveling and living in Mexico. It
replaces the Travel Alert for Mexico dated April 14,
2008, and expires on April 14, 2009.


2. While millions of U.S. Citizens safely visit Mexico
each year, including thousands who cross the land border
every day for study, tourism or business, increased
levels of violence make it imperative that travelers
understand the risks of travel to Mexico, how best to
avoid dangerous situations, and whom to contact if one is
a victim of crime. Common-sense precautions, such as
visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas,
avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might
occur, and exercising prudence in where one visits during
the evening hours and at night, can help ensure that
travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable.

Violence Along the U.S. - Mexico Border
--------------


3. Mexican drug cartels are engaged in an increasingly
violent fight for control of narcotics trafficking routes
along the U.S. - Mexico border in an apparent response to
the Government of Mexico's initiatives to crack down on
narco-trafficking organizations. In order to combat
violence, the government of Mexico has deployed military
troops in various parts of the country. U.S. citizens
should cooperate fully with official checkpoints when
traveling on Mexican highways.


4. Some recent Mexican army and police confrontations
with drug cartels have taken on the characteristics of
small-unit combat, with cartels employing automatic
weapons and, on occasion, grenades. Firefights have
taken place in many towns and cities across Mexico but
particularly in northern Mexico, including Tijuana,
Chihuahua City and Ciudad Juarez. The situation in
northern Mexico remains fluid; the location and timing of
future armed engagements cannot be predicted.


5. A number of areas along the border are experiencing
rapid growth in the rates of many types of crime. More
than 1,600 cars were reportedly stolen in Ciudad Juarez
in the month of July 2008, and bank robberies there are
up dramatically. Rates for robberies, homicides, petty
thefts, and carjackings have all increased over the last
year across Mexico generally, with notable spikes in
Tijuana and northern Baja California. Cuidad Juarez,
Tijuana, and Nogales are among the cities which have
recently experienced public shootouts during daylight
hours in shopping centers and other public venues.
Criminals have followed and harassed U.S. citizens
traveling in their vehicles in border areas including
Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, Tijuana, and along Route 15
between Nogales and Hermosillo.


6. The situation in Ciudad Juarez is of special concern.
Mexican authorities report that more than 1,000 people
have been killed there this year. U.S. citizens should
pay close attention to their surroundings while traveling
in Ciudad Juarez, avoid isolated locations during late
night and early morning hours, and remain alert to news
reports. A recent series of muggings near the U.S.
Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez has targeted
applicants for U.S. visas. Visa and other service
seekers visiting the Consulate are encouraged to make
provisions to pay for those services with something other
than cash.


7. U.S. citizens are urged to be alert to safety and
security concerns when visiting the border region.

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Criminals are armed with a wide array of sophisticated
weapons. In some cases, assailants have worn full or
partial police or military uniforms and have used
vehicles that resemble police vehicles. While most of
the crime victims are Mexican citizens, the uncertain
security situation poses risks for U.S. citizens as well.

8. U.S. citizen victims of crime in Mexico are urged to
contact the consular section of the nearest U.S.
consulate or Embassy for advice and assistance. Contact
information is provided at the end of this message.

Crime and Violence Throughout Mexico
--------------


8. While the largest increase in violence has occurred
near the U.S. border, U.S. citizens traveling elsewhere
in Mexico should also exercise caution in unfamiliar
areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times.
Mexican and foreign bystanders have been injured or
killed in some violent attacks, demonstrating the
heightened risk in public places. In recent years,
dozens of U.S. citizens have been kidnapped across Mexico
and many cases remain unresolved. U.S. citizens who
believe they are being targeted for kidnapping or other
crimes should notify Mexican officials and the nearest
American consulate or the Embassy as soon as possible.
U.S. citizens should make every attempt to travel on main
roads during daylight hours, particularly the toll
("cuota") roads, which are generally more secure. U.S.
citizens are encouraged to stay in well-known tourist
destinations and tourist areas of the cities with more
adequate security, and provide an itinerary to a friend
or family member not traveling with them. U.S. citizens
should avoid traveling alone,and should carry a GSM-
enabled cell phone that functions internationally.
Refrain from displaying expensive-looking jewelry, large
amounts of money, or other valuable items.

Demonstrations and Large Public Gatherings
--------------


9. Demonstrations occur frequently throughout Mexico and
usually are peaceful. However, even demonstrations
intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and
escalate to violence unexpectedly. People have died
during violent demonstrations, including an American
citizen who was killed in Oaxaca in 2006. During
demonstrations or law enforcement operations, U.S.
citizens are advised to remain in their homes or hotels,
avoid large crowds, and avoid the downtown and
surrounding areas. Since the timing and routes of
scheduled marches and demonstrations are always subject
to change, U.S. citizens should monitor local media
sources for new developments and exercise extreme caution
while within the vicinity of protests. The Mexican
Constitution prohibits political activities by
foreigners, and such actions may result in detention
and/or deportation. Therefore, U.S. citizens are advised
to avoid participating in demonstrations or other
activities that might be deemed political by Mexican
authorities. In a recent incident, a Mexican
Independence Day celebration was the target of a violent
attack. As is always the case in any large gathering,
U.S. citizens should remain alert to their surroundings.

Further Information
--------------


10. For more detailed information on staying safe in
Mexico, please see the Mexico Country Specific
Information at:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/ cis_970.html
. Information on security and travel to popular tourist
destinations is also provided in the publication: "Spring
Break in Mexico- Know Before You Go!!" at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/spri ng_break_mexico/spring_break_mexico_2812.html

STATE 00109945 003 OF 004


ico/spring_break_mexico_2812.html . For the latest
security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad
should regularly monitor the Department's internet web
site at http://travel.state.gov where the current
Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can
be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be
obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the
United States, or, for callers from Mexico, a regular
toll line at 001-202-501-4444. These numbers are
available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time,
Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
American citizens traveling or residing overseas are
encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy
or Consulate on the State Department's travel
registration website at
https://travelregistration.state.gov/



11. For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens in
Mexico, please contact the closest U.S. Embassy or
Consulate. The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City at
Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, telephone
from the United States: 011-52-55-5080-2000; telephone
within Mexico City: 5080-2000; telephone long distance
within Mexico 01-55-5080-2000. You may also contact the
Embassy by e-mail at:
ccs@usembassy.net.mx. The Embassy's internet address is
http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/ .


12. Consulates:

Ciudad Juarez: Avenida Lopez Mateos 924-n, telephone
(52)(656) 611-3000.

Guadalajara: Progreso 175, telephone (52)(333) 268-2100.

Hermosillo: Avenida Monterrey 141, telephone (52)(662)
289-3500.

Matamoros: Avenida Primera 2002, telephone (52)(868) 812-

4402.

Merida: Calle 60 no. 338 k, telephone (52)(999) 942-5700

Monterrey: Avenida Constitucion 411 Poniente, telephone
(52)(818) 345-2120.

Nogales: Calle San Jose, Nogales, Sonora, telephone
(52)(631) 311-8150.

Nuevo Laredo: Calle Allende 3330, col. Jardin, telephone
(52)(867) 714-0512.

Tijuana: Tapachula 96, telephone (52)(664) 622-7400.

14. Consular Agencies:

Acapulco: Hotel Continental Emporio, Costera Miguel
Aleman 121 - local 14, telephone (52)(744) 484-0300 or
(52)(744) 469-0556.

Cabo San Lucas: Blvd. Marina local c-4, Plaza Nautica,
col. Centro, telephone (52)(624) 143-3566.

Canczn: Plaza Caracol two, second level, no. 320-323,
Boulevard Kukulcan, km. 8.5, Zona Hotelera, telephone
(52)(998) 883-0272.

Ciudad Acuqa: Ocampo # 305, col. Centro, telephone
(52)(877) 772-8661

Cozumel: Plaza Villa Mar en el Centro, Plaza Principal,
(Parque Juarez between Melgar and 5th ave.) 2nd floor,
locales #8 and 9, telephone (52)(987) 872-4574.

Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo: Hotel Fontan, Blvd. Ixtapa, telephone
(52)(755) 553-2100.

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Mazatlan: Hotel Playa Mazatlan, Playa Gaviotas #202, Zona
Dorada, telephone (52)(669) 916-5889.

Oaxaca: Macedonio Alcala no. 407, interior 20, telephone
(52)(951) 514-3054 (52)(951) 516-2853.

Piedras Negras: Abasolo #211, Zona Centro, Piedras
Negras, Coah., Tel. (878) 782-5586.

Playa del Carmen: "The Palapa," Calle 1 Sur, between
Avenida 15 and Avenida 20, telephone (52)(984) 873-0303.

Puerto Vallarta: Paradise Plaza, Paseo de los Cocoteros
#1, Local #4, Interior #17, Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit,
telephone (52)(322) 222-0069.

Reynosa: Calle Monterrey #390, Esq. Sinaloa, Colonia
Rodrmguez, telephone: (52)(899) 923 - 9331

San Luis Potosm: Edificio "Las Terrazas", Avenida
Venustiano Carranza 2076-41, Col. Polanco, telephone:
(52)(444) 811-7802/7803.

San Miguel de Allende: Dr. Hernandez Macias #72,
telephone (52)(415) 152-2357 or (52)(415) 152-0068.


13. Minimize considered.
RICE