Caution Urged for Students Travelling to Mexico for Spring Break

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas spring break starts March 22, and students are being urged to follow U.S. State Department advisories concerning travel to Mexico. On March 14 the U.S. Department of State issued a travel advisory urging American tourists "to delay unnecessary travel" to the Mexican border states of Durango, Coahuila and Chihuahua. Travelers are also advised to "exercise caution" wherever they travel in Mexico.  

The travel warning was issued to inform U.S. citizens traveling to and living in Mexico of concerns about the security situation in that country. 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, violence in the country has increased recently. It is imperative that travelers understand the risks of travel to Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and whom to contact if one becomes a crime victim. Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate businesses and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable.

For more specific information, please visit the State Department’s general guide to foreign travel and its specific warning about traveling in Mexico.