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Mexico Travel Warning On July 9, 2010, the U.S. Consulate General Monterrey released the following Warden Message: The U.S. Consulate General in Monterrey would like to inform all U.S. Citizens in the area of continuing disruptions to travel in the Monterrey consular district.  Flooding in the area of Sabinas Hidalgo, Nuevo Leon has caused the closure of the ‘cuota’ toll road from Monterrey to Laredo.  Flooding has also damaged a bridge near Ciénega de Flores on the ‘carretera libre’ free highway from Monterrey to Laredo.  It is not known when these roads will be reopened.  American citizens are advised not to attempt to drive to Nuevo Laredo on these roads.   International bridge traffic between Nuevo Laredo and Laredo, Texas continues to be disrupted.  The Columbia Solidarity bridge and International Bridge I are still closed to all traffic.  International Bridge II remains open, but traffic is being rationed to allow only five cars on the bridge at a time.  The International Trade bridge remains open to tractor trailer traffic only, with the number of vehicles on the bridge being regulated as well.  Mexican authorities have asked travelers to avoid non-essential crossings until the closed bridges are reopened.  Click the Banner Below: Click here for Instant Quotes & Online Purchase   For Global Travel Medical, Accident, & Life Insurance The U.S. Department of State continues to encourage citizens to exercise extreme caution when travelling throughout northern Mexico. Travelers on the highways between Monterrey and the United States (notably through Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros) have been targeted for robbery that has resulted in violence and have also been caught in incidents of gunfire between criminals and Mexican law enforcement. Criminals have followed and harassed U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles in border areas including Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, and Tijuana.  U.S. citizens traveling by road to and from the U.S. border through Nuevo Leon, Coahuila, Durango, and Sinaloa should be especially vigilant.  Criminals appear to especially target SUVs and full-size pick-up trucks for theft and car-jacking along these routes.  DTOs have also erected unauthorized checkpoints on roads and killed motorists who have not stopped at them. For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens in Mexico, please contact the U.S. Embassy or the closest U.S. Consulate.  The numbers provided below for the Embassy and Consulates are available around the clock.  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: ACSMexicoCity@state.gov The Embassy's internet address is http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/.  The Consulate General in Monterrey is located at Avenida Constitucion 411 Pte, Colonia Centro, Monterrey, Mexico.  The Consulate General’s telephone number from the U.S. is (011)(52)(81) 8047-3000; within Mexico, (81) 8047-3000.  The fax number is (011)(52)(81)8342-5433.  For additional inquiries, please contact us at monterreyacs@state.gov, or visit our website at http://monterrey.usconsulate.gov/. Click the Banner Below: Click here for Instant Quotes & Online Purchase   For Global Travel Medical, Accident, & Life Insurance >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> On May 19, 2010, the U.S. Consulate Nogales released the following Warden Message: This Warden Message is to inform U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Mexico of security concerns for travelers driving on Highway 8 between the U.S./Mexico border and Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point).  There have been reports that unauthorized checkpoints have been set up by unknown persons at night.  Reports from those passing through these checkpoints indicate that the operators of the checkpoint only requested identification before allowing vehicles to pass.  U.S. Consulate Nogales strongly advises any traveler who must take this route to do so during daylight hours. Click the Banner Below: The Consulate's Security office has advised Consulate personnel to limit travel to major roads during daylight hours.  Further, Consulate staff on official travel between cities must use armored vehicles.  If you are stopped at an unofficial checkpoint: 1.  Do not resist.  Cooperate immediately and fully. 2.  Stay calm, put up your hands, and comply with demands. 3.  If you have a child in the car, immediately alert the checkpoint operators of the child’s presence. At some checkpoints, motorists who have not stopped at the unofficial checkpoints have been shot at and killed. If you are a victim, be sure to notify the U.S. Consulate in Nogales (+52-631-313-8150, or +52-631-318-0723 after hours) and consider contacting local police at 066. U.S. citizens traveling through northern Mexico should exercise caution.  Review of recent violence indicates that although criminal acts can occur unexpectedly at any time of day, overall it is safer to travel during the morning and early afternoon hours.  U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate through the State Department's travel registration website https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/. For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens in Mexico, please contact the U.S. Embassy or the closest U.S. Consulate.  U.S. citizens in Nogales' consular district may contact the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit at the U.S. Consulate, located on Calle San Jose (S/N), Col. Los Alamos, Nogales, Sonora, Mexico; telephone 011 +52 (631) 311-8150; after hours emergency telephone 011 +52 1 (631) 318-0723; web page: http://nogales.usconsulate.gov/; ACS Unit fax 011 +52 (631) 313-4652; email: NogalesACS@state.gov Click the Banner Below: Click here for Instant Quotes & Online Purchase   For Global Travel Medical, Accident, & Life Insurance On May 6, 2010, the U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Warning: The Department of State has issued this Travel Warning to inform U.S. citizens traveling to and living in Mexico about the security situation in Mexico, and to advise that the authorized departure of family members of U.S. government personnel from U.S. Consulates in the northern Mexico border cities of Tijuana, Nogales, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Monterrey and Matamoros has been extended.  This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning for Mexico dated April 12, 2010 to note the extension of authorized departure and to update guidance on security conditions and crime.   General Conditions  Since 2006, the Mexican government has engaged in an extensive effort to combat drug-trafficking organizations (DTOs).  Mexican DTOs, meanwhile, have been engaged in a vicious struggle with each other for control of trafficking routes.  In order to combat violence, the government of Mexico has deployed military troops throughout the country.  U.S. citizens should expect to encounter military and other law enforcement checkpoints when traveling in Mexico and are urged to cooperate fully.  In confrontations with the Mexican army and police, DTOs have employed automatic weapons and grenades.  In some cases, assailants have worn full or partial police or military uniforms and have used vehicles that resemble police vehicles.  According to published reports, 22,700 people have been killed in narcotics-related violence since 2006.  The great majority of those killed have been members of DTOs. However, innocent bystanders have been killed in shootouts between DTOs and Mexican law enforcement.   Recent violent attacks and persistent security concerns have prompted the U.S. Embassy to urge U.S. citizens to defer unnecessary travel to Michoacán and Tamaulipas, to parts of Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Durango, and Coahuila, (see details below) and to advise U.S. citizens residing or traveling in those areas to exercise extreme caution.   Click the Banner Below: Click here for Instant Quotes & Online Purchase For Global Travel Medical, Accident, & Life Insurance Violence Along the U.S.-Mexico Border  Much of the country’s narcotics-related violence has occurred in the northern border region. For example, since 2006, three times as many people have been murdered in Ciudad Juarez, in the state of Chihuahua, across from El Paso, Texas, than in any other city in Mexico.  More than half of all Americans killed in Mexico in FY 2009 whose deaths were reported to the U.S. Embassy were killed in the border cities of Ciudad Juarez and Tijuana. Since 2006, large firefights have taken place in towns and cities in many parts of Mexico, often in broad daylight on streets and other public venues.  Such firefights have occurred mostly in northern Mexico, including Ciudad Juarez, Tijuana, Chihuahua City, Nogales, Nuevo Laredo, Piedras Negras, Reynosa, Matamoros and Monterrey. During some of these incidents, U.S. citizens have been trapped and temporarily prevented from leaving the area. The situation in northern Mexico remains fluid; the location and timing of future armed engagements cannot be predicted.  U.S. citizens are urged to exercise extreme caution when traveling throughout the region, particularly in those areas specifically mentioned in this Travel Warning.     In recent months, DTOs have used stolen trucks to block major highways and thus prevent the military from responding to criminal activity, most notably in the area around Monterrey.  Also in Monterrey, DTOs have kidnapped guests out of reputable hotels in the downtown area, blocking off adjoining streets to prevent law enforcement response.  DTOs have also attacked Mexican government facilities such as military barracks and a customs and immigration post.  U.S. citizens should defer non-essential travel to Ciudad Juarez and to the Guadalupe Bravo area southeast of Ciudad Juarez. U.S. citizens should also defer travel to the northwest quarter of the state of Chihuahua, including the city of Nuevas Casas Grandes and surrounding communities. From the United States, these areas are often reached through the Columbus, NM and Fabens and Fort Hancock, TX ports-of-entry. In both areas, American citizens have been victims of drug related violence. The Consular agency in Reynosa, Tamaulipas was closed temporarily in February 2010 in response to firefights between police and DTOs and between DTOs.  In April 2010, a grenade thrown into the Consulate compound at 11:00 PM caused damage to the U.S. Consulate General in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas. The Consulate General in Nuevo Laredo and the Consular Agency in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, were closed for one day as a result.  The Consulate General in Nuevo Laredo prohibits employees from entering the entertainment zone in Nuevo Laredo known as “Boys Town” because of concerns about violent crime in that area.  Between 2006 and 2009, the number of narcotics-related murders in the state of Durango increased ten-fold.  The cities of Durango and Gomez Palacio, and the area known as “La Laguna” in the state of Coahuila, which includes the city of Torreon, have experienced sharp increases in violence.  In late 2009 and early 2010, four visiting U.S. citizens were murdered in Gomez Palacio, Durango.  These are among several unsolved murders in the state of Durango that have been cause for particular concern.   Travelers on the highways between Monterrey and the United States (notably through Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros) have been targeted for robbery that has resulted in violence and have also been caught in incidents of gunfire between criminals and Mexican law enforcement.  Criminals have followed and harassed U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles in border areas including Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, and Tijuana.  U.S. citizens traveling by road to and from the U.S. border through Nuevo Leon, Coahuila, Durango, and Sinaloa should be especially vigilant.  Criminals appear to especially target SUVs and full-size pick-up trucks for theft and car-jacking along these routes.  DTOs have also erected unauthorized checkpoints on roads and killed motorists who have not stopped at them.  The situation in the state of Chihuahua, specifically Ciudad Juarez, is of special concern.  Mexican authorities report that more than 2,600 people were killed in Ciudad Juarez in 2009. Three persons associated with the Consulate General were murdered in March, 2010.  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.    There have been recent incidents of serious narcotics-related violence in the vicinity of the Copper Canyon in Chihuahua.  Click the Banner Below: Click here for Instant Quotes & Online Purchase   For Global Travel Medical, Accident, & Life Insurance   >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> On April 21, 2010, the U.S. Consulate General Monterrey released the following Warden Message: The U.S. Consulate General in Monterrey wishes to remind American citizens that incidents of violence continue to occur throughout the consular district, including in the Monterrey metropolitan area, and in locations between Monterrey and the Texas border.  In particular, the Consulate notes that during the early morning hours of April 21, 2010, armed assailants kidnapped several individuals from two downtown Monterrey hotels.  The Consulate has confirmed with official sources that no Americans were kidnapped in the two incidents.  Incidents of violence continue to occur without warning in many parts of Nuevo Leon, Coahuila, and Durango.  Americans planning travel by road from areas within Monterrey’s consular district to the U.S. border should be especially vigilant and carefully monitor local news reports.  Based on recent reports received at the Consulate, it appears that criminal elements have been targeting large SUVs and full-size pick-up trucks for theft and carjacking, including on major highways to the U.S. border region. The Consulate strongly encourages Americans who are travelling to or living in Mexico to register their stay with the State Department.  Registration makes it possible for us to keep you informed of the latest travel and security information.  You may register online through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/, or in person at the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate. Click the Banner Below: Click here for Instant Quotes & Online Purchase   For Global Travel Medical, Accident, & Life Insurance >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> On April 12, 2010, U.S. Department of State released the following Travel Warning: The Department of State has issued this Travel Warning to inform U.S. citizens traveling to and living in Mexico of concerns about the security situation in Mexico, and that the authorized departure of dependents of U.S. government personnel from U.S. consulates in the Northern Mexican border cities of Tijuana, Nogales, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Monterrey and Matamoros has been extended until May 12. Family members of U.S. government personnel assigned to other areas of Mexico outside the Mexican border states are not affected by this departure measure. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning of March 14, 2010, to note the extension of authorized departure.    While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year (including tens of thousands who cross the land border daily for study, tourism or business and nearly one million U.S. citizens who live in Mexico), violence in the country has increased.  It is imperative that U.S. citizens understand the risks in Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and who to contact if victimized.  Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business 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.   Recent violent attacks have prompted the U.S. Embassy to urge U.S. citizens to delay unnecessary travel to parts of Durango, Coahuila and Chihuahua states and advise U.S. citizens residing or traveling in those areas to exercise extreme caution.  Drug cartels and associated criminal elements have retaliated violently against individuals who speak out against them or whom they otherwise view as a threat to their organizations. These attacks include the abduction and murder of two resident U.S. citizens in Chihuahua. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> On March 31, 2010, the U.S. Consulate General Monterrey issued the following Warden Message: On the eve of the April 1-4 holiday break, the U.S. Consulate General in Monterrey wishes to remind American citizens that incidents of violence continue to occur without warning in many parts of Nuevo Leon, Coahuila, and Durango.  Americans planning travel by road from Monterrey to Texas should be especially vigilant and carefully monitor local news reports.   Incidents of violence continue to occur both in the Monterrey metropolitan area and in locations between Monterrey and the Texas border.  A firefight between Mexican military and drug traffickers occurred on March 19th near the Monterrey TEC University, resulting in the deaths of two students.  Innocent bystanders were also wounded and killed in confrontations between criminals and Mexican authorities in late March in the neighborhood of San Jeronimo in Monterrey and the city of Santa Catarina, a suburb of Monterrey.  Ten students ages 8-21 were killed March 28 at a roadblock set up by criminals near Pueblo Nuevo, Durango.  Criminal elements have also recently blocked major highways and thoroughfares in Monterrey and other communities causing serious disruptions to traffic.  In many cases, it has taken up to several hours to clear the blockages and reopen streets and highways.   All of the information in the Consulate General’s prior warden message issued March 5, 2010 and in the Travel Warning for Mexico issued March 14, 2010 remains valid.  Both documents can be found on the Consulate General’s website at http://monterrey.usconsulate.gov or at the Department of State’s website at http://travel.state.gov.  Key excerpts from the March 5, 2010 warden message are copied below.   There have been numerous confirmed reports of deadly gun battles taking place in and around the cities of Nuevo Laredo and Reynosa in the neighboring state of Tamaulipas and in small towns of Nuevo Leon that are north and east of Monterrey.  There have also been incidents where drug trafficking organizations have set up vehicle “checkpoints,” including on major highways that link Monterrey with the U.S. border.  Gunfights have occurred in outlying cities in Nuevo Leon , including municipalities such as China, Los Ramones, Cerralvo, and Anahuac.  Within the Monterrey metro area, there have been recent grenade attacks on the police headquarters in San Nicolas, Apodaca, Guadalupe, Cadereyta, Escobedo, Allende and Santiago and an increase in carjackings in the city and on the highways, including an incident involving a U.S. citizen on the toll (cuota) highway to Reynosa. Click the Banner Below: Click here for Instant Quotes & Online Purchase   For Global Travel Medical, Accident, & Life Insurance U.S. citizens are advised to take the above information into consideration when making any decisions concerning travel through Monterrey’s consular district by road. Review of recent violence suggests that although criminal acts and violence can occur unexpectedly at any time of day, trends suggest that overall road travel may be safer during the morning and early afternoon hours. Prior to making any trip, Americans should stay current with media coverage of events in the areas through which they will travel.   U.S. citizens residing in the consular district should exercise heightened personal security practices, and monitor local news carefully. Avoid areas reported in the news to be the site of armed confrontations, and remain indoors away from windows anytime gunfire is heard.  Vary routes and times for travel to work and school and let family, friends or colleagues know where you are at all times. During encounters with Mexican police and military, U.S. citizens are reminded to comply with all given instructions and avoid engaging in any behavior which could be misinterpreted and heighten their risk. Click here for Instant Quotes & Online Purchase for Global Travel Medical, Accident & Life Insurance On October 21, 2009, the U.S. Consulate General Ciudad Juarez issued the following Warden Message: This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of 2009-H1N1 Influenza, sometimes referred to as swine flu or novel H1N1.  The Chihuahua State Health Department has reported 310 confirmed cases of novel H1N1 flu since April.  Local authorities have ordered the H1N1 vaccine and are expected to have a limited supply by December.  There are currently no schools closed in the state of Chihuahua due to the H1N1 outbreak but individual school closings cannot be ruled out as the flu season progresses.  The Chihuahua State Health Department is not currently implementing quarantine measures with H1N1 patients but rather advising them stay home for a minimum of seven days of rest and instructing their families and caregivers on how to take the proper sanitary precautions.    American citizens should be aware that the Consulate General cannot demand their immediate release if they have been detained or quarantined in accordance with local public health and legal authorities.    Any questions or concerns about influenza or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional.  Although the Consulate General cannot provide medical advice or provide medical services to the public, a list of hospitals and doctors can be found on our website at http://ciudadjuarez.usconsulate.gov/medical_information.html   Please note that the Consulate General is NOT advising Americans in Mexico to depart.  At this time, the Consulate General advises that Americans review the guidance provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization, and make their own decisions about whether to remain in Mexico.    U.S. citizens may also call the Office of Overseas Citizens Services in the United States for the latest travel information.  The Office of Overseas Citizens Services can be reached from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday, by calling 1-888-407-4747 from within the U.S. and Canada, or by calling (202) 501-4444 from other countries. Click the Banner Below: Click here for Instant Quotes & Online Purchase   For Global Travel Medical, Accident, & Life Insurance Michoacan, Mexico, Increasing Drug Cartel Violence On July 14, 2009, the U.S. Embassy Mexico City issued the following Warden Message: The U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens residing or traveling in the state of Michoacan, Mexico, to be aware of recent violent attacks targeting state and federal police officials, and wishes to remind U.S. citizens of the Travel Alert for Mexico dated February 20, 2009. Several Mexican police officials have been killed at various locations throughout the state. The U.S. Embassy is not aware of any attempts to target U.S. citizens with this violence; however, citizens are advised to maintain awareness of their surroundings when travelling throughout the state and to avoid large crowds and demonstrations.   Actions to Take if Caught in the Middle of a Gunfight/Gunfire   The U.S. Embassy takes this opportunity to remind U.S. citizens of guidance sent on October 22, 2008, recommending the following courses of action to take if you find yourself in a situation in or near gunfire:    - Always be aware of your surroundings. - Whenever possible, carry a cell-phone with up to date contact information for emergencies.   - When gunfire/explosions are heard, immediately move to a safe area with good cover.  For example, look for something substantial to hide behind, seek cover in a room made of solid construction (e.g. concrete, steel, etc.), stay away from doors and windows, and do not venture out to try and observe the conflict.    - Immediately convey the sense of danger/threat to those around you.  - Do not attempt to move to a vehicle if you are in a safe area. Remain there until local security tells you that it is safe to move. - Always carry information about your personal medical needs.   For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements 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 outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).   For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens, please contact the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, Office of American Citizens Services, Reforma Ave 305, Col Cuauhtemoc Mexico, D. F., Mexico CP 06500 Tel: (011)(52)(55) 5080-2000 or e-mail: ACSMexicoCity@state.gov.  For additional information, please refer to the Embassy website: http://mexico.usembassy.gov. This warden message remains in effect until August 1, 2009.    U.S. Embassy Mexico City American Citizens Services Paseo de la Reforma #305 Col Cuauhtemoc; Mexico, D. F., Mexico CP 06500 Tel: (011)(52)(55) 5080-2000 e-mail: ACSMexicoCity@state.gov; website: http://mexico.usembassy.gov. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. & 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. For after-hours, emergencies only, call (011)(52)(55) 5080-2000, ext. “0”, and ask to speak to a duty officer. Click here for Instant Quotes & Online Purchase for Global Travel Medical, Accident & Life Insurance Haben Sie eine sichere Reise! Abbia un viaggio sicuro! ¡Tenga un viaje seguro! Ayez un voyage sûr! Have a safe trip!