Mexico Travel Alert

Every student should be aware that Mexico in general, and Tijuana specifically, has seen a marked increase in violence recently. Just earlier this week, a shootout in the streets of Tijuana left 13 people dead and nine more wounded. Because of this and previous violent killings and kidnappings, the U.S. Department of State has put Mexico on its list of "Travel Alerts."

What does this mean? Should students avoid Mexico altogether?

A travel alert is not as severe as a travel warning, which is issued to describe long-term, protracted conditions that make a country dangerous or unstable. An alert is more for short-term conditions that pose imminent risks to the security of U.S. citizens. While SDSU encourages the cultural exchange Mexico offers, right now, students are advised to exercise increased caution when going to Mexico. Always travel in groups, stay on the main roads, particularly toll (cuota) roads, stay in well-known tourist destinations with more adequate security, and provide an itinerary to friends or family members.

Refer to the U.S. Department of State's recommendations about traveling in Mexico at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html.