The US Embassy in Mexico has halted all consular services in Playa del Carmen until further notice following a recent explosion on a nearby ferry. The threat level for Playa del Carmen is now Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution. Last month’s explosion occurred as passengers were disembarking in Playa del Carmen. Twenty-six people were injured including two Americans in what was at first called a gas leak, but then labeled as explosive devices by the US Embassy. Explosive devices were found on another ferry about a week later. At the time, the Embassy banned employees from taking ferries between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel.
“We take our obligation to provide information to U.S. citizens seriously as evidenced by the clear, timely, and reliable safety and security information we release worldwide,’ State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said in a statement to ABC News. It should be noted that the State Department is not telling American tourists to stay away from Playa del Carmen, it’s just prohibiting its own employees from traveling there or taking ferries to and from Cozumel.”
Carnival, Princess, and Royal Caribbean have all cancelled shore excursions involving ferries in Cozumel following the warning.
Event: On March 7, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City received information about a security threat in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Effective immediately, U.S. Government employees are prohibited from traveling to Playa del Carmen until further notice. The U.S. Consular Agency in Playa del Carmen will be closed until further notice.
Actions to Take:
Be aware of your surroundings and exercise caution.
Purchase travel insurance that specifically covers you in Mexico and includes medical evacuation insurance.
Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate if you need assistance.
The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
1 comment
[…] we reported last week, the US embassy issued a very serious travel alert for Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Another list of […]