Travel to some areas such as Mexico, South Africa, Pakistan, Somalia, Haiti, and many other countries can be dangerous for kidnap, assault, and murder.  

For instance, The C.I.A. considers Mexico a failed state due to the drug cartels controlling 35% of Mexican territory. Homicides and kidnappings are at an all-time high in Mexico. The primary cause for the increase in crime is directly associated to the corruption of law enforcement, the judiciary, and in the government at the highest levels. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) is a vicious criminal gang that controls the State of Jalisco by intimidation. In recent years this cartel has branched out from the drug trade to include kidnaps, extortion, and white-collar crime associated to real estate fraud. The CJNG targets business owners and high net worth individuals to extort and kidnap.

Recently, there was chaos and violence after the death of El Mencho, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. In response to the so-called “narco-blockades” began in various parts of southern Jalisco, the birthplace of the CJNG, with vehicles set on fire and roads closed. The state government activated a “code red” and suspended public transportation in some areas.

The reaction spread to neighboring states such as Michoacán, Colima, and Nayarit (west), and later to Guanajuato, Aguascalientes (center), Tamaulipas, Baja California (north), Guerrero, and Quintana Roo (south), where roadblocks and fires targeting vehicles and businesses—including branches of the government’s Banco del Bienestar.

Previously. three young men traveled to Baja Mexico to surf. When they did not return or contact anyone, a search was initiated, and their bodies found in a well where they had been dumped after they were shot in the head.

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy’s website the U.S. Department of State’s, Bureau of Consular Affairs website , where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found.  The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review “A safe trip abroad”, which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad.  In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or outside the United States and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. The State Department recommends enrolling in STEP, and following their WhatsApp channel called Security Updates for US Citizens. They also have specific channels you can follow depending on the country you’re visiting.

BEFORE YOU GO

What to Take

Safety begins when you pack. To help avoid becoming a target, do not dress so as to mark yourself as an affluent tourist. Expensive-looking jewelry, for instance, can draw the wrong attention.  

Always try to travel light. You can move more quickly and will be more likely to have a free hand. You will also be less tired and less likely to set your luggage down, leaving it unattended.

Carry the minimum number of valuables, and plan places to conceal them. Your passport, cash and credit cards are most secure when locked in a hotel safe. When you have to carry them on your person, you may wish to put them in various places rather than all in one wallet or pouch. Avoid handbags, fanny packs and outside pockets that are easy targets for thieves. Inside pockets and a sturdy shoulder bag with the strap worn across your chest are somewhat safer. One of the safest places to carry valuables is in a pouch or money belt worn under your clothing.

If you wear glasses, pack an extra pair. Bring them and any medicines you need in your carry-on luggage.

To avoid problems when passing through customs, keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. Bring copies of your prescriptions and the generic names for the drugs. If a medication is unusual or contains narcotics, carry a letter from your doctor attesting to your need to take the drug. If you have any doubt about the legality of carrying a certain drug into a country, consult the embassy or consulate of that country before you travel.

Bring travelers checks and one or two major credit cards instead of cash.

Pack an extra set of passport photos along with a photocopy of your passport’s information page to make replacement of your passport easier in the event it is lost or stolen.

Put your name, address and telephone numbers inside and outside of each piece of luggage. Use covered luggage tags to avoid casual observation of your identity or nationality. If possible, lock your luggage.

Consider getting a telephone calling card. It is a convenient way of keeping in touch. If you have one, verify that you can use it from your overseas location(s). Access numbers to U.S. operators are published in many international newspapers. Find out your access number before you go.