U.S. issues travel advisory for Turks and Caicos Islands and Mexico

Travelers have been urged to exercise increased caution when visiting one of the more popular, tropical island getaways.

The U.S. Department of State has issued a “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” advisory for the Turks and Caicos Islands due to crime.

The advisory notes that most crime occurs in Providenciales, the main island in the Turks and Caicos archipelago, and that local police may have limited investigatory resources.

Those who still elect to travel to Turks and Caicos are strongly advised not to carry any firearms or ammunition.

The department notes that due to strictly enforced firearms laws, even a single bullet brought by mistake in carry-on bags or luggage may result in arrest, jail time and heavy fines.

“Some U.S. citizens have been detained and unable to depart for several weeks or more after being found with bullets in their luggage. Offenders can face 12 years or more in prison. Though the law allows for some exceptions and discretion, the Department of State cannot guarantee your release,” according to the advisory.

Those who do travel to Turks and Caicos are advised of the following:

‘Do Not Travel’ to Mexico

The State Department has issued a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” warning for certain areas of Mexico, a popular spring break destination.

Several regions in the country are now under this heightened advisory: Reynosa, Rio Bravo, Valle Hermoso, San Fernando and Tamaulipas, Mexico.

The warning was issued due to increasingly frequent gunbattles occurring in and around Reynosa in the late night and early morning hours.

U.S. citizens are advised to adhere to restrictions on U.S. government employee travel. State-specific restrictions are included in the individual state advisories below.

U.S. government employees may not travel between cities after dark, may not hail taxis on the street, and must rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services like Uber, and regulated taxi stands. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Mexico.