Travelers heading to Mexico’s Baja California Sur are facing heightened safety concerns due to escalating cartel conflicts. Since April 24th, the region has witnessed a disturbing surge in violence, including instances targeting public transportation.
According to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), this unrest is rooted in ongoing disputes between rival criminal organizations. The impact of this conflict extends across several municipalities, affecting popular tourist destinations like Los Cabos, La Paz, and Mulegé.
The FCDO has issued specific guidance for British citizens traveling in the area, strongly advising them to adhere to instructions from local law enforcement. A broader warning remains in place regarding crime risks for foreign nationals throughout Mexico, particularly in major urban centers and popular resort areas.
Key Concerns Include:
- Street crime presents a significant risk.
- Many businesses—both locally owned and international—have resorted to employing private security personnel due to safety anxieties.
“Thoroughly researching your destination” is strongly recommended before any trip, and the FCDO suggests limiting travel to daylight hours whenever feasible.
Should a crime occur, immediate reporting is crucial. Tourists are instructed to file a formal complaint in person at the nearest “Agencia del Ministerio Público,” which serves as the state prosecutor’s office.
Criminal investigations cannot proceed without this official report submitted to Mexican authorities before departure.
For those currently located in Mexico City, the Command and Control Centre offers safety information and advice, although services are available only in Spanish.
Elsewhere, British travelers have also received a new travel advisory regarding Turkey following a powerful 6.2-magnitude earthquake that struck the Sea of Marmara on April 23rd, causing tremors felt throughout Istanbul.
Turkey is prone to seismic activity, with frequent earthquakes and tremors—often of considerable magnitude—that pose risks to infrastructure and potentially, to life. Following the recent event, local authorities have issued safety alerts for residents and tourists in Istanbul and surrounding areas, anticipating potential aftershocks.
The FCDO confirmed that 151 British citizens received medical attention after sustaining minor injuries from jumping due to panic following the earthquake. Fortunately, none of these injuries were life-threatening, and there have been no reported fatalities.
