This month, the U.S. State Department heightened its “Do Not Travel” advisories for two countries. But while the rest of its travel advisories remain unchanged, U.S. embassies have issued new security alerts for popular vacation spots in the last week of November. Warnings about increased crime were issued for Mexico and Costa Rica, both of which rank among the top beach getaway choices for Americans.
Embassies also issued alerts for potentially violent demonstrations (some have already led to travel disruptions) in countries known to draw many U.S. travelers these days: Belgium, Italy, and the Philippines. Here is a closer look at the safety and security conditions in these destinations ahead of an even more hectic December.
U.S. Warns Of Crime Surge Targeting Americans In Parts Of Mexico And Costa Rica
The U.S. State Department has Level 2 (“Exercise Increased Caution”) travel advisories for Mexico and Costa Rica. But following the chilling “anti-gringo” graffiti and protests in Mexico recently, the U.S. embassies in both beach destinations issued special warnings about crime surges targeting Americans in major tourist areas.
New U.S. Security Alert For Mexico
As TheTravel previously reported, a Nov. 26 Security Alert from the U.S. Embassy in Mexico warned about armed robberies targeting American drivers on Highway 85D in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico. Victims report that they were pulled over by criminals who use dashboard sirens to appear as the police or traffic authorities.
The U.S. travel advisory for Mexico mentions risks of “homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, robbery,” as well as “terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity.”
Ahead of this crime alert, the embassy also released a Winter Travel guide for U.S. travelers. This highlights how violent crime can happen anywhere in Mexico, particularly in tourist hotspots such as San Carlos, Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point), Los Cabos, and Mazatlán.
Latest U.S. Security Alert For Costa Rica
On Nov. 25, the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica issued a countrywide Security Alert about local property crimes, financial crimes, and robberies that have been targeting foreign visitors, including Americans. Criminal gangs have been robbing, extorting, and breaking into foreign-owned businesses, residences, and even rental properties.
“Petty crime is common throughout Costa Rica. Violent crime also affects tourists. This includes armed robbery, homicide, and sexual assault,” states the U.S. State Department’s travel advisory summary for Costa Rica.
Some of these groups have also been forcing foreigners to withdraw large sums of cash from ATMs or to make bank transfers. Those traveling to this Caribbean nation are advised to review the U.S. travel advisory for Costa Rica, which provides guidelines for maintaining personal safety and security.
U.S. Embassies Issue Alerts For Large-Scale Strikes In Belgium, Italy, And The Philippines
U.S. embassies have recently warned about travel chaos caused by labor union strikes in Belgium and Italy, as well as the massive anti-corruption demonstrations in the Philippines, all taking place in the last week of November. All three countries have Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution travel advisories from the State Department, though the Philippines has some regional “Do Not Travel” warnings.
Potentially Violent Protest In The Philippines
The U.S. embassy issued a Demonstration Alert for Americans in Manila, Philippines, urging them to avoid rally areas on Nov. 30: EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City, Rizal (Luneta) Park in Manila, and 29 locations throughout Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
These large-scale protests are a continuation of the Trillion Peso March, which sparked a riot that killed an individual in Mendiola Peace Arch on Sept. 21. The alert links to the U.S. travel advisory for the Philippines, which includes additional safety and security advice.
Belgium And Italy: Protests Disrupt Train Services And Cancel Flights
The U.S. Embassy in Belgium released a warning about a series of labor strikes from Nov. 24–26, about two weeks ahead. The protests caused disruptions to public transportation, including hundreds of flights canceled on the 26th. Rome, Italy, also saw a crowded demonstration with at least 100,000 participants.
The protest took place in Rome’s city center, between Piazzale Ostiense and Piazza di Porta San Giovanni, on Nov. 29. Similar to Belgium, the protest against Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government led to dozens of canceled flights and disrupted train services.
Both the U.S. State Department and the U.S. embassies frequently warn that demonstrations are common in Europe. Americans visiting these countries are advised to avoid areas of protest, to be extra vigilant in crowded tourist sites, and to monitor local media for updates on the situation.
link