I thought that if the US State Department warnings about travel to Mexico were to be put in perspective then the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office's warning about travel to the USA might help.
Here is an extract from their current web pages:
Safety and security
TerrorismThe US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has designated the terror alert status of "orange", or high, for all international and domestic flights in the USA. Definitions of the US terror alert system can be found on the US Department of Homeland Security website
Given that terrorist attacks have taken place in public areas, there is a risk that you could be caught up if there were other attacks in the future. You should therefore be particularly vigilant in high-profile public places.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued new security directives to all United States and international air carriers with inbound flights to the U.S. effective 4 January 2010. Every individual flying into the U.S. from anywhere in the world travelling from or through nations that are state sponsors of terrorism or other countries of interest will be required to go through enhanced screening. For a list of the countries affected please visit the TSA website at [
www.tsa.gov].
The directive also increases the use of random screening on passengers travelling from any other foreign country.
Political Situation
USA Country Profile.Crime
You should bear in mind the following:
* Do not leave your door open at any time.
* Avoid wearing expensive jewellery and carrying valuable items in run down areas.
* Do not sleep in your car by the roadside or in rest areas.
* Avoid leaving items on display in cars.
* Try to stay on main roads and use well-lit car parks.
* If hit from behind while driving, indicate to the other driver to follow you to a public place and call 911 for Police help.
For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad page.
Violent crime related to the drugs trade is a major issue in the Mexican states along the border with California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. Though some foreign nationals have been among the victims in the border region, there is no evidence to suggest that they have been targeted because of their nationality. Visitors to border areas should exercise caution and follow the advice of local authorities.
Local TravelSevere weather can strike any states at any time. You should keep a close watch of the weather reports.
Road Travel
If you intend to drive then an international driving licence is recommended. If you are on a fly-drive holiday then a UK driving licence is required for each driver. If you have a photocard licence you should remember to also bring the green 'paper' counterpart licence with you. You should also ensure that your car rental insurance covers occupants of your vehicle and any third party claims, including personal injury.
You should learn US traffic laws before coming to the country. For example, both the speed and drink driving limits are lower than in the UK.
It is worthwhile buying a detailed road atlas of the areas through which you are travelling.
Find out the prevailing weather conditions before embarking on a long journey, e.g. in mountainous and isolated areas where there is increased likelihood of snowfall, or in dry desert areas where you may need extra water and petrol stations could be scarce.
In 2008 there were 37,261 road deaths in the USA (Source: DfT). This equates to 12.3 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 4.3 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2008.
For more general information see Driving Abroad.
Local laws and customsDo not make flippant remarks about bombs or terrorism, especially when passing through US airports.
Laws vary from state to state, including speed limits and the age of consent. So does the age at which you may legally buy and consume alcohol, but this is usually 21 years.
The plant Khat (or Qat) is an illegal narcotic in the US. You will be arrested and detained with the possibility of a prison sentence if you are caught trying to take Khat into the US.
If you get into any difficulties with US Authorities, you should explain to them that you are a British national and ask to speak to a UK consular officer. For more general information see When Things Go Wrong.
For more general information for different types of travellers see Your Trip page.
Howard Platt, Manzanillo
hplattbc@gmail.com