Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens – Security in Veracruz (October 11, 2011)
The Department of State has issued this message to provide U.S. citizens with information about the security situation in the state of Veracruz.
The United States Government has no higher responsibility than to serve and protect its citizens, including those who reside or are temporarily abroad. The American Citizen Services (ACS) Unit provides prompt, courteous, and efficient services to United States Citizens and other clients, consistent with U.S. laws and regulations.
In recent months, the state of Veracruz has seen an increase in violence among rival criminal organizations. In response, the Government of Mexico has sent additional military and federal police to the state and recently announced the start of an operation called “Veracruz Seguro” that will be carried out by Federal and State security forces and focus on combating organized crime.
Based on the increased activity, the U.S. Embassy advises all American citizens to exercise caution and remain vigilant when traveling in the State of Veracruz. Due to the unpredictable and fluid nature of organized crime-related violence, keep in mind that serious crime can occur at any place and at any time without warning. American citizens are reminded to be conscious of their surroundings, maintain a high level of self-awareness, and report any suspicious activity immediately to Mexican authorities.
For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's internet website at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada, or, for callers from Mexico, a regular toll line at 001-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Mexico are encouraged to enroll with our Consulate General through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) via https://travel.state.gov to obtain updated travel and security information. U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly with the Embassy or Consulates. Enrollment is important; it allows the State Department to assist you in an emergency. Those enrollees who wish to receive updated travel and security information must provide an e-mail address as part of their enrollment.
The U.S. Consulate General in Matamoros is located on Avenida Primera 2002, Col. Jardin, Matamoros, Tamaulipas. The telephone number is (011) (52) (868) 812-4402 and our website is http://matamoros.usconsulate.gov/.