Acapulco on your mind? Nyet!

[Doyle Phillips]

United States Embassy Mexico City

Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens:

Mass Demonstration Expected in Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico

October 16, 2014



A mass demonstration is expected in Acapulco on Friday, October 17, 2014. Per local authorities, the march will start at 9:00am in the Acapulco port, concentrate at Calzada Pie de la Cuesta (in front of Diario 17), with the possibility of proceeding along the Costera Miguel Aleman. The protest is in response to a group of missing students and mass graves found in another area of Guerrero state, where police involvement is suspected. Because of the impact on traffic flow in the city, the Acapulco Consular Agency will be unable to welcome the public to the office on October 17, 2014. The Consular Agent will be available to respond to requests for emergency assistance. The Embassy cautions all U.S. citizens to avoid this area for the duration of the protest.



· The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners; such actions may result in detention and/or deportation. Travelers should avoid political demonstrations and other activities that might be deemed political by the Mexican authorities. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. Demonstrators in Mexico may block traffic on roads, including major arteries, or take control of toll booths on highways. U.S. citizens are urged to avoid areas of demonstrations, and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any protests.



· Review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.



We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Mexico enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at www.travel.state.gov. STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Regularly monitor the State Department's website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, including the Travel Warning for Mexico, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Mexico. For additional information, refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad” on the State Department’s website.



Contact the U.S. Embassy for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook, and download our freeSmart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips.



The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City is located at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, Mexico, D.F. and is open 8:00am to 5:00pm, switchboard phone number (dialing from the United States) 011-52-555-080-2000, http://mexico.usembassy.gov/eng/eacs_hours.html. If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance, please dial the main switchboard number and ask to speak to an American Citizen Services staff member for assistance.