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Authorities warn about entering Mexico with illegal items as thousands begin arriving for Spring vacation

Riviera Maya, Q. R. — “Quintana Roo is ready to receive visitors from all over the world during this upcoming spring vacation season,” said Governor Mara Lezama.

“We are preparing to receive millions of tourists from all over the world. If something distinguishes Quintana Roo, it is the warmth and quality of its people,” she said regarding the upcoming Spring vacation holiday season.

Cancun Mayor Ana Patricia Peralta said Cancun recorded an 84 percent hotel occupancy rate for the long weekend, a figure that is expected to near 90 percent during Easter. Peralta noted that security is being reinforced around the state since hundreds of thousands are expected during the high tourist season.

Security is being increased along beaches and busy bar areas. Additional lifeguards are also being added to public beaches to ensure safety.

She said that the Spring Break Alert issued by the U.S. is a general alert for around the country. “It is a general alert that they issued for the entire Mexican Republic and specifically for the Spring Break season. We had talks with the Consul and it is not an issue,” she clarified.

Vice president of the Association of Hotels of Cancun, Puerto Morelos and Isla Mujeres, Eduardo Domínguez, also said that said recommendations from the U.S. government is simply a call for prevention and care and has not been a factor that has affected tourism.

“There are often travel alerts and yet I see that the flights are full. People travel to different parts of the world with caution since there is no 100 percent safe place. I believe that it is always important to take preventive measures and the United States government does it very well,” said Domínguez.

In February, the state began to distribute Spring Break warning posters, mostly to travel agencies, reminding travelers that entering Mexico with firearms and/or ammunition is against the law.

The State of Quintana Roo is reminding travelers that packing items such as narcotics, weapons and ammunition are illegal in Mexico and can result in jail time.

“You are not allowed to carry drugs, firearms, explosives, flammable substances or fuels. Document sharp objects,” the state warns travelers through their ad poster campaign.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico also issued a reminder to American travelers that they need to comply with the laws of the country they are visiting.

Every year, dozens of travelers are faced with Mexico’s legal system after being found with illegal items in their luggage.

“Travelers are responsible for complying with firearm import laws of the country to which they are traveling. Mexican Federal Law strictly forbids possession of any firearm or ammunition without proper authorization by the Mexican authorities,” the U.S. Embassy in Mexico posted.

Over the long weekend, the SSP of Quintana Roo also reminded travelers to be mindful of illegal items. “During these holidays, constant monitoring of prevention and surveillance is maintained at the maritime stations of Isla Mujeres (to Cancun) and Cozumel (to Playa del Carmen) with the aim of safeguarding the integrity of the visitors of Quintana Roo.”