Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens in Mexico - Bus Attacks in northern Veracruz (December 22, 2011)

Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens - Bus Attacks in northern Veracruz 

(December 22, 2011)

Early in the morning of December 22, several vehicles, including three ordinary passenger buses, were attacked with gunfire in northern Veracruz state, resulting in several deaths.  One of these buses was traveling on Highway 105 between the municipalities of Panuco and Tempoal. 

The U.S. Consulate General in Matamoros reminds American citizens to exercise caution and remain vigilant when traveling in the State of Veracruz.  American citizens residing in, visiting, or traveling through the northern portion of Veracruz that borders Tamaulipas and San Luis Potosi should maintain a heightened sense of alert.  Americans in this area should monitor local news and information to stay informed about situations that could affect their security.  The Consulate General also reminds American citizens to avoid intercity road travel at night.   

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's internet web site athttp://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).  American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department's travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov/.

Please review the Department of State’s Travel Warning concerning travel within Mexico and the state of Tamaulipas, available at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_5440.html. The Department continues to advise U.S. citizens to defer non-essential travel to the state of Tamaulipas. We also encourage U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration web site at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security. Americans without internet access may register in person or by phone with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.

For any emergencies involving American citizens in the Matamoros consular district, please call or visit the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit at the U.S. Consulate General on Avenida Primera 2002, Col. Jardin, Matamoros, Tamaulipas; telephone (011)(52)(868) 812-4402; http://matamoros.usconsulate.gov/.