US Embassy issues 'gun battles' and IED threat warning for Mexico tourist spots as spring break nears

Vacationers heading to Mexico for the upcoming spring break are being advised to avoid traveling to certain areas amid 'gun battle' and IED warnings.

A chance to escape the country for a well-deserved vacation, the holiday is synonymous with wild parties and hot weather. With cheap-ish flights and a balmy climate, it's no wonder Mexico is such a hit with Americans.

In fact, some 36.71 million US citizens traveled to the country in 2023 according to figures published by Statista. But if you're planning on visiting any of the following areas, you might want to rethink...

Spring break is a popular time for vacationers (Robert Daly/Getty Images)

Late last month, the US Embassy issued a travel warning covering four major regions in Tamaulipas, Mexico.

Reynosa, Rio Bravo, Valle Hermoso and San Fernando are covered by the alert, while Tamaulipas itself has been slapped with a level four 'do not travel' warning due to 'crime and kidnapping' - the highest travel warning order there is.

The Embassy said it was aware of 'increasingly frequent gun battles occurring in and around Reynosa in the late night and early morning hours'.

Separately, the state of Tamaulipas issued a warning to 'avoid moving or touching improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which have been found in and around the area of Reynosa, Rio Bravo, Valle Hermoso, and San Fernando along dirt and secondary roads.'

Tamaulipas is currently on a level 4 'do not travel' alert (Lincon_91/500px/Getty Images)

"IEDs are being increasingly manufactured and used by criminal organizations in this region," the Embassy warned.

It comes as an IED destroyed a Government of Mexico official vehicle in Rio Bravo last month, injuring its occupant.

People are being advised to avoid dirt roads, not touch 'unknown objects' on or near roads and to only travel in daylight hours. They should also monitor local media for updates, pay attention to surroundings and alert friends and family of their whereabouts.

Usually, Mexico sits on level two of the travel advisory ratings, with tourists reminded to 'exercise increased caution' while visiting the country.

Traveling to an area with a level four advisory could impact your travel insurance, too.

Tamaulipas is known for it stunning scenery (Toltequita-Juanrojo/Getty Images)

However this can vary across different policies and could depend on when you purchased it.

Jeremy Murchland, president insurance company Seven Corners, previously told Lonely Planet: "Some plans in the market may not cover you if you knowingly travel to a country that is a Level Four.

"Others may provide coverage if the travel warning occurred after your arrival in the affected area."

So, if you're still set on heading to Mexico, it's best to figure out if your insurance is still valid.