U.S. urges care for travelers in Mexico

WASHINGTON, Feb. 9 (UPI) -- The U.S. State Department has issued a new travel warning for Mexico, urging visitors to stay away from many areas, especially on the border.

The warning, which supersedes one issued in April 2011, was released Wednesday. The State Department urged travelers to be cautious everywhere in the country, although officials pointed out that millions of people visit Mexico every year without coming to harm.

"The rising number of kidnappings and disappearances throughout Mexico is of particular concern. Both local and expatriate communities have been victimized," the advisory said. "In addition, local police have been implicated in some of these incidents. We strongly advise you to lower your profile and avoid displaying any evidence of wealth that might draw attention."

In some areas along the U.S. border and the Pacific coast, officials advised travelers to stay away unless a trip is essential. Visitors to the popular Pacific coast resort of Acapulco should stay on the beach and not venture more than a couple of blocks inland.

On the other hand, there were no specific warnings for Mexico City, for Oaxaca, to the east of Acapulco, for the Yucatan or the Cancun area.