Is Playa Del Carmen safe for Brits? Mexico travel update after festival shooting massacre

Up to eight people have been killed after a gunman stormed BPM festival in Mexico's popular tourist hotspot Playa Del Carmen.

Shots were fired in the early hours of the morning at the dance and music event, which attracts a whole host of DJs from across the world, including UK artists.

A gunman reportedly fired through an open window at the Blue Parrot club in Playa Del Carmen, which is a popular tourist hotspot with British and American music fans.

The popular nightclub was one of the several venues holding a closing party for the event, which featured 150 of the world's top DJs, acts and producers.  

Unconfirmed reports suggest eight people, including a security guard, have been killed and 15 injured in the massacre.

A second shooting was reported at the Jungle, a popular nightclub also holding a closing party. 

The devastating incident has raised fears about the safety of Brits traveling to Mexico.

Playa Del Carmen has long been popular with tourists for its year-round sunshine, beaches and luxury hotels.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has updated its advice to travellers in the wake of the shooting.

On its website the FCO warns: “There have been reports of a shooting in the Blue Parrot nightclub in Playa Del Carmen in Quintana Roo state; British embassy staff are urgently looking into this; if you’re in the area, you should follow the advice of the local authorities.”

Mexico has a long history of violence and crime, but thousands of British holidaymakers enjoy the sandy beaches every year without a hint of trouble.

The FCO has told visitors to beware of carjacking, public transport hijacking, kidnapping, mugging, rape and assault.

It said: “Women travelling on their own should be particularly alert when travelling on public transport. There have been incidents of rape on urban buses (‘micros’) on routes in the south of Mexico City. 

"Most attacks have occurred early in the morning or late at night. Several serious sexual offences have also occurred in tourist areas outside of Mexico City. Take care even in areas close to hotels, and especially after dark.”

Travellers are warned not to leave food and drink unattended when out at bars and restaurants - or risk being robbed or drugged. Street crime is also a problem in Mexico’s major cities.

Tourists have been advised to be careful at ATMs and refrain from carrying valuable items where possible.

The FCO advised: “Travel during daylight hours and use toll roads, although you may still encounter disruptions. If possible, travel by air if you’re visiting a major tourist destination in Guerrero. 

"Due to an increase in violent crime in recent months, you should exercise a high degree of caution in Acapulco and surrounding areas."

There is a low threat of terrorism and you don’t need a visa to enter Mexico, but you do need a tourist card which you can get on arrival.

The FCO said: “There have been reports of bogus immigration officers operating within international airports. You should always refuse offers of help and head directly to the immigration office.”