Listeners:
Top listeners:
-
play_arrow
S1 E9 | Are We That Incompetent? Canada vs Saudi Arabia
-
play_arrow
S1 E2 | Milk, Markets, and the Cost of Protection
Government of Canada Issues Updated Travel Advisory for Mexico Amid Rising Security Concerns
The Government of Canada has issued an updated travel advisory for Mexico as of February 22, 2026, urging Canadians to exercise a high degree of caution due to escalating criminal activity and violent incidents across multiple states.
The advisory comes amid reports of increased cartel violence following the killing of a prominent drug lord, triggering widespread security concerns across popular tourist destinations and major cities throughout the country.
Current Security Situation
Criminal organizations have established roadblocks using burning vehicles in several states, with reports of shootouts between cartel members and security forces. Explosions on roads and highways have been documented, creating dangerous conditions for travelers.
Violence has spread rapidly from Jalisco state and Puerto Vallarta to encompass Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Quintana Roo, Baja California, and Nayarit. The situation remains fluid as security forces work to restore order in affected regions.
States Under “Avoid Non-Essential Travel” Advisory
The Government of Canada is advising Canadians to avoid non-essential travel to the following states:
- Chiapas
- Chihuahua
- Colima
- Guanajuato
- Guerrero
- Jalisco
- Morelos
- Michoacán
- Nayarit
- Nuevo León
- Sinaloa
- Sonora
- Tamaulipas
- Zacatecas
Limited exceptions exist for specific cities and airports that remain accessible by air or sea. These include Palenque and Tuxtla Gutiérrez in Chiapas, Morelia and Patzcuaro in Michoacán, and certain designated zones in Sinaloa and Quintana Roo.
Canadians planning travel to these states should carefully review the specific regional advisories and consider postponing trips until the security situation stabilizes.
Shelter-in-Place Orders Active
Shelter-in-place orders are currently in effect in Jalisco and Nayarit states. Puerto Vallarta, a popular destination for Canadian tourists, is under mandatory shelter-in-place conditions until further notice.
All taxi and rideshare services have been suspended in Puerto Vallarta as a precautionary measure. Travelers in the area are being advised to remain at their accommodations and avoid unnecessary movement.
Transportation Disruptions
Significant flight delays and cancellations are occurring at airports in affected regions. Air Canada has advised customers currently in these areas to remain at their accommodations and monitor flight status updates before attempting to travel to airports.
Other Canadian carriers and international airlines have implemented similar protocols. Travelers should contact their airlines directly for the most current information regarding flight operations and rebooking options.
Road travel remains particularly dangerous in affected states. Roadblocks established by criminal groups have made highway travel unpredictable and potentially hazardous. Local authorities are working to clear routes, but conditions can change rapidly.
Guidance for Canadians Currently in Mexico
The Government of Canada has issued specific guidance for Canadian citizens currently in Mexico:
Immediate Actions:
- Avoid affected areas and minimize time spent in public spaces
- Keep a low profile and limit movements to essential activities only
- Follow all local curfews and shelter-in-place orders issued by Mexican authorities
- Monitor local and international media for updates on the security situation
Travel Precautions:
- Check with airlines before heading to airports
- Avoid road travel between cities, particularly after dark
- Stay in accommodations with adequate security measures
- Keep travel documents and identification secure and accessible
Communication:
- Inform family and friends of your whereabouts and travel plans
- Keep mobile devices charged and accessible
- Save emergency contact numbers for local authorities and Canadian consular services
Registration and Consular Assistance
Canadians in Mexico or planning travel to the country are strongly encouraged to register with the Government of Canada’s Registration of Canadians Abroad service. This free service allows the government to contact citizens in case of emergency or provide critical updates during security incidents.
Canadian citizens requiring assistance or needing to register as a Canadian abroad can access comprehensive information and resources at: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/mexico
For emergency consular assistance, Canadians can contact the nearest Government of Canada office in Mexico or reach the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at any time.
Broader Security Concerns
Beyond the current security incidents, the advisory notes that violent crime remains a persistent concern throughout Mexico. Criminal activity and gang violence occur in both tourist areas and residential zones.
Cartel clashes have been documented in hotels, nightclubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists. Kidnappings continue to occur, with both targeted attacks and crimes of opportunity reported across multiple states.
Travelers should exercise caution in bars and nightclubs, where incidents of drugged food and drinks have been reported. Never leave beverages unattended and consider traveling in groups when visiting entertainment districts.
What to Consider Before Traveling
Canadians planning trips to Mexico should carefully evaluate the security situation and consider whether travel is necessary at this time. Those who decide to proceed should:
- Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and trip cancellation
- Research accommodations in areas with lower crime rates and adequate security
- Plan travel routes in advance and avoid spontaneous trips to unfamiliar areas
- Keep copies of important documents in multiple locations
- Establish check-in protocols with family or friends in Canada
The security situation in Mexico remains dynamic. Conditions can deteriorate quickly, and areas previously considered safe may experience sudden increases in violence.
Official Advisory Updates
The Government of Canada continuously monitors the situation in Mexico and updates travel advisories as conditions change. Canadians are encouraged to check the official travel advisory page regularly for the most current information.
Travel advisories are based on information from Canadian diplomatic missions in Mexico, local authorities, and international security sources. The advisories reflect the government’s assessment of risks to Canadian citizens based on current conditions.
For the latest updates and detailed regional information, visit https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/mexico
Canadian citizens should follow official guidance from the Government of Canada and exercise appropriate caution when making travel decisions regarding Mexico at this time.
Post comments (0)