Photo shows a view across Puerto Vallarta in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. (Image courtesy of the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board)
Canada has widened its travel advisory for Mexico as cartel-related violence spreads to several states. The unrest first drew attention in Jalisco, where officials ordered people in Puerto Vallarta to remain indoors. That shelter-in-place advisory remains active.
Now, Canadian authorities warn travellers about security incidents in other regions as well. The updated advisory includes Guerrero, including Acapulco; Michoacán; Sinaloa, including Mazatlán; Quintana Roo, including Cancun; Baja California, including Tijuana and Tecate; and Nayarit.
Officials say the situation could begin to calm in the coming days, but they continue to urge caution.
Tourists Share Alarming Scenes
Visitors in Puerto Vallarta have shared images online showing dark smoke rising over the bay. Some Canadians in the area reported hearing explosions and said they received limited information from local sources.
Travellers described confusion and uncertainty as they tried to understand what was happening around them. Many stayed inside their hotels while waiting for further instructions.
Canadian authorities continue to advise people in affected regions to stay indoors and follow guidance from local officials.
Thousands of Canadians Registered
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said Monday that 26,305 Canadians currently in Mexico have registered with Global Affairs Canada. She noted that the real number of Canadians in the country likely exceeds that figure because registration is voluntary.
Anand encouraged Canadians travelling or living in Mexico to sign up with Global Affairs Canada so officials can reach them quickly in an emergency. She shared the emergency contact number for Canadians abroad: 613-996-8885.
She also said officials expect conditions to stabilize soon, though no exact timeline has been confirmed.
Flight Disruptions Continue
Air travel remains heavily affected. Air Canada has paused flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. The airline has advised passengers to remain at their accommodations and avoid going to the airport until further notice.
WestJet diverted seven flights heading to Puerto Vallarta and cancelled dozens more. The airline cancelled all service to that destination on Monday. WestJet and Sunwing have arranged extended hotel stays for travellers already in the region.
Flair Airlines has tentatively moved Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara flights to Tuesday, depending on how the situation develops.
Airlines have not yet provided firm dates for when normal service will resume.
Roadblocks Cleared, Caution Remains
Authorities reported that more than 250 cartel roadblocks across 20 Mexican states have now been cleared. Despite that progress, officials continue to urge travellers to remain cautious.
Canadian travellers in affected areas should monitor airline updates before heading to the airport and follow instructions from local authorities. Officials stress the importance of staying informed as the situation continues to evolve.
Canada’s expanded advisory reflects growing concern about safety in multiple regions. While authorities anticipate improvement, they continue to prioritize the safety of Canadians abroad.
