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If you’re planning a getaway to Mexico this winter, you might want to check the latest travel advisory update from the Government of Canada, especially if destinations along the Gulf of California are on your list.
The Mexico travel advisory, updated on Monday, cautions Canadians about violent clashes happening in Culiacán, Mazatlán and surrounding areas. According to the Government of Canada, there have been “ongoing violent clashes between rival armed groups” in these locations, with reports of gunfire and vehicles being stopped on major highways.
Local authorities are recommending that anyone already in these areas shelter in place, while the Canadian government is urging travellers to “exercise extreme caution” and “limit your movements” to avoid any potential dangers. Staying informed by monitoring local media and following instructions from local authorities are also advised.
For travellers with plans to visit Mexico soon, the Canadian government is now recommending avoiding all non-essential travel to the following Mexican states due to “high levels of violence and organized crime”:
- Chiapas, excluding the cities of Palenque via Highway 186 from Villahermosa, San Cristobal de las Casas and Tuxtla Gutiérrez
- Chihuahua, excluding Chihuahua City
- Colima, excluding the city of Manzanillo if accessed by air
- Guanajuato
- Guerrero, excluding the cities of Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo if accessed by air
- Jalisco, within 50 km of the border with Michoacán state
- the Lagunas de Zempoala National Park in Morelos
- Michoacán, excluding the cities of Morelia and Patzcuaro
- Nayarit, within 20 km of the border with the states of Sinaloa and Durango
- Nuevo León, excluding the city of Monterrey
- Sinaloa, excluding the city of Los Mochis
- Sonora, excluding the cities of Hermosillo, Guaymas/San Carlos and Puerto Peñasco
- Tamaulipas, excluding the city of Tampico
- Zacatecas, excluding Zacatecas City
If you’re heading elsewhere in Mexico, it’s worth noting that the federal advisory continues to recommend exercising a high degree of caution across the country due to high levels of criminal activity, including violent crime and kidnapping risks.
Additionally, the Government of Canada issued a travel advisory for Mexico and 45 other countries earlier this month due to a rise in dengue fever cases. Dengue, a mosquito-borne illness, can cause severe flu-like symptoms and can be fatal in some cases. While there’s no vaccine available in Canada, the government says you can reduce your risk by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and sleeping under mosquito nets if necessary.
The advisory also mentions that while many tourist areas may have a stronger security presence, crime incidents can still happen, so being extra vigilant is key. The government advises Canadians to stick to tourist areas, avoid showing signs of affluence and refrain from travelling at night for a safer experience.
Is it safe to travel to Mexico?
According to the Government of Canada, as of October 28, 2024, travel to Mexico requires a high degree of caution due to elevated levels of criminal activity and violence in various regions. Although some popular tourist spots may have a stronger security presence, travellers should remain alert, especially in regions where violent crime is more prevalent.
The advisory specifically highlights recent clashes between armed groups in Culiacán and Mazatlán, urging travellers to avoid non-essential travel to these areas and several other states.
If Mexico is in your travel plans, keeping an eye on the latest updates and staying informed could help ensure a safer trip.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.
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