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Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has urged Canadians in parts of Mexico to shelter in place and follow local orders, as a wave of cartel violence triggers travel chaos, security lockdowns and urgent consular outreach to tens of thousands of Canadian citizens across the country.

Canadian tourists stand near a resort entrance in Puerto Vallarta as police vehicles idle by the curb.

Rapidly Evolving Crisis After Cartel Leader’s Death

The Canadian warning follows days of unrest across multiple Mexican states after a major military operation killed drug cartel boss Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The operation, carried out on February 22, set off a violent backlash that saw vehicles torched, roads blocked and clashes with security forces in Jalisco and beyond.

Authorities in Mexico responded with a heavy security presence in affected regions, particularly around the popular Pacific resort city of Puerto Vallarta. Local governments in Jalisco and neighboring Nayarit imposed shelter in place directives in several areas, advising residents and visitors to stay indoors and avoid non essential movement as security forces worked to regain control of key routes.

Foreign governments moved quickly to align their own travel messaging with the fast changing situation on the ground. Canada updated its travel advisory to highlight the deteriorating security environment, pointing to reports of armed confrontations, arson attacks and road blockades in and around tourist zones that are heavily frequented by Canadian travelers during the winter season.

Anand Urges Canadians to Heed Local Orders

Speaking in Ottawa, Anand described the unrest as a serious and rapidly evolving security situation and stressed that Canadians in Mexico must closely follow instructions from local authorities, including remaining indoors where shelter in place orders are in effect. She noted that while Mexican officials expect conditions to normalize in the coming days, volatility continues to vary widely from state to state.

According to figures provided by Anand and Global Affairs Canada, more than 26,000 Canadians in Mexico had registered their presence with the federal government as of Monday morning, a jump of nearly 8,000 in just 24 hours as news of the violence spread. By Tuesday, Canadian media reported that registrations had surged past 55,000, a sign of both the large number of Canadians currently in the country and heightened anxiety over the unrest.

Officials said Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre has fielded hundreds of calls from Canadians seeking information on flight status, travel advisories and personal safety. While Canada has not announced any evacuation flights, Anand said consular teams are in close contact with local authorities and airlines, and remain ready to assist those in distress or facing disrupted travel plans.

The violence has had an immediate impact on air travel to some of Mexico’s most visited sun destinations. Canadian and US carriers temporarily suspended or sharply curtailed flights to Puerto Vallarta and other western hubs, including Guadalajara and Mazatlán, over the weekend and into the start of the week, stranding holidaymakers in hotels and at airports.

WestJet, Air Canada, Air Transat and other airlines issued travel waivers, allowing passengers to rebook without penalties as they canceled multiple rotations into affected airports. Some carriers have since begun cautiously restoring service, but schedules remain fluid, with airlines emphasizing that operations depend on evolving security assessments and the status of road access to airports.

On the ground, scenes in resort areas have been a mix of calm and unease. Travelers describe relatively normal conditions inside beachfront properties, with pools, restaurants and entertainment continuing to operate, while news and social media reports show burned out vehicles, blocked highways and armed patrols in surrounding communities. Tour operators and hotel staff have directed guests to stay on property, monitor official updates and avoid unnecessary excursions beyond tourist zones.

Where Canadians Are Most Affected

Global Affairs Canada has highlighted particular concern for Canadians in Jalisco and Nayarit, including Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit corridor, where local officials ordered people off the streets as cartel gunmen staged blockades and clashed with security forces. Authorities have reported dozens of deaths across multiple states since the unrest began, including members of Mexico’s National Guard and suspected cartel operatives.

Canada’s updated advisory also urges heightened caution in other regions experiencing related turbulence, including Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Quintana Roo and Baja California. In these states, authorities have reported security incidents ranging from arson attacks and road closures to targeted violence, though not all areas are subject to formal shelter in place orders.

Canadians already in Mexico are being told to keep a low profile, limit their movements and monitor both local and international media for fresh guidance. Travelers with upcoming trips are advised to check the latest government advisories and confirm flight status before heading to the airport, as last minute schedule changes remain possible.

Balancing Travel Plans With Heightened Risk

Despite the stark warnings and dramatic images, Anand has so far stopped short of telling Canadians to cancel planned holidays to Mexico outright. She has instead framed the decision as one that should be made on a day to day basis, taking into account rapidly shifting conditions in specific destinations and the latest official advice.

The message underscores a difficult balancing act for both governments and travelers. Mexico remains one of Canada’s most popular international destinations, particularly during the winter months when tens of thousands of Canadians flock to its beaches and colonial cities. At the same time, the sudden spike in cartel violence and the spectacle of resort areas under shelter in place orders have raised fresh questions about the reliability of travel plans and personal safety.

For now, Canadian officials are emphasizing vigilance and preparedness. Registering with Global Affairs Canada, keeping travel documents close at hand, staying in close touch with airlines and tour operators, and being ready to adjust itineraries on short notice are all being presented as essential steps for anyone currently in Mexico or considering a trip in the near term.