On November 18, the Canadian government updated its travel advisory for Mexico, urging citizens to “exercise a high degree of caution” due to increased levels of criminal activity and kidnapping. This comes as more Canadians are booking winter holidays in Mexico, bypassing the United States due to political tensions, border uncertainties and rising costs.
The advisory, posted on travel.gc.ca, cites concerns over criminal activity but does not specifically mention one of the factors that may have provoked the sudden update: the recent assassination of a prominent politician in Michoacán, a state heavily affected by cartel violence.
Destinations not affected
Major tourist destinations, including Mexico City, Guadalajara Monterrey, and most resort areas, are not listed in the advisory. However, some areas within Jalisco have been flagged, specifically within 50 kilometers of the border with Michoacán. Locally, perhaps the most surprising inclusion is the advice to avoid non-essential travel to the state of Colima, with the exception of Manzanillo, only “if accessed by air.” Travel from Guadalajara and the lakeside region through Colima to Manzanillo and the southern Jalisco coast via the Highway 80 toll road is considered mostly safe, even though the state has seen a surge in gang-related crime and violence in recent years.
Sinaloa
The state of Sinaloa stands out in the advisory, with Canada recommending avoiding all non-essential travel there. The advisory includes exceptions for certain areas, such as parts of Mazatlán (specifically south of Avenida Gutiérrez Najera and the road to the airport) and the main coastal roads from the city center to Playa Delfines.
Other areas listed as “Avoid Non-Essential Travel” include:
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