Canada Ups Mexico Travel Warning Due to Armed Violence

The Government of Canada has increased its travel advisory for Mexico, citing gang-related violence in the Gulf of California region.

The Mexico travel advisory was updated on Oct. 28, with a new risk level for Mazatlán, and updated information on violent clashes in Culiacán, Mazatlán and surrounding areas.

“There are ongoing violent clashes between rival armed groups in Culiacán, Mazatlán and their surrounding areas. There is continuous gunfire, and armed groups have been stopping vehicles on the highway from Culiácan to Mazatlán and other major roads. Local authorities advise to shelter in place.”

Mazatlán has been trying to expand its tourism industry over the last year, with new hotels, shops, restaurants, and an aerospace center. Gang violence, however, has been a recurring issue for the region. In January 2023, Canadian airlines WestJet and Sunwing temporarily suspended flights to Mazatlán due to cartel activity.

The updated advisory does not apply to popular tourist destination Cancun, which recently updated its customs policy to remove a controversial electronics customs fee. 

The U.S. also has its own travel warning up for certain areas of Mexico, telling travelers to avoid similar areas because of crime and kidnapping. Similarly to Canada, the U.S. is not warning its citizens to avoid the Yucatan state, which includes Cancun.