Mexico travel warning: Canada urges travellers to ‘exercise a high degree of caution’ after cartel violence erupts following ‘El Mencho’ death

Canada has updated its Mexico travel warning after the reported killing of one of the country’s most notorious drug lords, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho," in a military raid on Sunday, February 22. Reports of the 59-year-old cartel leader’s death triggered widespread retaliatory violence across Mexico. Armed groups blockaded highways with burning vehicles and set fire to businesses in more than half a dozen states, paralyzing large parts of the country, as reported by the Associated Press.

In response to the unrest, the Government of Canada revised its travel advisory for Mexico, urging Canadians to “exercise a high degree of caution” due to high levels of criminal activity and kidnapping. The advisory, last updated on February 24, 2026, includes expanded regional warnings and detailed safety guidance.

Security concerns for Canadian tourists

Canadian officials said violent incidents on February 22 included roadblocks, shootouts with security forces, and explosions on key roads and highways, including routes connecting affected areas to Mexico City. States particularly impacted included Jalisco, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Nayarit, Quintana Roo, and Baja California.

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While authorities say the situation has stabilized in some areas, Canada warned that further incidents remain possible. Roads around Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta are gradually reopening, and airports in both cities have resumed domestic and international flights.

Regional travel advisories

Canada continues to advise against nonessential travel to several Mexican states, citing organized crime and violence. These include large parts of Chiapas, Chihuahua, Colima, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Jalisco (near the Michoacán border), Michoacán, Sinaloa, Sonora, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas, with limited exceptions for specific cities or air-access routes.

Crime and safety: what travellers should know

Canadian travellers were advised to remain vigilant across the country. Key risks highlighted in the updated advisory include:

• Violent and organized crime:
  
  
  • Armed clashes between cartels and security forces
    
  • Shootouts, explosions and illegal roadblocks
    
  • High risk of kidnapping, including express kidnappings
    
• Tourist areas not immune:
  
  
  • Violent crime reported at hotels, restaurants and nightclubs
    
  • Innocent bystanders injured or killed during cartel violence
    
• Border and highway risks:
  
  
  • Frequent violence near the US and Guatemala borders
    
  • Carjackings and armed robberies on highways
    
  • Illegal checkpoints operated by criminal groups
    
• Petty crime:
  
  
  • Pickpocketing and bag-snatching in airports, metros and buses
    
  • Motorcycle robberies targeting pedestrians and motorists
    
• Assault and fraud:
  
  
  • Reports of physical and sexual assault, including involving imposters posing as police
    
  • Credit card fraud, overcharging at bars, and timeshare scams
    
• Women and vulnerable travellers:
  
  
  • Higher risks of harassment and assault, especially after dark
    
  • Increased threats to 2SLGBTQI+ travellers in some regions
    

Travel guidance

Canadian authorities recommend travelling by air where possible, avoiding night travel, using only official taxis or ride-hailing apps, and following instructions from local authorities. Travellers are also urged to monitor local media, confirm flight schedules, and allow extra time to reach airports.

With Mexico set to co-host the FIFA World Cup 2026, Canada advised travellers planning to attend the tournament to consult specific guidance related to large-scale events.