Friday, July 17, 2026

Canada raises Mexico travel alert to ‘high degree of caution’

The country had listed more than a dozen states as areas to avoid non-essential travel due to a surge in violence and roadblocks in the country.

• February 23, 2026
Canadian flag (credit: Konga)
Canadian flag (credit: Konga)

Canada has updated its advisory for travel to Mexico to a “high degree of caution.”

The country had listed more than a dozen states as areas to avoid non-essential travel due to a surge in violence and roadblocks in the country.

According to the latest advisory issued by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), criminal activity and kidnapping remain at high levels across Mexico.

It said, however, that foreign tourists were not the primary target.

The ongoing violent clashes between federal authorities and armed groups, combined with arson and roadblocks, have posed significant threats to public safety.

The GAC highlighted the deteriorating security situation in Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding areas in Jalisco state.

Armed confrontations had led to widespread disruptions in the transportation system, with commercial flights suspended and ground travel hampered by illegal blockades.

In response to the escalating crisis, Air Canada announced Sunday that it has temporarily suspended all flights to and from Puerto Vallarta, citing its inability to ensure airport safety.

The airline said it would maintain close communication with the Mexican government.

WestJet also cancelled scheduled flights to the affected region.

Mexico has ramped up crackdowns on drug criminal organisations, with the army killing Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the founder and leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, in an operation on Sunday in Jalisco.

Road blockades and vehicle burnings were recorded in Jalisco and neighbouring states.

Similar incidents involving torched vehicles and highway blockades were also reported in Tamaulipas and Oaxaca.

The vandalism was believed to have been orchestrated by cartel members in retaliation for the military operation. 

(Xinhua/NAN)

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino

Sport

FIFA to present first-ever championship rings to World Cup winners

The global football governing body announced that the ring presentation to winners would be held alongside the trophy presentation in a statement on Thursday.

Infantino presenting World Cup trophy to Trump at White House

Sport

Trump will attend 2026 World Cup final, says White House

U.S. President Donald Trump will attend the 2026 World Cup final, featuring Argentina and Spain, scheduled for Sunday.

Delta House of Assembly

Politics

Delta assembly retains N1 trillion budget, passes property protection amendment bill

The Delta House of Assembly retained the state’s 2025 budget at N1.179 trillion despite the recent supplementary review.

Ernest Koromaand President Goodluck Jonathan

Africa

Jonathan hails Sierra Leone’s decision on ex-president Koroma

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has commended the Sierra Leone government’s decision to discontinue criminal proceedings against its former president, Ernest Koroma.

Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia

States

Benue govt, foundation partner to improve agriculture, boost food security

The Benue government pledged to strengthen its partnership with the Teryima and Msurshima Foundation to expand the distribution of improved foundation seed.

Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima

Politics

Borno youths mobilise thousands for Tinubu, Shettima’s re-election

Youths in Borno have mobilised thousands to canvass grassroots support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima.