On May 8, the Canadian government updated its policy Travel advice for Mexico about the “high levels of criminal activity and kidnappings” in one of the states and the possible unrest related to the upcoming presidential elections.
Canada urges its citizens to “exercises a great deal of caution” when traveling to the entire Mexican territory.
The government had initially warned travelers about the deteriorating security situation in the state of Guerrero, but now it merely discourages citizens from traveling to that region.
One of the main reasons is ‘the precarious security situation’ in the aftermath of Hurricane Otis. This powerful tropical cyclone “made a devastating landfall near Acapulco in October 2023 as a Category 5 hurricane.”
Except Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, a popular beach town that is often visited between December and April where the government recommends this “Be extremely careful,” the rest of the state of Guerrero should be avoided due to the “threat of armed violence, banditry and looting in towns and on roads,” the advisory reads.
Canada places special emphasis on the states of Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Chihuahua, Colima, Durango, Michoacán, Morelos and Nuevo León, what it encourages citizens to do “Avoid all non-essential travel” because of “the high level of violence and organized crime.”
The low level of policing in these states makes them a breeding ground for rampant crime.
Presidential elections
Mexico will hold major presidential elections on June 2, with citizens choosing the new president, 628 members of Congress and thousands of other political positions.
Travel around this date may pose special risks for Canadians and other international travelers.
“The general election will take place on June 2, 2024. Demonstrations and other political gatherings may take place before, during and after the elections.” says the government.
An increased military presence is expected on most roads and streets and the risk of blockades in cities and villages is high.
Canadians should avoid or participate in demonstrations because protesting against the Mexican government is a right that foreign citizens do not have.
“If you participate in demonstrations as a foreigner, you may face deportation” reads the advice.
Other safety concerns
Violent crimes such as murders, carjackings, assaults and kidnappings are still common in Mexico, even in popular tourist hotspots such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, Tulum and Acapulco.
Unknowing bystanders have become victims of random shootings because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Cases of rape and sexual assault against Canadian women have occurred at beach resorts and on public transportation.
Visitors to this destination should be aware of their surroundings at all times, avoid walking or traveling by road at night, and monitor local media for last-minute information.
