A wave of concern is sweeping through Ottawa as officials confirm tens of thousands of Canadians are currently in Mexico, with the situation rapidly deteriorating in several key regions.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand revealed that as of Monday, approximately 26,000 Canadians had registered their presence in Mexico with Global Affairs Canada – a number that surged by nearly 8,000 in just the past 24 hours.
The escalating violence is concentrated in popular tourist destinations and surrounding states, including Jalisco (Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta), Guerrero (Acapulco), Michoacan, Sinaloa (Mazatlan), Quintana Roo (Cancun), and Baja California (Tijuana, Tecate). These areas are experiencing a significant increase in security risks.
Canadians in Jalisco and Nayarit are currently under shelter-in-place orders, and authorities warn that similar directives, including curfews, could be implemented with little notice in other parts of the country.
Minister Anand is in direct communication with her Mexican counterpart, who anticipates a return to stability in the coming days, but the situation remains volatile and unpredictable.
To manage the growing crisis, Canada has bolstered its consular staff, deploying additional personnel to assist Canadians and handle the influx of inquiries. The emergency watch and response centre has been inundated with 440 calls in the last day alone.
Updated travel advisories now urge Canadians to “exercise a high degree of caution” throughout Mexico, with specific warnings against non-essential travel to numerous areas. The advisory explicitly states that the security situation can change dramatically and quickly.
Canadians currently in Mexico are strongly advised to avoid affected areas, maintain a low profile, and strictly adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities, including curfews and shelter-in-place orders.
While the government is closely monitoring the situation and providing support, the responsibility for repatriating Canadians rests with commercial airlines. There are currently no plans for government-chartered flights to assist with evacuations.
The actual number of Canadians in Mexico is likely higher than the registered figure, as registration is voluntary. Officials are urging all citizens in the country to stay informed and prioritize their safety.
