Travel Alert: What to Do If Your Mexico Vacation Encounters Cartel Violence

Canadian travelers currently in Mexico are being advised to shelter in place and consider registering with Global Affairs Canada, according to official government travel advisories. This guidance comes amid reports of cartel-related violence in certain regions, though the situation appears to be calming according to some accounts.

Understanding the Current Situation

The violence stems from retaliation following the military killing of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Despite the initial unrest, reports from Ottawa residents in affected areas suggest that conditions have become significantly calmer since the outbreak on Sunday. Social media updates indicate that while there may be long lines at grocery stores, the immediate danger has subsided.

Important note: The cartel does not typically target tourists, which provides some reassurance for vacationers. Retired Canadian journalist Don Martin posted on social media that Sunday night was calm, and he shared a photo of a grocery store lineup on Monday, humorously noting relief that beer supplies remained available.

Official Canadian Government Recommendations

For those in the state of Jalisco or other hot spots, the Canadian government has issued specific instructions:

Shelter in place and maintain a low profile
Monitor local media for updates
Check flights regularly for last-minute cancellations
Exercise a high degree of caution
Avoid non-essential travel to affected areas

The Mexican government has stated that the situation is under control, but Canadian authorities continue to urge vigilance.

Flight Information and Travel Updates

Despite the advisories, Porter Airlines has scheduled two flights from Ottawa on Tuesday morning: Flight 793 to Puerto Vallarta and Flight 767 to Cancun. Travelers with these bookings should monitor the airline's website closely for any changes. It's worth noting that Cancun has not experienced the same level of violence as Puerto Vallarta.

Many flights between Ottawa and Mexico have been cancelled, so passengers are encouraged to verify their travel arrangements frequently. The Global Affairs registration site experienced technical difficulties on Monday afternoon due to high traffic from thousands of Canadian travelers attempting to register.