Mexico remains a top destination for Canadian travelers, attracting over 2.6 million visitors last year alone. However, the country’s safety record is not uniform, with certain areas posing significant security risks to tourists.
Just weeks ago, the Government of Canada sounded an alarm on Cabo San Lucas and surrounding areas in Baja California Sur due to reports of violent incidents and heightened security measures. The advisory, which recommended “exercise caution” for travelers visiting these regions, has been revised following a recent update from the Canadian government.
Security Situation in Baja California Sur Improved
According to the updated Government of Canada advisory, the security situation in Baja California Sur has improved significantly. The advisory, which was initially issued for Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, and Los Cabos, has been removed due to a decrease in security threats.
“Safety and security – removed information on the security situation in Baja California del Sur,” the government of Canada stated in its latest advisory update.
Other Areas Still Pose Significant Risks
While the situation in Baja California Sur has improved, other areas in Mexico continue to pose significant security risks for travelers. The Government of Canada has maintained warnings for several locations due to ongoing violence and organized crime.
One such area is Culiacán, Mazatlán, and surrounding regions, where violent clashes between rival armed groups have been reported. Travelers are advised to exercise extreme caution when visiting these areas, limiting their movements and following local media updates for the latest information.
Tips for Tourists Visiting Culiacán, Mazatlán:
– Exercise extreme caution
– Limit your movements
– Monitor local media for the latest information
– Follow the instructions of local authorities
Several Areas Still Under “Avoid Non-Essential Travel” Warning
In addition to Culiacán and Mazatlán, several other areas in Mexico continue to be under a “avoid non-essential travel” warning due to high levels of violence and organized crime.
These areas include:
– Chiapas (excluding Palenque via highway 186 from Villahermosa, San Cristobal de las Casas, and Tuxtla Gutiérrez)
– Chihuahua (excluding Chihuahua City)
– Colima (excluding the city of Manzanillo if accessed by air)
– Guanajuato (in all areas south of and including highways 43D and 45D)
– Guerrero (excluding Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo if accessed by air)
– Jalisco (within 50 km of the border with Michoacán state)
– Lagunas de Zempoala National Park in Morelos
– Michoacán (excluding Morelia and Patzcuaro)
– Nayarit (within 20 km of the border with Sinaloa and Durango states)
– Nuevo León (excluding Monterrey)
– Sinaloa (excluding Los Mochis)
– Sonora (excluding Hermosillo, Guaymas/San Carlos, and Puerto Peñasco)
– Tamaulipas (excluding Tampico)
– Zacatecas (excluding Zacatecas City)
Travelers are advised to exercise caution when planning their trips to Mexico, taking into account the latest advisory updates from the Government of Canada. With a busy summer ahead, it is essential for travelers to stay informed about the security situation in various regions across Mexico.
Source: The Travel
