by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 12:10 PM ET, Mon February 23, 2026
Canada has expanded its travel advisory for Mexico as cartel-related violence continues to ripple across multiple states, though authorities say conditions may begin stabilizing in the coming days.
While the unrest initially centred on Jalisco, where a shelter-in-place order remains in effect in Puerto Vallarta, Global Affairs Canada (GAC) is now warning of “security incidents” in additional areas, including:
- Guerrero, including Acapulco
- Michoacán
- Sinaloa, including Mazatlán
- Quintana Roo, including Cancun
- Baja California, including Tijuana and Tecate
- Nayarit
The expanded advisory comes as frightened tourists in Puerto Vallarta continue to post images of dark smoke rising over the bay. Canadians in the region have reported hearing explosions and receiving limited official information, CBC News reports.
RELATED: Canada Updates Mexico Travel Advisory as Violence Triggers Shelter-in-Place
26,000+ Canadians Registered in Mexico
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said Monday that 26,305 Canadians currently in Mexico have registered with GAC, though she stressed the true number of Canadians in the country is likely far higher, as registration is voluntary.
Anand urged Canadians in Mexico to register with Global Affairs Canada. The emergency contact number for Canadians abroad is 613-996-8885.
She said officials expect the situation to stabilize in the coming days.
Airlines Suspend Service, Await Restart Timelines
Flight disruptions remain significant.
Air Canada has suspended service to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara and urged customers to remain at their accommodations, advising them not to head to the airport.
RELATED: Expert Urges Canadians to Stay in Resorts as Puerto Vallarta Flights Resume
WestJet confirmed it diverted seven flights en route to Puerto Vallarta and cancelled dozens more, with all service there cancelled Monday. The airline and Sunwing are arranging extended stays for guests currently in destination.
Flair Airlines has tentatively rebooked Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara flights to Tuesday, pending further developments.
Airlines have not confirmed restart schedules.
Authorities say more than 250 cartel roadblocks across 20 states have now been cleared, according to The Associated Press.
For now, Canadian officials continue urging travellers in affected regions to remain indoors, follow local authorities’ guidance and monitor flight status updates before heading to the airport.
TravelPulse Canada will continue to monitor developments and report on impacts to Canadian travellers and the travel industry as the situation evolves.
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