More than 26,000 Canadians currently in Mexico have registered with Global Affairs Canada as cartel-related violence spreads across Puerto Vallarta and surrounding regions. Speaking to reporters in Ottawa, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand confirmed that 26,305 Canadians had signed up with federal authorities as of Monday morning, a sharp increase of roughly 8,000 registrations within just 24 hours. According to Global News, Anand emphasized that registration is voluntary, meaning the true number of Canadians in Mexico is likely significantly higher.
Despite growing concern, Anand said there are no current plans to organize military evacuations or consular flights. Instead, Canadian officials are working closely with Mexican counterparts, who expect the security situation to stabilize in the coming days. Anand stated she remains in contact with her Mexican counterpart and that Canada’s ambassador and consular staff are coordinating efforts to ensure Canadians remain safe. The Emergency Watch and Response Centre has reportedly handled 440 calls in the past day from Canadians seeking travel guidance and updated advisories.
Global Affairs Canada has issued urgent guidance for Canadians in affected areas, particularly in Puerto Vallarta, advising them to shelter in place. Security alerts extend beyond Jalisco state to Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Quintana Roo, Baja California, Nayarit, and other regions. Authorities have reported burning vehicles used as roadblocks, armed confrontations with security forces, and explosions along major highways. Public transit has been suspended in certain areas, and hotels are urging guests to remain indoors.
The violence follows the killing of Nemesio Oseguera, widely known as El Mencho, the longtime leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, during a military operation. Within hours of his reported death, gunmen believed to be cartel affiliates blocked highways and set vehicles and businesses ablaze in apparent retaliation. A cartel member told Reuters that the attacks were carried out in revenge for the leader’s death and warned of further internal clashes as rival factions compete for control.
Air travel has also been heavily disrupted. Air Canada cancelled six flights between Puerto Vallarta and Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, affecting close to 500 passengers in each direction. WestJet diverted seven flights and cancelled 24 others connecting Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and Manzanillo, while Porter Airlines cancelled two round trips from Ottawa and Toronto. Canadian officials continue urging travelers to register with Global Affairs Canada and monitor official advisories as the situation evolves.
