Canada continues to advise travellers not to visit certain regions of Mexico following a new U.S. travel warning.
Due to increased criminal activity and kidnapping, the U.S. government issued its highest security warning (level four) for travel to several cities in the Tamaulipas state, including Reynosa, Rio Bravo, Valle Hermoso, and San Fernando. Level four advisories are issued when travellers are advised to avoid all travel to cities, states, or regions.
The U.S. Consulate states that it is aware of "increasingly frequent gun battles in and around Reynosa." Additionally, the Tamaulipas state issued a warning advising people not to touch improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and to avoid travelling on dirt roads. Criminal organizations frequently use these devices in the region.
The American advisory also notes that "gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault" are common in the state. Criminal groups also target buses and vehicles, taking passengers and demanding ransoms.
Canada's Mexico travel advisory
Canada also advises travellers against all "non-essential" travel to the Tamaulipas state, excluding the city of Tampico. This warning is below the U.S.'s current advisory, warning against all travel. Canada's highest security advisory is "avoid all travel."
The Canadian government has also issued the avoid all "non-essential" advisory to the following states and regions due to violence and organized crime:
- Chiapas, excluding the cities of 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 the cities of Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo if accessed by air
- Jalisco, within 50 km of the border with Michoacán state
- the Lagunas de Zempoala National Park in Morelos
- Michoacán, excluding the cities of Morelia and Patzcuaro
- Nayarit, within 20 km of the border with the states of Sinaloa and Durango
- Nuevo León, excluding the city of Monterrey
- Sinaloa, excluding the city of Los Mochis
- Sonora, excluding the cities of Hermosillo, Guaymas/San Carlos and Puerto Peñasco
- Zacatecas, excluding Zacatecas City
Both Canada and the United States advise travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in the entire country due to the ongoing high levels of criminal activity and kidnapping.
The Canadian government warns of increased violence and tensions on the borders of Mexico and the United States, as well as Mexico and Guatemala.
Confrontations between organized criminal groups and Mexican security forces can lead to shootouts, attacks and illegal roadblocks.
Travellers should travel by air instead of by vehicle to avoid being involved in a dangerous situation. If they must cross a land border, drivers should remain vigilant, not travel at night, and only use official border crossings.
Canada has also recently warned of violent clashes between rival armed groups in Culiacán, Mazatlán and their surrounding areas. Travellers in these areas should practice the following safety precautions:
- exercise extreme caution
- limit your movements
- monitor local media for the latest information
- follow the instructions of local authorities
Other considerations for travel to Mexico right now, including to popular tourist zones
Petty theft, including purse and bag snatching, is also common, particularly in popular tourist areas or during crowded festivals or protests. Remain vigilant in, bus stations, buses and the Mexico City metro system. Many robberies happen at airports, currency exchange bureaus, or ATMs.
If you are caught committing a crime, even a "minor" one such as smoking outside a public building or public urination, you could be detained.
Penalties for breaking the law in Mexico can be more severe than in Canada. Travellers can be held in pre-trial detention for 72 hours before a trial.
Mexican authorities have made efforts to protect major tourist destinations, resulting in lower levels of gang-related violence in these areas. Some popular destinations for Metro Vancouver travellers include the Mayan Riveria, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cabos.
However, travellers to popular tourist areas should still keep safety top of mind, and avoid going out after dark, particularly alone or to less busy areas.
Travellers should be wary of accepting drinks or food from new acquaintances and never leave items unattended or in the care of strangers. They can also order drinks in sealed bottles or cans instead of in plastic cups
Kidnappings, including express kidnappings, occur frequently throughout Mexico. To avoid being a victim, travellers should:
- Only use reputable cab companies or ride-sharing apps
- Avoid hailing taxis on the street
- If you're threatened by armed criminals, stay calm and don’t resist
In some cases, hotel employees, taxi drivers and security personnel at popular tourist destinations have physically or sexually assaulted Canadian travellers. Victims of sexual violence should consult the Government of Canada and the British Embassy in Mexico City.
Tourists to Mexico for trips less than 180 days must get a Multiple Immigration Form (FMM) or Tourist Card. If they don't, they may face expulsion, detention, or a fine. Keep this card on you at all times as legal proof of your legal stay.
Canadians should always register trips they take online before they leave so that the government can contact them in an emergency. Passports and other important documents should always be kept secure. Travellers should avoid showing signs of affluence, including wearing flashy jewellery and designer brands.
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