Global Affairs Canada is now advising Canadians in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara to go to airports only if they have a confirmed flight and if it’s safe, following recent violence in Mexico. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand mentioned that the situation in Mexico is gradually stabilizing, although the level of volatility varies across regions, urging Canadians to heed advice from local authorities.
While seeking clarity from Global Affairs Canada regarding the guidance, CBC News highlighted that economic activities in Jalisco state were set to resume, including the reopening of various services. The recent violence stemmed from the death of a prominent cartel leader, leading to road blockades and disturbances in multiple areas, prompting shelter-in-place advisories and flight cancellations.
Global Affairs Canada continues to caution individuals in Mexico to exercise caution and avoid non-essential travel in certain states due to the potential rapid deterioration of the security situation. The agency updated its warning to emphasize the possibility of further security incidents in various regions. Despite the reopening of roads and airports in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, shelter-in-place orders remain in effect in Jalisco and Nayarit.
Canadian airlines, including Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat, and Porter, are resuming scheduled flights to Mexico, with Flair set to resume service shortly. Approximately 55,000 Canadians in Mexico have registered with Global Affairs Canada as of Tuesday morning.
Les Wallace, a resident of Oakville, Ont., noted signs of normalcy returning to Nuevo Vallarta, observing the reopening of stores and markets. However, he acknowledged that the resort experience might differ from the situation in Puerto Vallarta itself. The Jalisco government has intensified surveillance of land routes to ensure the safe return of individuals stranded during the recent unrest and has taken measures to restore essential services in Puerto Vallarta.
Officials are closely monitoring the situation in Jalisco, which remains under a code red status, with ongoing assessments to determine the next steps.