Mexico - Canada issues travel advisory due to violence in Sinaloa state particularly in Culiacán, Mazatlan, Los Mochis and Guasave - January 5, 2023

[sharon sanders]

Mexico travel advice

Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)Latest updates: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)

Last updated: January 5, 2023 17:42 ET
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Risk levels

MEXICO - Exercise a high degree of caution


Exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico due to high levels of criminal activity and kidnapping.
Regional risk

Regional Advisory - Avoid non-essential travel


Avoid non-essential travel to the following areas due to high levels of violence and organized crime:

• all Chihuahua
• all Colima, except the city of Manzanillo
• all Coahuila, except the southern part of the state at and below the Saltillo-Torreón highway corridor
• all Durango, except Durango City
• all Guerrero, except the cities of Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo and Taxco
• in Guanajuato
  • Highway 45 between León and Irapuato
  • the area south of and including Highway 45D between Irapuato and Celaya
• all Michoacán, except the city of Morelia
• in Morelos
  • the Lagunas de Zempoala National Park and surrounding areas
  • the municipality of Xoxocotla
• in Nayarit
  • the area within 20 km of the border with Sinaloa and Durango
  • the city of Tepic
• all Nuevo León, except the city of Monterrey
• all Sinaloa, except the city of Mazatlán
• all Sonora, except the cities of Hermosillo and Guaymas/San Carlos and Puerto Peñasco
• all Tamaulipas
• all Zacatecas

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Safety and security


Violence in Sinaloa

There is widespread violence and security operations in Sinaloa State, particularly in Culiacán, Mazatlan, Los Mochis and Guasave since the arrest, on January 5, 2023, of a cartel leader. There are burning cars, exchanges of fire and threat to essential infrastructure, including airports. The Culiacán and Mazatlán airports are closed and all flights are suspended at Los Mochis airport until further notice.



If you are in Sinaloa:

• limit your movements and shelter in place if possible
• avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• don’t attempt to cross road blockades, even if they appear unattended
• allow extra time to reach your destination
• expect an increased presence of security forces
• contact your airline or tour operator to change your travel arrangements if necessary
• monitor local media for information on the evolving situation

follow the instructions of local authorities

Crime


Levels of crime, particularly violent crime, are high throughout Mexico. Arrest and detention rates are low and don’t deter criminal activity.

Criminal groups, including drug cartels, are very active. ‎Clashes between cartels or gangs over territory, drugs and smuggling routes are common.


more....

https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/mexico#security