Global Affairs Canada is advising Canadians in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara to proceed to airports only if they have confirmed flights and if it is safe to do so, following recent violence outbreaks across Mexico. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand stated that the situation in Mexico is gradually stabilizing, although the level of volatility varies across the country. Canadians remaining in Mexico are urged to adhere to local authorities’ guidance.
While seeking clarity from Global Affairs Canada regarding this advice, CBC News has not received a response. However, as per a government news release in Jalisco state, economic activities, including the reopening of various services like self-service stores, convenience stores, wholesale markets, banking institutions, and intercity transport routes, were set to resume on Tuesday.
In response to the death of a prominent cartel leader, violent incidents erupted in Mexico, prompting shelter-in-place advisories in several regions and flight cancellations by Canadian airlines. 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.
As of late Monday, GAC updated its advisory to warn of the possibility of further security incidents across Mexico, despite no significant reports on February 23. While airports in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara have resumed operations and international flights are set to recommence, shelter-in-place orders remain in effect in Jalisco and Nayarit.
Major Canadian airlines like Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat, and Porter are scheduled to resume flights, with Flair planning to restart services a day later. Approximately 55,000 Canadians in Mexico have registered with GAC as of Tuesday morning.
Les Wallace from Oakville, Ont., observed a return to near-normal conditions in Nuevo Vallarta, north of Puerto Vallarta, with the reopening of grocery stores and a functioning farmer’s market. While optimistic about the current situation, he acknowledged that staying at a resort offers a limited perspective on the overall conditions in Puerto Vallarta.
According to a Jalisco government news release, officials are enhancing land route surveillance to ensure the safe return of individuals sheltered in vacation spots. In Puerto Vallarta, efforts are being made to restore public transportation, food supplies, and services for both the Hotel Zone and the general population. Despite ongoing vigilance, Jalisco remains under a code red status pending a government decision.