Mexico is pushing back against the Canadian government after Ottawa issued a series of heightened travel advisories outlining security concerns across multiple Mexican states. The new guidance—which includes a strong “avoid non-essential travel” warning for Sinaloa—has prompted criticism from senior Mexican officials, including President Claudia Sheinbaum, who argues that the updated alerts have been misinterpreted and politicized within Mexico.
The Canadian advisory highlights violent clashes between rival armed groups in Sinaloa, particularly outside tourist areas in Culiacán and Mazatlán, warning that criminal organizations have set up roadblocks and intercepted vehicles on major highways. The advisory also outlines extensive restrictions across more than a dozen states, citing organized crime, armed confrontations, and unpredictable security conditions.
Regions facing updated guidance include Chiapas, Chihuahua, Colima, Michoacán, Nayarit, Guerrero, Nuevo León, Zacatecas, and others. Importantly, Mexico City was not included in the latest update—contrary to claims circulated by local Mexican media.
President Sheinbaum has requested formal clarification from Global Affairs Canada, expressing frustration that the advisories have contributed to “distorted perceptions” about Mexico’s national security landscape. In a response to CBC News, Global Affairs Canada reaffirmed its policy of not commenting on diplomatic communications.
While the Sheinbaum administration disputes the scope of Canada’s warnings, opposition lawmakers insist the advisories reflect real conditions, especially in Sinaloa, where violence remains elevated. “This is the reality we are living in,” said Deputy Mario Zamora Gastélum, urging federal authorities to confront the ongoing instability.
Despite the controversy, Canadian travel to Mexico remains resilient. According to recent reporting from The Globe and Mail, Forbes Travel, and industry tourism data, Canadians continue visiting Mexico in high numbers—with little evidence that the updated advisories have deterred travel, particularly amid a growing boycott of U.S. destinations.
(Source: CBC News, Milenio, Global Affairs Canada)
