Canada Travel Advisory for 13 Mexican States – Violence & Organised Crime Warning

Published on November 20, 2025

The Canadian government has updated its travel guidance, warning citizens to avoid non‑essential travel to 13 states in Mexico due to elevated violence and organised crime. The advisory reflects Canada’s assessment of security risks in certain regions and is meant to alert Canadian travellers about potential threats to safety.

Which Mexican States Are Affected

According to the official travel advisory, the states listed include (with some noted exceptions for safe zones):

• Chiapas (excluding city/ruins of Palenque, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, San Cristóbal)
• Chihuahua (excluding Chihuahua City)
• Colima (excluding Manzanillo if accessed by air)
• Guanajuato (full state south of/including Highways 43D & 45D)
• Guerrero (excluding Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo if accessed by air)
• Jalisco (within 50 km of Michoacán border)
• Michoacán (excluding Morelia & Pátzcuaro)
• Nayarit (within 20 km of Sinaloa/Durango boundary)
• Nuevo León (excluding Monterrey)
• Sinaloa (with specific exceptions for areas of Mazatlán / Los Mochis via air/sea)
• Sonora (excluding Hermosillo, Guaymas/San Carlos, Puerto Peñasco)
• Tamaulipas (excluding Tampico)
• Zacatecas (excluding Zacatecas City)

The advisory also maintains a broader note to exercise a high degree of caution throughout Mexico because of criminal activity and kidnapping risks.

Why This Advisory Was Issued

The decision to issue the advisory stems from ongoing challenges in those states—including violent crime, organised‑crime group activity, and risks to personal safety. Canadian authorities highlight that while many parts of Mexico remain popular for tourism, the security context in the listed states has changed sufficiently to warrant caution for Canadians travelling there.

What It Means for Travellers

If you are planning a trip to Mexico, especially in one of the listed states, this advisory has practical implications:

• Review your itinerary: If you intended to visit one of the affected states, check whether your destinations lie within the restricted zones or safe‑exceptions.
• Travel insurance & planning: Insurance terms often depend on destinations and risk levels. Visiting a state under a foreign government advisory could affect coverage.
• Stay updated: The situation can change, so ensure you’re aware of current local security, transport conditions and travel alerts from your home country.
• Consider alternatives: Mexico has many popular tourist states (e.g., Quintana Roo, Yucatán, Baja California) not included in the restricted list. Choosing an alternate state may reduce risk.
• Keep local contacts aware: Let someone know your travel plan, register with your embassy or consulate, and keep emergency contact information handy.

What It Does Not Mean

• A blanket “do not travel” ban: The advisory is for avoid non‑essential travel in certain states—not for the entire country. Many parts of Mexico remain accessible and popular for tourism.
• All tourism is unsafe: The advisory highlights elevated risk in certain states but doesn’t imply every destination in Mexico is dangerous.
• No access: Travel is still possible in many of the listed states under safer zones or specific exceptions—but it requires careful planning and awareness.

Wider Implications for Tourism

For Mexico’s tourism industry—and for destinations that rely on Canadian visitors—this advisory could influence booking behaviour, traveller confidence and marketing strategies. Travel businesses may need to emphasise safe zones, highlight secure access and provide reassurance to potential visitors. For travellers, it signals a need to do more detailed destination research and plan with risk‑awareness in mind.

How Local Conditions Impact Safety

The states in question tend to have elevated levels of violent crime linked to organised‑crime groups, territorial disputes between cartels, local corruption and infrastructure‑challenges that affect traveller safety. Issues such as kidnappings, armed theft, and limited police response are part of the risk landscape. This isn’t about tourism scams—but foundational security issues in some regions that affect all visitors.

Tips for Safe Travel in Mexico (Despite the Advisory)

If you decide to travel to Mexico—whether in a safer state or one of the listed ones with caution—consider the following:

• Stay in well‑reviewed accommodations in safe neighbourhoods, preferably with good security procedures.
• Avoid travelling at night in areas outside major tourist hubs.
• Use reputable transport providers (e.g., registered taxis or ride‑share apps).
• Stay updated on local news, government advisories and road/transport conditions.
• Keep a low profile; avoid discussion of sensitive topics (e.g., crime, cartels) in public spaces.
• Register with your embassy or consulate and share your travel itinerary with someone at home.

The Balance Between Adventure and Risk

Mexico remains a rich travel destination, known for its culture, scenery, food and hospitality. The travel advisory doesn’t erase that, but it does urge awareness of risk. For travellers willing to stay informed and cautious, many memorable experiences are still very attainable. The key is adjusted expectations—understanding that security is part of the travel equation now in certain regions.

Final Thoughts: Travelling Smart in 2025

A travel advisory like this is not about fear—it’s about information. When a major country like Canada issues caution over specific states in Mexico, it reflects serious assessment of risk. But it also offers travellers agency: if you plan responsibly, stick to safer areas, stay alert, and use practical safety strategies, you can still explore and enjoy. For you as a traveller: pick your destinations with awareness, support local economies thoughtfully and travel with an eye on the human and cultural richness of your visit as much as the destination’s beauty.