The federal government has ordered Canadians in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, to shelter in place after violence flared in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The advisory comes as travellers report fires, roadblocks and heavy police activity across parts of Jalisco state. Airlines have also suspended or cancelled flights into Puerto Vallarta, leaving many tourists unsure when they can leave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Global Affairs Canada said a shelter-in-place order is in effect in Puerto Vallarta. It also said taxi and rideshare services are suspended until further notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Canadians in Jalisco were urged to keep a low profile and follow local authorities. The department said the situation is rapidly evolving and travellers should stay alert using local and international media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said Canada is closely monitoring what she described as a serious and fast-moving security situation in Jalisco, including in and around Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. She said officials are in contact with local authorities and ready to provide consular help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some travellers said they received alerts from resorts telling them to stay on the property due to police activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From areas north of Puerto Vallarta, visitors reported seeing smoke in the distance. Others described hearing gunshots and explosions and seeing vehicles and buildings on fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the day unfolded, travellers also learned the airport had been shut down. That left many people effectively stranded, with luggage in hand, trying to extend hotel stays in a busy travel season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
WestJet said it diverted seven flights that were en route to Puerto Vallarta and cancelled dozens of flights to and from Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara and Manzanillo. The airline said its flexible change policy is in effect for travellers heading to those destinations over the next two days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
WestJet said it is working with Sunwing to arrange extended stays for guests already in destination, so they can comply with local guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Air Canada and Porter also suspended flight operations into Puerto Vallarta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The unrest followed a major security operation targeting the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Rub\u00e9n Oseguera Cervantes, known as \u201cEl Mencho.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mexican authorities said he died after being wounded in a raid in Jalisco. After the operation, armed groups set up roadblocks and burned vehicles and businesses in multiple areas, including Jalisco and other states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urged the public to stay informed and remain calm. She said there was close coordination between levels of government as the situation developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Global Affairs Canada said there are thousands of Canadians registered in Mexico, including several thousand registered in Jalisco, through its voluntary Registration of Canadians Abroad system. Officials stressed the figures are estimates, since registration is optional and may not reflect current travel plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Canadian officials said they are providing consular assistance, but details are limited by privacy rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For now, travellers are being told to stay where they are, avoid unnecessary movement and monitor airline updates. Many remain focused on one question: when flights and transport links will safely reopen.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The federal government has ordered Canadians in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, to shelter in place after violence flared in the region. The advisory comes as travellers report fires, roadblocks and heavy police activity across parts of Jalisco state. Airlines have also suspended or cancelled flights into Puerto Vallarta, leaving many tourists unsure when they can leave. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":954,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-953","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-world"],"yoast_head":"\n