Canada updated its Mexico travel advisory and here's what the latest safety advice says

Planning a trip to Mexico this summer? Before you get going, you'll want to take note of new travel advice issued by the Government of Canada.

Canada has updated its travel advisory for Mexico, warning residents of new safety and security risks and areas in the country they should avoid.

With the country considered a hot spot for Canadians, here's what to know about the travel advisory.

The Canadian government recently updated its Mexico travel advisory ahead of the country's general elections.

The elections, which are scheduled to take place on June 2, will be the biggest in Mexico's history, according to the Associated Press.

The country will vote to choose the president, the winners of 628 seats in Congress and thousands of local positions, says the AP.

The Government of Canada is warning residents travelling to the country around this period to exercise caution.

"General elections are scheduled to take place on June 2, 2024. Demonstrations and other political gatherings could occur before, during and after the elections," says the travel advisory.

The advisory notes that road closures and blockages may cause travel disruptions, and that a strong military and police presence is expected.

"You may face deportation if you participate in demonstrations as a foreigner," says the government.

Travellers are advised to avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, follow the instructions of local authorities, and monitor local media for information on demonstrations.

Is Mexico safe for tourists right now?

While overall, the Government of Canada advises that Canadians "exercise a high degree of caution" when travelling to Mexico, Canada also has regional advisories in place warning travellers to avoid non-essential travel to certain regions and avoid travel altogether in others.

Currently, the government advises residents to avoid all travel to Guerrero state due to "the precarious security situation following damage by Hurricane Otis."

In October 2023, Hurricane Otis made landfall near Acapulco, on Mexico’s southern Pacific coast. The hurricane caused "catastrophic damage" to the area, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

According to Canada's travel advisory, there is a "threat of armed violence, banditry, and looting in cities and on roads," in the state.

The advisory, however, excludes the cities of Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, where travellers should "exercise a high degree of caution."

The government also has several "avoid non-essential travel" advisories in place for several Mexican states, including Chihuahua, Colima, Durango, Michoacán, Morelos, Nuevo León, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas.

Canadians are told to avoid non-essential travel to these areas due to "high levels of violence and organized crime."

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

Those planning to travel to Mexico are advised to remain vigilant at all times, stay in tourist areas, be very cautious on major highways, avoid travelling at night and monitor local media for updates.

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.