A shelter-in-place order is in effect in Puerto Vallarta amid violence and roadblocks in southwestern Mexico, according to the federal government’s updated travel advisory.
The Government of Canada updated its Mexico advisory on Feb. 22 at 14:58 ET, citing “violence and roadblocks in southwestern Mexico.”
The advisory states: “A shelter in place order is in effect in Puerto Vallarta. All taxi and rideshare services are suspended until further notice.”
It says criminal groups have set up roadblocks with burning vehicles in Jalisco State, including Puerto Vallarta, as well as in Guerrero State and Michoacán State. The advisory adds there have been shootouts with security forces and explosions, along with “significant disruptions to travel and transportation, including flight delays and cancellations.”
Mexico remains under a national advisory to “Exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico due to high levels of criminal activity and kidnapping.”
The advisory also includes regional warnings to avoid non-essential travel to parts of Jalisco, Guerrero and Michoacán, among other states, due to high levels of violence and organized crime.
Ottawa advises Canadians in affected areas to “keep a low profile,” “monitor local and international media to stay informed of the rapidly evolving situation,” and “follow the advice of local authorities, including any orders to shelter in place.” It further advises travellers to check with their airline before heading to the airport.
Air Canada has issued a travel notice for Puerto Vallarta for Feb. 25, 2026, stating: “Flights may be impacted by security.” The airline says the notice applies “All day, February 25, 2026,” and that it has revised its ticketing policy to allow customers travelling on affected flights to make changes without penalty, space permitting.
WestJet has also issued a security advisory covering Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara and Manzanillo for travel between Feb. 22 and Feb. 24, 2026.
The airline says a “$0 one-time fee waiver will be offered” for eligible changes or cancellations, subject to conditions including that requests be made more than two hours before departure.
Vancouver International Airport says it is “aware of a security situation within Puerto Vallarta that is impacting operations at Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR).” The airport says flights scheduled to operate between YVR and Puerto Vallarta have been cancelled as a result and that its guest experience team is assisting affected passengers in the terminal.
YVR advises passengers scheduled to fly to Puerto Vallarta this week to check with their airline and at yvr.ca before coming to the airport. It also notes that Global Affairs Canada has issued a travel advisory to the region.