Is it safe to travel to Mexico now? In February 2026, a dramatic security alert sent shockwaves through the tourism industry. The concerns began on February 22, 2026, when criminal groups set up roadblocks with burning vehicles in various cities across Mexico, with shootouts involving security forces and explosions on major roads and highways. The unrest was widely linked to a major law enforcement operation targeting cartel leadership in western Mexico, which sparked retaliatory violence across multiple states.
Within hours, the Government of Canada updated its Mexico travel advisory, warning Canadians in affected regions to exercise a high degree of caution and follow the direction of local authorities. For the many Canadians with booked vacations, the announcement created immediate uncertainty. Should they cancel their plans? Were these beloved destinations truly unsafe?
Fortunately, the situation stabilized relatively quickly in most tourist areas, including Quintana Roo. Yet the brief scare highlighted the importance of staying informed about current safety conditions before any Mexican getaway.
Current Safety Status and the Canadian Government Advisory
The Government of Canada’s travel advisory for Mexico currently advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution throughout the country due to high levels of criminal activity and kidnapping. Quintana Roo — home to both Cancún and Tulum — falls under this general advisory, a lower-risk designation compared to states like Sinaloa, Jalisco, Guerrero, and Colima, where the government advises against all non-essential travel.
That said, the advisory makes clear that violent crime remains high across Mexico, even in popular tourist areas. Cartel-related clashes have taken place inside hotels, nightclubs, and restaurants. Kidnappings — including express kidnappings where victims are forced to withdraw cash from ATMs — are flagged as a persistent risk.
The numbers back this up. Tulum recorded a homicide rate of 214 per 100,000 people — among the highest in the country for municipalities exceeding 10,000 residents. Cancún has also seen significant spikes in kidnappings and extortion in recent years. While the immediate threats from February’s events have subsided, underlying risks remain.
Travel Insurance: A Critical Consideration for Canadians
The February crisis was a sharp reminder about the relationship between government travel advisories and insurance coverage. If you booked your trip after February 22, 2026, most travel insurance policies will not cover trip cancellation or medical emergencies in a destination where a formal government advisory was already in place at the time of booking — buying insurance after the fact does not resolve this gap.
The Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) issued a statement on February 24 urging Canadians to contact their insurance provider and carefully review their policy to understand what is and is not covered given the advisory. Many policies also will not cover you if you travel to regions under an “avoid all non-essential travel” or “avoid all travel” designation.
It is also worth remembering that most provincial and territorial health care plans offer little to no coverage outside Canada. Medical evacuation from Mexico can be extremely expensive. Make sure your travel insurance includes emergency medical coverage and medical evacuation before you depart.
Safety Precautions for Canadian Travellers
Stay within well-travelled areas where security presence is high and tourist infrastructure is established. These zones offer the best balance of safety and convenience for your trip.
Book hotel-arranged transportation rather than hailing street taxis. Your accommodation’s transport services provide vetted drivers familiar with the safest routes. Travel in groups when exploring, and keep family back home updated on your whereabouts with regular check-ins.
One thing that catches many Canadian travellers off guard: vaping devices and e-cigarettes are completely banned in Mexico. Penalties can include confiscation, significant fines, and arrest. Check official travel advisories and local news before departure to stay current on conditions.
Before you leave, register your trip with the free Registration of Canadians Abroad service. It allows the Government of Canada to notify you in case of an emergency at your destination, and enables you to receive important updates during natural disasters or civil unrest — exactly the kind of situation that unfolded in February.
Planning Your Trip to Cancún or Tulum
For residents of Mississauga — and across the Greater Toronto Area — planning a trip to Cancún or Tulum, choosing the right travel partner makes all the difference. Travel agencies like Air Valet, based in Mississauga, offer tailored packages and personalized vacation experience. From arranging direct flights and premium accommodations to curating unique experiences, a full-service travel agency can take care of every detail.
