Quebecers in Puerto Vallarta advised to shelter in place as violence erupts
Christopher Skeete, Quebec’s minister of international relations, has expressed concern about escalating violence in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and the Canadian government has noted that a shelter-in-place order is in effect in the region.
In a post on X on Sunday, Skeete said the Quebec government is monitoring the situation closely after cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, was killed by security forces. He advised Quebecers in Puerto Vallarta to shelter in place and to register with the Canadian Embassy to receive updates.
Je suis préoccupé par ce qui se passe au Mexique. Nous suivons la situation de près et invitons les Québécois(es) à rester chez eux et à s’enregistrer à l’ambassade canadienne pour recevoir les mises à jour des autorités @AMC_corporatif pic.twitter.com/4aGY2eVbN0
— 𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙥𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙎𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙚 (@Cskeete) February 22, 2026
On
the official government of Canada website providing up-to-date information for Canadians travelling abroad,
the federal government is telling Canadians to “
exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico due to high levels of criminal activity and kidnapping
” and to avoid non-essential travel to several parts of the country.
It says “criminal groups have set up roadblocks with burning vehicles in several cities in southwestern Mexico, especially in … Jalisco state, including Puerto Vallarta; Guerrero state, including Acapulco; and Michoacan state.
“There have been shootouts with security forces and explosions. There are significant disruptions to travel and transportation, including flight delays and cancellations.
“A shelter-in-place order is in effect in Puerto Vallarta. All taxi and ride-share services are suspended until further notice.”
The government advises Canadians in southwestern Mexico 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.
“Before making your way to the airport, check with your airline to determine if there are delays or changes in flight schedules,” the government site says.
Several airlines, including Air Canada, have cancelled flights to and from Puerto Vallarta amid the escalating violence.
Due to an ongoing security situation in Puerto Vallarta impacting the @VallartaAirport, Air Canada has temporarily suspended operations there today. We are monitoring the situation and in contact with local authorities who are working to resolve the issue. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/BqV0hGIL4l
— Air Canada (@AirCanada) February 22, 2026