Urgent travel warning issued for stunning tourist hotspot
By Madeline Cove
Australians have been warned to exercise heightened caution in Mexico after Smartraveller updated its advice following a surge in cartel violence triggered by the killing of a drug kingpin.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed the advice was revised on 23 February after serious security incidents were reported in Jalisco.
Authorities in Puerto Vallarta have issued a public advisory urging people to shelter in place and warned of possible transport disruptions.
Mexico is considered high risk for travellers due to high levels of violent crime, including kidnapping and extortion, and its volatile security situation.