After the leader of Jalisco New Generation Cartel Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes – known as ‘El Mencho’ – was killed during a Mexican military operation, a series of security incidents across the state of Jalisco have been reported.
The violence is widely understood to have erupted in retaliation to his death, and travellers who are visiting the state have been issued with a public advisory to stay indoors and take shelter. It’s worrying news if you have upcoming plans to travel to this part of Mexico, so we’ve compiled everything you need to know about the latest warnings and how the events might affect your holiday.
Is it safe to travel to Mexico?
The most serious security incidents have been reported in the state of Jalisco, including in Guadalajara and popular tourist resort Puerto Vallarta. However, the US Embassy in Mexico City has urged American travellers in the state as well as other parts of the country to ‘shelter in place until further notice’.
As the Independent reports, popular tourist destinations on the Caribbean coast such as Cancun, Tulum and the Yucatan Peninsula are not affected by the security warnings, but all travellers should keep an eye on the latest updates for travel across Mexico.
What is the UK Foreign Office saying?
The FCDO has updated its travel advice page for Mexico, with specific recommendations for Baja California, Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Jalisco, Colima, Guerrero, and Chiapas.
Furthermore, it says: ‘Serious security incidents have been reported on 22 February across the state of Jalisco, including in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, following a federal law-enforcement operation against organised crime in the municipality of Tapalpa.
‘Authorities in Puerto Vallarta have issued a public advisory to stay indoors. Routes to airports may be blocked. You should exercise extreme caution, follow local authorities’ advice, including orders to stay indoors and avoid non‑essential travel in affected areas.
‘There are reports of blockades on intercity roads across affected states. Please monitor local media and follow advice from authorities and local transport companies before making a decision to travel. If you do decide to travel, we recommend intercity road travel during daylight hours.
‘Security incidents have also been reported in other parts of Mexico. As the situation develops, wherever you are in Mexico, you should stay alert and follow local security advice.’
You can sign up to email alerts from Gov.uk, and read all about the latest travel advice for Mexico on the official website.
Have flights been cancelled?
Yes – all international flights to Puerto Vallarta Airport were cancelled on Sunday February 22, and a statement on the hub’s official X account read: ‘The airport is under the protection of personnel from the National Guard (GN) and the Ministry of National Defense (SEDENA), as part of ongoing coordination efforts with federal authorities.’
‘However, by decision of the airlines, today, Sunday February 22, 2026, all international operations and most of the domestic flights have been cancelled.’
According to euronews, passengers arriving at Guadalajara’s international airport were told that it was operating with limited personnel because of the violence, but clarified online that ‘no incidents have been reported inside the facilities, nor is there any risk to passengers, employees or visitors.’
Airports in other parts of the country thus far remain unaffected, but it’s also been reported that American Airlines, United and Delta have all waived changed fees for those travelling to, through or from Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta this week, and Air Canada has cancelled all flights to and from the former on February 23.
What are your rights if you’ve booked a trip to Mexico?
You will only be entitled to change or cancel your journey free of charge if it’s to a region which is now advised against travelling to by the Foreign Office. If you’re keen to alter your plans anyway, you’ll need to contact your travel provider to see what can be done, though it will likely incur fees.
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