Mexico Travel Advisory & Cartel Violence in Puerto Vallarta: What Tourists Need to Know Right Now
A popular Mexican vacation destination turned into a crisis zone on Sunday, February 22, as cartel retaliation following the killing of drug lord "El Mencho" engulfed Puerto Vallarta and much of Jalisco state in chaos — stranding thousands of tourists, grounding flights, and triggering emergency travel advisories from both the United States and Canada.
U.S. Travel Advisory for Mexico: Shelter in Place Issued Immediately
The U.S. State Department's standing travel advisory for Mexico is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping. That baseline warning escalated dramatically on Sunday when the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City issued an emergency security alert — and then expanded it a second time. The expanded alert urged Americans in Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Tijuana, and additional cities in Jalisco, Baja California, Quintana Roo, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Michoacán, Oaxaca, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas to shelter in place until further notice.
The U.S. Embassy directed Americans to:
- Avoid all areas near law enforcement activity
- Stay aware of surroundings at all times
- Monitor local media continuously
- Follow instructions from local authorities and call 911 in emergencies
- Avoid crowds and keep family informed of location via phone and text
Canada Travel Advisory for Puerto Vallarta: "Shelter in Place, Taxis Suspended"
Canada also issued an urgent update to its Mexico travel advisory on February 22, warning that criminal groups set up roadblocks with burning vehicles in several cities across Jalisco state, including Puerto Vallarta, with shootouts between security forces and cartel members and multiple explosions reported. The Canadian advisory confirmed that a shelter-in-place order is in effect in Puerto Vallarta and that all taxi and rideshare services have been suspended until further notice. Global Affairs Canada advised all Canadian citizens in Jalisco to follow the direction of local authorities immediately.
Puerto Vallarta Cartel Violence: What Happened on the Ground
Reports surfaced of widespread burning vehicles, looting, and clashes near high-traffic areas in Puerto Vallarta. Smoke from burning vehicles blackened the city's skyline. Tourists locked inside their resorts described watching burning cars surrounding the property. One eyewitness at a local resort told reporters they were told not to leave, with no immediate explanation provided. Dark smoke was visible filling the skies over the Pacific Coast city.
One Texas tourist described being among the last passengers to board a flight out of Puerto Vallarta, with the plane's captain opening the doors to allow roughly 80 additional stranded individuals on board in a last-ditch evacuation effort.
Flights Canceled Across Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara
| Airline | Action Taken |
|---|---|
| Southwest Airlines | Canceled all Puerto Vallarta flights |
| Alaska Airlines | Canceled all Puerto Vallarta flights |
| Delta Air Lines | Canceled flights, issued travel waivers |
| United Airlines | Suspended service |
| Air Canada | Suspended service |
| WestJet | Suspended service |
| Porter Airlines | Suspended service |
The airport operator confirmed that while the Puerto Vallarta airport terminal itself was not directly impacted by violence and remained under protection of Mexico's National Guard and military, all international operations and the majority of domestic flights were canceled on Sunday.
Who Is at Risk and Which States Are Affected
The violence, triggered by the killing of CJNG cartel leader El Mencho, spread far beyond Jalisco. Violence was also reported in Michoacán, Guanajuato, Querétaro, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, and San Luis Potosí. The situation remained fluid as of Sunday evening ET, with authorities urging all travelers currently in Mexico to stay off roads, avoid public transport, and remain at their accommodations until official all-clear notifications are issued.
What Travelers Should Do Right Now
If you are currently in Mexico or have upcoming travel planned, security experts and government officials advise the following immediate steps: verify your flight status directly with your airline before heading to any airport, do not attempt to navigate roadways independently, register with your country's embassy through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for the U.S. or the equivalent registration service for Canadians, and check for updates from local authorities on an hourly basis as the security situation continues to evolve.
