Is Cancun Safe Right Now? What Travelers Need to Know in February 2026

A wave of cartel violence triggered by the Mexican military's killing of drug lord "El Mencho" sent shockwaves across Mexico this week — reaching as far as Cancun and the Quintana Roo tourist corridor. Here is the full picture on whether Cancun is safe right now, what the U.S. Embassy is saying, and what travelers should do next.

What Triggered the Cancun Safety Crisis

Violence erupted across Mexico on Sunday, February 22, after cartel henchmen blockaded highways with burning cars and torched businesses in more than half a dozen states, paralyzing parts of the country following the killing of the powerful cartel boss known as El Mencho.

The death of Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, immediately sparked fears of a new wave of violence and internal cartel succession battles — all while Jalisco prepares to host part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The ripple effects moved quickly toward Mexico's Caribbean coast. The U.S. Embassy directed all U.S. government staff in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel to shelter in place and work remotely on Monday, February 23, urging all U.S. citizens to do the same.

Is Cancun Safe Right Now? The Latest U.S. Embassy Update

As of February 24–25, 2026, the picture for Cancun has meaningfully improved compared to other parts of Mexico.

The U.S. Embassy issued an updated statement: "Public transportation and businesses continue to return to normal operations following the law enforcement operation that took place on February 22. U.S. citizens are no longer urged to shelter in place."

The situation has officially returned to normal in Quintana Roo State — including Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.

That said, the State Department's travel advisory for Quintana Roo remains at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, warning of risks from civil unrest. Travelers asking whether Cancun is safe right now should treat Level 2 as a persistent baseline — not a green light to lower their guard entirely.

Cancun Airport: Flights and Disruptions

Cancun International Airport remains operational with no reported closures. The airport did experience turbulence mid-week. On February 23, travelers at Cancun International Airport faced significant disruptions, with dozens of flights delayed or canceled, leaving hundreds stranded amid heightened security measures.

By February 24, conditions had largely stabilized. Porter Airlines confirmed its Cancun flights were operating normally even during the height of the crisis, and most major carriers have resumed regular schedules.

Airlines are still offering free changes and fare difference waivers for those wishing to modify travel through February 28, with rebooking required before March 7, 2026.

Are Tourists Being Targeted in Cancun?

Security experts have consistently stressed that tourists are not the intended targets of cartel violence.

Analyst Chris Dalby of Dyami Security Intelligence told CNN: "That criminality is not targeting tourists directly. Most of the time it's targeting the infrastructure that generates money — the hotels, the restaurants, the businesses that are paying extortion fees to these cartels."

On the ground, tourists already in Cancun this week reported a visible but reassuring security presence. One traveler said that as soon as she got off the plane, there was security everywhere, adding: "Even our shuttle from the airport to the resort, there was extra security — a roadblock kind of security every mile."

Cancun Safety Tips: What Travelers Should Do Right Now

Is Cancun Safe Compared to Other Mexico Destinations?

Cancun is significantly safer right now than western Mexico. U.S. government staff in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta remain subject to nighttime curfews and restrictions on travel outside their metropolitan areas — conditions that do not apply to Cancun or the broader Quintana Roo region as of February 25, 2026 ET.

For travelers weighing whether Cancun is safe right now, the consensus from security analysts, the U.S. Embassy, and on-the-ground reports points to a destination that weathered this crisis faster than most — but one where situational awareness, staying in secured resort zones, and monitoring official channels remain non-negotiable through at least early March.