Mexico Travel Advisory Escalates After Cartel Leader's Death Triggers Nationwide Violence
The U.S. State Department issued urgent shelter-in-place orders for American citizens across multiple Mexican states following the death of cartel leader Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes on February 22, 2026 ET. The killing triggered an immediate wave of roadblocks, vehicle fires, and armed confrontations that disrupted transportation networks and flights across the country.
Mexico Travel Advisory Level Remains at Exercise Increased Caution
The overall Mexico travel advisory remains at Level 2 — Exercise Increased Caution — due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping. This advisory has been in place since August 12, 2025, when the U.S. State Department added a terrorism risk indicator to its guidance. Quintana Roo, the state home to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and Tulum, falls under this Level 2 classification.
Shelter-in-Place Orders Hit Major Tourist Destinations
U.S. government staff in Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Reynosa, Tijuana, and Michoacan were directed to shelter in place on February 23, with U.S. citizens urged to do the same. Consulate staff in Monterrey were ordered to remain within the metropolitan area, and travel to Mazatlan was restricted through February 25 ET.
Which Mexican States Are Returning to Normal
The State Department confirmed the situation returned to normal in Baja California, Quintana Roo, Colima, Guanajuato, Estado de Mexico, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, San Luis Potosi, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, and Zacatecas. Shelter-in-place orders, however, remained active in Jalisco and Nayarit as of the latest update. Travelers with upcoming trips to those states are urged to monitor official guidance closely before departing.
Mexico Travel Advisory by State: Risk Levels at a Glance
The U.S. State Department uses a four-tier system. Here is the current breakdown for key destinations:
| State / Destination | Advisory Level |
|---|---|
| Campeche, Yucatán | Level 1 – Normal Precautions |
| Quintana Roo (Cancun, Tulum) | Level 2 – Increased Caution |
| Jalisco (Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta) | Level 3 – Reconsider Travel |
| Guerrero (Acapulco) | Level 4 – Do Not Travel |
| Colima, Sinaloa | Level 4 (with limited exceptions) |
Only two Mexican states remain at Level 1 in early 2026 — Campeche and Yucatán — highlighting how regional differences are central to understanding travel guidance across the country.
Flight Disruptions and Airport Status Under Mexico Travel Advisory
Airports in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara reopened after the initial shutdown, with domestic flights resuming February 23 and international flights scheduled to resume February 24. Most domestic and international routes had been suspended following cartel-organized roadblocks that disrupted ground access to both airports. Travelers with connections through Guadalajara or Puerto Vallarta should reconfirm flight status directly with their airline before heading to the airport.
Safety Tips Every Traveler Should Follow Under the Mexico Travel Advisory
Despite elevated warnings, Mexico welcomed 88 million tourists in 2025 and remains one of the most visited countries in the world. Travelers who proceed should follow core safety practices. Stay within established tourist zones and resort areas at all times. Avoid road travel after dark, especially in rural or inter-city corridors. Use only regulated taxi services or transportation arranged by your hotel, and enroll in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time alerts and easier access to emergency assistance. The Mexico travel advisory situation remains fluid, and conditions can shift rapidly.
