26/02/2026
đ Mexico Travel Advisory Update â What Travelers Need to Know (February 2026)
Major security event in Mexico:
On February 22, 2026, Mexican security forces attempted to capture Nemesio âEl Menchoâ Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. He was killed during the operation, triggering immediate cartel retaliation â burning vehicles, blocking highways, and attacking security forces. The violence spread from Jalisco into Tamaulipas, MichoacĂĄn, Guerrero, Nuevo LeĂłn, and other states.
The U.S. Mission to Mexico issued temporary shelterâinâplace alerts for areas including Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and parts of Nayarit.
â ď¸ Government Travel Advisories
đşđ¸ United States â Level 2: âExercise Increased Cautionâ
The U.S. State Department continues to list Mexico at Level 2 due to crime and kidnapping risks. During the February unrest, temporary shelterâinâplace orders were issued for Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, CancĂşn, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Reynosa, Tijuana, and parts of MichoacĂĄn.
These orders have been lifted, but the Level 2 advisory remains.
đ¨đŚ Canada â âExercise a High Degree of Cautionâ
Canada advises avoiding nonâessential travel to several states, including Chiapas, Chihuahua, Colima, Guerrero, MichoacĂĄn, Nayarit (border areas), Nuevo LeĂłn (outside Monterrey), Sinaloa, Sonora (outside major cities), Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas.
Canadian officials confirmed cartelârelated blockades and clashes across Jalisco, Guerrero, Nayarit, MichoacĂĄn, Sinaloa, Quintana Roo, and Baja California on February 22.
đŹđ§ United Kingdom â Stay Alert Nationwide
The UK urges travelers to remain vigilant throughout Mexico and to follow all local security instructions, especially in Jalisco.
âď¸ Travel & Flight Impact
Shelterâinâplace orders: Issued in parts of Jalisco and Nayarit, including Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and Ciudad GuzmĂĄn.
Flight disruptions:
All international flights into Puerto Vallarta (PVR) were canceled on Feb 22.
Additional cancellations and delays followed on Feb 23.
Airports operated under National Guard and military protection.
Guadalajara (GDL) and Puerto Vallarta (PVR) reopened on Feb 23, with some airlines still rescheduling.
Air Canada resumed PVR flights on Feb 24 and GDL flights on Feb 25.
Other destinations unaffected: Mexico City, Los Cabos, and other major tourist hubs continued normal operations.
đď¸ Smart Safety Tips for Travelers
Stay updated: Follow alerts from the U.S. Embassy, Global Affairs Canada, or FCDO. U.S. travelers should enroll in STEP.
Avoid highârisk states: Especially MichoacĂĄn, Guerrero, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, and other regions under nonâessentialâtravel advisories.
Follow local instructions: If authorities issue a shelterâinâplace order, comply immediately and avoid areas with active security operations.
Check your flights: Confirm status before heading to the airport, especially if traveling through Guadalajara or Puerto Vallarta.
Use reputable transportation: Stick to licensed taxis or rideshares, stay in wellâreviewed accommodations, and avoid displaying valuables.
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Bottom Line
Mexico remains open to travelers, and popular destinations like CancĂşn, Los Cabos, and MazatlĂĄn are operating normally. But the February 2026 unrest is a reminder to stay alert, avoid highârisk regions, and be ready to adjust plans if conditions change.
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