02/23/2026
**WARNING for MEXICO TRAVEL**
U.S. citizens visiting Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding areas are being urged to shelter in place amid a sudden outbreak of violence in the region. The civil unrest in one of Mexico’s most popular tourism destinations has prompted flight cancellations and disruptions on the ground.
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico issued an alert on Sunday advising Americans to “shelter in place until further notice” if they are currently in Jalisco State — which includes Puerto Vallarta, Chapala and Guadalajara — as well as in the states of Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero and Nuevo León. The alert also urged travelers to “avoid crowds,” “seek shelter and minimize unnecessary movements” and “monitor local media for updates.”
The advisory follows several hours of civil disturbances tied to a reported military operation targeting a major drug cartel leader. According to the Associated Press, Nemesio Oseguera — known as “El Mencho” and identified as the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel — was killed during the operation. His reported death triggered violent actions that included burning vehicles and roadblocks across parts of Jalisco and neighboring states.
According to SFGate, videos shared on social media and by local journalists show thick black smoke rising from car fires and vehicles set ablaze to block roadways. Causing these types of roadblocks is a known tactic used by cartels to slow or disrupt military forces during such operations.
Additional footage circulating online showed travelers rushing through Puerto Vallarta’s airport in panic and smoke visible over parts of the city. Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus has reportedly told residents to stay home and temporarily shut down public transportation as a safety precaution. Meanwhile, tourists are being instructed to stay inside their hotels.
“Criminal groups have set up roadblocks with burning vehicles in several cities in Jalisco State, including in Puerto Vallarta,” the Canadian government said in its own alert. “There have been shootouts with security forces and explosions. There are significant disruptions to travel and transportation, including flight delays and cancellations. A shelter in place order is in effect in Puerto Vallarta. All taxi and rideshare services are suspended until further notice.”
Air travel in and out of the region has also been impacted. Air Canada confirmed Sunday that it had canceled all flights to and from Puerto Vallarta due to the “ongoing security situation.” Other carriers have also cancelled departures to the resort town from such West Coast gateways as Los Angeles, San Jose and San Francisco.
Those with plans to fly to Puerto Vallarta or any of the affected regions in Mexico are advised to check their flight’s status directly with the airline before heading to the airport.
