The last 24 hours have been intense for Mexico, and it has understandably left many travelers wondering what to do about upcoming trips.
Yesterday, Mexican military forces killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), during an operation in the state of Jalisco. He later died while being transported to Mexico City. The cartel is considered one of the most powerful drug organizations in the world and a major supplier of cocaine and fentanyl to the United States.
In retaliation, cartel members launched widespread violence across multiple states, including roadblocks, burning vehicles, shootouts with security forces and attacks on businesses. The unrest affected major tourist areas such as Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, and governments around the world quickly issued warnings. Some flights were canceled, ride shares were suspended in certain cities and authorities in several locations told residents and visitors to shelter in place.
Since then, I’ve been getting emails from readers asking the same question: Is it safe to go to Mexico right now? Should I cancel my trip?
I can’t answer that for you. Everyone’s risk tolerance is different. But what I can say is this: you need to do your research before making a decision.
Mexico is a huge country. Just because something is happening in one state does not mean it’s happening everywhere. However, violence has been reported in multiple regions, and the situation is fluid. Personally, if I had a trip scheduled in the immediate future, I would probably wait a week to see how things develop. That’s just me. Situations like this can either calm down quickly or escalate and a short delay can provide clarity.
One of the smartest things you can do is cross-reference government travel advisories from multiple countries, not just your own. Look at what the United States government is saying, but also check Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia. Different governments sometimes provide different levels of detail or risk assessments, which can help you get a more complete picture.
For example, the U.S. government has urged Americans in certain locations to shelter in place and minimize movement due to ongoing security operations, roadblocks and criminal activity. Canada is advising travelers to exercise a high degree of caution across Mexico and avoid certain regions entirely. The United Kingdom has warned against all but essential travel to parts of Jalisco, and Australia has issued alerts about serious security incidents and transportation disruptions. Below are some posts from each government on X:
Mexico: Update – Due to ongoing security operations & related road blockages & criminal activity, U.S. citizens in a number of locations in Mexico are urged to shelter in place, as U.S. government staff in several locations are doing and will continue to do on Feb 23. While no… pic.twitter.com/OxPzmcdFYT
— TravelGov (@TravelGov) February 23, 2026
Our #TravelAdvice concerning violence incidents in various parts of #Mexico has been updated. If you’re there, avoid affected areas, keep a low profile and limit your movements. Consult our travel advice often: https://t.co/wVdAxQDbsG https://t.co/LvrwjCsGqH
— Travel.gc.ca (@TravelGoC) February 23, 2026
We advise against all but essential travel to the state of Jalisco.
If you are currently in Jalisco, minimise movements and follow any local shelter‑in‑place instructions.
Updated information about security incidents across Mexico can be found on our travel advice – link below pic.twitter.com/vNYrxIPxGG
— FCDO Travel Advice (@FCDOtravelGovUK) February 23, 2026
Another important factor to consider is travel insurance. Some policies may be affected if you travel against official government advice, so check the fine print before you go.
Airline Travel Waivers and Flexible Change Policies
Airlines are also issuing travel waivers, so if you have a trip booked, check your reservation. United, Delta and American Airlines have all announced waivers for flights to, from or through Guadalajara (GDL) and Puerto Vallarta (PVR) due to the unrest in Jalisco. Travel dates generally cover late February, with rebooking allowed into early March depending on the airline. These waivers typically let you change your flight without fees or cancel for a credit, giving you flexibility while the situation evolves. Even if your destination isn’t directly impacted, policies can expand quickly, so it’s worth monitoring alerts from your airline.
What to Do If You’re Already in Mexico
If you are currently in Mexico, the guidance from multiple governments is consistent:
- Follow local authorities’ instructions, including any curfews or shelter-in-place orders
- Avoid affected areas and limit unnecessary movement
- Keep a low profile
- Monitor local and international news
- Contact your airline before heading to the airport since flights may change
- Stay in touch with family and friends about your location and status
Many incidents are highly localized, and millions of tourists visit Mexico safely every year. But when security situations change quickly, awareness and preparation are essential.
Bottom Line
Mexico remains one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, and most trips occur without incident. But this is an evolving situation following a major cartel leader’s death, and retaliatory violence is possible in the short term.
If you have travel coming up soon, pay close attention to official advisories, monitor developments daily and make decisions based on the most current information available. And if you’re unsure, waiting a few days to see how things unfold is never a bad strategy.
Travel is supposed to be enjoyable, not stressful. Making an informed decision is the best way to keep it that way.
