Mexico Travel Returns to Normal After Security Disruption, But Caution Advised

Travel operations across Mexico have stabilized following several days of severe disruption in key tourist areas. The U.S. Embassy lifted all shelter-in-place orders for its citizens late Wednesday, February 25, including in the state of Jalisco, where the incidents began.

The disruption stemmed from a military operation on Sunday, February 22, which resulted in the death of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Retaliatory violence, including road blockades and burned vehicles, briefly paralyzed parts of Jalisco and prompted security alerts in over a dozen states.

Airports in Puerto Vallarta (PVR) and Guadalajara (GDL) are now operating normal flight schedules. Major U.S. and Canadian airlines have resumed standard service, though most are maintaining flexible change policies for travel through early March, allowing passengers to rebook without fees.

While the immediate crisis has passed, the U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for Mexico, last updated in August 2025, remains at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution nationwide. Jalisco state carries a more severe Level 3: Reconsider Travel warning. Travelers are urged to consult the full advisory, which details higher-risk states.

The Embassy advises passengers to confirm flight status directly with their airline before heading to the airport and to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for updates.