A wave of violence in Mexico linked to the killing of a top drug-cartel boss has erupted in several cities that are popular with U.S. tourists, prompting flight cancellations, roadblocks, cruise disruptions and “shelter in place” alerts from the U.S. government.
The major travel disturbances are unusual in a country where tourists are largely insulated from violence. Mexico welcomed a record number of international visitors in 2025 and is far and away the most popular international destination for American travelers.
Here’s what travelers in or heading to the country need to know.
Which areas are affected?
The disruptions have mainly taken place in the cities of Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, two popular tourist destinations in the state of Jalisco, though violence has spread elsewhere.
On Sunday and Monday, the U.S. State Department issued a series of security alerts related to “ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity,” recommending that U.S. citizens in a number of destinations — including Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, Tijuana, Cancún and Cozumel — “shelter in place until further notice.”
The latest alert, issued on Monday afternoon, stated that “the situation has returned to normal” in the states of Quintana Roo (including Cancún, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen and Tulum), Sinaloa and Tamaulipas
Travelers in some of those areas have reported witnessing gunfire, explosions and burned-out cars and buses. Mayhem related to the cartel killing broke out at Guadalajara International Airport on Sunday, with social media footage showing travelers fleeing the building. Taxis and ride shares were suspended in Puerto Vallarta.
What if I’m traveling elsewhere in Mexico?
The State Department’s travel advisories referred to more than a dozen Mexican states. Many are less popular with tourists, including Tamaulipas and parts of Michoacán, Guerrero and Nuevo León.
Several of the areas affected by the unrest were already on the U.S. Department of State’s “do not travel” and “reconsider travel” lists.
Travelers should check the latest alerts from the U.S. Embassy for updates.
Are airlines canceling flights?
Several major U.S. airlines, including Alaska, American, Delta and United, have canceled flights and issued travel advisories for airports in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, waiving change fees for passengers whose itineraries are affected.
Travelers should check with their individual airlines.
President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico said at a news conference on Monday that she hoped the canceled flights, particularly those to and from Puerto Vallarta, would be fully restored no later than Tuesday.
How are hotels responding?
Hotels in the affected areas have been forced to contend with both travelers who can’t arrive and those who can’t leave.
Francisco Castellon, a supervisor at the Hilton Vallarta Riviera, an all-inclusive resort in Puerto Vallarta, said the hotel was waiving change fees for guests who were scheduled to arrive between Feb. 22 and Feb. 25. He also said the hotel was accommodating any guests who were at the hotel as of Feb. 21 and were unable to depart.
A spokesperson for Airbnb said in a statement that the company had enacted its major disruptive events policy for the entirety of Jalisco as well as other affected regions, providing support for cancellations and refunds.
What about cruises?
The operators of the three cruise ships scheduled to stop in Puerto Vallarta in the coming days have canceled their visits, citing security concerns.
Holland America’s Zuiderdam was scheduled to visit the resort town on Monday, and the Norwegian Bliss and Royal Princess ships had planned stops on Wednesday. “We are working on reviewing our onward itinerary and will update guests on a potential replacement port,” Princess Cruises said in a statement.
Ceylan Yeğinsu contributed reporting.
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Stephen Hiltner is an editor, writer and photographer for the Travel section of The Times.
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