Is Cancun safe to visit? List of tourist destinations in Mexico under US security alert

Americans are advised to avoid nonessential travel to parts of Jalisco, Baja California, Quintana Roo, Nayarit, Sinaloa and other regions amid unrest.

Updated on: Feb 24, 2026, 11:28:48 IST

By Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan

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The United States Department of State issued a security alert as violence gripped several parts of Mexico following the killing of drug kingpin Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes on Sunday. At least 25 members of Mexico's National Guard were killed in Jalisco state in subsequent clashes with criminal groups. 30 cartel members were also killed in the violence, said Mexico Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch.

At least 25 members of Mexico's National Guard were killed in Jalisco state in subsequent clashes with criminal groups. (AFP)

Also Read: Mexico news highlights: Mexico deploys 2,500 troops after drug lord El Mencho's killing

What the security alert said

The alert, issued by the US Department of State Consulates Affairs, urged US citizens in affected areas to shelter in place.

"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," the US Dept. of State Consular Affairs posted on X. "While no airports have been closed, roadblocks have impacted airline operations- most domestic & int’l flights are cancelled in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. All ride shares are suspended in Puerto Vallarta."

The US Embassy and Consulates in Mexico also shared a list of areas where Americans were advised to avoid nonessential travel, including several popular tourist destinations like Cancun and Puerto Vallarta.

Jalisco state (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara)
Baja California state (including Tijuana, Tecate, and Ensenada)
Quintana Roo State (including Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum)
Nayarit State (including the Nuevo Nayarit/Nuevo Vallarta area near Puerta Vallarta)
Sinola (including Mazatlan)
Areas of Colima, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Estado de Mexico, Michoacan, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, San Luis Potosi, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, and Zacatecas States

The embassy added that "operations will be temporarily curtailed on toll roads in Puebla, Guerrero, Tamaulipas, Nayarit, San Luis Potosi, Tijuana, Queretaro, Veracruz, and Mazatlan" due to blockades.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan
Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan leads the US Desk at Hindustan Times, where she writes, strategises coverage, and ensures quality across all beats. With eight years of experience covering US news for leading publications, she has reported extensively on politics, entertainment, and sports. Vaishnavi holds a graduate degree in English, Journalism, and Psychology, and completed her PG Diploma in Broadcast Journalism from the Manorama School of Communication, where she was awarded the prestigious Mammen Mappillai Award for Best Outgoing Student. She began her career at the International Business Times (US Edition), covering US breaking news, politics, and entertainment. She later joined Opoyi, reporting across all beats, including US sports and trending stories. Prior to Hindustan Times, she served as World Lead at Times Now News, covering comprehensive world news and events. Vaishnavi has expertise in politics, entertainment, and breaking news, and enjoys tackling stories across a wide range of topics. Beyond the newsroom, she is an avid traveller, a foodie who loves exploring new restaurants, and a pop culture enthusiast who enjoys watching latest shows and films. She also enjoys engaging in debates and discussions on Reddit.Read More

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