Outbreaks of unrest have been reported across Mexico following an increase in cartel violence, including in popular holiday hotspots Quintana Roo, home to Cancun and Tulum, and the state of Oaxaca.
The hardest hit area is the state of Jalisco, on the Pacific coast. The UK Foreign Office has urged tourists in this state to stay indoors as violence escalates after the killing by security forces of the drug cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho”.
It says that “serious security incidents” reported over the weekend took place in Jalisco’s Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, popular hotspots for tourists, and Britons should exercise “extreme caution”. Any in Jalisco should “minimise movements and follow any local shelter-in-place instructions”.
Mexican authorities in the coastal resort of Puerto Vallarta have advised tourists to stay indoors and avoid non-essential travel. There are reports of blockades on roads and airlines have cancelled flights to the city.
Parts of Mexico are generally safe if regular precautions and no-go areas are observed. However, the security situation across the country is febrile and fast-moving, with the Foreign Office saying that incidents have been reported in other parts of Mexico and any tourists should “stay alert and follow local security advice”.
If you have a trip planned, here’s what you need to know.
What is happening in Jalisco?
A burnt car in Guadalajara, February 2026Alamy
A wave of violence has erupted in the state — home to Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city, as well as the beachfront holiday destination Puerto Vallarta — in retaliation for the death of “El Mencho”. Guadalajara is scheduled to host World Cup football matches this summer. Airlines including Air Canada and United Airlines have cancelled flights to Puerto Vallarta.
The UK Foreign Office has issued a travel advisory that urges tourists to exercise “extreme caution” and remain indoors, as well as banning all but essential travel to Jalisco.
“If you are currently in Jalisco, minimise movements and follow any local shelter‑in‑place instructions,” it says.
“These conditions are significantly affecting access to reliable transport and services, with local shelter‑in‑place instructions in some areas and suspension of certain local transport services reported in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. Authorities in Puerto Vallarta have issued a public advisory to stay indoors.
“Routes to airports may be blocked. Flight schedules to and from Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara have also been disrupted, with several airlines cancelling or diverting services at short notice. Check for messages from your airline or tour operator before travelling to the airport, and monitor local and international media for updates.
“There are reports of blockades on intercity roads across affected states. Monitor local media, follow advice from authorities and local transport companies before making a decision to travel. If you do decide to travel, we recommend intercity road travel during daylight hours.”
What’s the latest travel advice for Cancun and Tulum?
Localised unrest has been reported in Quintana Roo, the state that’s home to popular tourist areas Cancun and Tulum, which has prompted the Foreign Office to warn that Brits should “stay alert and follow local security advice” as the situation is extremely fluid. The Foreign Office still considers this area safe to visit, with the usual precautions, as the Mexican government makes an extra effort to secure these destinations.
What’s the latest travel advice for elsewhere in Mexico?
The historic centre of Zacatecas Cityalamy
The Foreign Office considers several areas of Mexico safe, including most of Baja California (on the Pacific Ocean side) and Mexico City.
There are certain areas where the Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel, including much of the states of Chihuahua, Sinaloa and Guerrero and all of Zacatecas, as well as Jalisco. This list is regularly updated, so check the Foreign Office advice — which has a bearing on whether your travel insurance is valid — before your trip.
Separately, the Foreign Office outlines a host of other issues affecting tourists in Mexico: political demonstrations (especially in Mexico City), street crime, scams, general violence, sexual assault and kidnapping. It says that tourists are not usually targeted by kidnappers, but emphasises that they should keep your wits about them.
For full advice see the government website (gov.uk).
Can I cancel my holiday to Puerto Vallarta?
Tourists in coastal Puerto Vallarta have been advised to stay indoorsGetty Images
The Foreign Office has updated its alert to advise against all but essential travel to Jalisco, which includes Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. As such there is a legal obligation for holiday firms to refund or rearrange a package holiday within 14 days. If you’re in Puerto Vallarta your tour operator should also arrange your journey home.
Can I cancel my holiday to Cancun or Tulum?
There are reports of roadblocks and localised unrest in Quintana Roo, but the UK Foreign Office has stopped short of advising against all but essential travel here. This means that you won’t be able to cancel a package holiday without penalty. However, as with these things, it pays to speak to your travel agent or tour operator and ask what your options are – and whether you can postpone or change destination.
Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of the Advantage Travel Partnership, which represents independent travel agents, says: “If you are in Mexico or concerned about any upcoming travel to Mexico and you did book through a travel agent, get in touch with them for the latest information and advice. You can also check with your airline directly before travelling to the airport, and monitor local and international media for updates.”
What are Mexico’s entry requirements?
A visa is not required for British passport holders travelling for tourism purposes unless you’re planning to do voluntary work, certain ecotourism activities or scientific or technological research (if you’re unsure, check with the Mexican embassy in London). On entry, your passport will be stamped with the number of days you’re permitted to stay in the country.
If you are entering Mexico by land you must fill out an immigration form online; for further information see here.
The state of Quintana Roo charges all visitors a tax, which can be paid before or during your trip via the Visitax web portal. You will have to show proof of payment at the airport when you leave Mexico. You may also be required to pay an environmental tax (usually at your hotel) and a departure tax, the cost of which can vary, though this will likely be incorporated into your holiday price.
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Additional reporting by Graeme Green