US Embassy Issues Shelter In Place Alert For Parts Of Mexico

What Triggered The Advisory

Mexican special forces carried out an operation targeting cartel leadership in Jalisco state. Authorities confirmed that Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as El Mencho, died during the operation.

When senior leadership of that scale is killed, it can trigger rapid destabilization in areas where the organization operates. In the hours after confirmation, coordinated road blockages and vehicle burnings were reported across multiple states.

The updated advisory now applies to multiple states across western, central, and northern Mexico, including:

• Jalisco, including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara

• Baja California, including Tijuana, Tecate, and Ensenada

• Quintana Roo, including Cancún, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum

• Nayarit, including the Nuevo Nayarit and Nuevo Vallarta area

• Sinaloa, including Mazatlán

• As well as areas of Colima, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Estado de México, Michoacán, Nuevo León, Oaxaca, Puebla, Querétaro, San Luis Potosí, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, and Zacatecas

U.S. government personnel in Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Reynosa, Tijuana, and Michoacán have been directed to shelter in place and work remotely. Staff in Monterrey are restricted to the metropolitan area, and travel to Mazatlán has been limited through midweek.

Airports remain open. However, road blockages have significantly disrupted airline operations, with most domestic and international flights cancelled in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. Ride-share services remain suspended in Puerto Vallarta, and some businesses have temporarily closed.

Mexican authorities also announced temporary curtailment of operations on several toll roads due to blockades affecting motorists.

What This Means For Travelers

If you are currently in one of the affected states:

• Seek shelter and minimize unnecessary movement

• Avoid areas around law enforcement or military activity

• Monitor official embassy updates and local media

• Follow the directions of local authorities

• Call 911 locally for emergencies

• Inform family or travel companions of your status

If you are flying out of Guadalajara or Puerto Vallarta:

• Confirm flight status directly with your airline

• Allow additional time to reach the airport

• Expect cancellations, rerouting, or schedule adjustments

If your trip to Mexico is upcoming:

• Monitor the U.S. State Department advisory page

• Check with your airline and hotel regarding change policies

• Watch for destination-specific updates rather than assuming nationwide disruption

While the geographic scope of the advisory expanded late February 22, impacts remain uneven and location-specific.

What Happens Next

Security advisories remain in place until officials determine that movement and safety conditions have stabilized. In the coming days, travelers may notice:

• Increased military or National Guard presence

• Sporadic highway inspections

• Limited ride-share availability in some cities

• Ongoing official updates

The situation remains fluid. However, it is tied to a specific security operation, not a nationwide tourism shutdown.

For travelers planning Mexico vacations, the takeaway is measured and practical. Monitor official updates tied to your exact destination rather than reacting to broad headlines, as conditions can vary significantly by state and city.

Confirm flights and ground transportation directly with your airline or hotel, allow flexibility in your plans, and follow local guidance if you are already in an affected area. Situations like this can evolve quickly, but they often stabilize once security forces restore normal transit access. Calm, destination-specific awareness remains the most reliable travel tool right now.

This is an evolving situation, and we will update this article as official guidance and conditions change.

Frequently Answered Questions: Us Embassy Issues Shelter in Place Alert

Is the U.S. Embassy telling Americans to leave Mexico?


No. The advisory instructs Americans in specific states to shelter in place temporarily. It is not an evacuation order.

Are Cancún and Tulum included?


Yes. Both are located in Quintana Roo, which is included in the advisory.

Are Mexico airports closed?


No. Airports remain open. However, most flights were cancelled in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta due to road access disruptions.

Is Puerto Vallarta safe right now?


Puerto Vallarta is included in the advisory due to regional disruptions. Travelers should follow local guidance and remain indoors until authorities confirm stability.

Should I cancel my Mexico trip?


Not necessarily. The advisory is state-specific, not nationwide. Monitor official updates and speak directly with your airline or hotel before making changes.

How long will this last?


There is no fixed timeline. Similar disruptions have often stabilized within days once security forces regain control of key transit routes.

What number should Americans call in Mexico?


Dial 911 locally for emergencies. The U.S. Embassy can be reached from Mexico at (55) 2579 2000