Latest Travel Bulletin: Baja California Joins Puerto Vallarta in High-Risk Zone in Mexico for U.S. Travelers—Why Jalisco and Guerrero Are Still Off-Limits

On February 25, 2026, the U.S. State Department officially lifted the emergency shelter-in-place orders for U.S. citizens in Mexico. However, significant travel warnings remain in effect for various states, particularly Jalisco, Guerrero, Baja California, and others. The U.S. Embassy had initially issued the shelter-in-place directive following violent cartel-related unrest in parts of Mexico after the death of notorious drug lord Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes on February 22, 2026. Although the situation has stabilized, the U.S. government is continuing to monitor the situation closely. The lifting of the shelter orders represents a return to normal operations for many parts of Mexico, including major airports in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. However, ongoing security risks persist, particularly in certain regions, and travelers are urged to stay informed and exercise caution.

The U.S. Embassy’s decision to lift the shelter-in-place order came on February 24, 2026, after a high-stakes military operation resulted in the death of notorious drug lord Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). In retaliation, cartel members launched a series of violent attacks, triggering a period of instability and prompting the U.S. government to issue temporary shelter-in-place orders. However, with the immediate emergency under control, the orders were rescinded, allowing normal life to resume in many regions.

What Happened and Why Was the Shelter-in-Place Order Issued?

The shelter-in-place order was triggered by escalating violence following the death of “El Mencho” during a military pursuit on February 22, 2026. After the operation, CJNG members initiated coordinated attacks across 22 states, including burning vehicles to create road blockades, targeting public buildings, and engaging in armed confrontations. These actions resulted in the deaths of at least 25 National Guard members, severely disrupting life in several key areas.

Key Affected Areas:

• Jalisco: The violence peaked in cities such as Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, where street battles and roadblocks led to significant disruption.
• Baja California: Tijuana, a major border city, was also impacted by cartel violence.
• Nayarit: The state witnessed several violent incidents tied to cartel retaliation.

Who Was Impacted by the Emergency Shelter-in-Place Order?

The shelter-in-place directive primarily affected U.S. citizens living in or traveling to Mexico, especially in the western regions where cartel activity was most intense. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico and the U.S. State Department issued frequent updates regarding security conditions and advised American citizens to avoid non-essential travel to several regions.

• U.S. Government Personnel: The U.S. government placed specific operational restrictions on its personnel, including curfews in affected regions such as Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, and Ciudad Guzmán. U.S. government employees were prohibited from traveling beyond their designated metropolitan areas and were restricted from using certain highways that were identified as high-risk zones due to cartel activity.

What Has Changed Since the Shelter-in-Place Was Lifted?

As of February 25, 2026, the U.S. Embassy officially declared that the emergency shelter-in-place order had been rescinded. Normal operations have resumed, including the functioning of public transportation, businesses, and airports, notably in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. Airlines, including American, Delta, and United, have reinstated regular flight schedules, although travelers are still advised to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport due to potential delays caused by previous disruptions.

However, while the immediate crisis has subsided, the U.S. government continues to enforce travel restrictions in certain areas. These restrictions are aimed at safeguarding the security of U.S. citizens and government employees while providing more detailed guidance on where travel remains hazardous.

What Travel Restrictions Remain in Place?

Despite the lifting of shelter-in-place orders, several travel restrictions and advisories remain in effect:

Curfews for U.S. Government Personnel:

• Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, and Ciudad Guzmán: U.S. government employees are subject to a nightly curfew and are restricted from traveling outside their assigned metropolitan areas. Interstate travel between Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta by road is still prohibited due to security concerns.

Travel Advisory Levels:

The U.S. State Department has updated its travel advisory for various Mexican states, and the following restrictions are in place:

• Level 4: Do Not Travel: U.S. citizens are advised against traveling to Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas due to ongoing risks from organized crime and kidnappings.
• Level 3: Reconsider Travel: States such as Jalisco, Baja California, and Guanajuato are listed at this level, where travelers are urged to exercise caution, especially in areas recently affected by cartel violence.
• Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution: This category applies to the majority of Mexican states, including popular tourist destinations like Quintana Roo (Cancun/Tulum), where travelers should remain vigilant.

Specific Travel Restrictions in Jalisco:

Jalisco, the epicenter of the recent violence, remains under heightened scrutiny, with several key highways and regions still off-limits to both U.S. government employees and general travelers. Some of the primary restrictions include:

No-Travel Zones:

• Federal Highway 80: Prohibited south and west of Cocula due to cartel blockades.
• Federal Highway 544: Prohibited between Mascota and San Sebastián del Oeste due to ambush risks.
• Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta: U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling between these two cities by road. Air travel is recommended instead.
• Jalisco-Michoacán Border: All travel within 50 km (31 miles) of this border is prohibited.

Safe Transit Corridors:

Certain toll roads in Jalisco are still considered relatively safe for travel:

• Federal Highway 15D: Permitted for travel between Mexico City and Guadalajara.
• Highways 54D, 110, and 200D: The only permitted routes between Guadalajara and Manzanillo.
• Highway 405: The only approved route to Mazamitla.

How Should Travelers Navigate Jalisco and Other Affected Areas?

The U.S. State Department recommends that travelers adhere to these guidelines:

• Travel During Daylight Hours: Avoid traveling at night, as most violent incidents, including carjackings and roadblocks, occur after dark.
• Use Toll Roads: Stick to toll roads (Cuota roads) instead of free roads (Libre), as they are more secure.
• Monitor Road Closures: Check real-time updates on road closures from CAPUFE on X (formerly Twitter).

What’s Next for Travel to Mexico?

While the immediate emergency has passed, the U.S. State Department’s travel advisories and restrictions for Mexico will continue to evolve. The ongoing cartel violence in certain regions remains a serious concern, and travelers are urged to stay informed about the latest security updates.

For now, travelers planning to visit Mexico should carefully review the U.S. State Department’s travel warnings, exercise caution, and follow all official guidance to ensure their safety during their trip.

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