What Happened
Recent violence in Mexico has prompted many travelers to reconsider their spring break plans. The unrest was triggered by the killing of notorious cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” on February 23. This incident led to retaliatory violence across 20 of Mexico’s 32 states, including popular tourist destinations like Puerto Vallarta, Cancún, and Playa del Carmen. The U.S. government issued shelter-in-place warnings, which were lifted on February 24, but concerns remain.
Why It Matters
The U.S. Department of State has maintained a Level 2 travel advisory for Mexico, urging travelers to exercise increased caution. However, certain states, including Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, and Tamaulipas, have been under a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” designation since at least January 2018 due to ongoing civil unrest. The recent violence has raised alarms among travelers, particularly as spring break approaches.
What’s Next
As the situation stabilizes, U.S. travelers are now free to move about Western Mexico, with public transportation and businesses returning to normal operations. Flight schedules have also resumed, with airlines operating extra flights to accommodate stranded travelers. Nevertheless, the U.S. Embassy has advised that its staff in select areas, including Puerto Vallarta, remain under a nighttime curfew. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed about local conditions and adhere to travel advisories.
