The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has issued a travel alert for parts of Mexico after violence broke out following the killing of a major drug cartel boss.
The warning covers the state of Jalisco, including the Pacific resort of Puerto Vallarta and the city of Guadalajara, which is hosting four World Cup 2026 matches this summer.
The surge in violence followed the killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, during a military operation in Jalisco on Sunday.
His death has triggered unrest across the state, including in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, with reports of gunmen on streets, cars and businesses set alight and roads blocked.
The FCDO said: “Serious security incidents have been reported on 22 February across the state of Jalisco, including in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, following a federal law-enforcement operation against organised crime in the municipality of Tapalpa.
“Authorities in Puerto Vallarta have issued a public advisory to stay indoors. Routes to airports may be blocked. You should exercise extreme caution, follow local authorities’ advice, including orders to stay indoors and avoid non‑essential travel in affected areas.
“There are reports of blockades on intercity roads across affected states. Please monitor local media and 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.
“Security incidents have also been reported in other parts of Mexico. As the situation develops, wherever you are in Mexico, you should stay alert and follow local security advice.”
Puerto Vallarta airport said on Sunday that all international and most domestic flights had been cancelled. Airlines are monitoring the situation.
The warning doesn’t affect the main resorts visited by UK holidaymakers, on the Caribbean coast. Puerto Vallarta is popular among US and Canadian holidaymakers. The US State Department has told its citizens in the area to ‘seek shelter and remain in residences or hotels’.
The FCDO already warns against travel to many parts of Mexico because of drug-related violence.
