Cartel Violence Raises Travel Questions: Is Mexico Safe For Tourists Currently?

Last Updated:February 25, 2026, 15:13 IST

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said the situation had “calmed down” and authorities later confirmed that most airports across Mexico had resumed normal operations.

Is it safe to travel to Mexico right now? That question is weighing heavily on travellers after a major military operation and the reported killing of a powerful cartel leader triggered unrest in parts of the country. The situation escalated after Mexican forces announced the killing of Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho," who led the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación. His death on February 22 led to violence, roadblocks and panic in tourist hubs including Puerto Vallarta and disruptions at airports in Guadalajara.

Travellers and residents were forced to shelter in place as buses were set on fire and roads blocked. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said the situation had “calmed down" and authorities later confirmed that most airports across Mexico had resumed normal operations.

Is There A Risk Of More Violence In Mexico?

Security experts warn that the death of a cartel leader can trigger instability rather than immediate peace. Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera, a professor at George Mason University, told USA Today that such criminal groups often operate like decentralized networks.

“The way that I have studied this organization, it’s like a franchise model," she said, adding that removing a leader does not necessarily end violence and may instead spark internal battles. Experts said leadership vacuums often lead to rival factions fighting for control, increasing the risk of violent incidents.

Are Tourist Destinations Safe?

Despite the unrest, security analysts said that major resort zones have so far avoided direct impact. Mike Ballard, director of intelligence at security firm Global Guardian, said popular destinations such as Cancun and Mexico City have remained largely unaffected.

“For the most part, the actual resort areas and hotels have been relatively spared," he said. However, he cautioned that travellers planning trips in the immediate aftermath may want to reconsider until the situation stabilizes.

Should Anyone Travel To Mexico?

Some security professionals strongly advise against travel, warning that cartel violence is unpredictable while others said that the risk varies by location and depends on individual risk tolerance.

Former intelligence officials noted that much of Mexico remains under moderate travel advisories, meaning visitors should exercise caution but not necessarily cancel plans automatically. Doug Patteson, a former intelligence officer, said travel decisions should be based on logic rather than fear.

“It depends on how much risk you’re willing to take," he said.

Experts emphasized that cartel violence is typically not directed at tourists. However, travelers can still be caught in dangerous situations unintentionally.

“You can be in the wrong place at the wrong time," Correa-Cabrera said, describing tourists as potential collateral victims during cartel conflicts.

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