The Foreign Office has issued a warning to British tourists
The Foreign Office has urged British nationals in a popular tourist destination to stay indoors and avoid all non-essential travel. The warning for Brits in Mexico follows a wave of violence sparked by the death of a drug cartel kingpin. Around 450,000 Brits travelled to the nation in 2025, according to Mexican tourism data – making the UK the third highest source of international tourism by air.
Mexico’s army announced on Sunday that it had eliminated cartel leader Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, nicknamed ‘El Mencho’, during a military operation in the western state of Jalisco. His killing unleashed widespread disorder, with hours of roadblocks and vehicles set alight throughout the state, including in the popular tourist destinations of Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.
In revised travel guidance published on Monday, the UK Foreign Office cautioned: “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.”
The United States Embassy in Mexico issued a similar warning, calling on Americans to “shelter in place”. British travellers were additionally advised to keep a close eye on local news outlets and adhere to official guidance, reports Bristol Live.
“If you do decide to travel, we recommend intercity road travel during daylight hours,” the official advice stated. “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 International Airport confirmed the cancellation of “all international operations and most of the domestic flights” on Sunday local time.