Mexico Travel Alert: Foreign Office Issues Urgent Warning to British Tourists
The Foreign Office has issued urgent travel advice for British citizens following a major outbreak of violence in Mexico. The killing of notorious cartel boss Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho', has sparked civil unrest across the Latin American country, leading to flight disruptions and safety concerns for tourists.
Cartel Leader's Death Triggers Widespread Unrest
El Mencho, head of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed on February 22, 2026 along with six alleged accomplices. His death has immediately triggered outbreaks of disorder including roadblocks and car fires, demonstrating the drug lord's significant influence across Mexico.
Puerto Vallarta International Airport on Mexico's Pacific coast announced it had cancelled all international operations and most domestic flights on Sunday. Videos circulating on social media show plumes of smoke billowing over tourist areas and people fleeing through airports in panic.
Foreign Office Travel Advice: What Brits Need to Know
The UK Foreign Office last updated its travel advice on February 23, 2026 and currently advises against all but essential travel to multiple Mexican states and cities. The warning specifically applies to:
- Tijuana (with limited exceptions for airport transit)
- Tecate in Baja California
- Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas
- Guanajuato, Michoacán, Jalisco, Colima, Guerrero, and Chiapas
Important: The Foreign Office notes that travel insurance may be invalidated for those who travel against this advice.
Popular Tourist Destinations: Cancún Status
While Cancún remains one of Mexico's most popular holiday destinations with over 10 million annual visitors, the Foreign Office advises travelers to check current guidance. As of February 23, Cancún is coded green on the Foreign Office's color-coded map, though general safety precautions still apply.
The region-specific advice for Cancún includes warnings about taxi driver protests, crocodile habitats in lagoons, and general nighttime safety precautions in tourist zones. The Mexican government has made extra efforts to protect major tourist destinations like Cancún.
Advice for British Tourists Already in Mexico
For British tourists currently in Mexico, particularly in Puerto Vallarta, authorities have issued a public advisory to stay indoors. The Foreign Office specifically warns:
- Routes to airports may be blocked
- Exercise extreme caution and follow local authorities' advice
- Avoid non-essential travel in affected areas
- Monitor local media for updates
There are already reports of road blockades across affected states. British citizens in Mexico can access emergency help through the British Consulate General in Cancún, the British Embassy in Mexico City, or directly through the Foreign Office.
Background: The Jalisco New Generation Cartel
The CJNG has operated since 2009 and is considered one of Mexico's most powerful and fastest-growing criminal organizations. The cartel has launched numerous attacks on military forces using explosives from drones and mines, and serves as a major supplier of cocaine to the US market while also profiting from fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking.
In 2020, the cartel carried out a spectacular assassination attempt in Mexico City targeting the then-head of the capital's police force. The current unrest demonstrates the ongoing security challenges facing Mexico despite government efforts to combat organized crime.
