American travelers heading to Western Mexico can finally breathe easy. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico officially lifted its shelter-in-place advisory on February 24, 2026, signaling a return to normalcy following days of tension that rattled one of Mexico’s most popular travel corridors. If you had plans to visit Puerto Vallarta or Guadalajara — here’s everything you need to know right now.
What the U.S. Embassy Said
In its latest Mexico security alert, the embassy stated clearly: “Public transportation and businesses continue to return to normal operations following a law enforcement operation that took place on February 22. U.S. citizens are no longer urged to shelter in place.”
For travelers who were stuck or worried, this is welcome news. The advisory had been in place since February 22, when violence erupted across the region following a major government operation.
Flights Back on Track in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta
If you’ve been watching flight boards anxiously, good news: flight schedules have returned to normal in Guadalajara. On February 24, several airlines operated extra flights specifically to help stranded travelers depart Puerto Vallarta. The Puerto Vallarta International Airport and the Guadalajara International Airport, both of which had seen cancellations, are now operating normally.
Airlines scrambled to accommodate passengers who had been stuck for days, running additional routes to ease the backlog. Travelers who faced Mexico flight cancellations during the unrest should check directly with their carrier for rebooking options.
Nighttime Curfew Still in Effect for U.S. Government Staff
Not everything is back to 100% just yet. U.S. government personnel in select areas — including Puerto Vallarta — remain subject to a nighttime curfew. While this applies specifically to U.S. Embassy and consulate staff rather than private tourists, it’s a signal that authorities are still monitoring the situation closely.
Travelers visiting the area are advised to stay aware of their surroundings, avoid unfamiliar areas after dark, and keep an eye on updates from the U.S. Embassy Mexico travel advisory page.
What Triggered the Crisis: Cartel Violence in Mexico
The chaos began on February 22, 2026, when the Mexican government killed a high-ranking Mexican cartel leader. The operation, carried out by Mexican security forces, sparked an immediate and violent backlash across Western Mexico. Roadblocks, vehicle fires, and public disruptions quickly spread through the region, turning popular tourist destinations into no-go zones virtually overnight.
The fallout hit Puerto Vallarta especially hard. As one of Mexico’s top beach destinations, the city draws hundreds of thousands of international visitors each year. Suddenly, tourists found themselves confined to hotels and resorts as the U.S. Embassy issued an emergency shelter-in-place order, urging American citizens to stay put and avoid unnecessary travel.
U.S. Travel Advisory for Mexico Remains at Level 2
Here’s something that may surprise you: despite everything that happened, the U.S. State Department Mexico travel advisory was never raised. It remains at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution — the same rating currently applied to countries like France, Italy, the UK, Spain, and dozens of other popular travel destinations.
For travelers wondering whether Mexico is safe to visit in 2026, that context matters. A Level 2 advisory doesn’t mean don’t go — it means go with awareness. Millions of Americans visit Mexico safely every year. Being informed is the best travel tool you have.
Is Puerto Vallarta Safe to Visit Right Now?
With the shelter-in-place order lifted and flights resuming, Puerto Vallarta is reopening to tourists. Businesses, restaurants, and public transportation are returning to normal operations. That said, the situation developed rapidly and travelers should stay flexible, purchase travel insurance for Mexico, and register with the STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) so the embassy can reach you in future emergencies.
Common search questions right now include: “Is Puerto Vallarta safe for Americans?” “Can I travel to Mexico right now?” and “What happened in Western Mexico February 2026?” — and the answer to all of them is: the immediate crisis has passed, but caution remains wise.
Tips for Traveling to Mexico After a Security Alert
Before booking or rebooking travel to Western Mexico or any destination that has recently experienced unrest, consider these steps: Check the latest U.S. Embassy Mexico security alerts at travel.state.gov. Enroll in STEP for real-time notifications. Confirm your airline’s rebooking and cancellation policies. Avoid isolated areas and travel during daylight hours when possible. Keep your accommodation’s contact information easily accessible.
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