Mexico Tourism Gets a Breathe as the US Lifts Shelter-in-Place Despite Ongoing Violence While Cities Like Puerto Vallarta, Cancún, Guadalajara, and More Restore Aviation, Cruise Travel, and Hotel Operations: Everything You Need to Know

Written By: Jishnoo Banerjee

Jishnoo Banerjee

A published author with over 9 years of experience in writing, poetry, and novel creation. Starting out on social media, Jishnoo gained recognition for engaging content in both English and Bengali. With a strong background as a news content writer, Jishnoo now contributes to a prestigious global travel magazine. Known for blending creative writing with journalism, the work seamlessly combines artistic expression with insightful reporting across different platforms.

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February 25, 2026 7:40 PM

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On February 24, 2026, the United States lifted its shelter-in-place order for Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and other affected areas in Mexico, marking a significant step forward for tourism in the region. This decision comes despite ongoing violence in certain areas, following the death of cartel leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes. With the U.S. relaxing its restrictions, cities like Puerto Vallarta, Cancún, and Guadalajara are gradually restoring aviation, cruise travel, and hotel operations. While some areas are still dealing with security challenges, the lifting of the order offers hope for the recovery of the tourism sector, encouraging travelers to return to popular destinations.

Mexico Travel and Tourism Disruptions Following Cartel Violence

Following the death of Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes on 22 February 2026, Mexico has seen significant disruptions in tourism due to escalating violence. The military operation, coordinated with the United States, sparked widespread retaliation by cartel members, leading to roadblocks, arson, and armed confrontations across several states. Key tourist destinations like Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and Mazatlán were affected, with some areas under temporary shelter-in-place orders and curfews, especially for U.S. government personnel. While destinations like Cancún, Cozumel, and Playa del Carmen remain fully operational, others such as Acapulco and parts of Tamaulipas and Michoacán continue to experience security concerns. Travel advisories have been issued for various regions, although the situation is stabilizing in many areas.

Airline Flight Disruptions and Recovery Status

Most airlines suspended flights to Puerto Vallarta (PVR) and Guadalajara (GDL) on 22–23 February due to the security situation in Mexico. As of today, many airlines have resumed operations or have scheduled service recovery for affected routes. Below is the current status for each airline, including the rebooking waiver deadline.

Most airlines are either resuming service or offering rebooking waivers to accommodate affected travelers. Those flying with airlines like Air Canada, United Airlines, and American Airlines can expect flights to gradually return to normal, while others like Air Transat and Southwest Airlines are also working to restore service on their routes.

Cruise Ship Disruptions in Puerto Vallarta

This week, three major cruise ships were forced to cancel their port calls to Puerto Vallarta, impacting approximately 9,566 passengers across three different cruise lines. These cancellations were due to the ongoing security concerns in the region, and as a result, the ships took alternative routes or made adjustments to their itineraries.

These disruptions highlight the impact of the security situation on the cruise industry, with passengers being rerouted to alternate destinations like Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, and Mazatlán. The cancellations have affected thousands of travelers, though alternative arrangements have been made to minimize the impact.

Government Travel Advisories for Mexico

Several governments have issued travel advisories in response to the ongoing security concerns in Mexico. The United States has lifted the shelter-in-place order for Jalisco and Nayarit but still urges Americans to exercise increased caution in areas with ongoing security operations. Canada’s Global Affairs has issued a warning for “extreme caution” across Mexico, with shelter-in-place orders still in effect for Jalisco and Nayarit, and cautioned that the security situation could worsen rapidly. The Indian Embassy in Mexico has also issued an advisory urging Indian nationals to remain cautious. The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has advised British nationals in Jalisco to remain indoors during the initial violence. These advisories reflect the continued instability in Mexico, and travelers are urged to take necessary precautions and follow local guidance.

Accommodation & Insurance in Light of Recent Disruptions

Hotels in Puerto Vallarta are collaborating with airlines to accommodate travelers who need to adjust their plans due to recent disruptions. Many hotels are honoring airline-issued waivers, allowing for penalty-free date changes, ensuring that affected guests have flexible options. Additionally, Airbnb has activated its Major Disruptive Events policy in Jalisco, enabling penalty-free cancellations for guests affected by the ongoing situation. Travelers with trip cancellation or interruption insurance that covers port-of-call changes are advised to document cancellations and file claims upon their return to recover any eligible expenses.

Recovery Dashboard for Affected Destinations

As the situation in Mexico stabilizes, various destinations are resuming normal operations, albeit with some varying timelines. Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara have lifted shelter-in-place orders, with flights resuming, but cruises are still impacted, and full hotel operations are taking a few more days to return to normal. Cancún and the Riviera Maya are fully operational, with both flights and hotels open, and cruises returning to normal. Tijuana and Mazatlán have cleared restrictions and are operating normally, including flights and hotels, while the Riviera Nayarit area remains under close monitoring, with flights operating through Puerto Vallarta. Travelers should expect some delays in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara but can travel normally to Cancún, Tijuana, and Mazatlán.

U.S. Lifts Shelter-in-Place Order

On February 24, 2026, the United States lifted the shelter-in-place order for Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and other affected areas in Mexico. The move follows a significant de-escalation in violence after the recent military operation against the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The lifting of the order is a positive step towards restoring normalcy in these regions, allowing residents and travelers to resume activities. However, while travel advisories remain in place for certain areas, including those still facing security challenges, the relaxation of restrictions provides a glimmer of hope for tourism and business operations to recover. Authorities have emphasized that safety measures continue to be a priority, with enhanced security protocols in place to maintain peace and ensure the safety of visitors and locals alike.

Mexico tourism gets a breath as the U.S. lifts the shelter-in-place order despite ongoing violence. Cities like Puerto Vallarta, Cancún, Guadalajara, and others are restoring aviation, cruise travel, and hotel operations, offering hope for recovery.

Conclusion

Mexico tourism gets a much-needed breath as the U.S. lifts the shelter-in-place order, despite the ongoing violence in certain regions. This shift, coupled with the restoration of aviation, cruise travel, and hotel operations in cities like Puerto Vallarta, Cancún, Guadalajara, and beyond, signals a positive turn for the country’s tourism industry. While challenges remain in some areas, the lifting of restrictions and the resumption of key services provide a promising outlook for recovery, helping restore confidence for travelers and the local economy.