Urgent Travel Warnings for Puerto Vallarta Announced as Videos Show Chaos

Concerns are growing about the safety of travelers in the popular Mexican beach resort, Puerto Vallarta.

The U.S. government released an advisory on February 22, urging U.S. citizens to shelter in place. "Due to ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity, U.S. citizens in the named locations should shelter in place until further notice," the warning said.

• The warning lists "Jalisco State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas State (including Reynosa and other municipalities), areas of Michoacan State, Guerrero State, and Nuevo Leon State."
• Canada also issued an urgent update on February 22 to its travel advisory for Mexico due to the violence in Puerto Vallarta.
• According to The New York Post, the violence erupted after the Mexican Army killed a cartel leader named Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes. He ran the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, The Post reported.
• Videos posted to social media showed large smoke plumes and burning vehicles. Several reports described the scene as "chaos." One video showed a bus on fire.

The U.S. Government Urges Travelers to Exercise Increased Caution Throughout Mexico

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Mexico was already at a level 2, instructing tourists to exercise increased caution. "Many violent crimes take place in Mexico. They include homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery. There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Mexico," the advisory reads.

Puerto Vallarta pic.twitter.com/JquhjmkfDc

— Becky Reynoso (@BeckyReynoso) February 22, 2026

Concerns intensified after the cartel leader's death.

“Federal forces carried out an operation in Tapalpa a few hours ago, which has led to clashes in the area,” Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro said on X. “Also as a result of said operation in various points of that region and in other parts of Jalisco, individuals have burned and blocked vehicles with the aim of hindering the actions of authorities.”

Atención ????
Vehículo en llamas en la Ciudad turística de Puerto Vallarta en México éstos momentos por la muerte del líder de la organización Jalisco Nueva Generación.
El poder de los narcos se expresa en México.
Comenta, comparte y sígueme. pic.twitter.com/F9dXkbE8d2

— EL DIEGO (@Diegooficial239) February 22, 2026

He shared a post from the Mexican government that reads, "The Security Cabinet reports that the airports in Jalisco are operating normally. Passengers are taking their flights as scheduled, and no relevant incidents are being recorded at the facilities."

Puerto Vallarta currently https://t.co/D59RfviZcD

— Rocky Mountain Duke (@the_salty_duke) February 22, 2026

However, a man wrote on X, "Airports shut down, military getting involved, power may soon be cut, our resort is surrounded by burning cars, the situation is intense!"

Wrote another person, "So my parents who are at Puerto Vallarta airport, sheltered on the second floor, and they’re telling me that all the flights have been canceled… are they lying?"

The Canadian Government Warns That Criminal Groups 'Have Set Up Roadblocks With Burning Vehicles' in Puerto Vallarta & Other Cities

Diversi veicoli bruciano nel parcheggio di un Costco a Puerto Vallarta, mentre il cartello CJNG continua a imperversare in città e nello Stato messicano di Jalisco.
pic.twitter.com/xnXCGDoiJk

— Daniele Angrisani (@putino) February 22, 2026

"Criminal groups have set up roadblocks with burning vehicles in several cities in Jalisco State, including in Puerto Vallarta. There have been shootouts with security forces and explosions," the Canadian government warned. "A shelter in place order is in effect in Puerto Vallarta. All taxi and rideshare services are suspended until further notice."

If you are in Jalisco State, Canada's government urges you to:

• "Follow the advice of local authorities, including any orders to shelter in place."
• "Keep a low profile."
• "Monitor local and international media to stay informed of the rapidly evolving situation."

The U.S. government offered these additional suggestions:

• "Avoid areas around law enforcement activity.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Seek shelter and minimize unnecessary movements
• Monitor local media for updates.
• Follow the directions of local authorities and in case of emergency, call 911.
• Avoid crowds.
• Keep family and friends advised of your location and well-being via phone, text, and social media."

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