Mexico remains one of the world’s most vibrant travel destinations — from the beaches of Puerto Vallarta and Cancún to historic cities like Guadalajara and Mexico City. But current events in February 2026 have created a complex legal and safety environment for travelers that every visitor should understand before — and during — their trip.

1. What’s Happening in Mexico Right Now

In late February 2026, Mexican security forces carried out a major operation against Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes — better known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). His death has triggered a wave of retaliatory violence across multiple states, with road blockades, clashes with authorities, arson and transportation disruptions reported in Jalisco, Michoacán, Guanajuato, Tamaulipas, Colima, Zacatecas, Aguascalientes and beyond.

This surge in unrest has directly impacted tourism operations:

• Several major cruise lines have altered or canceled port calls in Puerto Vallarta and other destinations.
• Airlines — including U.S. and Canadian carriers — have canceled flights into affected regions.
• Travel advisories, including shelter-in-place guidance, have been issued by the U.S. and other foreign governments.

Local authorities and Mexican officials insist that safety is a priority and have emphasized that major tourist hubs and upcoming global events — like the FIFA World Cup — are secured.

2. Travel Law Implications — Rights, Advisories & Disruptions

Travel Advisories — Know the Legal Context

Travel advisories are not just warnings — they can trigger legal rights depending on your situation:

• The U.S. State Department maintains a Level 2 advisory for much of Mexico (“Exercise increased caution”) due to crime, kidnapping, and unrest — a designation that affects what aid officials can provide and may impact insurance coverage.
• Some Mexican states are currently at higher advisory levels, meaning reconsider travel or do not travel designations depending on local conditions.

Why this matters legally:

• Travel insurance policies often base covered perils and cancellation rights on official advisories. A Level 4 or mandatory “do not travel” ranking can activate cancellation or evacuation coverage.
• U.S. government consular support and evacuation assistance are limited when advisories are in place — and in Level 4 areas, U.S. personnel are often barred from entering.
  Make sure you understand your own policy terms before you go.

Airline and Cruise Contracts

When violence leads to flight cancellations, port changes or cruise reroutes:

• U.S. Department of Transportation rules generally require cash refunds for canceled flights, no matter the cause, if you choose not to travel.
• Cruise lines and tour operators might offer reroutes, refunds or future cruise credits depending on their contracts. Always review the terms and conditions of your booking, especially force majeure clauses related to civil unrest.

Tourist Rights Under Mexican Law

Mexico’s Ley General de Turismo sets out legal protections for visitors, including rights to accurate information about services, quality accommodations, and non-discrimination.

In a legal dispute involving hotels, tours or other services, these rights can be a basis for recourse under Mexican law.

3. Practical Legal Advice for Travelers

Whether you’re planning travel soon or are currently in Mexico, here are travel-law-focused tips you should follow:

✔ Know the Advisory Status Before You Book
Check official travel advisories from your government (e.g., U.S., Canada, UK) and factor that into your insurance needs and legal protections.

✔ Understand Entry & Immigration Rules
Mexico enforces strict entry requirements — including passport validity, visa requirements, and the Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM). Noncompliance can lead to fines or denial of entry even before safety factors come into play.

✔ Document Everything
If you face cancellations, disruptions, or unsafe conditions:

• Keep copies of advisories, cancellation notices, and correspondence with travel providers.
• Photos, receipts, and official advisories can strengthen claims for refunds or legal disputes.

✔ Secure Adequate Insurance
Make sure your travel insurance:

• Covers civil unrest, security evacuations, and political violence if available, and
• Clarifies when coverage is triggered (often tied to government advisories).

✔ Register with Your Embassy
U.S. citizens can use the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier for consular officials to contact you in emergencies.

✔ Local Laws Still Apply
Even amid unrest, you must obey local laws — from curfew orders to transport restrictions — to avoid legal consequences that go beyond safety issues.

4. The Bigger Picture: Security vs. Tourism Law

Mexico’s legal framework encourages tourism but also expects visitors to be informed about risks. The Ley General de Turismo aims to protect tourists, but in times of civil unrest, international advisories and airline/insurance contract terms often have a bigger real-world impact on your legal rights as a traveler.

If you do choose to travel to Mexico right now:

• Plan around safer destinations (Caribbean coast resorts, select Yucatán sites, etc.).
• Consult with legal and travel professionals if you have concerns about advisories, coverage, or contractual obligations.