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Foreign Office extends Mexico travel warning to cover Cancun and Puerto Vallarta following death of drug lord El Mencho

Mexico
James Chapple
24 February 2026

The Foreign Office has strengthened its travel advice for Mexico following the death of a notorious drug lord, but has stopped short of advising against travel to the country.

Puerto Vallarta
(Credit: iStock / Cinthia Aguilar)

The FCDO advice centres on Puerto Vallarta (pictured) and Guadalajara in Jalisco state (Credit: iStock / Cinthia Aguilar)

Thousands of soldiers have been deployed to quell violent unrest across more than 20 states after cartel leader El Mencho was captured in Jalisco state by Mexican special forces at the weekend and subsequently died in custody.

The gang retaliated by blocking roads, torching vehicles and ransacking local businesses, and continue to clash with members of Mexico's National Guard in several regions.

The most severe unrest has been in the state of Jalisco where El Mencho's cartel was based, home to popular destinations including Puerto Vallarta and the city of Guadalajara.