Where in Mexico are US travelers currently banned or told to avoid?

(NewsNation) — Americans with travel plans to Mexico may need to cancel or adjust their itineraries, as several states south of the border have been cited as dangerous by the U.S State Department after the Mexican army killed the powerful leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel Sunday morning.

The death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” triggered chaos in Puerto Vallarta. The popular tourist destination was blanketed in smoke as cars burned and roads were blocked. Travelers were left stranded at airports, panicked and desperate to leave, while flaming vehicles shut down major highways for hours.

In the wake of both Mexican and foreign governments warning citizens to shelter in place amid the violence that has been seen over Cervantes’ death, the State Department has made portions of the country off-limits, while Americans are urged to reconsider their travel plans in other parts of Mexico until the unrest subsides.

Generally speaking, State Department officials are encouraging U.S. travelers to use increased caution across the entirety of Mexico due to increased threats of terrorism, crime and kidnapping.

The agency said the U.S. government has limited ability to assist Americans in many parts of Mexico as government officials are not permitted to travel in several high-risk areas, according to advisories on the State Department website.

Areas of Mexico where travelers from the U.S. are currently banned

State of Colima: According to State Department officials, this region of Mexico presents high risks of violence from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of rival criminal organizations and shootings between these groups have injured or killed bystanders. U.S. citizens who are lawful permanent residents have also been kidnapped.

State of Guerrero: This region, which includes the popular tourist destination Acapulco, also presents a high risk of terrorist groups and cartel violence. Members of armed groups also maintain roadblocks and may use violence toward travelers.

Aerial view of the cathedral of Taxco, Guerrero state, Mexico, on February 12, 2026. (Photo by CARL DE SOUZA / AFP via Getty Images)

State of Michoacan: State Department officials have closed travel to this region due to terrorism and widespread crime and violence from cartels, gangs and other criminal organizations.

State of Sinaloa: Sinaloa, which is home to one of Mexico’s most notorious cartel organizations, has also been closed off for travel by the State Department due to terrorism and crime, along with threats of violence by cartels and gangs.

State of Tamaulipas: Organized criminal activity is common along the northern border of the Mexican state, in which gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjackings, kidnappings, forced disappearances, extortion and sexual assault are all common. Criminal organizations typically target public and private buses and cars traveling through Tamaulipas.

Kidnapping victims, including U.S. citizens, are typically taken for ransom and heavily armed members of criminal organizations often patrol this region, especially in the border region stretching from Reynosa to Nuevo Laredo. The State Department warns that criminal organizations typically act without fear of punishment because local law enforcement has limited capacity to respond to crime.

Several states in Mexico have been added to the do-not-travel-to list by the U.S State Department. (U.S. State Department map)

State of Zacatecas: In this region, travelers face the risk of terrorism, crime and kidnapping by cartels, gangs and other criminal organizations. Violent crime, including extortion and gang activity are widespread and U.S. residents have often been victims of kidnapping in this area.

Areas of Mexico where travel should be reconsidered by U.S. residents

State of Baja California: Travelers in this region, which includes Tijuana, risk violence from cartels and gangs. State Department officials warn that criminal organizations fight for control of the border areas. As part of this battle, rival organizations typically aim to set up routes for human and drug trafficking.

Travelers who choose to visit Baja California are encouraged to remain on main highways. High homicide numbers are reported in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana and most of those slayings tend to be targeted. However, territorial fights can often injure or kill bystanders.

State of Chiapas: This region presents threats of terrorism and crime from terrorist groups, cartels and gangs.

State of Chihuahua: The State Department warns that this region presents risks of violence from terrorist groups, cartels and gangs. Most homicides are targeted assassinations and territory battles between criminal organizations have led to violence in restaurants and malls frequented by U.S. citizens.

State of Guanajuato: This region presents a threat of murders in the southern part of the state due to cartel-related violence. Gang violence typically takes place in the southern and central regions of the state due to the theft of oil and natural gas from the state oil company and other suppliers.

State of Jalisco: This region, which includes Guadalajara, should be avoided due to the risk of violence from terrorist groups, cartels and gangs. Shootings around Guadalajara often take place between rival criminal organizations, which have injured or killed bystanders. This region is also known for U.S. citizens being the target of kidnappings.

Due to civil unrest in Jalisco, United Airlines has banned all flights to Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. Delta Airlines also warned passengers that flights to and from Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta could also be affected by the unsettling activities taking place in the region.

Southwest Airlines and American Airlines have also canceled flights to the region and said they would continue to monitor activity in the region.

State of Morelos: Travel to this region should be reconsidered over the threat of terrorism, crime and kidnapping. Activity from criminal organizations, cartels and gangs is also prevalent in this region, where kidnappings often target U.S. residents.

State of Sonora: Travelers in this region should remain aware of their surroundings due to criminal activity and threats of violence tied to cartels, gangs and other criminal organizations.