Cabo travel advisory: Is it safe to travel right now amid Mexico violence?
Americans may be rethinking their spring break plans as Mexico has erupted in violence following the Mexican army’s killing of cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes.
Oseguera, a drug lord known as “El Mencho,” was killed during a military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco state, on Sunday. The killing has sparked chaos in the country, with reports of roadblocks, arson and flight disruptions from suspected cartel members across multiple states.
The founder and leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Oseguera is regarded as Mexico’s most consequential hit against a drug cartel boss since the capture of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.
Why It Matters
The violence that has resulted from Oseguera’s killing has left Americans with plans to visit the country unsure about how travel has been affected.
Earlier this week, the United States urged some U.S. citizens in Mexico to shelter in place because of “ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity.”
Currently, Mexico is set at a level 2 travel advisory, which means Americans should exercise increased caution. The State Department attributes this level to the threat of terrorism, crime and kidnapping.
A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 aircraft parked at an airport gate in Cabo, Mexico, on November 22, 2024.
What To Know
The U.S. Embassy and State Department issued temporary shelter‑in‑place guidance for Americans in multiple parts of Mexico after the killing of Oseguera.
The military operation triggered retaliatory cartel violence, including road blockades, arson attacks and flight disruptions in parts of mainland Mexico, especially Jalisco state, home to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara.
Importantly for spring breakers, the advisory also initially named popular tourist states, including Quintana Roo (Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen) and Baja California, prompting widespread confusion about whether beach destinations were directly affected.
U.S. officials lifted the shelter‑in‑place directive for American citizens, saying conditions had stabilized and that flights in affected areas had returned to normal operations.
However, the broader U.S. State Department travel advisory for Mexico remains at Level 2, advising Americans to “exercise increased caution,” The advisory cited crime and kidnapping risks nationwide.
Cabo is one of the top international spring break destinations for U.S. college students, alongside Cancun and the Dominican Republic’s Punta Cana. Travel companies market weeklong Cabo takeovers throughout March, with thousands of students arriving weekly for all‑inclusive resort stays, pool parties and nightlife.
Are Flights Leaving Cabo?
As of Wednesday, flights are leaving Cabo.
Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) is operating normally, with departures and arrivals running as scheduled.
The recent U.S. shelter‑in‑place advisory has been lifted, and there were no flight suspensions tied to Cabo during the unrest that affected parts of mainland Mexico.
Flight cancellations and suspensions were previously concentrated in Puerto Vallarta (PVR) and Guadalajara (GDL) during the height of the cartel‑related violence.
Have Flights Resumed to Cabo?
Flights to and from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) are operating normally. The airport has remained open and functional throughout the recent unrest that affected parts of mainland Mexico.
The U.S. shelter‑in‑place advisory has been lifted, and U.S. officials have said air travel in tourist areas has returned to normal operations.
US Travel Advisory Mexico
The U.S. Department of State currently lists Mexico as a Level 2 travel advisory: “Exercise Increased Caution.” This is the nationwide baseline rating for the country.
A Level 2 advisory does not mean “do not travel.” It means the State Department is warning travelers to be more alert than usual because of risks such as crime, kidnapping, violence linked to organized crime and limited emergency services in some areas.
Is Cabo Safe Right Now?
Cabo is considered safe right now, with normal tourism operations, but travelers should still use commonsense precautions.
No shelter‑in‑place order applies to Cabo. Resorts, beaches, nightlife and transportation are operating as usual.
Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) also remains fully operational, with flights arriving and departing normally.
What People Are Saying
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico wrote in an earlier security alert this week: “Due to ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity, U.S. citizens in a number of locations in Mexico are urged to shelter in place. U.S. government staff in Guadalajara (Jalisco), Puerto Vallarta (Jalisco/Nayarit), Ciudad Guzman (Jalisco), Cancun (Quintana Roo), Playa del Carmen (Quintana Roo), Cozumel (Quintana Roo), Reynosa (Tamaulipas state), Tijuana (Baja California), and Michoacan will shelter in place and work remotely on Monday, February 23, and U.S. citizens should do the same.”
The U.S. Department of State said in its Mexico travel advisory: “Due to security risks, U.S. citizens should follow the same restrictions as U.S. government employees while traveling. Emergency services are limited or unavailable in remote or rural areas. If you encounter a road checkpoint, you should comply. Fleeing or ignoring instructions can lead to you being hurt or killed.”
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said in a statement: “The Secretariat of National Defense reported on the operation carried out this morning by federal forces, which resulted in various blockades and other reactions. There is absolute coordination with the governments of all states; we must remain informed and calm. The social media accounts of the Security Cabinet provide permanent updates. In the vast majority of the national territory, activities are proceeding with complete normality.”
What Happens Next
Spring break ramps up in mid-March, when thousands of American tourists are likely to visit Mexico.
In a polarized era, the center is dismissed as bland. At Newsweek, ours is different: The Courageous Center—it’s not “both sides,” it’s sharp, challenging and alive with ideas. We follow facts, not factions. If that sounds like the kind of journalism you want to see thrive, we need you.
When you become a Newsweek Member, you support a mission to keep the center strong and vibrant. Members enjoy: Ad-free browsing, exclusive content and editor conversations. Help keep the center courageous. Join today.
Related Articles
- Cancun Travel Advisory: What Americans Need To Know Amid Mexico Violence
- Passenger Pays $13,980 for First-Class Flight—Take a Look Inside
- UK Grandma Warns Against Visiting US for World Cup After 6-Week ICE Ordeal
