Safety concerns about traveling to Mexico are mounting just as the spring break travel season approaches.
Violence that erupted after the death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho,” raised concerns about the risks of future travel to Mexico, evident in the security alerts from the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico, which not only included Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara in the state of Jalisco where “El Mencho” was killed, but also popular tourist destinations across Mexico such as Cancun, Tulum, Cozumel and Tijuana.
The U.S. Embassy announced on Feb. 25 that it lifted all travel restrictions to Mexico related to the violence. Flights resumed in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. Since Feb. 25, no flights to or from Mexico have been canceled out of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
While the updated guidance suggests things are returning to normal, some travel and security experts think Mexico is a more volatile place to travel to following the “El Mencho” killing.
Generally, the answer depends on what part of Mexico you plan to visit.
Each state in Mexico has its own advisory level from the U.S. Department of State, from lowest risk to highest risk. The State Department also has a nationwide travel advisory for Mexico, introduced in August 2025; it remains set at Level 2, meaning exercise increased caution, because of the risks of terrorism, crime and kidnapping.
Level 4 areas, which means “do not travel,” represent the highest risk of life-threatening danger and little to no ability for the U.S. government to assist in an emergency. Most places that the State Department lists at Level 4 are places affected by war and unrest.
Six Mexican states are listed at Level 4: Zacatecas, Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa and Tamaulipas. Travel to these states is risky because of the presence of cartels, gangs and organized crime, according to the State Department.
In 2025, the U.S. Embassy issued security alerts for Tamaulipas because of “increasingly frequent” shootouts and the presence of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in and around dirt roads and secondary roads. The 2023 kidnapping of four Americans in Matamoros, two of whom were killed, also called attention to the risks of travel to Tamaulipas.
Several travel and security experts who spoke with USA TODAY following the violence in Mexico, including Mike Ballard, director of intelligence at security firm Global Guardian, said travelers should consider reconsidering imminent travel to Mexico given the uncertainty of the situation.
“It could get worse, it could get better,” Ballard said.
Travel industry expert Steve Glenn, chairman of the Nebraska-based corporate travel company Executive Travel, encouraged travelers with plans to travel to Mexico to postpone or redirect their travels.
“Even well-secured resort destinations can be impacted by sudden transportation disruptions and regional unrest,” Glenn said. “Safety conditions can shift quickly with little warning.”
The State Department has not updated its nationwide or state-level Mexico advisories in the days following the “El Mencho” killing and related violence.
The states of Campeche and Yucatan, the latter including the famed archaeological site Chichén Itzá, are the only places in Mexico at the lowest possible advisory from the State Department.
Both have a Level 1 advisory, which means travelers should exercise normal precautions. While these are the least risky places to travel to, travelers must still be aware that there is some risk in any international travel.
Campeche and Yucatan are close to the state of Quintana Roo, which includes Cancun, Tulum and Playa Del Carmen. The State Department classifies Quintana Roo as a Level 2, which means travelers should exercise increased caution.
Despite some experts’ warnings about travel to Mexico, one part of the country that’s popular with Arizonans continues to enjoy a reputation for safety.
Puerto Peñasco, also known as Rocky Point, is a popular travel spot for Arizonans as the closest beach to metro Phoenix. It’s located about 213 miles away, closer than Los Angeles or San Diego.
Travelers and business owners in Puerto Peñasco said they felt safe there on the day of and days after the death of “El Mencho.”
“If you didn’t watch the news, you’d have no idea,” said Keith Allen, director of sales with Encantame Resorts. “Everyone’s having a good time.”
Despite a vote of confidence from people who’ve visited or live in Puerto Peñasco, travelers planning trips there should be aware that the state of Sonora is under a Level 3 advisory by the State Department because of the risks of violent crime and kidnapping. Travelers are advised to only travel during daylight hours via Federal Highway 8 via the Lukeville Port of Entry to get there.
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Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Michael.Salerno@usatodayco.com.
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