Irish Citizens Warned Against Travel as Mexico Violence Escalates
Irish citizens in Jalisco, including Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, have been told to shelter in place as violence escalates following the death of a major cartel leader.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFA) has updated its travel advice for Mexico, urging Irish citizens to avoid all travel to the state of Jalisco following a surge in violence linked to the death of one of the country's most notorious cartel leaders.
The warning, updated on 22 February 2026, comes after Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho" and the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel, died in custody following a military operation by Mexican special forces in the town of Tapalpa, in Jalisco state. His death triggered widespread retaliatory violence across the region.
The DFA has advised Irish citizens against all travel to Jalisco, including popular tourist destinations Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, citing ongoing security operations and incidents of violence that have resulted in road and airport closures.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade stated:
"Irish citizens already in Jalisco or in any other affected area should shelter in place, avoid unnecessary movement, and follow the direction of the local authorities."
Oseguera had a US bounty of $15 million (approximately €12.7 million) on his head. His death has prompted retaliatory actions by cartel members, causing widespread disruption across multiple Mexican states, particularly those bordering Jalisco.
Ireland is not alone in its concern. The US State Department has urged American citizens in parts of Mexico to shelter in place, noting that roadblocks have disrupted airline operations, with domestic and international flights cancelled at both Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta airports. Canada has similarly advised its citizens in Michoacán, Guerrero and Jalisco to shelter in place, citing reports of shootouts and explosions.
Several US and Canadian airlines cancelled flights to affected parts of Mexico, with some aircraft forced to turn back mid-route. Southwest Airlines turned back four flights bound for Puerto Vallarta and indicated it would send aircraft to repatriate stranded passengers once the situation normalises.
Mexico's overall security status on the DFA's travel advice system remains rated as "High Degree of Caution," the second of four levels. Beyond Jalisco, the DFA advises against non-essential travel to a number of other states including Chihuahua, Colima, Guerrero, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas, among others, due to high levels of organised crime and violence.
Irish citizens travelling to or currently in Mexico are urged to consult the DFA's full travel advice, register with the Embassy, monitor local media closely, and follow the instructions of local authorities at all times.
Anyone requiring emergency consular assistance can contact the Irish Embassy in Mexico City at +52 55 5520 5803, or the Department of Foreign Affairs Duty Officer in Dublin at +353 (0)1 408 2000.
