U.S. Security Alert Lifted for Cancun and Quintana Roo – February 2026 Afternoon Update

Last Updated on February 23, 2026 by Megan

On February 23, 2026, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico officially lifted the temporary shelter-in-place order for Quintana Roo, including Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cozumel.

Travel conditions in the Mexican Caribbean have returned to normal.

The February 23, 2026 updates from the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico confirm that tourism operations in Cancun and throughout Quintana Roo remain fully operational, with no security-related travel disruptions in the Mexican Caribbean.

Is Cancun Safe Right Now?

Is Cancun safe right now? Based on the February 23, 2026 update from the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico, the answer is yes. The shelter-in-place directive has been lifted for Quintana Roo, and normal travel conditions have resumed.

This update follows security operations that occurred on February 22 in western Mexico. Those events primarily affected parts of the Pacific coast, including areas of Jalisco and Baja California. As a precaution, a temporary shelter-in-place directive was issued for U.S. government personnel in multiple states while authorities assessed conditions.

Quintana Roo was included briefly out of caution. However, there were no highway blockades, airport shutdowns, or resort disruptions in Cancun or the Riviera Maya.

The physical events occurred more than 1,200 miles from the Caribbean coast.

Official Security Alert Timeline – February 23, 2026

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico issued Security Alert – Update 4 on February 23, 2026, addressing ongoing security operations across multiple states, including Jalisco, Baja California, and Nayarit, following events that occurred on February 22.

This alert emphasized that U.S. citizens in affected areas should shelter in place due to reported road blockages and criminal activity.

Here is the official timeline:

Initial Security Update – February 23, 7:14 AM
A morning security notice acknowledged active operations in western Mexico.

Security Alert – Update 4 – February 23
This update formally advised U.S. government staff and U.S. citizens in specific Pacific regions, including Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, to shelter in place until blockades were cleared.

Security Alert – Update 5 – Afternoon, February 23
Later that day, follow-up guidance confirmed continued security operations in Pacific states. Some flights resumed operations from Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, while travelers were advised to monitor airline updates.

Importantly, Update 4 also confirmed that the situation had returned to normal in Quintana Roo, including Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cozumel.

Links:

Mexico International Travel information
U.S. Citizens in Mexico WhatsApp Channel
U.S. Passports
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Department of State on Facebook and X

What Happened in Mexico

Security operations in western Mexico resulted in temporary road closures and flight disruptions near Puerto Vallarta and parts of Baja California. Some toll roads in other western states also experienced temporary interruptions.

These developments led to a broad advisory while the situation was evaluated. Importantly, the Mexican Caribbean tourism corridor was not directly impacted by the February 22 security operations.

Current Conditions in Quintana Roo

According to Security Alert Update 4 issued February 23, (See official alert on the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico website.) conditions in Quintana Roo have stabilized. The shelter-in-place directive no longer applies to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Cozumel.

Cancun International Airport is operating normally with no security related closures.
Roads throughout the Riviera Maya remain open.
Hotels and resorts continue regular operations.
No security-related flight disruptions have been reported for Cancun.

Travelers flying into Cancun are encouraged to monitor airline apps for routine schedule updates. However, no security-based cancellations have been indicated for the region.

Where Restrictions Remain

Shelter-in-place directives remain active in limited Pacific regions, including:

Jalisco (including Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara)
Baja California (including Tijuana)

Jalisco and Baja California are located on Mexico’s Pacific coast, more than 1,200 miles from Cancun’s Caribbean shoreline. Travelers with itineraries to those Pacific destinations should monitor official sources closely.

Quintana Roo is not included in the active restriction list.

What This Means for Your Cancun Vacation

If your vacation is planned for Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Cozumel, travel may proceed as scheduled. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico have formally confirmed that normal conditions have returned to the Mexican Caribbean.

At Tim’s Ocean Condos in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, guests are currently enjoying calm beaches and uninterrupted stays.

Official government updates will continue to be monitored carefully. Should any changes occur, timely communication will be provided.

For now, the message is clear.

Quintana Roo is operating normally.

Cancun remains open and safe for travelers.

FAQ

Is there a travel ban for Cancun?
No. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico lifted the temporary shelter-in-place directive for Quintana Roo on February 23, 2026. Cancun remains open to travelers.