February 2026 Travel Update & What Visitors Should Know
By Dez | My Deztination: Mexicos Trusted Residency + Relocation Expert
A Calm Update on Travel, Roads, and the Resilience of Mexico
This past Sunday, February 22, parts of Jalisco experienced coordinated disruptions following a federal security operation.
In Puerto Vallarta, there were temporary road blockages, some vehicle fires in surrounding areas, and precautionary transport pauses. Some flights were canceled by airline decision. Schools across the state suspended classes for Monday.
No reports indicated tourists were targeted.
Our hearts go out to those who lost vehicles, jobs, or personal belongings. These disruptions impact real families. Real business owners. Real workers. We pause to honor them.
What happened was serious.
It was also contained.
Security forces responded quickly. Arrests were made. Public transportation resumed gradually. Hospitals remained open. Airport facilities remained operational under federal protection.
Within hours, life began stabilizing.
And that matters.
within 24hours tourists and locals are back enjoying Los Muertos beach
Has This Happened Before?
Puerto Vallarta has experienced isolated disruptions in the past connected to broader state-level security operations. Smaller scale coordinated blockades occurred in parts of Jalisco in August 2022 following federal actions.
In each case, disruptions were short-lived.
Services resumed.
Life returned to normal.
This pattern reflects something important: these events are reactive, not constant.
They are tied to specific law enforcement operations, not daily life in the city.
Tourists are walking the Malecón
What Does Puerto Vallarta Look Like Today?
Restaurants are open.
Beaches are active.
Businesses are operating.
Transportation is running.
Tourists are walking the Malecón.
The rhythm of the city continues.
Not because nothing happened.
But because Mexico is resilient.
The Heart of Puerto Vallarta
What stands out most isn’t the disruption.
It’s the response.
Neighbors checking on neighbors.
Business owners reopening doors.
Community members sharing verified updates instead of rumors.
Puerto Vallarta has always been more than a destination.
It’s a community.
And communities don’t collapse because of one difficult day.
They regroup.
They support.
They rebuild.
They move forward.
Is It Safe to Visit Puerto Vallarta Right Now?
As of today:
• Roads are open.
• Public transportation is operating.
• The airport is functioning normally.
• Essential services remain active.
There are no advisories suggesting tourists are unsafe in Puerto Vallarta.
As with any travel, anywhere in the world, stay informed through official channels and avoid spreading unverified social media content.
But there is no indication of ongoing instability in the city.
If You’re Feeling Overwhelmed
News cycles amplify fear.
If you want a calm, on-the-ground perspective, Joel Goralski shared a measured update on Monday, February 23, focusing on what daily life actually looks like.
Grounded information matters.
Context matters.
Final Thoughts
It’s also important to share that the majority of the My Deztination team lives full-time in Puerto Vallarta. Our routines are here. Our daily lives are here. We experience the city as residents - not observers from a distance and we would never downplay anything that genuinely threatened our community.
Puerto Vallarta remains vibrant.
It remains welcoming.
It remains full of families, retirees, remote workers, and locals building beautiful lives.
Sunday’s events were a reminder that challenges exist.
They were also a reminder that community is stronger.
If you have questions about specific neighborhoods, travel plans or life here. Our inbox is open.
Always.
meet dez
Dez | My Deztination
Dez is the founder of My Deztination and Mexico’s trusted relocation advisor. With over seven years living in Mexico, she knows the importance of trustworthy and professional guidance & support. She specializes in personalized consultations, private neighborhood tours, and full-service relocation packages to help clients move to Mexico the easy way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mexico safe in 2026?
Mexico, like every country, experiences security incidents. Safety depends heavily on location, awareness, and lifestyle choices. Popular relocation destinations such as Puerto Vallarta, Ajijic, Lake Chapala, Mérida, and many areas of Mexico City continue to host large expat and retiree communities living full-time without issue.
What happened in Jalisco on February 22, 2026?
Following a federal operation in Tapalpa, coordinated disruptions occurred in parts of Jalisco, including vehicle blockades and temporary flight cancellations. Authorities responded quickly, arrests were made, and public services began resuming within hours.
Were tourists or expats targeted?
No official reports indicate that tourists or expats were targeted. The incidents were tied to a federal security operation and were not random attacks against residents or visitors.
Did Puerto Vallarta shut down?
Some flights were canceled by airline decision, and authorities advised caution. However, airport facilities remained under protection, hospitals stayed open, and services resumed gradually.
Do incidents like this happen often?
Large-scale coordinated disruptions are not regular occurrences. When they do happen, they are typically linked to specific law enforcement actions and are short-lived.
Should I reconsider moving to Mexico?
Relocation decisions should be based on your lifestyle goals, risk tolerance, financial planning, and personal values. Millions of families, retirees, and remote workers live safely in Mexico full-time. Context and long-term perspective matter.Relocation decisions should be based on your lifestyle goals, risk tolerance, financial planning, and personal values. Millions of families, retirees, and rem
How can I stay informed if I live in Mexico?
Follow official state government channels & join our Move to Mexico the EASY way Facebook community, avoid spreading unverified social media rumors, and maintain normal situational awareness — just as you would in any country.