○Riots have been reported across Mexico following an increase in cartel violence, including in the popular vacation spots of Cancun and Tulum, as well as in the states of Quintana Roo and Oaxaca.

The hardest hit region is the Pacific coast state of Jalisco. Britain’s Foreign Office has called on tourists in the state to stay indoors as violence escalates following the killing of a drug cartel leader by security forces. Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho””.

The paper said Britons should exercise “extreme caution” after “serious security incidents” reported over the weekend occurred in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, in the tourist-popular states of Jalisco. Jalisco residents should “minimize movement and follow local shelter-in-place orders.”

Mexican authorities in the coastal resort of Puerto Vallarta advised tourists to stay indoors and avoid non-essential travel. There were reports of road blockages and airlines canceled flights to the city.

Some areas of Mexico are generally safe if regular precautions and exclusion zones are followed. However, the security situation across Mexico is intense and rapidly changing, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs saying incidents have been reported in other parts of Mexico and that tourists should “remain vigilant and follow local security recommendations.”

If you’re planning a trip, here’s what you need to know:

What is happening in Jalisco?

A wave of violence erupted in the state, home to Mexico’s second city Guadalajara and the seaside holiday destination Puerto Vallarta, in retaliation for El Mencho’s death. Guadalajara is scheduled to host World Cup soccer matches this summer. Airlines such as Air Canada and United Airlines canceled flights to Puerto Vallarta.

The UK Foreign Office has issued a travel advisory urging tourists to stay indoors out of “extreme caution” and banning all but essential travel to the state of Jalisco.

“If you are currently in Jalisco, please minimize your movement and follow your local shelter-in-place order,” it reads.

“These conditions are having a significant impact on access to reliable transportation and services, with shelter-in-place orders issued in some areas and suspensions of some local transportation services reported in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara.Authorities in Puerto Vallarta have issued public advisories to stay indoors.

“Routes to the airport may be blocked. Flight schedules to and from Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara are also disrupted, with several airlines canceling services or changing destinations at short notice. Please check messages from airlines and tour operators before going to the airport, and monitor national and international media for updates.”

“There are reports of intercity road closures across the affected states. Please monitor local media and follow advice from authorities and local transport companies before deciding to travel. If you decide to travel, we recommend traveling on intercity roads during daylight hours.”

What’s the latest travel advice for Cancun and Tulum?

Localized violence has been reported in the state of Quintana Roo, home to popular tourist destinations Cancun and Tulum, with the Foreign Office warning that the situation is so fluid that Britons should “remain vigilant and follow local safety advice”. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs still considers the region safe to visit with normal precautions, as the Mexican government makes special efforts to ensure the safety of these destinations.

What is the latest travel advice for the rest of Mexico?

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs considers several areas of Mexico safe, including much of Baja California (Pacific coast) and Mexico City.

There are also areas where the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised against non-essential travel, including most of Chihuahua, Sinaloa and Guerrero, all of Zacatecas and Jalisco. This list is updated regularly, so please check the Foreign Office advice (which will be relevant to whether your travel insurance is valid) before you travel.

Separately, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs outlines a number of other issues affecting Mexican tourists, including political demonstrations (particularly in Mexico City), street crime, fraud, general violence, sexual assault, and kidnapping. It said tourists are not usually targeted by kidnappers, but stressed that tourists should always be cautious.

For further advice, please visit the government website (british government).

Can I cancel my trip to Puerto Vallarta?

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has updated its warning and advised against non-essential travel to Jalisco state, including Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. Therefore, travel companies have a legal obligation to refund or re-arrange package holidays within 14 days. If you are in Puerto Vallarta, your tour operator will also need to make arrangements for your return home.

Can I cancel my trip to Cancun or Tulum?

There have been reports of road closures and localized violence in Quintana Roo, but the UK Foreign Office has stopped short of advising against all but essential travel there. This means you cannot cancel your package trip without penalty. However, as with all of these things, it’s worth talking to your travel agent or tour operator to ask what your options are and whether you can postpone or change your destination.

“If you are in Mexico, or booked through a travel agent but are concerned about your upcoming trip to Mexico, please contact your travel agent for the latest information and advice. You can also check directly with your airline before going to the airport and monitor local and international media updates for updates,” said Julia Lo Buesaid, CEO of Advantage Travel Partnership, which represents independent travel agents.

What are Mexico’s entry requirements?

British passport holders traveling for tourism purposes do not need a visa unless they are planning volunteer work, certain ecotourism activities or scientific and technical research (if in doubt, please contact the Mexican Embassy in London). Upon entering the country, your passport will be stamped indicating the number of days you are allowed to stay.

If you are entering Mexico by land, you must fill out an entry form online. For more information, please see here.

Quintana Roo imposes a tax on all visitors. Taxes can be paid before or during your trip in the following ways: Visitax Web Portal. Proof of payment must be presented at the airport when leaving Mexico. You may also be required to pay an environmental tax (usually levied by hotels) or an exit tax. Costs may vary but may be built into your holiday price.

Additional reporting by Graeme Green