US and Canada Issue Travel Warnings for Mexico: Potential Impact on International Tourism and Foreign Exchange Revenue

such as Jalisco, Guerrero, and Michoacán. This context arises as Mexico received 10.1 million international visitors in December 2025, according to INEGI.

US Alert: Immediate Shelter-in-Place and Mobility Restrictions

The United States embassy and consulates in Mexico issued a warning for Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León. This includes cities such as Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, Chapala, and Reynosa.

The diplomatic mission instructed its citizens to shelter in place until further notice. It also recommended avoiding areas with police activity and large crowds.

Furthermore, it advised monitoring local media, following official instructions, and calling 911 in emergencies. The alert is a response to security operations, road blockades, and criminal activity.

Canada Warns of Violence and Transport Suspension

The embassy and consular services of Canada in Mexico issued an alert regarding violence and blockades in the southwest. Hotspots were identified in Jalisco, Guerrero, and Michoacán.

The statement noted the establishment of checkpoints with burning vehicles and confrontations with security forces. It also reported explosions and flight cancellations or delays.

In Puerto Vallarta, authorities ordered a lockdown. Additionally, taxi and ride-sharing services were suspended until further notice.

Canada advised maintaining a low profile and verifying flights before going to the airport. It also recommended following stay-at-home orders.

International Tourism: Record Figures Under Pressure

Mexico received 10,132,885 international visitors in December 2025, an annual increase of 12.3%, according to INEGI’s International Traveler Survey.

Of this total, 5,218,693 were international tourists, representing 51.5% of the total. This figure grew by 9.0% annually.

Another 4,914,192 visitors were day-trippers without overnight stays. They accounted for the remaining 48.5%.

Foreign exchange earnings reached $3,772 million, with an annual increase of 1.9%. International tourists generated $3,441 million, accounting for 93.3% of the total.

Average Expenditure: Key Differences by Entry Method

The average expenditure per visitor was $372.25, a figure that decreased by 9.3% annually. However, tourists entering the country recorded an average expenditure of $990.70.

Those who entered by air spent an average of $1,157.76. In contrast, those who entered by land spent $353.19.

Border tourists reported an average expenditure of $116.05. These data reflect the significance of air tourism for foreign exchange generation.

Potential Economic Impact on Key Destinations

Jalisco, Guerrero, and Michoacán concentrate strategic tourist destinations such as Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco. The alerts could influence travel decisions from priority source markets.

The United States and Canada represent Mexico’s primary international markets. Any reduction in tourist flows would impact hotel occupancy, transportation, and services.

Furthermore, the temporary suspension of mobility affects flights, ground transfers, and bookings. The effect will depend on the duration of the warnings and regional stabilization.

Security and Perception: Determining Factors for Tourism

Diplomatic warnings typically influence the international perception of risk. Although Mexico maintains robust visitor numbers, confidence is key to sustaining growth.

International tourism contributes billions of dollars monthly to the economy. Therefore, authorities and the private sector are monitoring the evolving situation.

The stabilization of conditions in the mentioned states will be crucial for preserving tourism competitiveness and foreign exchange generation. ##The article