Texas Spring Break 2026: Balancing the Fun with Federal Safety Instructions

Spring Breakers in Texas need to be careful about where they go to celebrate.

Texas Governor Issues Warning

Gov. Greg Abbott is urging Texans to be careful as they choose a Spring Break destination in light of the recent chaos across Mexico. The Governor is urging Texans to keep an eye out for federal travel warnings from the U.S. Department of State. The Texas Department of Public Safety received orders from Governor Abbott on Monday to “enhance public safety and homeland security operations” near the Texas border.

A Cartel Killing

All hell broke loose in Mexico over the weekend when Jalisco New Generation Cartel drug lord, Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera Cervantes was killed by Mexican forces. The death happened during an operation meant to capture him.

Important Numbers for Safe Travel

The Governor’s Office provided a list of important numbers to ensure safe travel. Texans in need of help are encouraged to call:

U.S. Department of State from outside U.S.: 1-202-501-4444

U.S. Department of State from inside U.S. and Canada: 1-888-407-4747

Texas Fusion Center: 1-844-927-0521

Register with the U.S. Embassy: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time alerts and make it easier for the U.S. government to assist in an emergency.

Maintain contact with family: Keep family and friends informed of your location and travel plans, and establish regular check-ins.

Avoid high-risk areas: Do not travel to regions under active security alerts or where violence is occurring.

Follow local and federal instructions: If a shelter-in-place or travel restriction is issued by authorities, follow those instructions immediately.

Prepare for emergencies: Keep copies of important documents, emergency contact numbers for the U.S. Embassy or nearest Consulate.

Do Not Travel Advisory

As of Tuesday, February 24, 2026, the U.S. Department of State has issued an urgent and expanded set of warnings for Mexico following a significant surge in violence and security operations that began on February 22.

The U.S. maintains a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory (the highest level) for the following six states due to the extreme risk of crime and kidnapping:

Level 4: Do Not Travel (Current)

Colima: High risk of violence; travel is only permitted to the Manzanillo tourist zone if accessed by air.

Guerrero: This includes Acapulco, Ixtapa, and Zihuatanejo. U.S. government staff are strictly prohibited from all travel here.

Michoacán: High cartel activity; travel is limited to specific corridors like Morelia.

Sinaloa: This includes Mazatlán. U.S. officials are restricted to the historic center and must arrive by air or sea.

Tamaulipas: Severe risk of kidnapping and organized crime, particularly in border cities like Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo.

Zacatecas: Travel is restricted to the capital city only, and only via the airport corridor.