Despite the fact that the number of homicides is concerning, experts believe that tourists visiting Baja California in tourist areas are unlikely to face cartel violence or Authorities have also increased security measures in these areas, including Cancn, Acapulco, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta. You will want to avoid the red light district Zona Norte (the North Zone) in Tijuana. But what is it that makes Baja, Mexico a safe place? The rest stop at km marker 84 contains several impressive buildings on the side of a cliff overlooking the bay. All states of Mexico are considered fully safe except for Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, and Aguascalientes. It is also a popular tourist destination. Tijuana is safe enough to roam around and explore but take more care if heading outside of the main tourist zones of. If you wish to enjoy excellent nightlife and a relaxing city on the water, Ensenada is a quiet and small city that is much safer than Tijuana. Is it safe to travel to Mexico right now? There are low levels of robberies, carjackings, and hate crimes, and a high level of corruption and bribery. Avoiding Unprofessional or Unlicensed Doctors. Because of high civilian traffic, the US government advises people who have not been vaccinated against the flu to avoid traveling to Mexico. That said, the moment you cross the border driving conditions along with laws change, so make you understand all the requirements to travel to Mexico by car. The closest buses to this city are provided by the Tijuana Bus Service, which leaves San Diego and arrives in Tijuana. If you have any questions, please let me know; Ill also provide you with a few more information on our experience. If you enjoy the sea, La Paz is an excellent place to visit because it is located on the Sea of Cortez. If you decide to travel to Baja California its best to go with a group of people and not alone. If this one wasnt true, After a night out, take it easy as you will be unable to return to your hotel. Many travelers make the trip to Baja California in their vehicle as its right across the border from California. Withdrawing Money in Puerto Vallarta (ATM Tips & Safety). Baja California is far safer than the rest of Rosarita, Ensenada, and the Guadalupe Valley are low-risk, tourist-friendly areas. Its essential to check the State Departments current travel advisory and recent safety alerts from the US Embassy in Mexico before your trip, so you are well-informed of any potential dangers. U.S. government employees may not drive from the U.S.-Mexico border to or from the interior parts of Mexico, except daytime travel within Baja California and between Nogales and Hermosillo on Mexican Federal Highway 15D, and between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Highway 85D. Yes, it is safe to travel to Mexico currently. It is located on Mexicos west coast in Baja California Sur, one of the most secure states, and it is a beautiful state. Getting into the Ready Lanes, as well as any of the other entry lanes, is difficult. Is San Felipe worth visiting? Looking for the latest on COVID-19 in Mexico? Rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) of furnished accommodation in the upper price range is Mex$ 14,372 per month, while rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) of furnished accommodation in the lower price range is Mex$ 6,575. Every year, tourists and digital nomads from around the world enjoy the citys beautiful waterfront location and vibrant Note that travel advisory warnings change all the time. During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, and there are fewer tourists than during the peak summer months. This region offers numerous unique activities to choose from and numerous excellent places to eat, making this a perfect vacation destination. It is best to ignore these advances or confrontations and walk away., Some of the most common places for harassment in Mexico include taxis and public transport. Check that the taxi has been registered before entering pickpockets can target tourists riding public transportation. Moreover, Loreto, Los Cabos, and La Paz are popular tourist destinations with a safe rap. According to Ruuska, the foremost states and areas affected by drug cartels include Guerrero, Michoacn, Colima, Tamaulipas and Sinaloa. Those who work for the U.S. government in the state of Hidalgo do not face any restrictions. Baja Mexico is a beautiful country with a rich culture and history. Violent crime rates in big cities, such as Mexico City, where there is a high population density, are extremely low. Ensenada, formerly Ensenada de Todos Santos, is a city in the northwest corner of Baja California, Mexico. In January 2022, two tourists were killed in a shooting in Playa del Carmen, while a gay couple from Texas was found dismembered near Ciudad Jurez. Many Americans travel to Tijuana for affordable medical and dental care. has released a Level 3 Reconsider Travel advisory for Baja California state. One of the reasons the State Department increased Baja Californias advisory to a Level 3 warning was the arrest of a cartel leader, which led to increased violence between cartels and the police, according to the. Are there any dangers to know about before crossing the border? Travellers Worldwide is reader-supported. The Advisory level for Mexico City is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Ensenada is well-known as La Cenicienta del Pacifico (The Cinderella of the Pacific), owing to its warm Mediterranean climate and proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Recent shooting incidents have mainly been settling of scores between drug traffickers.. The Condition Office current the Vacation Advisory for Mexico on Oct. 5, which is done regularly. Thats especially true on the weekends when there are large crowds. Be sure to stick to the main roads, avoid picking up hitchhikers, and try not to stop unless its an emergency. Rosarito is generally safe, but crime can still occur. Of course, not all the food you might find will be safe to eat. As a result, beach events in these areas have been canceled. It is safe to drive to Baja California if you are a tourist. The state of Baja California Sur has a population of 2,643,426 people, making it Mexicos most populous. It really depends on the individuals perspective and experiences. As a result, crime and gang activity are on the rise in the state of Durango. Land and Ferry Travel to the United States U.S. government employees are not permitted to travel to Guerrero state due to crime. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. The beach in Ensenada is breathtaking, with the Mexican flag fluttering in the breeze, but off-road racing is not as appealing as it should be. October 6, 2020: View of poor area of Tijuana Mexico with buildings on hill and traffic in foreground/Manuela Durson/Shutterstock. Driving through Baja is generally safe. It is critical to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when traveling in this area because there has been a significant increase in drug-related violence in recent years. Violent crime and gang activity are widespread in Mexico and travelers should exercise increased caution. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Featuring coastal towns like Rosarito and cities like Tijuana, Baja California has a lot to offer in terms of beaches, nightlife, and family fun not to mention its fantastic food, such as the famous fish tacos. Kidnapping and extortion are serious risks. Certain areas of the country are off-limits or restricted to U.S. government employees. What is this? While the cartels primary income source is not robbing tourists, thats not to say it never happens. The Ultimate Guide To 7 Affordable Easter Getaways With Generator Hostel, The Vast Baja Peninsula Awaits Adventurous Travelers, Washington, D.C. Readies For The National Cherry Blossom Festival, Discover These Top 5 Spring Break Hotel Deals Across Canada, One Of The Worlds Best Beaches In Italy. Keep an eye on the situation and avoid taking drugs or cartels. The two states are next to each other, but Baja California Sur is further south, below Baja California. It appears that Baja is more laid-back than San Diego. The province of Michoacan is off-limits to visitors. Its best to eat from established restaurants with good reviews. According to a recent official research, Los Cabos, Cabo San Lucas, and San Jose del Cabo are the safest destinations in Mexico. Be wary of fake police officers as well, and always ask to see an ID and speak to a superior. Baja California continues to recommend social distancing in the same way. If you lose it, you will have to pay for a new one. The Department of State updated the Travel Advisory for Mexico on December 18, 2018. Ensenada is only 70 miles from the border at a distance of 1.5 hours. Watching Out for Earthquakes, Hurricanes, and Diseases, Both earthquakes and hurricanes can occur in Mexico, according to the, There is also a risk of Zika virus along the coast, according to. Places with high homicide rates include the northern border cities of Tijuana and Ciudad Jurez, Ciudad Obregn in Sonora as well as Zamora and Uruapan in Michoacn. Many drivers may not even have a valid license. Tijuana is safe to travel to with the family so long as you spend your time during the daylight hours and stick to the downtown areas such as Avenida Revolucin. The top destination was Cancn and the Mayan Riviera, which received 2.4 million people, according to Mexicos tourism office. If you wish to enjoy excellent nightlife and a relaxing city on the water, Ensenada is a quiet and small city that is much safer than Tijuana. Because this city does not experience any cartels showdowns, there is little chance of terrorist attacks. In 2022, 13 million U.S. tourists visited this country. Stay in a secure hotel, hostel, or Airbnb instead of camping on the beach. That makes it one of the most popular day trips and weekend destinations in Mexico for Americans, especially people living in California. This is a far safer place to live than New York and Los Angeles, two large American cities. Ensenadas vineyards and tasting rooms are less than 30 miles away in Guadalupe Valley. There is also a rich culture and history to explore. So be sure to avoid sketchy areas and always be aware of your surroundings. In general, travelers should avoid travel to areas unlikely to be visited by tourists. In recent years, there have been several clashes between rival criminal gangs in Cancn and surrounding areas. Before your trip to Baja California, Mexico, keep the following advice in mind. Arrive during daylight and take a regulated taxi or ride-sharing service when transiting after sunset. Lighthouse Beach (also known as Playa El Faro) is an out-of-the-way beach vacation destination that is ideal for independent travelers. Click here. 3 years ago Save 4 year old post Report inappropriate content 8. If you choose to travel to Mexico, make sure to do your research ahead of time and plan accordingly. Tijuana, a dangerous town in Mexicos Baja region, is an example of such a town. This is lower than the national average of 45.92 in Mexico. Besides good food and affordable medical care, theres just not much to see in Tijuana as a tourist. Drinking tap water from these taps contains high levels of toxic contaminants that can make you sick. The US government has put out travel advisories on Cabo, deeming it dangerous for tourists. We have been in Baja for the past two months and are sharing what van life is really like down here in 2021. Some areas in Chiapas, including Altamirano and Pantelh, should be avoided due to a recent uptick in attacks and disruptions by vigilante groups. Millions of travelers visit Mexico every year, and further growth is expected in 2022 following the lifting of border closures and restrictions imposed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, says Ruuska, who points out that Mexico never closed its air borders nor required vaccination or testing for entry during the pandemic and domestic restrictions were rather lax. Baja California Sur is safer than Baja California itself. This is due in part to the increased presence of security forces in these areas, as well as the fact that tourism is a major industry in Baja California. Cartels and gangs may make illegal roadblocks, demanding money for the privilege of passing or outright robbing you. Travel scams are one of the most common types of crime for travelers, making them the most dangerous. Female travelers may receive unwanted attention from men, ranging from open displays of catcalling and staring to physical groping. The center of Ensenada is safe, as is the promenade on the water and its touristy beaches. The more recent map is here. To ensure youre eating a safe meal always check the reviews of restaurants online before dining out. In fact, Cabo is safer than many major US cities; for example, San Diego had a crime rate of 374 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2021, and Cabos crime rate for 2021 was 138.26 crimes per 100,000 people for the same period. All government employees in the United States are reminded to adhere to the following travel restrictions. Kidnappers may attempt to extort money from family members as a ransom, or they may take you to ATMs and force you to take out cash in exchange for your freedom. In November 2021, four American travelers were hurt in an attack in Cancun when gunmen opened fire on the beach. Do not walk alone at night, especially in unfamiliar neighborhoods, desolate areas or beaches. U.S. citizens arriving by land can travel freely within the free border zone, 12 miles south of the border. Is Baja California safe to travel? However, the cartel does not generally wreak havoc on tourists because they are their main source of income. It is a good idea to avoid cities with gang violence and drug activity. It is cleaner than any other beach in North America, including Rosarito. Alex Gomez is a professional writer, travel enthusiast, and the creator of Mexico Travel Buddy. La Paz is the capital of California Baja, a sunny state in Mexico. Be wary of attempts at credit-card fraud. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Yes! The Riviera del Pacifico Museum is a must-visit museum that tells the fascinating story of the citys past and checkered past. It is still very safe to travel to and from the city center, despite the risk of being attacked in ungated communities further away. The Ensenada neighborhood is a beautiful and friendly community located in the heart of Tijuana. In contrast, areas with high crime rates, such as Punta Banda, have higher rates of crime. If we link to any product, you should assume that we'll receive a commission when you buy it, at no extra cost to you. That said, Mexico as a whole has been experiencing an uptick in violence in recent years, and San Felipe is located in a particularly dangerous region of the country. Be aware that you need Mexican car insurance to drive in Baja California and surrounding areas, otherwise you risk huge legal fees. However, the best strategy for most visitors (especially day trippers) is to visit several exchange vendors and choose one that gives the best rate. Driving through Baja is generally safe. The information I gained on our drive to and from Ensenada is summarized below. Pickpocketing, muggings, and home break-ins are all risks to be wary of. in 2 reviews Location & Hours Av. Either go on a tour, drive down from California, rent a car in Mexico, or hire a private driver for the day. The Government of Baja California has advised tourists not to travel to the region between March 2022 and August 2022. My aim is not to scare anyone, but rather to inform you of the reality. According to The breathtaking overlook along the Pacific Ocean is unquestionably the most noticeable feature of the trip. Baja California is safe to drive, even if you are unfamiliar with the area. Is Tijuana Safe? There are some activities that are still on hold because there are still many things to do. WebDoes this mean it's safe to travel in Baja California, Mexico again.' This part of Mexico is not attributed to the drug war and has had no major problems. Finally, avoid wandering around near the border except for the. Crime has increased in the state of Coahuila, so there has been increased caution. UPDATE: 2022/11/12 15:18 EST BY AARON SPRAY. Considering the size of Baja, Mexico, and the population factor, the crime rate is actually relatively low compared to other areas in Mexico. Finally, avoid wandering around near the border except for the official border crossings. There are numerous wine-tasting tours that can take you to one in the afternoon or several in the evening. But most of all: Keep your senses on alarm, trust your intuition and get your travel insurance, says Ruuska. US dollars are accepted in Tijuana but not everywhere. Wherever you stay, ask your hotel receptionist or Airbnb host about which areas are safe to visit. The distance from San Diego is two hours, and the distance from Los Angeles is four hours. It all comes together nicely in San Felipe, Baja California, with great beaches, a variety of deserts, and a variety of activities to enjoy. Keep your valuables hidden and maintain a low profile. Cartels have been known to create illegal roadblocks as a way to demand money before allowing you to pass through. Due to it being on the border, various malicious actors are present, which only increases crime levels. kidnapping, natural hazards, scams, drugs, and transportation safety issues are just a few of the crimes you should be aware of. For the best beach resort towns, like Cabo San Lucas, youll want to go further south to Baja California Sur. There are a number of resources available to help you plan your route and stay safe while driving in Mexico, so be sure to consult them before setting out. If you are going to the state in the summer, I recommend bringing a sweater or jacket. Covid patients are still being treated, and hospitals have adapted to the situation. | Safety Concerns, Written by: Author Andrew Helling |Reviewed by: Editorial Team, Posted on Last updated: November 22, 2022. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The crime and kidnapping prevalent throughout Baja California make it difficult to live a peaceful life. Ensenada and the Valle de Guadalupe are both open for travel. Not face any restrictions the crime and gang activity are on the of!, and La Paz is the promenade on the beach avoid picking up hitchhikers, and always ask see... 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