Tijuana, a dangerous town in Mexicos Baja region, is an example of such a town. Avoid drugs and cartels, then you avoid violence. The city, located 78 miles south of San Diego, is well-known for its recreational opportunities, as well as its proximity to the U.S. and wine country. Ensenada has plenty of parking. Either use cards for emergencies only, or take cash out at trusted atms either in shopping centers. WebMexico is considered a safe country to visit but there are numerous dangerous areas and regions that tourists should avoid traveling to. During the spring and fall, it is best to visit Ensenada. Millions of travelers visit Mexico every year, and In 2010, the city had a murder rate of 60 per 100,000 people, one of the highest in Mexico. (Note: FCDO does not advise against all travel or all but essential travel to any part of the state of Baja California Sur.) In November 2021, four American travelers were hurt in an attack in Cancun when gunmen opened fire on the beach. The other category is petty crime and robberies. Ive covered the main safety concerns Avoiding Unprofessional or Unlicensed Doctors. As a safe bet aim stay vigilant no matter where you find yourself in the country. However, overall, Baja California does tend to be safer than the majority of Mexico, particularly in the major tourist areas such as Los Cabos and Ensenada. The food in Baja California is relatively safe to consume. Criminal activity and violence are likely to occur at any time in any location, including popular tourist destinations. Therefore, arranging private transportation is critical before visiting wineries in Guadalupe Valley. However, bear in mind that it is illegal. As well, San Felipe has a lot of gorgeous beaches where you can soak up the sun, swim, and of course fish.. TheFrench governmentwarns against picking up hitchhikers. There are numerous wine-tasting tours that can take you to one in the afternoon or several in the evening. Furthermore, La Paz, Loreto, and Los Cabos are all popular tourist destinations with a laid-back atmosphere. In the case of Baja California, the free zone covers the entire state. The Cantarell Field, the worlds second largest offshore oil field, is also located in the state. The local patrulla is a relaxed environment, unlike the police, who are more likely to issue citations for minor traffic violations. Baja California is relatively safe for US tourists, as evidenced by the large numbers of travelers who cross the border by car or on foot. Don't draw attention to your money or business affairs. If you want to take expensive equipment such as cameras or smartphones, keep them hidden, locked away and on your person. You may even have trouble finding a taxi, and Uber may not work as you get further away from the city. US dollars are accepted in Tijuana but not everywhere. The Baja California Sur region of Mexico is regarded as one of the safest. However, is Baja California safe for tourists, both single tourists and families? The cost of obtaining temporary Mexico auto insurance is another requirement if you drive your U.S. car over the border into Tijuana, Mexico. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Residents of Ensenada are not always in danger as a result of red areas on the crime rate map. According to Numbeo, the city has a crime rate of 39.29. Todos Santos Bay is located in the Pacific Ocean and is the location of this city. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. Capital Tijuana is the largest city in the Mexican state of Baja California and on the Baja California Peninsula. Baja California continues to recommend social distancing in the same way. Traveling in Baja is Safe I am not saving the best for last. Ensenada is a port city in Mexicos Baja California peninsula, located about 75 miles south of the US border. But like everywhere you take your precious brood go heavy on the research. During the daytime, its mostly safe. Generally, the answer is yes. Note that travel advisory warnings change all the time. It is still very safe to travel to and from the city center, despite the risk of being attacked in ungated communities further away. Mexico is open to travelers. | Safety Concerns, Where to Stay in Hawaii in 2023 | Best Islands & Hotels, 19 Best Snorkeling Spots in Hawaii in 2023, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Guatemala in 2023, The 16 Best Places to Visit in Sicily in 2023, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Florida for Couples in 2023, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Sweden in 2023, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Texas in 2023. If I were you, I would avoid drugs, drug dealers, and any drug-related activities altogether in order to increase your overall safety. Every year, tourists and digital nomads from around the world enjoy the citys beautiful waterfront location and vibrant If you are driving into Mexico, youll need your vehicle registration. It is the largest municipality in Mexico because of its geographical location, flora and fauna, as well as the great physical geography, with sea and ocean views. USA. It is common for muggings and assaults to take place in secluded or unlit areas. Finally, avoid wandering around near the border except for the. Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Mexicos tourism sector reached record levels in 2022, totaling US $3.4 billion, Tourism Minister Miguel Torruco Marqus said in a statement on Sunday. In many parts of the state of Guerrero, armed groups operate independently of the government. However, you should still travel with increased caution. While they dont usually target tourists specifically, tourists may get caught up in cartel violence and shootouts between the police and cartels. Is Afghanistan Safe in 2023? In general, you might want to avoid Tijuana altogether. Avoid eating perishable foods that are room temperature or look like its been left out for a long time. Of course, not all the food you might find will be safe to eat. Drug-related violence is widespread. Visitors will no longer be required to pass a health inspection when entering Ensenada. Cartels also operate in Baja California. 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. Baja California is one of the safer areas of Mexico, especially if you stick to Rosarito, Ensenada, and Guadalupe Valley. There are low levels of robberies, carjackings, and hate crimes, and a high level of corruption and bribery. Armed muggings can also occur at traffic lights, even in busy cities. Ensenadas Scenic Highway is regarded as one of the most secure in the country. The province of Michoacan is off-limits to visitors. If youre in a situation where you are being threatened for money or valuables, do not resist and/or fight back.. La Paz has a low crime rate and is generally safe to walk alone. According to theAustralian government, some kidnapping victims claim that police officers have been involved in their kidnappings. La Paz is the capital of California Baja, a sunny state in Mexico. Petty theft is the most common security threat travelers will face across the country.. U.S. government employees are not permitted to travel to Guerrero state due to crime. Either go on a tour, drive down from California, rent a car in Mexico, or hire a private driver for the day. are not foreigners but Mexican nationals, but its essential not to wander around alone at night. A simple rule: if there are families around, youre probably safe. Its a beautiful city with a lot to offer tourists, including a variety of activities, attractions, and restaurants. Then theres Covid-19, which is still problematic. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. However, overall, Tijuana is generally considered safe for travelers, as long as you take basic safety precautions and use common sense. This area is packed with a variety of unique activities and excellent restaurants that will provide you with memorable experiences. It is cleaner than any other beach in North America, including Rosarito. In addition to the aforementioned cities, San Quintin, El Rosario, and Catavina are other small towns that you can add to the list of safe areas in Baja. As if thats not enough, the weather there is consistently superb for almost 9 months out of the year. If you want to visit the beach, Rosarito is a much safer town that offers a much better beach. 19 Safest Cities In Mexico For American Tourists In 2023. According to Numbeo, the city has a crime rate of 39.29. Qantas Introduces New First-Class Cabins Looking Like Small Living Rooms. When it comes to making Mexico a safer place to live, there is no doubt that Merida is a good place to live. Overall, crime rates in Mexico vary from city to city, state to state, and region to region, but they are quite low. Drug use and sales. Ensenada and the Valle de Guadalupe are both open for travel. Is Baja California Safe to Visit in 2023? The people are also very friendly and welcoming. Also, like Tijuana, Ensenada has a Zona de Tolerancia a tolerance zone where prostitution is legal. That makes it one of the most popular day trips and weekend destinations in Mexico for Americans, especially people living in California. 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. According to the US State Department, there are no official travel advisories or restrictions for Ensenada, only for other parts of Mexico 1,400 miles away. Be sure to stick to the main roads, avoid picking up hitchhikers, and try not to stop unless its an emergency. If youre looking for a quieter place to vacation, Ensenada is the place for you. Explore The Music Scene In Tijuana Baja California: Check Out The Top Headliners In The City, Explore The Cost Of Tijuana Hotel Tickets Discover The Discounts And Tips For The Best Experience, Exploring Tijuana: Exploring The Convenient Stops Of Tourismo Express In Downtown Tijuana, Exploring A Vegan Lifestyle In Tijuana: Delicious Vegan-Friendly Options And Tips For A Plant-Based Diet. Before driving down, you should be aware of a few things. has released a Level 3 Reconsider Travel advisory for Baja California state. These informal settlements frequently have increased gang activity and high poverty levels, making them unsafe for Americans to wander around alone. Various cartel groups and gangs often fight for turf, leading to shootings and deaths. You may even have trouble finding a taxi, and Uber may not work as you get further away from the city. Note that travel advisory warnings change all the time. The top destination was Cancn and the Mayan Riviera, which received 2.4 million people, according to Mexicos tourism office. Don't travel at night outside major cities. In 2022, this country was visited by 13 million tourists from the United States. As a result, a lot of people visit Ensenada simply because they want to experience a more authentic Mexican city. This mix of old and new creates a vibrant and exciting atmosphere that is unlike any other city in Mexico. According to the 2018 crime statistics, there were only 34 incidents reported per 100,000 people in Ensenada. Missing something? Dangers on the road come in two forms. The highest advisory level is Level 4: Do Not Travel. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. With its imported influences, it has an excellent dining scene, affordable accommodations, and easy access. My aim is not to scare anyone, but rather to inform you of the reality. His favorite destination is anywhere in Mexico. The Condition Office current the Vacation Advisory for Mexico on Oct. 5, which is done regularly. Watch out for drivers who are speeding or driving while drunk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Mexico, indicating a high level of Covid in the country. The same goes for Ensenada. Mexico is a country with a history of violent crime that is dominated by the countrys drug and cartels industries. However, the U.S. State Department has issued an advisory for the state: Level 3 Reconsider Travel. Ensenada, a popular port in Baja California, is only an hours drive from the US border. Crime in Baja California typically falls into one of two categories: cartel activity and thievery. Layerculture is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com Other affiliate programs linking to other recommended products and services are also used. When planning a trip to Baja California, its a good idea to research the safety situation first. In Chihuahua state, bystanders have been killed or injured during shooting incidents. Be wary of fake police officers as well, and always ask to see an ID and speak to a superior. Because this city does not experience any cartels showdowns, there is little chance of terrorist attacks. In summary, La Paz is a safe place to visit. Exploring Tijuanas Temperature Patterns: Does The Busy Border City Ever Get Cold? By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The majority of people in Baja believe that the environment is far safer than in major US cities. By keeping track of earthquake warnings, you can better plan your trip. 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. This website uses cookies to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Violent crime rates in big cities, such as Mexico City, where there is a high population density, are extremely low. New York and Chicago have higher crime rates than Baja California. During the daytime, its mostly safe. A turf war between the Sinaloa cartel and the Nueva Generacin Jalisco has been the reason for an increase in violence. In general, U.S. government employees are restricted to the following areas with certain restrictions. Ensenada is an excellent place to visit on a short trip from San Diego or as part of a longer itinerary through Mexico. That said, there are certainly risks associated with driving from California to Ensenada, and its important to do your research and be as prepared as possible before undertaking such a trip. Violent crimesuch as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking and robberyis widespread and common in Mexico, warns the State Department. Another area to avoid in Tijuana is Zona Centro, or the citys center. Travelers should conduct a thorough research on their destination before traveling to Mexico, as the vast majority of businesses will hire private security. Despite being a little warmer than in Rosarito and Tijuana, the weather is still cold enough for beachgoers to enjoy the weather here. There has been a high rate of kidnapping and crime in the state of Tamaulipas. US travelers urged to 'avoid travel to Mexico' and 'exercise increased caution' in hot spots. Chicago also ranked 10 th out of 11 cities with a 2022 homicide rates per 100,000. While the cartels are stronger in some areas than others, and other states like Sinaloa have more cartel activity, Baja California isnt safe from cartels. The most important thing is to use common sense, drive defensively, and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Its best to avoid Ensenadas red light district as well. 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. This is lower than the national average of 45.92 in Mexico. If you want to see the world, go see it! I recommend going to Baja Bound if youre looking for some of the most difficult terrain you can get your hands on. If they refuse to transport you to your destination, insist or find another vehicle to take you to your destination; if they do not transport you, be polite but firm when telling them where you want to go. Drinking tap water from these taps contains high levels of toxic contaminants that can make you sick. It all sounds great, but how safe is traveling to Baja, Mexico? However, you should stick to the main roads and avoid hitchhikers. In 2022, 13 million U.S. tourists visited this country. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common in Mexico. US citizens need a passport or passport card to cross the border. Wherever you stay, ask your hotel receptionist or Airbnb host about which areas are safe to visit. There are high rates of harassment, sexual assaults and violence targeting women in Mexico, including in major cities like Mexico City and Guadalajara, says Ruuska. While domestic travel is not prohibited, there are a few restrictions. In some areas of Mexico, there has been an increase in crime and kidnapping. Make sure the meat you eat is cooked all the way through before consuming. Your person cross the border into Tijuana, Ensenada is an example of such town! 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