This article was updated with more affordable, comfortable, and safe resorts to consider visiting. Taxi drivers may try taking you to restaurants or hotels. Many police officers in Mexico are highly corrupt. COVID cases are available in official data for Baja California. Cartels and gangs may make illegal roadblocks, demanding money for the privilege of passing or outright robbing you. Taxi, public bus, colectivo, and tour bus services are the four most common forms of public transportation. You will want to avoid the red light district Zona Norte (the North Zone) in Tijuana. Every day, 100 people visit the beaches. If eating at a street stand watch to see if the person who handles the money is also the same person making and serving the food. The country may be the top destination for U.S. travelers, but violent crime is soaring, leaving travelers questioning whether Mexico is safe to visit. The further away you get from the touristy area, the more dangerous it gets. kidnapping, natural hazards, scams, drugs, and transportation safety issues are just a few of the crimes you should be aware of. Ensenada has some bad areas, but they tend to be on the citys outskirts. Looking for the latest on COVID-19 in Mexico? Thats just the tip of the iceberg. Dont let the cheery colors confuse you they paint the houses those colors to make those areas look more welcoming. Another area to avoid in Tijuana is Zona Centro, or the citys center. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. It appears that Baja is more laid-back than San Diego. Many travelers visit the red light district of Tijuana to hire prostitutes, visit massage parlors, or simply enjoy a drink at one of the many lady bars or strip clubs in the area. However, at night, it gets rather sketchy. Its best to avoid driving at night if possible, as your visibility is reduced, and criminals are generally more active at this time. In addition, you will likely see more motorcyclists (usually riding low-powered motorcycles or scooters). Armed muggings can also occur at traffic lights, even in busy cities. Plus, its a hip surf town where you can find some of the most breathtaking views in the entire country. The top destination was Cancun and the Riviera Maya, with 2.4 million visitors, according to the Mexico Tourism Bureau. But most of all: Keep your senses on alarm, trust your intuition and get your travel insurance, says Ruuska. Furthermore, many people regard Merida as one of the safest cities in Mexico, and one of the safest places to travel in Mexico, due to low crime rates. That makes it one of the most popular day trips and weekend destinations in Mexico for Americans, especially people living in California. Avoid wearing fancy jewelry and brand-name clothes which may draw unwanted attention; ultimately leading the criminals right to you. Dont let the cheery colors confuse you they paint the houses those colors to make those areas look more welcoming. Cartel members, not tourists, account for the vast majority of the victims. All states of Mexico are considered fully safe except for Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, and Aguascalientes. US dollars are accepted in Tijuana but not everywhere. Do your research before departure, says Ruuska. Ensenada and the Valle de Guadalupe are both open for travel. The Department of State updated the Travel Advisory for Mexico on December 18, 2018. , some kidnapping victims claim that police officers have been involved in their kidnappings. See this list of some of the. In 2016, there were reports of gun battles and drug-related violence in the city, and the U.S. State Department has issued a travel warning for the area. Not only is it illegal, but its dangerous. When it comes to making Mexico a safer place to live, there is no doubt that Merida is a good place to live. These informal settlements frequently have increased gang activity and high poverty levels, making them unsafe for Americans to wander around alone. How much crime is there in Ensenada? If youre looking to travel to Baja, Mexico but youre worried about the states overall safety, you can travel with confidence knowing youre already increasing your safety just by consuming helpful content such as this article. However, the cartel does not generally wreak havoc on tourists because they are their main source of income. Rosarito is generally safe, but avoid isolated areas of the beach, especially at night. If you want to take expensive equipment such as cameras or smartphones, keep them hidden, locked away and on your person. However, its not a safe area. When I returned, the beaches were closed for Semana Santa, but they were reopened three weeks later. Land and Ferry Travel to the United States Finally, earthquakes may occur from time to time as well. If this one wasnt true, Also, like Tijuana, Ensenada has a Zona de Tolerancia a tolerance zone where prostitution is legal. These establishments will overcharge immensely and give the driver a commission. This part of Mexico is not attributed to the drug war and has had no major problems. Capital Tijuana is the largest city in the Mexican state of Baja California and on the Baja California Peninsula. The quickest way from San Diego to Ensenada is to drive for one hour and 43 minutes, which costs $15 $22. During the spring and fall, it is best to visit Ensenada. This natural paradise is made of stone streets and uncrowded beaches but also features a ton of natural beauty and world-class waves. There are some places in Baja that should be avoided, as should any other location on the planet. All rights reserved, Exploring The Crime Rate In Downtown Tijuana: Causes And Solutions, Exploring The Pros And Cons Of Taking A Cab To Tijuana, How To Teach Conversational English In Tijuana, Tijuanas Pollution: Exploring The Impact On Californias Environment, Exploring Baja Californias Wineries: A Guide To Making The Most Of Your Trip From Tijuana To The Mexican Vineyards. Todos Santos Bay is located in the Pacific Ocean and is the location of this city. According to Shari, retirees can expect to live comfortably in $1,500 a month and still have access to the majority of what they were accustomed to when they left the workforce. In general, you might want to avoid Tijuana altogether. has released a Level 3 Reconsider Travel advisory for Baja California state. Besides good food and affordable medical care, theres just not much to see in Tijuana as a tourist. Traveling to Baja is not dangerous as long as you come prepared and know what to watch out for. 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. Are there any dangers to know about before crossing the border? If you lose it, you will have to pay for a new one. WebThe vaccine is not mandatory to travel in Baja/Mexico. | Travel Tips & Safety Concerns, Is Pittsburgh Safe in 2023? There are many safe and enjoyable places to visit in Baja Mexico, but it is important to be cautious and informed. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Ensenada is the ideal beach town for those looking for a convenient beach town with plenty of activities to do. There is no easy answer to this question as opinions will vary from person to person. It is safe to drive to Baja California if you are a tourist. The most common trouble Americans will face in Baja California is petty crime. Be wary of attempts at credit-card fraud. Local law enforcement has limited resources in these areas to respond to crime-related incidents. Is Mexico City open for travel? Also, like Tijuana, Ensenada has a Zona de Tolerancia a tolerance zone where prostitution is legal. If you are considering traveling to San Felipe, it is important to do your research and be aware of the risks involved. I recommend going to Baja Bound if youre looking for some of the most difficult terrain you can get your hands on. Baja California is a state in Mexico that shares a border with the state of California in the United States. As always, watch out for pickpockets and be careful when walking alone at night. como chingas Report inappropriate content carico Etzatlan, Mexico Destination Expert for Rincon de Guayabitos Level Contributor 5,808 posts 20 reviews 24 helpful votes 7. Is Afghanistan Safe in 2023? Mexico is open to travelers. The local patrulla is a relaxed environment, unlike the police, who are more likely to issue citations for minor traffic violations. The first is the driving behavior of other motorists. No worries driving safely on the TS side of Baja, if you use common driving sense. Millions of Americans have taken day trips to Tijuana and continue to do so. Tijuana is a city, and it experiences crime like all cities. Depending on where you travel to, the cost of living in Mexico can vary drastically. In addition, you will likely see more motorcyclists (usually riding low-powered motorcycles or scooters). The center of Ensenada is safe, as is the promenade on the water and its touristy beaches. Both the Los Cabos Airport and the La Paz Airport are well-known for their links to American and Canadian Airlines. Ensenada is the ideal beach town for anyone looking for a laid-back beach vacation. Also, sticking to towns that are known to be touristy such as Ensanada, Rosarito, San Felipe, and Guadalupe Valley. 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. If youre going south of Ensenada or San Felipe, make sure to get your FMM Immigration form. If you have any questions, please let me know; Ill also provide you with a few more information on our experience. The main tourist destinations of Baja California all have neighborhoods that are unsafe to go to. Is Baja California Safe? Overall, the southern part of Baja is known to be the safest place in the entire country. The other category is petty crime and robberies. If youre staying in the city, the north and south areas will be more appealing to tourists. The CDC has classified the risk of Covid in Mexico/Baja as high, or level three. Travel requirements may vary per With that being said, be aware of who is around you at all times, dont leave your personal belongings lying around, and certainly dont carry all of your money with you. Mexico claims to have lifted restrictions, including the health checkpoint that enters the city. If you are worried about germs or are unsure where to wash your hands, you might want to bring toilet paper. Traveling to new places has changed our lives, and we hope to share our experience, insight, and passion with you in order to inspire you to change yours as well! WebMexico State-Level COVID Information Consular Operations By U.S. Mission to Mexico 25 MINUTE READ June 15, 2022 Travel Air Travel to the United States See the CDCs webpage. Either go on a tour, drive down from California, rent a car in Mexico, or hire a private driver for the day. Yes, Ensenada is definitely worth visiting! Many Americans drive down from San Diego or other California cities and make a road trip to Baja California. If a situation is fishy, walk away., Ranked: The 20 Happiest Countries In The World In 2022, Crime In America: Study Reveals The 10 Most Unsafe Cities (Its Not Where You Think), This is a BETA experience. A simple rule: if there are families around, youre probably safe. Always check theCDCs travel noticesfor warnings about hurricanes, Zika, and other diseases and natural disasters. Ensenada is only 70 miles from the border at a distance of 1.5 hours. Happy travels! There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on a variety of factors, including the specific location within Baja California and Mexico, the time of year, and the current political and social climate. 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