There has been criminal activity and violence in Baja California. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Cartel violence has an extremely likely chance of. Is Mexico Safe for American Tourists? Start Here Mexico Is Baja California Safe in 2023? The San Diego-Tijuana joint bid was chosen as the first binational World Design Capital by WDO. 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. Fortunately, most homicides are cartel-related and occur in neighborhoods tourists dont frequent. As an affiliate, I receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. I would appreciate it if you would send me a private message. You may also have to fill out a form from the Mexican immigration authorities. You should not drive after dark, be on 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. 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. While the attacks generally do not target foreigners, bystanders couldand have been affected, says Ruuska. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. Baja California is far safer than the rest of Mexico and the United States. Todos Santos is a surf town with spectacular views all over the country. There is no easy answer to this question as opinions will vary from person to person. Although Mexico is safe and beautiful, it is also vulnerable to dangers. Is Afghanistan Safe in 2023? Ensenada has plenty of parking. Traveling around Mexico is considered to be lower risk than people might be led to believe, and some destinations are comparably safer than others. 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. But the real question that travelers are asking: What about the tourism areas along the Roviera Maya? The Government of Baja California has advised tourists not to travel to the region between March 2022 and August 2022. When it comes to exploring the cities in Baja, there are a few very simple rules you should follow to increase your safety. Considering the size of Baja, Mexico, and the population factor, the crime rate is actually relatively low compared to other areas in Mexico. Because its so safe, you can walk around the city at night and at daybreak. It is also possible to enjoy Mexican food and culture in safe areas. Updated: Sep 16, 2022. Ask where youre staying for the nearest safe atm. There have also been murders of journalists, murders of women and the list goes on. Either use cards for emergencies only, or take cash out at trusted atms either in shopping centers. San Felipe is a very safe town located on the eastern coast of Baja California. Some prostitutes may drug and rob men who visit them, and thieves may operate in the area. Some tracks may be unsafe, while others may present no issues. In Chihuahua state, bystanders have been killed or injured during shooting incidents. Depending on where you travel to, the cost of living in Mexico can vary drastically. Best time to visit The best time to visit is between March and May or between September and November. However, the cartel does not generally wreak havoc on tourists because they are their main source of income. It may be more expensive to live in Ensenada than other areas, but retirees can easily live comfortably on $1,500 per month. 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. It's beautiful, but is Mexico safe? However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. | Safety Concerns | Travellers But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Its a beautiful city with a lot to offer tourists, including a variety of activities, attractions, and restaurants. There is no definitive answer to this question as safety is relative and can depend on a number of factors. Street tacos are abundant, and its worth trying them at least once. In general, travelers should avoid travel to areas unlikely to be visited by tourists. 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. Property is lost when it is left alone and open. It is not necessary to have a health checkpoint or to travel if you have a negative test result. Many Americans drive down from San Diego or other California cities and make a road trip to Baja California. 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. These informal settlements frequently have increased gang activity and high poverty levels, making them unsafe for Americans to wander around alone. No. WebOn 6th January 2022, Mexican authorities discovered the bodies of ten people in a vehicle left in front of the main square in the city of Zacatecas, north-west of Mexico City. After living in Southern California for ten years, I only went to Baja for the first time last year. Dont accept offers of drugs. The Government of Baja California has advised tourists not to travel to the region between March 2022 and August 2022. Learn important safety tips, where to find ATMs and more. The month before, a California travel blogger and a German tourist were killed in a shooting in Tulum. The city is a major transit point for drugs being smuggled into the United States, and rival drug gangs often fight for control of this lucrative trade. Be aware that you need Mexican car insurance to drive in Baja California and surrounding areas, otherwise you risk huge legal fees. Drivers in Mexico dont always follow road rules like in the United States. The Riviera del Pacifico Museum is a must-visit museum that tells the fascinating story of the citys past and checkered past. Travel requirements may vary per Ensanada, Mexico is one of the calmest cities in Baja, Mexico, and as a result, this town has lower crime rates. There are more problems that arise in schools and other public places. Plus, its a hip surf town where you can find some of the most breathtaking views in the entire country. The breathtaking overlook along the Pacific Ocean is unquestionably the most noticeable feature of the trip. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common in Mexico. Travel Advisory 2023. 2023 Tour By Mexico. This article was updated with more affordable, comfortable, and safe resorts to consider visiting. No surprise, the U.S. State Department recently issued a chilling warning about travel to Mexico with a level 3 on a scale of 1 to 4, meaning reconsider travel. And some parts of Mexico where drug cartel violence is at its worst have long been on a no-go list, with a level 4 no-go advisory. Kidnapping and extortion are serious risks. Note that travel advisory warnings change all the time. Funding the cartels means theyll keep taking over parts of Mexico. 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. Its a relatively simple and quick trip from Tijuana to San Diego. (Photo by Guillermo Arias / AFP) (Photo by [+] GUILLERMO ARIAS/AFP via Getty Images). During the rainy season, puddles and ruts form on unpaved roads. Petty theft is the most common security threat travelers will face across the country.. In 2022, this country was visited by 13 million tourists from the United States. Although, violent crimes should be easily avoidable using common sense. 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. Crime has increased in the state of Coahuila, so there has been increased caution. Expect to find yourself in potential trouble if you even consider buying drugs while in Baja, Mexico. Make sure the meat you eat is cooked all the way through before consuming. According to theAustralian government, some kidnapping victims claim that police officers have been involved in their kidnappings. Our website contains a list of high-risk areas that visitors should visit. Its worth paying a bit more for a doctor, plastic surgeon, or dentist who has good reviews and recommendations from other foreigners and who speaks English. Finally, avoid wandering around near the border except for the official border crossings. 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. What is the average rent in Ensenada? Many police officers in Mexico are highly corrupt. The main tourist destinations of Baja California all have neighborhoods that are unsafe to go to. In addition, you will likely see more motorcyclists (usually riding low-powered motorcycles or scooters). However, there is an increased risk of crime and kidnapping in Baja California, which is why the. Finally, earthquakes may occur from time to time as well. The vast majority of homicides are the result of targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Even as travel is discouraged to all of Mexico because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. State Department continues to update its Visit Hussongs Cantina, the oldest in Baja, for a taste of the legendary margarita. Therefore, arranging private transportation is critical before visiting wineries in Guadalupe Valley. Finally, earthquakes may occur from time to time as well. 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. Ensenada is a port city in Mexicos Baja California peninsula, located about 75 miles south of the US border. Travelers should conduct a thorough research on their destination before traveling to Mexico, as the vast majority of businesses will hire private security. The high crime rates, including theft, kidnapping, harsh weather, and gang violence, may deter many from vacationing in Cabo. Be wary of attempts at credit-card fraud. In general, U.S. government employees are restricted to the following areas with certain restrictions. Todos Santos Bay is located in the Pacific Ocean and is the location of this city. shorturl.at/moqxX Instagram: @gringoylatino Here are answers to some of the most common questions we see from our readers about staying safe in Baja California. From there on out, there was a brief wait before we reached the border agent. The most common trouble Americans will face in Baja California is petty crime. 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. 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. Here are some key tips to avoid violent crimes: A majority of the violent crimes that occur in Mexico revolve around cartels and drugs. for warnings about hurricanes, Zika, and other diseases and natural disasters. Travelers should exercise caution when visiting Ensenada and avoid traveling alone or outside of the city center. in 2 reviews Location & Hours Av. 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. (Updated January 2023) All government employees in the United States are reminded to adhere to the following travel restrictions. It would be a good idea to keep a few pesos on hand. The vast majority of violent crimes in Ensenada are drug-related. A police officers corruption can be a problem here, and tourists are sometimes targeted. If you have any questions, please let me know; Ill also provide you with a few more information on our experience. Driving through Baja is generally safe. Furthermore, the locals are friendly and welcoming, so you will feel at home right away. A simple rule: if there are families around, youre probably safe. Some areas in Chiapas, including Altamirano and Pantelh, should be avoided due to a recent uptick in attacks and disruptions by vigilante groups. TIJUANA, BAJA CALIFORNIA/MEXICO JUNE 20, 2018: People walk along Avenida Revolucion, the citys main thoroughfare and a popular destination for Americans traveling south of the San Diego border/Sherry V Smith/Shutterstock. While they dont usually target tourists specifically, tourists may get caught up in cartel violence and shootouts between the police and cartels. Cruises for sportfishing and sightseeing are available all year. Yes, it is safe to travel to Mexico currently. 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. Stay in a secure hotel, hostel, or Airbnb instead of camping on the beach. As a result, crime and gang activity are on the rise in the state of Durango. The Zona Centro is home to some of Ensensensenadas most popular clubs and bars, as well as its central location. Violent crime rates in big cities, such as Mexico City, where there is a high population density, are extremely low. Cruises will also most likely be canceled on Sunday as well as excursions and massages. This begs the question if Chicago is safe. Looking for the latest on COVID-19 in Mexico? If you are going to the state in the summer, I recommend bringing a sweater or jacket. There are numerous activities to do in Ensenada, but here are the best. Avoid fast-talkers or beggars asking for something. Our aim is to help you experience Mexico to its fullest so you can "Travel Like A Local". Road signs and markings may be missing or not well organized. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. Baja California Sur is safer than Baja California itself. Yes. Despite that, they dont usually cause trouble for tourists. You do not need to provide a negative result of a Covid-19 test or proof of vaccination to enter. Be wary of fake police officers as well, and always ask to see an ID and speak to a superior. You should pay traffic fines on the official. When transiting, avoid public transport and hailing taxis on the street, and use app-based services or regulated taxi stands. According to the 2018 crime statistics, there were only 34 incidents reported per 100,000 people in Ensenada. Maintain a level of self-control, avoid drawing attention to yourself, and stay alert. Learn some Spanish so you can communicate with locals. 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