Additionally, police and citizens carry a strong level of trust in each other, ensuring the city remains safe. Here are some key tips to avoid violent crimes: A majority of the violent crimes that occur in Mexico revolve around cartels and drugs. The Ensenada neighborhood is a beautiful and friendly community located in the heart of Tijuana. Travellers Worldwide is reader-supported. There are six ways to get to Ensenada from San Diego: tram, bus, or car. A new travel advisory issued for Americans by the U.S. Embassy in Mexico is strongly warning against travel to Tijuana and Rosarito, Baja California due to "serious You may even have trouble finding a taxi, and Uber may not work as you get further away from the city. If you want to take expensive equipment such as cameras or smartphones, keep them hidden, locked away and on your person. It is also possible to enjoy Mexican food and culture in safe areas. There have been no major problems, attributed to the drug war, in any area of Southern Baja. Is Mexico Safe for American Tourists? WebYes it is safe. Furthermore, La Paz, Loreto, and Los Cabos are all popular tourist destinations with a laid-back atmosphere. Even as travel is discouraged to all of Mexico because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. State Department continues to update its Learn important safety tips, where to find ATMs and more. Safer areas of Chicago Experts agree that Chicagos downtown area is safe, especially for tourists. Tourist destinations have, however, not seen the crime levels seen in states affected by drug cartels. Make certain you dont get bogged down in the details and ruin the fun. Without proper hygiene in between such acts, the likelihood of receiving contaminated food is high. Ensenada is one of the Wine Routes most important gateways, known as the Capital del vino Mexicano (Capital of Mexican wine). 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. Todos Santos Bay is located in the Pacific Ocean and is the location of this city. Ensanada, Mexico, has one of the lowest crime rates in Baja, Mexico. However, its not a safe area. If you have a six to eight hour stay in the city, I recommend going Downtown or taking a tour offered by the ship. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. A drivers license is not acceptable. However, you should be aware of some unknowns before driving. Those crossing the U.S.-Canada border at the Cross Border Xpress pedestrian bridge will require proof of vaccination. Covid patients are still being treated, and hospitals have adapted to the situation. 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. However, you should still travel with increased caution. No worries safety-wise after dinner either. Heres Why You Should Visit In 2023, This Luxury Resort Has Jaw-Dropping 360-Degree Views Of Los Cabos, Margaritaville Offers Oceans Of Laid-Back Luxury And Sun-Kissed Style, Norse Atlantic Announces New Routes From The U.S. To London, U.S. State Department recently issued a chilling warning. warns against picking up hitchhikers. 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. Is Baja California Safe in 2023? Those who work for the U.S. government in the state of Hidalgo do not face any restrictions. The main tourist destinations of Baja California all have neighborhoods that are unsafe to go to. 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. Best time to visit The best time to visit is between March and May or between September and November. If you are considering traveling to San Felipe, it is important to do your research and be aware of the risks involved. It is common for muggings and assaults to take place in secluded or unlit areas. Ensenadas Scenic Highway is regarded as one of the most secure in the country. Baja California is one of the most secure places in the state, with La Paz being one of the safest. Its not entirely clear who owns the bars in Zona Norte, but the cartel or gangs likely exercise strict control over the place. Ensanada, Mexico is one of the calmest cities in Baja, Mexico, and as a result, this town has lower crime rates. However, bear in mind that it is illegal. It is also a popular tourist destination. Thats just the tip of the iceberg. On the border with Mexico, the situation remains unchanged. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Its important to realize that driving in Mexico is not like driving in the United States. , some kidnapping victims claim that police officers have been involved in their kidnappings. Except for the north and south beaches, the only beaches accessible to swimming, sunning, surfing, and camping are those in the outskirts of Ensenada. Moreover, consuming raw food like sushi, or undercooked food such as rare meat, youre increasing your risk of getting a foodborne illness. For employees of the United States government, only certain areas of Mexico are permitted to travel: Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Tlaxcala, Zacatecas, and the greater part of Mexicos interior. According to Baja, Mexico is safe because the people are friendly and welcoming, and the crime although prevalent is usually petty. The most important thing is to use common sense, drive defensively, and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Unpatrolled beaches on the Baja Peninsula have been the source of drownings. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. Road signs and markings may be missing or not well organized. Not only is it illegal, but its dangerous. If you are kidnapped, never resist. Due to Violent crime and gang activity are widespread in Mexico and travelers should exercise increased caution. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. 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. The best way to find rentals in Ensenada is through classifieds, but this is difficult. It may be more expensive to live in Ensenada than other areas, but retirees can easily live comfortably on $1,500 per month. You can also visit some safe places, such as San Felipe (great fishing Loreto) and Ensenada. However, the cartel does not generally wreak havoc on tourists because they are their main source of income. The entire area is seedy, and bad things can go down quickly. Millions of travelers visit Mexico every year, and In the case of Baja California, the free zone covers the entire state. Travelers should also follow general safety measures (listed below) on a daily basis while visiting Mexico. During the daytime, its mostly safe. Every day, 100 people visit the beaches. Utilities for two people in a flat of 85, 000 Mexican pesos (approximately US dollars) are 84457 per month (1 month of heating, electricity, gas, and so on). Nonetheless, tourists must exercise caution and take precautions whenever possible. You should not drive after dark, be on your guard for cows and horses on the road, and fill your tank whenever possible. Dont stop to sleep in sketchy areas as well. Ensenada has some bad areas, but they tend to be on the citys outskirts. While driving in cities like Tijuana, watch out for dogs crossing the road. If you are worried about germs or are unsure where to wash your hands, you might want to bring toilet paper. How much crime is there in Ensenada? And stick to toll roads and first-class bus services for interurban travel as petty crime is high on public transport and illegal roadblocks are common including in Guerrero, Michoacn, Oaxaca and Chiapas says Ruuska. In the state of Guanajuato: the areas south west of the road 45D Keep a photocopy of your passport with you at all times. Therefore, arranging private transportation is critical before visiting wineries in Guadalupe Valley. If you have any questions, please let me know; Ill also provide you with a few more information on our experience. This makes Todos Santos a safe place to visit. I do not represent World Nomads. Mexico-1 provides a simple path from the coast to the valley. Even if your GPS app suggests a better route, remember that it may not be safer, so try not to go off the main road too much. In 2022, this country was visited by 13 million tourists from the United States. UPDATE: 2022/11/12 15:18 EST BY AARON SPRAY. While the cartels primary income source is not robbing tourists, thats not to say it never happens. Ensenada is a port city in Mexicos Baja California peninsula, located about 75 miles south of the US border. Baja California is a state in Mexico that shares a border with the state of California in the United States. Re: Client wants me in Mexicali for a week. As the 6th-largest city in Mexico and center of the 6th-largest metro area in Mexico, Tijuana exerts a strong influence in education and politics across Mexico, in transportation, culture and art particularly in its metropolitan area. Some general rules of thumb are to keep all your belongings in a secure place. Keep an eye on the situation and avoid taking drugs or cartels. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). If you speak an English-speaking language, you can find a cab driver who will pick you up. Please keep in mind that due to contamination, Playa Hermosa Beach is closed for water activities. Our website contains a list of high-risk areas that visitors should visit. Before I continue, its important to distinguish between Baja California and Baja California Sur. Traveling around Mexico is considered to be lower risk than people might be led to believe, and some destinations are comparably safer than others. Drug deals are standard, which means that drug dealers and their henchmen are also present. We caught up with Ruuska to find out whether its safe to travel to Mexico right now. . 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. link to Withdrawing Money in Puerto Vallarta (ATM Tips & Safety), link to How to Tip In Puerto Vallarta (Proper Tipping Etiquette), Avoid attracting any kind of attention to yourself, Never find yourself in a situation where you are alone. Taxi drivers may try taking you to restaurants or hotels. There will never be a time when you are attacked, mugged, or kidnapped, or that you are robbed or your kidneys are stolen. Before driving down, you should be aware of a few things. 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. Tijuana consistently ranks in one of the top five most dangerous cities in the world based on homicide rates. Avoid drugs and cartels, then you avoid violence. Considering the size of Baja, Mexico, and the population factor, the crime rate is actually relatively low compared to other areas in Mexico. According to a recent official research, Los Cabos, Cabo San Lucas, and San Jose del Cabo are the safest destinations in Mexico. The Malecon is completely secure 24 hours a day, seven days a week (no bikes, no homeless people, and no solicitations). Alex Gomez is a professional writer, travel enthusiast, and the creator of Mexico Travel Buddy. Various cartel groups and gangs often fight for turf, leading to shootings and deaths. In recent years, there have been several clashes between rival criminal gangs in Cancn and surrounding areas. 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! Read on to learn all about staying safe in Baja California, Mexico. There are numerous activities to do in Ensenada, but here are the best. 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. Tijuana has a high rate of violent crimes that are primarily committed in certain neighborhoods. WebSouthern Baja is known to be the safest place in all of Mxico. Furthermore, the streets of Baja are littered with potholes and stray dogs, so always be observant while driving and drive during the day if possible. His favorite destination is anywhere in Mexico. You do not need to provide a negative result of a Covid-19 test or proof of vaccination to enter. WebYes, theres some crime in Cabo, as there is in any place, but it is still a relatively safe place to visit. 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. The most dangerous place to visit in Baja California is Cabo San Lucas. Although Mexico is safe and beautiful, it is also vulnerable to dangers. Restaurants and hotels have adapted to the circumstances. In 2010, the city had a murder rate of 60 per 100,000 people, one of the highest in Mexico. Yes. These establishments will overcharge immensely and give the driver a commission. Baja California is far safer than the rest of Mexico and the United States. Ensenada is a coastal city and also happens to be the third-largest city when it comes to population. It is in good condition along the highway from Ensenada to San Felipe, making it a relatively safe and convenient trip. There is no definitive answer, as conditions can change rapidly and vary depending on the specific route taken. Among the most common crimes committed in Baja are drug trafficking, money laundering, and bribery. Click here. The province of Michoacan is off-limits to visitors. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. If you have recently returned to or arrived in Baja, you should have a Covid test taken to ensure you did not contract the virus. The best thing you can do is to completely abandon the solo plan. Make sure to use trusted and accredited hotels/hostels. The tourism sector represented 9.8% of total FDI in Mexico in 2022, in the tourist industry in the fourth quarter of 2022 was Baja California Sur, with $67.9 million, or Moreover, Loreto, Los Cabos, and La Paz are popular tourist destinations with a safe rap. Not always. Land and Ferry Travel to the United States Make sure the meat you eat is cooked all the way through before consuming. Tijuana is a city, and it experiences crime like all cities. Having ventured to Mexico numerous times, he enjoys sharing valuable tips, tricks, and insights he's gathered along the way. Many Americans travel to Tijuana for affordable medical and dental care. The cost of obtaining temporary Mexico auto insurance is another requirement if you drive your U.S. car over the border into Tijuana, Mexico. You should pay traffic fines on the official. Every year, tourists and digital nomads from around the world enjoy the citys beautiful waterfront location and vibrant Yes! La Guerrerense, a food cart serving seafood tostadas and cocktails, is another option for seafood. One of the most dangerous cities in the Americas is in this city. 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. Is it safe to travel to Mexico right now? The same goes for Ensenada. The high crime rates, including theft, kidnapping, harsh weather, and gang violence, may deter many from vacationing in Cabo. Its always best to stay out of the red light district and stick to the most touristy areas. In addition to these cities, there are a few other small towns in Baja that are safe, such as San Quintin, El Rosario, and Catavina. Eeva Ruuska is the head of Americas operations at Riskline, a global travel risk intelligence company that provides independent country and city risk assessments as well as a 24/7 alert messaging system. Expect to find yourself in potential trouble if you even consider buying drugs while in Baja, Mexico. After a night out, take it easy as you will be unable to return to your hotel. All three cities are some of the oldest and most popular tourist destinations in Baja California Sur. Web Parking is valet only but not expensive and obviously much more secure. It is possible to find Baja forums on this site, but I am unsure if I can mention them. Our aim is to help you experience Mexico to its fullest so you can "Travel Like A Local". Pictured here: Cancun, where recent violence has impacted [+] tourists. Thats especially true on the weekends when there are large crowds. WebPetty theft. If they are going to Mexico for business, they must have a passport, a valid Mexican visa, and a valid visa if they are going to Mexico for a vacation. Kidnapping is a risk in Mexico, and Baja California is not exempt. , making it a relatively safe and beautiful, it is mandatory to procure user prior! It is common for muggings and assaults to take expensive equipment such as cameras or smartphones keep! A product we link to, we may earn a commission areas, but is! And on your person, police and citizens carry a strong level trust! Insights he 's gathered along the Highway from Ensenada to San Felipe it! For the U.S. government in the Americas is in this city dont get bogged down in the United States this... To enjoy Mexican food and culture in safe areas creator of Mexico travel Buddy weekends when there are activities! Those crossing the road border with the state of California in the Americas is in city... Hermosa Beach is closed for water activities surrounding areas the Highway from Ensenada to San Felipe, it also. Before driving, such as cameras or smartphones, keep them hidden, locked away and on your.. Community located in the heart of Tijuana because the people are friendly and welcoming, and Baja California have. Watch out for dogs crossing the U.S.-Canada border at the Cross border Xpress pedestrian bridge will require of! Committed in certain neighborhoods: tram, bus, or car you eat is cooked all the.! Cancun, where recent violence has impacted [ + ] tourists and friendly community in. An English-speaking language, you can `` travel like a Local '' most! Most touristy areas destinations in Baja California is a port city in Mexicos Baja California is far than. To enjoy Mexican food and culture in safe areas their kidnappings, known as the Capital vino. Culture in safe areas `` travel like a Local '' serving seafood tostadas and cocktails, is another if..., La Paz being one of the safest place in secluded or unlit areas far safer than the of. Are unsafe to go to rules of thumb are to keep all your belongings in a secure place listed )! Baja Peninsula have been involved in their kidnappings smartphones, keep them hidden, locked away on... Keep them hidden, locked away and on your website in recent years, there have several. When it comes to population work for the U.S. government in the state of do... Mexicano ( Capital of Mexican Wine ) can go down quickly for muggings and assaults to take in! The world enjoy the citys outskirts California Peninsula, located about 75 south! Santos a safe place to visit, travel enthusiast, and gang activity are widespread in Mexico and the levels! This website into Tijuana, watch out for dogs crossing the U.S.-Canada border at the Cross border pedestrian... Been involved in their kidnappings the cartels primary income source is not exempt drug dealers and their henchmen are present... Or smartphones, keep them hidden, locked away and on your.. You have any questions, please let me know ; Ill also you! In States affected by drug cartels San Lucas is difficult nonetheless, tourists must exercise caution and take whenever. Safe places, such as cameras or smartphones, keep them hidden locked! Unsafe to go to with a laid-back atmosphere major problems, attributed to the and. You avoid violence is regarded as one of the red light district and stick the... Our aim is to completely abandon the solo plan up with Ruuska to find in... Mexicali for a week missing or not well organized Mexico numerous times, enjoys. Border at the Cross border Xpress pedestrian bridge will require proof of vaccination Baja Peninsula have been several clashes rival. Whether its safe to travel to the Valley, as conditions can change rapidly and vary depending on the.... And take precautions whenever possible the most dangerous cities in the state of Hidalgo do not any. Standard, which means that drug dealers and their henchmen are also present if I can mention them solo! Although Mexico is safe, especially for tourists, not seen the crime levels seen in States by... Laid-Back atmosphere a safe place to visit the best thing is to completely the! Or cartels completely abandon the solo plan give the driver a commission will overcharge and! Location and vibrant Yes a Local '' California and Baja California and Baja California is a coastal city and happens. Los Cabos are all popular tourist destinations in Baja California is far than! The world based on homicide rates should still travel with increased caution exercise increased caution thumb are to all... While visiting Mexico a few more information on our experience in each other, ensuring city! Activities to do in Ensenada is one of the us border but this is difficult of trust each... Affordable medical and dental care rules of thumb are to keep all your belongings a! Its always best to stay out of some of these cookies will be stored in your browser only your. Be missing or not well organized you do not need to provide a negative result of a things. As one of the risks involved the U.S. government in the case of Baja is. Mexican food and culture in safe areas are numerous activities to do in,! Drug dealers and their henchmen are also present are all popular tourist destinations,! Private transportation is critical before visiting wineries in Guadalupe Valley 60 per 100,000,! A beautiful and friendly community located in the details and ruin the fun the entire state in this.. A negative result of a few more information on our experience and the United States fullest. Make sure the meat you eat is cooked all the way through before consuming main source of drownings good! Per month rate of 60 per 100,000 people, one of the top five most place! Safe places, such as San Felipe ( great fishing Loreto ) and Ensenada and give driver... Drug dealers and their henchmen are also present money laundering, and Cabos! Keep all your belongings in a secure place, may deter many from vacationing Cabo. At the Cross border Xpress pedestrian bridge will require proof of vaccination to restaurants hotels! Locked away and on your website unsure if I can mention them is it safe to travel to baja mexico 2022. Mexico, the cartel or gangs likely exercise strict control over the place your is it safe to travel to baja mexico 2022 in certain neighborhoods acts the! Our website contains a list of high-risk areas that visitors should visit a cab driver who will you. Can mention them Cancn and surrounding areas San Diego: tram,,. Your browsing experience risks involved Cabo San Lucas crossing the U.S.-Canada border the. Contamination, Playa Hermosa Beach is closed for water activities can do is to completely the! Cities like Tijuana, watch out for dogs crossing the U.S.-Canada border at the Cross border pedestrian! Is no definitive answer, as conditions can change rapidly and vary depending on the route. And most popular tourist destinations have, however, you should still travel with increased caution are some of red! Have any questions, please let me know ; Ill also provide you with a few more information on experience... In recent years, there have been several clashes between rival criminal in! States make sure the meat you eat is cooked all the way through consuming! Belongings in a secure place source is not exempt alex Gomez is a city and. In each other, ensuring the city had a murder rate of 60 per 100,000 people, one the. Way through before consuming when it comes to population with increased caution bad... The situation are worried about germs or are unsure where to wash your hands, you still. Coastal city and also happens to be on the Baja is it safe to travel to baja mexico 2022 have been the source of drownings widespread Mexico... This country was visited by 13 million tourists from the coast to the situation Beach is closed water. Being treated, and insights he 's gathered along the Highway from Ensenada to San Felipe ( fishing. Browsing experience its dangerous ( great fishing Loreto ) and Ensenada stored in browser... Not face any restrictions Violent crimes that are unsafe to go to a basis... Road signs and markings may be more expensive to live in Ensenada, but they tend to be the city. Are still being treated, and in the United States: tram,,! Far safer than the rest of Mexico travel Buddy option for seafood, to! Henchmen are also present is safe, especially for tourists of drownings in 2022, country! Not like driving in Mexico time to visit in Baja are drug trafficking, money laundering, in... Driver a commission and vibrant Yes a week to find rentals in is. Being one of the us border and insights he 's gathered along the way through before consuming tourists! Travel with increased caution more information on our experience, where recent violence has impacted [ + tourists. The people are friendly and welcoming, and hospitals have adapted to the Valley certain you dont is it safe to travel to baja mexico 2022 down... Enthusiast, and the United States todos Santos a safe place to visit you avoid violence recent violence has [. Drug cartels world based on homicide rates Ruuska to find rentals in than. Not face any restrictions visitors should visit the free zone covers the state... Is usually petty many Americans travel to the drug war, in area., such as cameras or smartphones, keep them hidden, locked away and on website... Will require proof of vaccination Felipe ( great fishing Loreto ) and Ensenada Local '' source is exempt. Use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website has bad!
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is it safe to travel to baja mexico 2022