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. This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. | Safety Concerns, Written by: Author Andrew Helling |Reviewed by: Editorial Team, Posted on Last updated: November 22, 2022. (Photo by Guillermo Arias / AFP) (Photo by [+] GUILLERMO ARIAS/AFP via Getty Images). In addition to being the home of an international expatriate community, the city is also a center for cultural activities. Ensenada offers a plethora of fun things to do, whether youre looking for an action-packed vacation or a laid-back vacation. Street tacos are abundant, and its worth trying them at least once. Finally, avoid wandering around near the border except for the official border crossings. WebMaster far more: Ideal travel insurance coverage. Overall, crime rates in Mexico vary from city to city, state to state, and region to region, but they are quite low. This mix of old and new creates a vibrant and exciting atmosphere that is unlike any other city in Mexico. Instead of using yellow taxis, you should take the white libre taxis because they are regulated and less likely to fleece you. Its important to realize that driving in Mexico is not like driving in the United States. Many Americans drive down from San Diego or other California cities and make a road trip to Baja California. As a tourist, youre most likely to come across petty crimes like theft. Travel to and from the United States should be postponed until the H1N1 vaccine is fully available. 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. Exploring Tijuanas Temperature Patterns: Does The Busy Border City Ever Get Cold? 1. If this one wasnt true, 3 years ago Save 4 year old post Report inappropriate content 8. But it historically has maintained a high rate of crime, including breaking its own record for murder in 2021 and outpacing New York City which has a larger population. You can find local wines, delicious seafood, and a lot of fantastic beaches. Here are 10 reasons why! No. 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. Wherever you stay, ask your hotel receptionist or Airbnb host about which areas are safe to visit. WebSouthern Baja is known to be the safest place in all of Mxico. During the spring and fall, it is best to visit Ensenada. Moreover, Loreto, Los Cabos, and La Paz are popular tourist destinations with a safe rap. A. Violent crime is possible as well. The area is well known for its beautiful beaches, resorts, and golf courses. We have been in Baja for the past two months and are sharing what van life is really like down here in 2021. 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. Despite the fact that Mexico has increased its water quality management resources, this situation persists. Greyhound transports approximately 18 million passengers per year who travel 5.4 billion miles (8.6 billion km) on their vehicles, which number around 1700. All three cities are some of the oldest and most popular tourist destinations in Baja California Sur. Even as travel is discouraged to all of Mexico because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. State Department continues to update its It is in good condition along the highway from Ensenada to San Felipe, making it a relatively safe and convenient trip. It is far safer to visit Baja California than it is to visit Mexico or parts of the United States. Dont stop to sleep in sketchy areas as well. 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. Rosarito is generally safe, but crime can still occur. 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. There will never be a time when you are attacked, mugged, or kidnapped, or that you are robbed or your kidneys are stolen. Employees of the United States government are not permitted to travel to the following areas due to the restrictions listed below. La Bufadora, a blowhole in Ensenada, shoots seawater up to 100 feet (30 meters) into the air, making it the worlds second largest blowhole. Ensenada, formerly Ensenada de Todos Santos, is a city in the northwest corner of Baja California, Mexico. The Ensenada neighborhood is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and businesses, all of which contribute to the unique and vibrant atmosphere. However, these incidents have been between criminal organizations and gangs. The location is critical to international drug and human trafficking networks, in addition to being a major hub for drug trafficking. The further away you get from the touristy area, the more dangerous it gets. Avoid wearing fancy jewelry and brand-name clothes which may draw unwanted attention; ultimately leading the criminals right to you. Criminal activity and violence are likely to occur at any time in any location, including popular tourist destinations. There has been a spike in homicides in the last couple of years, due to drug-related gang violence. However, bear in mind that it is illegal. The basics. Either go on a tour, drive down from California, rent a car in Mexico, or hire a private driver for the day. Cartels and gangs may make illegal roadblocks, demanding money for the privilege of passing or outright robbing you. If you want to visit the beach, Rosarito is a much safer town that offers a much better beach. Baja, Mexico is safe because the people are friendly and welcoming, and the crime although prevalent is usually petty. The Valle de Guadalupe is located in northern Baja California, just north of Ensenada, and serves as the states unofficial Napa Valley. Ensenada has the lowest homicide rate of any city in Baja. As in many Latin American cities, youll notice neighborhoods on the hills surrounding the cities, which often feature colorful houses. Keep an eye on the situation and avoid taking drugs or cartels. Traveling around Mexico is considered to be lower risk than people might be led to believe, and some destinations are comparably safer than others. You're not guaranteed tomorrow, and, often times, you can buy an international plane ticket for less than a domestic one. There are numerous activities to do in Ensenada, but here are the best. There has been a high rate of kidnapping and crime in the state of Tamaulipas. The Riviera del Pacifico Museum is a must-visit museum that tells the fascinating story of the citys past and checkered past. Dont get caught up in the sensation of a sore thumb, and remember to use common sense. The crime and kidnapping prevalent throughout Baja California make it difficult to live a peaceful life. According to a recent official research, Los Cabos, Cabo San Lucas, and San Jose del Cabo are the safest destinations in Mexico. If you are kidnapped, never resist. The Advisory level for Mexico City is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. shorturl.at/moqxX Instagram: @gringoylatino Petty theft is the most common security threat travelers will face across the country.. Is Baja California safe? 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. However, you should still travel with increased caution. Getting into the Ready Lanes, as well as any of the other entry lanes, is difficult. in 2 reviews The room also has a safe, which I had no use for but it could be useful info for some readers. Expats in the area typically prefer to live in communities a few miles away from downtown Ensenada, such as Bajamar to the north and Punta Banda to the south. It is a good idea to avoid cities with gang violence and drug activity. Is Baja California Safe? La Paz is the capital of California Baja, a sunny state in Mexico. The most common trouble Americans will face in Baja California is petty crime. In contrast, areas with high crime rates, such as Punta Banda, have higher rates of crime. Baja is easily accessible from the United States and offers an opportunity to experience Mexicos gastronomy and beaches. Our aim is to help you experience Mexico to its fullest so you can "Travel Like A Local". Dont let the cheery colors confuse you they paint the houses those colors to make those areas look more welcoming. It is still very safe to travel to and from the city center, despite the risk of being attacked in ungated communities further away. I recommend going to Baja Bound if youre looking for some of the most difficult terrain you can get your hands on. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Before I continue, its important to distinguish between Baja California and Baja California Sur. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 3 hours and 18 minutes, while the drive from San Diego to Ensenada takes approximately 1 hour and 43 minutes. In many parts of the state of Guerrero, armed groups operate independently of the government. Before driving down, you should be aware of a few things. But the resorts are generally safe places to visit. Ensenada has only had five confirmed cases as of 4/16. Moreover, consuming raw food like sushi, or undercooked food such as rare meat, youre increasing your risk of getting a foodborne illness. (Updated January 2023) It is not necessary to be concerned about your safety while traveling between San Diego and Tecate in Baja California. Avoid flashy clothes and jewelry.. The U.S. Embassy has issued a travel warning for Tijuana and Rosarito, Baja California due to a risk of kidnappings, injury, or death. 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. 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