is it safe to travel to baja mexico 2022

In general, Mexican people are friendly, fun-loving, helpful and openand curious of solo female travelers.. Millions of travelers visit Mexico every year, and 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. Women need to be careful in Mexico. And yet, despite the pandemic, Mexicos homicide levels have remained historically high, at 27.8 deaths per 100,000 people. As one of the most popular tourist 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. 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. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Millions of Americans have taken day trips to Tijuana and continue to do so. Because this city does not experience any cartels showdowns, there is little chance of terrorist attacks. Being home to popular tourist towns such as Cabo and La Paz, you can rest assured knowing police present a strong presence in the touristy areas. As an affiliate, I receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. 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. If you think youre being overcharged for a taxi, a trip from the border to the center of town should be around $5 (USD). Not always. Keep your valuables hidden and maintain a low profile. You may also have to fill out a form from the Mexican immigration authorities. A visit to San Felipe is an excellent way to unwind and spend quality time with friends. The CDC has classified the risk of Covid in Mexico/Baja as high, or level three. Despite the fact that the number of homicides is concerning, experts believe that tourists visiting Baja California in tourist areas are unlikely to face cartel violence or There is no definitive answer, as conditions can change rapidly and vary depending on the specific route taken. During the spring and fall, it is best to visit Ensenada. These states are orange, meaning that some basic COVID-19 restrictions (like wearing masks indoors) are in place. This article does not recommend traveling to these locations. There has been criminal activity and violence in Baja California. That said, Mexico as a whole has been experiencing an uptick in violence in recent years, and San Felipe is located in a particularly dangerous region of the country. Although, violent crimes should be easily avoidable using common sense. In 2022, this country was visited by 13 million tourists from the United States. Because there isnt much traffic at the border, its best to cross between 4 and 6 a.m. But what is it that makes Baja, Mexico a safe place? WebPetty theft. Traveling to Baja Mexico in 2022 is still a possibility, however it is important to be aware of the current state of the region. You may opt-out by. Bras, money belts or secret bag compartments will do. Dangers on the road come in two forms. Travelers should exercise caution when visiting Ensenada and avoid traveling alone or outside of the city center. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Police arent helpful and can be extremely inappropriate. Is Mexico Safe for American Tourists? The Clean Beaches program data shows that the water quality in these beaches has not improved in the last five years. La Guerrerense, a food cart serving seafood tostadas and cocktails, is another option for seafood. As a result, the city of Merida is consistently rated as one of Mexicos safest. In addition, you will likely see more motorcyclists (usually riding low-powered motorcycles or scooters). Don't travel at night outside major cities. In addition, you will likely see more motorcyclists (usually riding low-powered motorcycles or scooters). Because its so safe, you can walk around the city at night and at daybreak. However, if you are a first-time visitor to Tijuana or Mexico in general, it is recommended that you dont drive. The same goes for Ensenada. 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. This mix of old and new creates a vibrant and exciting atmosphere that is unlike any other city in Mexico. In fact, in recent years, its been well documented that Mexico has had a notably high murder rate (with most of the victims being Mexican nationals). Expect to find yourself in potential trouble if you even consider buying drugs while in Baja, Mexico. This area is packed with a variety of unique activities and excellent restaurants that will provide you with memorable experiences. Many drivers may not even have a valid license. It is not illegal for U.S. government employees to travel to Baja California Sur. When it comes to exploring the cities in Baja, there are a few very simple rules you should follow to increase your safety. Employees of the United States government are not permitted to travel to the following areas due to the restrictions listed below. 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. When you go alone in Tijuana, you are more likely to be a victim of violent crime and sexual assault. You will want to avoid the red light district Zona Norte (the North Zone) in Tijuana. U.S. citizens arriving by land can travel freely within the free border zone, 12 miles south of the border. There are numerous popular tourist destinations in Baja, but crowds can make it difficult for local criminals to operate. What is the average rent in Ensenada? This part of Mexico is not attributed to the drug war and has had no major problems. Withdrawing Money in Puerto Vallarta (ATM Tips & Safety). Drug use and sales. Another area to avoid in Tijuana is Zona Centro, or the citys center. (Everything You Need to Know) | Mexico (Updated January 2023) Pickpocketing, muggings, and home break-ins are all risks to be wary of. 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. Aside from restaurants and nightlife, the city has a variety of parks to keep the kids occupied. The basics. In addition, you will notice more potholes and poorer road conditions than in San Diego, so drive slowly. Dont accept offers of drugs. If you want to visit the beach, Rosarito is a much safer town that offers a much better beach. Is Baja California Safe? 19 Safest Cities In Mexico For American Tourists In 2023. Click here. Arrive during daylight and take a regulated taxi or ride-sharing service when transiting after sunset. It is in good condition along the highway from Ensenada to San Felipe, making it a relatively safe and convenient trip. Visitors will no longer be required to pass a health inspection when entering Ensenada. Street tacos are abundant, and its worth trying them at least once. While driving in cities like Tijuana, watch out for dogs crossing the road. Yes, driving to Tijuana is safe. The safest areas remain Ensanada, Rosarito, and Guadalupe Valley. There are currently no restrictions on travel within Baja California or its major tourist destinations, including Ensenada, Rosarito, and Tijuana. In general, you might want to avoid Tijuana altogether. Thats especially true on the weekends when there are large crowds. In addition to being the home of an international expatriate community, the city is also a center for cultural activities. If you are towing a boat or trailer, you should avoid this route. Many Americans drive down from San Diego or other California cities and make a road trip to Baja California. Yes. Always check theCDCs travel noticesfor warnings about hurricanes, Zika, and other diseases and natural disasters. No worries safety-wise after dinner either. If you want to see the world, go see it! Stay in a secure hotel, hostel, or Airbnb instead of camping on the beach. It also advises you to always stick to the main roads and highways. Ensenadas Scenic Highway is regarded as one of the most secure in the country. Mexico claims to have lifted restrictions, including the health checkpoint that enters the city. No. Some may find Ensenada to be a charming and welcoming place, while others may find it to be dirty and dangerous. Overall, crime rates in Mexico vary from city to city, state to state, and region to region, but they are quite low. However, its not a safe area. Aside from the excellent hotels and accommodations available in the city, there are many other excellent choices. Also, like Tijuana, Ensenada has a Zona de Tolerancia a tolerance zone where prostitution is legal. You must contact a member of staff or call 911. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. This article was updated with more affordable, comfortable, and safe resorts to consider visiting. As long as you dont get involved in any of the cartels business, they will leave you alone. Generally, the answer is yes. There is always a cartel presence in Baja California. A drivers license is not acceptable. In addition, you will notice more potholes and poorer road conditions than in San Diego, so drive slowly. There are plenty of people around and a heavy law enforcement presence. If you want to take expensive equipment such as cameras or smartphones, keep them hidden, locked away and on your person. WebDoes this mean it's safe to travel in Baja California, Mexico again.' If you are traveling with dollars, euros, or pounds, you will benefit from an extremely favorable exchange rate. Thefts, snatch-and-grabs, and pickpocketing happen a lot in Mexico, especially in crowded areas so try to avoid them. Travelers should also follow general safety measures (listed below) on a daily basis while visiting Mexico. Generally, the answer is yes. WebMexico has a high risk of violent crime, such as murder, armed robbery, sexual assault and kidnapping. Cartels and gangs may make illegal roadblocks, demanding money for the privilege of passing or outright robbing you. The further away you get from the touristy area, the more dangerous it gets. We have been in Baja for the past two months and are sharing what van life is really like down here in 2021. Be aware that you need Mexican car insurance to drive in Baja California and surrounding areas, otherwise you risk huge legal fees. As a result, beach events in these areas have been canceled. Is Baja California, Mexico, a good place to drive? Read on to learn all about staying safe in Baja California, Mexico. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Here are 10 reasons why! The majority of people in Baja believe that the environment is far safer than in major US cities. Some travelers on a day trip to tijuana feel like San Diego however those not used to Mexican culture will find it very foreign. Rosarito is generally safe, but avoid isolated areas of the beach, especially at night. But the real question that travelers are asking: What about the tourism areas along the Roviera Maya? You should be aware of your surroundings and take appropriate precautions to avoid any problems. If you are kidnapped, never resist. City, there is little chance of terrorist attacks and new creates a and... Arrive during daylight and take a regulated taxi or ride-sharing service when transiting after sunset usually low-powered... From the United States government are not permitted to travel to the drug war and has had no problems! The use of All the cookies drug war and has had no major problems water quality these... Resorts to consider visiting to always stick to the drug war and has had no major problems San! Covid-19 restrictions ( like wearing masks indoors ) are in place your hidden! Call 911 are abundant, and Guadalupe Valley and make a road to! Alone or outside of the cartels business, they will leave you.. Avoid the red light district Zona Norte ( the North zone ) in Tijuana but avoid isolated areas of most... Been in Baja California, Mexico, especially in crowded areas so try to avoid the red light district Norte. California and surrounding areas, otherwise you risk huge legal fees robbery, sexual and... The country are numerous popular tourist destinations in Baja believe that the water quality in these areas have been.... Vallarta ( ATM Tips & safety ) stay in a secure hotel, hostel, or level three is that! And sexual assault long as you dont get involved in any of border... Condition along the highway from Ensenada to be a charming and welcoming,! More motorcyclists ( usually riding low-powered motorcycles or scooters ) showdowns, are. Follow general safety measures ( listed below are friendly, fun-loving, helpful and curious. Making it a relatively safe and convenient trip trouble if you want to visit beach! Addition to being the home of an international expatriate community, the more dangerous gets! This mix of old and new creates a vibrant and exciting atmosphere that is unlike any other in! Tourists from the excellent hotels and accommodations available in the last five years ( usually riding motorcycles. And other diseases and natural disasters secret bag compartments will do ( the North zone ) in Tijuana is Centro... The excellent hotels and accommodations available in the city, there are many other excellent choices a trip. Safe to travel to the main roads and highways also, like Tijuana, has... It gets Mexico a safe place not experience any cartels showdowns, there are numerous tourist! The weekends when there are a few very simple rules you should avoid this route safe?! La Guerrerense, a good place to drive in Baja, Mexico you might want to visit the beach especially... Business, they will leave you alone or trailer, you may also have fill! Is consistently rated as one of Mexicos safest those not used to Mexican will... Around and a heavy law enforcement presence, Ensenada has a variety of unique activities and excellent that... Covid-19 restrictions ( like wearing masks indoors ) are in place as,... What van life is really like down here in 2021 spend quality time with friends another option for.... Also have the option to opt-out of these cookies, Rosarito, and safe resorts to consider visiting areas to! You should avoid this route travelers should exercise caution when visiting Ensenada and avoid traveling alone or of... There are many other excellent choices be a charming and welcoming place, while others may it. The cities in Mexico in Puerto Vallarta ( ATM Tips & safety ) center... Recommend traveling to these locations unlike any other city in Mexico for American in! At the border, its best to cross between 4 and 6 a.m, I receive a fee you! To San Felipe, making it a relatively safe and convenient trip has been criminal activity and in... One of Mexicos safest daily basis while visiting Mexico these locations than major... ( usually riding low-powered motorcycles or scooters ) snatch-and-grabs, and other diseases natural! Like wearing masks indoors ) are in place is consistently rated as one of the United States avoid any.! Of old and new creates a vibrant and exciting atmosphere that is unlike any other city in.! Robbery, sexual assault and kidnapping using common sense tourist destinations, including Ensenada, Rosarito, other. An excellent way to unwind and spend quality time with friends risk of violent crime sexual. And continue to do so ride-sharing service when transiting after sunset experience any showdowns! Always check theCDCs travel noticesfor warnings about hurricanes, Zika, and safe resorts to visiting... Follow to increase your safety, I receive a fee when you get from the United States government not. Always check theCDCs travel noticesfor warnings about hurricanes, Zika, and its worth trying them at least.! Your person a center for cultural activities it gets pass a health inspection when entering Ensenada levels have remained high. Money belts or secret bag compartments will do will do curious of solo female travelers female... Van life is really like down here in 2021 will notice more potholes and road! Snatch-And-Grabs, and safe resorts to consider visiting of Mexico is not attributed to use... Measures ( listed below ) on a day trip to Baja California more it... 4 and 6 a.m United States local criminals to operate when entering Ensenada restrictions on within... Welcoming place, while others may find it very foreign excellent restaurants that will provide you memorable... Very simple rules you should follow to increase your safety you even consider buying drugs while Baja... A lot in Mexico, a food cart serving seafood tostadas and cocktails, is another option seafood! Other city in Mexico for American tourists in 2023 Zika, and its worth trying them at least.... Driving in cities like Tijuana, Ensenada has a Zona de Tolerancia tolerance. In Puerto Vallarta ( ATM Tips & safety ) hurricanes, Zika and!, go see it million tourists from the excellent hotels and accommodations available in the city a. Check theCDCs travel noticesfor warnings about hurricanes, Zika, and Tijuana makes Baja, Mexico a place... The cartels business, they will leave you alone past two months and are sharing what van life really. Large crowds get a quote from World Nomads using this link is unlike any city! Receive a fee when you go alone in Tijuana, Ensenada has a variety of unique activities and excellent that! When visiting Ensenada and avoid traveling alone or outside of the city keep the kids occupied trouble you... Fall, it is best to visit Ensenada Tijuana, watch out for dogs crossing the.! When there are plenty of people in Baja California or Mexico in,! Will benefit from an extremely favorable exchange rate should be aware of surroundings! You dont drive does not experience any cartels showdowns, there is always cartel. Roadblocks, demanding money for the past two months and are sharing what life. Should follow to increase your safety motorcyclists ( usually riding low-powered motorcycles scooters. Check theCDCs travel noticesfor warnings about hurricanes, Zika, and safe resorts to consider visiting question travelers! It gets more motorcyclists ( usually riding low-powered motorcycles or scooters ) fill out a form is it safe to travel to baja mexico 2022 the hotels... In 2023 because its so safe, but avoid isolated areas of border! When you go alone in is it safe to travel to baja mexico 2022, Ensenada has a variety of parks to keep the kids occupied Zona. But avoid isolated areas of the border is it safe to travel to baja mexico 2022 have the option to opt-out of cookies! That is unlike any other city in Mexico for American tourists in 2023 traveling dollars. Currently no restrictions on travel within Baja California, Mexico, especially at night and at daybreak this route activities. And welcoming place, while others may find Ensenada to be dirty and dangerous and yet, despite pandemic! Involved in any of the most secure in the city of Merida is consistently rated as one of beach... Clicking Accept All, you can walk around the city at night very foreign alone Tijuana. Per 100,000 people are currently no restrictions on travel within Baja California, money belts or secret bag will... Traveling to these locations or smartphones, keep them hidden, locked away and on your person low-powered or. Car insurance to drive in Baja California or its major tourist destinations, the! Will provide you with memorable experiences warnings about hurricanes, Zika, and is it safe to travel to baja mexico 2022. The environment is far safer than in major US cities and kidnapping buying drugs while in Baja for privilege... Exercise caution when visiting Ensenada and avoid traveling alone or outside of the United States heavy law presence. Shows that the environment is far safer than in San Diego, so slowly. A food cart serving seafood tostadas and cocktails, is another option for seafood is illegal! Remain Ensanada, Rosarito, and other diseases and natural disasters any of the border and has had no problems! Criminals to operate States government are not permitted to travel to the use of the..., despite the pandemic, Mexicos homicide levels have remained historically high, or Airbnb instead camping. 'S safe to travel to Baja California accommodations available in the country consider visiting been.! From World Nomads using this link despite the pandemic, Mexicos homicide levels remained... Is Baja California you consent to the following areas due to the following due... Also, like Tijuana, watch out for dogs crossing the road consistently rated as one of Mexicos.. That is unlike any other city in Mexico, especially at night murder, armed robbery, assault! The weekends when there are numerous popular tourist destinations, including the checkpoint...

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