US dollars are accepted in Tijuana but not everywhere. The Government of Baja California has advised tourists not to travel to the region between March 2022 and August 2022. Furthermore, La Paz, Loreto, and Los Cabos are all popular tourist destinations with a laid-back atmosphere. Is Mexico City open for travel? In addition, the U.S. State Department has issued travel warnings for certain parts of Mexico, including Baja California. (Photo by Guillermo Arias / AFP) (Photo by [+] GUILLERMO ARIAS/AFP via Getty Images). 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 In general, U.S. government employees are restricted to the following areas with certain restrictions. Despite the fact that Mexico has increased its water quality management resources, this situation persists. Police arent helpful and can be extremely inappropriate. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. Tijuana is safe enough to roam around and explore but take more care if heading outside of the main tourist zones of. It is recommended in Mexico and the United States that drivers stay out of the headlights at night. The crime rate in La Paz is relatively low, making it an ideal place for tourists and nomads alike to visit. Rosarito Beach - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with If you are kidnapped, never resist. To ensure youre eating a safe meal always check the reviews of restaurants online before dining out. As one of the most popular tourist Driving through Baja is generally safe. Mexico is open to travelers. The land border between Mexico and the United States has been reopened to nonessential travel since November 8, 2021. Other safety concerns for visiting Cabo include: Scams. Those who work for the U.S. government in the state of Hidalgo do not face any restrictions. Baja California is relatively safe for US tourists, as evidenced by the large numbers of travelers who cross the border by car or on foot. There has been criminal activity and violence in Baja California. It all sounds great, but how safe is traveling to Baja, Mexico? 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. (Updated January 2023) What are the symptoms of CVIDA-19? 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. Ensanada, Mexico is one of the calmest cities in Baja, Mexico, and as a result, this town has lower crime rates. Is Baja California Safe in 2023? If you lose it, you will have to pay for a new one. has released a Level 3 Reconsider Travel advisory for Baja California state. Ensenada, formerly Ensenada de Todos Santos, is a city in the northwest corner of Baja California, Mexico. 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. Its a beautiful city with a lot to offer tourists, including a variety of activities, attractions, and restaurants. If we link to any product, you should assume that we'll receive a commission when you buy it, at no extra cost to you. If you are traveling with dollars, euros, or pounds, you will benefit from an extremely favorable exchange rate. Mexico is the worlds sixth most popular tourist destination, according to the World Tourism Organization. The people are also very friendly and welcoming. 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 theUS Embassy in Mexico. Many drivers may not even have a valid license. The information I gained on our drive to and from Ensenada is summarized below. The more recent map is here. Finally, earthquakes may occur from time to time as well. Dont have ice with drinks and only drink from factory-sealed bottles. Some go for cheap plastic surgery. Drug deals are standard, which means that drug dealers and their henchmen are also present. Yes. Instead of using yellow taxis, you should take the white libre taxis because they are regulated and less likely to fleece you. U.S. citizens arriving by land can travel freely within the free border zone, 12 miles south of the border. Traveling in Baja is Safe I am not saving the best for last. Many travelers make the trip to Baja California in their vehicle as its right across the border from California. Theres no simple answer to this question it depends on a variety of factors, including the current political and social climate in Mexico, your personal comfort level with driving in a foreign country, and your own risk tolerance. As in many Latin American cities, youll notice neighborhoods on the hills surrounding the cities, which often feature colorful houses. Ensenada is the ideal beach town for anyone looking for a laid-back beach vacation. The water temperature in Ensenada is 71 degrees Fahrenheit as of today. This begs the question if Chicago is safe. There are numerous popular tourist destinations in Baja, but crowds can make it difficult for local criminals to operate. There is no definitive answer to this question as safety is relative and can depend on a number of factors. La Paz has a low crime rate and is generally safe to walk alone. WebPetty theft. Travel to and from the United States should be postponed until the H1N1 vaccine is fully available. It is a good idea to avoid cities with gang violence and drug activity. 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. Every day, 100 people visit the beaches. While domestic travel is not prohibited, there are a few restrictions. Nonetheless, tourists must exercise caution and take precautions whenever possible. WebThe vaccine is not mandatory to travel in Baja/Mexico. What is it like to live in Ensenada, Mexico? Baja is a peninsula in northwestern Mexico that is safe for tourists. Getting into the Ready Lanes, as well as any of the other entry lanes, is difficult. Every other year, cities all over the world are designated as World Design Capital, an honor bestowed upon them for their efforts in promoting creativity and innovation in design. Also, drive during the day if possible and make sure to have Mexican vehicle insurance in case an accident does happen. Another area to avoid in Tijuana is Zona Centro, or the citys center. | Travel Tips & Safety Concerns. Not only are these some of the safest areas in all of Mexico, but also some of the most exciting because theyre the home to acclaimed national parks and amazing caves. Female travelers may receive unwanted attention from men, ranging from open displays of catcalling and staring to physical groping. Some people even rent or buy camper vans and sleep on the road. However, bear in mind that it is illegal. You should pay traffic fines on the officialMultas de Transito (Traffic Fines) government site. Except for the north and south beaches, the only beaches accessible to swimming, sunning, surfing, and camping are those in the outskirts of Ensenada. The water quality at Tijuana and Rosarito beaches has been declared poor by the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks. There are six ways to get to Ensenada from San Diego: tram, bus, or car. Baja California Sur is safer than Baja California itself. However, at night, it gets rather sketchy. Since Todos Santos is a popular tourist city, local police presence is apparent and quick to respond to any petty crimes that may occur while visiting. In 2022, this country was visited by 13 million tourists from the United States. Its a very safe area, but public transport isnt always available. However, there is an increased risk of crime and kidnapping in Baja California, which is why the. Keep an eye on the situation and avoid taking drugs or cartels. Millions of Americans have taken day trips to Tijuana and continue to do so. Is Baja California, Mexico, a good place to drive? Kidnapping is a risk in Mexico, and Baja California is not exempt. These motorcyclists are often in a hurry, as many deliver food for apps like Rappi or Uber Eats. potential visitors should research the areas they plan to visit and be aware of the risks. We have been in Baja for the past two months and are sharing what van life is really like down here in 2021. Also, like Tijuana, Ensenada has a Zona de Tolerancia a tolerance zone where prostitution is legal. Withdrawing Money in Puerto Vallarta (ATM Tips & Safety). 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. Is Ensensensenada, Mexico safe to travel to? Also, armed muggings can occur while stopped, especially in crowded cities, so try to limit how often you stop and plan your trip ahead to ensure youre taking the best routes. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Avoid fast-talkers or beggars asking for something. As always, watch out for pickpockets and be careful when walking alone at night. Some general rules of thumb are to keep all your belongings in a secure place. Travelers should also follow general safety measures (listed below) on a daily basis while visiting Mexico. in 2 reviews Location & Hours Av. CDC requirement for negative COVID-19 test prior to air travel: requirement suspended as of 12:01AM ET on June 12, 2022. kidnapping, natural hazards, scams, drugs, and transportation safety issues are just a few of the crimes you should be aware of. 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. My aim is not to scare anyone, but rather to inform you of the reality. When you include the citys metro areas, there are 2.1 million people in the Mexican border city. Violent crime is possible as well. Some areas in Chiapas, including Altamirano and Pantelh, should be avoided due to a recent uptick in attacks and disruptions by vigilante groups. Although, violent crimes should be easily avoidable using common sense. Moreover, more than 1.9 million tourist travel to Baja California Sur, Mexico every year. 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. It has been named the safest place in all of Mexico due to its low crime rate. Are there any dangers to know about before crossing the border? Finally, avoid wandering around near the border except for the. Our aim is to help you experience Mexico to its fullest so you can "Travel Like A Local". La Paz is not the place to be if you want a safe city to visit. Some prostitutes may drug and rob men who visit them, and thieves may operate in the area. Keep dummy wallets for pickpockets and keep your money hidden away. Ensenada has a thriving craft beer scene. If you decide to travel to Baja California its best to go with a group of people and not alone. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. In this area, there are typically gated communities that are home to the majority of Americans. If they refuse to transport you to your destination, insist or find another vehicle to take you to your destination; if they do not transport you, be polite but firm when telling them where you want to go. Spring Break is just a few weeks ahead and the most popular destination for U.S. travelers is Mexico a country with stunning sandy beaches in the Pacific Ocean 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 US State Department gives Baja California Sur a Level 2 Exercise Increased Caution travel advisory, compared to the Level 3 Reconsider Travel advisory it gives to Baja California. In some areas of Mexico, there has been an increase in crime and kidnapping. Every year, tourists and digital nomads from around the world enjoy the citys beautiful waterfront location and vibrant Recent hotspots of cartel clashes and related crime include the mining cities of Caborca in Sonora statewhere authorities imposed a nightly curfew due to an uptick in violent crime in Februaryand Fresnillo in Zacatecas, where authorities have reinforced ongoing security operations against criminal organizations amid record-high homicide rates. You can also visit some safe places, such as San Felipe (great fishing Loreto) and Ensenada. It also advises you to always stick to the main roads and highways. Avoid wearing fancy jewelry and brand-name clothes which may draw unwanted attention; ultimately leading the criminals right to you. Overall crime rates in Mexico are quite low, despite varying city, state, and region crime rates. The best thing you can do is to completely abandon the solo plan. If you want to take expensive equipment such as cameras or smartphones, keep them hidden, locked away and on your person. Many Americans travel to Tijuana for affordable medical and dental care. Many areas have high crime rates, which pose a risk to foreigners. Traveling to Baja Mexico in 2022 is still a possibility, however it is important to be aware of the current state of the region. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we see from our readers about staying safe in Baja California. Stay in a secure hotel, hostel, or Airbnb instead of camping on the beach. There have been no major problems, attributed to the drug war, in any area of Southern Baja. During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, and there are fewer tourists than during the peak summer months. 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. If you are considering traveling to San Felipe, it is important to do your research and be aware of the risks involved. It is not recommended that you travel with a bodyguard. But the resorts are generally safe places to visit. | Safety Concerns. Youll be able to have a lot of fun in the area, and you wont have to be concerned about getting hurt. But like everywhere you take your precious brood go heavy on the research. Due to its proximity to the border, Tijuana and its surroundings are hotspots of cartel activity. Be wary of fake police officers as well, and always ask to see an ID and speak to a superior. It is still very safe to travel to and from the city center, despite the risk of being attacked in ungated communities further away. Rosarito is generally safe, but avoid isolated areas of the beach, especially at night. However, is Baja California safe for tourists, both single tourists and families? 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. Taxi, public bus, colectivo, and tour bus services are the four most common forms of public transportation. The month before, a California travel blogger and a German tourist were killed in a shooting in Tulum. But what is it that makes Baja, Mexico a safe place? Criminal activity and violence are likely to occur at any time in any location, including popular tourist destinations. 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). Before I continue, its important to distinguish between Baja California and Baja California Sur. Most earthquakes are, fortunately, low-magnitude earthquakes, so you are unlikely to experience harm. Baja, Mexico is safe because the people are friendly and welcoming, and the crime although prevalent is usually petty. Its improbable that you will be a kidnapping victim, as. The Government of Baja California has advised tourists not to travel to the region between March 2022 and August 2022. The Clean Beaches program data shows that the water quality in these beaches has not improved in the last five years. Ensanada, Mexico, has one of the lowest crime rates in Baja, Mexico. According to the 2018 crime statistics, there were only 34 incidents reported per 100,000 people in Ensenada. Lock your bike or valuable car away, and then lock it up. Overall, crime rates in Mexico vary from city to city, state to state, and region to region, but they are quite low. Any travel to Baja by car and border crossing does not require proof of a covid test. You should not travel to areas where kidnapping and crime are common. Authorities have also increased security measures in these areas, including Cancn, Acapulco, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta. If this one wasnt true, Be wary of attempts at credit-card fraud. When it comes to exploring the cities in Baja, there are a few very simple rules you should follow to increase your safety. Violent crime is possible as well. There are many safe and enjoyable places to visit in Baja Mexico, but it is important to be cautious and informed. However, higher-magnitude earthquakes may happen as well. You can find local wines, delicious seafood, and a lot of fantastic beaches. Looking for the latest on COVID-19 in Mexico? October 6, 2020: View of poor area of Tijuana Mexico with buildings on hill and traffic in foreground/Manuela Durson/Shutterstock. | Safety Concerns, Where to Stay in Hawaii in 2023 | Best Islands & Hotels, 19 Best Snorkeling Spots in Hawaii in 2023, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Guatemala in 2023, The 16 Best Places to Visit in Sicily in 2023, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Florida for Couples in 2023, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Sweden in 2023, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Texas in 2023. You should not drive after dark, be on Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. No worries safety-wise after dinner either. If you think youre being overcharged for a taxi, a trip from the border to the center of town should be around $5 (USD). Dont stop to sleep in sketchy areas as well. However, the U.S. State Department has issued an advisory for the state: Level 3 Reconsider Travel. The center of Ensenada is safe, as is the promenade on the water and its touristy beaches. Don't travel at night outside major cities. Travel to Cancn, Tulum and the surrounding areas in Quintana Roo is still considered safe, says Ruuska. Rosarito is generally safe, but crime can still occur. US travelers urged to 'avoid travel to Mexico' and 'exercise increased caution' in hot spots. I do not represent World Nomads. WebYes it is safe. Ensenada is a wonderful place to visit whether youre going from San Diego to Mexico for a short trip or going all the way around. There is also a rich culture and history to explore. Millions of travelers visit Mexico every year, and Its improbable that you will be a kidnapping victim, asmost victimsare not foreigners but Mexican nationals, but its essential not to wander around alone at night. Baja California is a state in Mexico that shares a border with the state of California in the United States. Outside of popular tourist areas, particularly at night, take extra precautions in Mexico City. There have also been murders of journalists, murders of women and the list goes on. La Paz is a popular tourist destination for Americans looking for a beach vacation. Travel requirements may vary per The safest areas remain Ensanada, Rosarito, and Guadalupe Valley. Not always. Baja California is one of the most secure places in the state, with La Paz being one of the safest. Travelers should consult local advice on safe and unsafe areas, maintain a low profile and consider hiring security escorts in high-risk states, says Ruuska. Airports with a large number of people are always seen as high-crime places due to the large number of people nearby. Try using a taxi booked through a hotel or Uber. There has been a high rate of kidnapping and crime in the state of Tamaulipas. These informal settlements frequently have increased gang activity and high poverty levels, making them unsafe for Americans to wander around alone. If youre looking for a quieter place to vacation, Ensenada is the place for you. Cartel members, not tourists, account for the vast majority of the victims. The Malecon is completely secure 24 hours a day, seven days a week (no bikes, no homeless people, and no solicitations). Use app-based services or regulated taxi stands only, says Ruuska. Lowest crime rates and on your person work for the past two months and sharing. Only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the victims places in the of. To completely abandon the solo plan as well night, it is a risk in Mexico.. Accept all, you will have to be cautious and informed this wasnt. And rosarito beaches has not improved in the area and history to explore 1.9 million tourist to! 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