Baja California, Mexico, is a popular tourist destination, but is it safe to travel there now? Consisting of two states, Baja California Sur and Baja California, the region offers stunning vistas, friendly locals, and a range of activities from surfing to whale-watching. However, there are safety concerns, particularly in certain areas closer to the border with the United States. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to the cities of Tijuana and Tecate in the state of Baja California, but the state of Baja California Sur is unaffected by these warnings. Travellers are advised to take general safety precautions, such as watching alcohol consumption and staying aware of their surroundings.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Location | South of California, in the United States |
Population | Nearly 4 million |
Climate | Varied |
Sanitary Precautions | Take all necessary sanitary precautions due to Covid-19 |
Currency | Mexican Peso |
Time Zone | Pacific Daylight Time (GMT-6) |
Language | Spanish, English, and some indigenous languages |
Visa Requirements | Not required for most travelers |
Electricity Sockets | Type A (two-prong) and Type B (three-prong) |
Airports | Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) |
Tourist Attractions | Whale watching, Valle de Guadalupe, La Paz, Tijuana |
Safety | Generally safe, but some areas closer to the border may have higher crime rates |
What You'll Learn
Whale watching in Baja California Sur
There are several places in Baja California Sur to see whales. In the south of the Baja peninsula, there is Bahia Magdalena, also known as 'Mag Bay', where whales can be seen in their breeding and calving season. This is a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts, nature lovers, and whale watchers.
Further north, there is Laguna San Ignacio, regarded as the best place to see grey whales. The whales here are friendlier and encounters are more likely. Tourists can pet and kiss the baby grey whales, and even swim with them. There are several tour companies that offer trips to the lagoon, with prices starting at $230 per night, and it is recommended to stay for at least 3-4 days.
Another spot for whale watching is Laguna Ojo de Liebre, formerly known as Scammon's Lagoon, near Guerrero Negro. Tour operators offer excursions to see the whales, with prices starting at $38 for adults and $30 for children. It is also possible to go directly to the lagoon and hire a local boat to take you out on the water.
For those who want to see humpback whales, Cabo San Lucas is a good option. This is one of the easiest and most accessible destinations for whale watching, due to its proximity to the international airport. Many tour companies offer boat tours, and it is likely that you will also see grey whales, dolphins, and orcas.
Loreto is another charming destination for whale watching, where you can see blue whales, the largest animal on Earth. Local tour companies organise whale-watching tours from January through mid-April, and it is common to see fin whales and large pods of dolphins as well.
There are also whale-watching camps on the Pacific Coast, where you can stay in eco-camps or cabanas and spend several days observing the whales. These camps are located in San Ignacio, Magdalena Bay, and Ojo de Liebre.
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Travel warnings and safety in Tijuana
Tijuana is a city located in the Mexican state of Baja California, on the US-Mexico border. It is known for its vibrant nightlife, excellent food, stunning beaches, and colourful marketplaces. However, it has also gained a reputation for being a major centre of drug trafficking and organised crime.
Tijuana has been flagged as a very high-risk location by the US State Department, and was named the world's most violent city in 2019, with 134 homicides per 100,000 people. While most of this violence takes place in non-tourist areas, it is important to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times.
Crime
Tijuana has a high rate of violent crime, including muggings, kidnappings, robberies, and homicides. The city has a significant issue with drug cartels and gang activity, which are largely responsible for the high crime rates. While tourists can generally avoid these areas, it is important to be cautious and stick to well-lit, tourist-friendly zones.
Pickpocketing is also common in Tijuana, especially in crowded tourist locations. Criminals may also pose as taxi drivers or offer other scams to take advantage of tourists. It is recommended to use ride-sharing apps like Uber or DiDi rather than hailing a cab on the street.
Natural Disasters
Tijuana is located in an area prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and hurricanes. While the risk of hurricanes is generally low, it is important to stay informed about the weather and follow local safety guidelines.
Health and Safety
The tap water in Tijuana is not safe to drink, and it is recommended to stick to bottled water or drinks from sealed containers. The beaches in Tijuana have also been flagged as unsafe due to water contamination, which can cause respiratory problems, rashes, stomach issues, and ear infections.
Women Travellers
Female travellers in Tijuana face a high risk of harassment and assault. It is strongly recommended that women do not walk alone at night and stick to well-known, tourist-friendly areas.
Safety Tips
- Be aware of your surroundings and avoid unfamiliar areas.
- Avoid walking alone at night, regardless of gender.
- Do not drink tap water.
- Be cautious when leaving valuables in your car, as theft from vehicles is common.
- Avoid buying counterfeit or pirated goods, as this supports organised crime.
- Do not leave food or drinks unattended, especially in crowded areas.
- Be cautious when taking taxis and insist on using the meter.
- Carry small bills and coins, as shopkeepers may not have change.
- Avoid carrying large sums of cash or valuables.
- Avoid confrontations with strangers.
While Tijuana offers many attractions for tourists, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and take appropriate safety precautions. By being vigilant and following local advice, it is possible to have a safe and enjoyable trip to Tijuana.
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Driving in Baja California
The Roads
Mexico Federal Highway 1, also known as the Trans-Peninsula Highway, is the main road that runs through Baja California. It's a narrow, two-lane road with very few shoulders or guardrails, and it's the north-south road for the entire 1000-mile stretch. The road can be dangerous, especially at night, as livestock often roam freely and can be difficult to see. There are also many large trucks and buses that use this road, so it's important to be cautious and adjust your speed when approaching curves or cliffs.
Military Checkpoints
There are several military checkpoints along the Baja Peninsula, but there's no need to be alarmed. These young military men are there to deter crime and will typically ask you where you're from and where you're going. They may ask you to step out of the vehicle for a routine inspection, so have your wallet and any necessary paperwork with you, and be courteous and cooperative.
Driving Culture
Driving culture in Baja California can be quite different from what you may be used to. Indicating a left turn can also mean telling the driver behind you that it's okay to pass, which can be confusing and dangerous. It's essential to be aware of your surroundings and other drivers at all times. Mexicans are generally friendly and laid-back, but they tend to become aggressive and competitive when driving, so be prepared for that.
Practical Tips
- Get Mexican car insurance before you cross the border.
- Always wear your seatbelt.
- Avoid driving at night if possible.
- Fill up on gas whenever you can, as gas stations can be few and far between.
- Carry essential supplies like water, toilet paper, and a basic car repair kit.
- Be prepared for potential car repairs by having cash on hand and knowing some basic Spanish phrases for communicating with mechanics.
- Be cautious when passing other vehicles, and always check your mirrors and blind spots.
- Be extra careful in the mountains and on curves, and watch out for large trucks that may use both sides of the road.
- If you feel tired, pull over and rest. It's better to arrive late than not at all.
Final Thoughts
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Best travel insurance for Mexico
While not a legal requirement, it is highly recommended that you take out travel insurance before your trip to Mexico. This is because your usual health insurance is unlikely to cover you while abroad, and Mexico is no exception.
There are many companies offering travel insurance for Mexico, and it can be difficult to know which one to choose. Here are some of the best options:
Allianz Travel Insurance
Allianz offers several types of plans, from multiple trips to Mexico to individual trips. You can tailor your coverage to your exact needs, choosing a plan with higher policy limits or a more basic travel insurance plan. Allianz's OneTrip Prime plan is recommended as it offers more than basic coverage at a lower price point than premium travel insurance plans. Allianz also lets you add optional Cancel Anytime coverage, which reimburses you for 80% of prepaid trip costs if you need to cancel for any reason.
Seven Corners
Seven Corners is recommended if you're travelling with family. Their Trip Protection Choice plan covers up to 10 people in a single policy and has more inclusive coverages and higher policy limits for added protection. This plan also includes coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations and delays, and other travel mishaps.
Generali Global Assistance
If you're not into adventure sports but want broad protection for medical emergencies, Generali Global Assistance is a good option. Their Premium Travel Insurance Plan has high limits for medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation coverage, and includes protection for pre-existing medical conditions. You can also add optional CFAR (Cancel For Any Reason) coverage for an additional cost.
Trawick International
For those planning to get active in Mexico, Trawick International's SafeTreker plan includes coverage for more than 450 sports and activities and is available to travellers up to the age of 65. It can even cover high-altitude climbing with pre-approval. Optional coverages for extreme sports and mountaineering are also available.
WorldTrips
WorldTrips' AtlasNomads Insurance is great for remote workers living abroad and frequent travellers to Mexico. This plan includes protection for emergency medical expenses and emergency evacuation coverage. Other benefits include trip interruption coverage, travel delay coverage, and lost luggage reimbursement.
Travel Insurance Master
If you're looking for cheap travel insurance, Travel Insurance Master searches numerous companies at once and gives you several quotes in seconds. They have simplified the world of travel insurance down to just five questions before giving you a list of quotes. They also offer a wide range of benefits, like Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) plans.
SafetyWing
SafetyWing is perfect for digital nomads and long-term travellers, with monthly travel policies starting at $42 USD per month. Their policies cover travel emergencies, basic medical costs, and medical expenses, starting at just $5 USD per day.
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Visa requirements for Mexico
The majority of travellers do not need a visa to enter Mexico as tourists. This includes citizens of the US, Canada, EU, Israel, Japan, and dozens of other countries. Additionally, any visitor with permanent residency or a valid visa from the US, Canada, the UK, or any country in the Schengen Area or Pacific Alliance is also exempt from requiring a visa.
All foreign visitors must have a passport with at least six months of validity and a completed Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM), Mexico's tourist card or stamp. The FMM can be obtained from the airline or at the port of entry, and it costs US$28. Immigration officials will stamp the FMM or your passport, indicating the number of days you're permitted to stay, which is usually up to 180 days.
If you're entering Mexico by land, there are some additional considerations:
- FMMs are free for visitors staying less than seven days.
- FMMs are not required for visitors who stay less than 72 hours in the "Zona Libre" or "Free Zone", which is 20 to 26 km south of the US border.
- If you're entering through the Zona Libre but planning to travel beyond it, request an FMM when crossing the border.
For those who do require a tourist visa to enter Mexico, such as citizens of China, India, Russia, and South Africa, the following documents must be submitted in person at the nearest Mexican embassy or consulate:
- Visa application form
- Colour passport photograph
- Proof of ties to an origin country (e.g. employment letter or proof of full-time study)
- Proof of economic solvency (e.g. three months of bank statements or investments)
- Approximately US$51 fee (cash or bank transfer only)
Appointments for tourist visas must be made online, and the submitted documents will be reviewed, along with biometric data taken and an interview conducted by a consular agent. Once approved, a tourist visa is valid for up to 180 days, and travellers must also have an FMM upon entry to Mexico.
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Frequently asked questions
The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the city of Tijuana, the city of Tecate, and the roads between them. However, airside transit through Tijuana airport, the Cross Border Xpress bridge, and the federal toll road 1D and Via Rápida through Tijuana to the border are considered safe.
Baja California offers stunning vistas along the Carretera Transpeninsular (Hwy 1). There are beautiful beaches in Los Cabos (Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo), La Paz, and Ensenada. Whale watching is a popular activity in the winter months. For wine lovers, there's the Valle de Guadalupe, known as the "Napa Valley of Mexico."
It is recommended to follow general travel safety guidelines such as not walking home alone at night, being aware of your surroundings, and watching your alcohol consumption. Dressing in a way that helps you blend in with the locals and purchasing a Mexico SIM card can also enhance your safety.
The currency in Baja California is the Mexican Peso, and the time zone is Pacific Daylight Time (GMT-6). While Spanish is the predominant language, English is also commonly spoken. Most travellers do not need a visa, but it is recommended to check the specific requirements for your country of origin.