Is Tijuana Safe for Travel in 2024?

Tijuana, Mexico
Safety Score
46

Tijuana is a city in Baja California, Mexico. It is part of the San Diego–Tijuana transborder urban agglomeration and the larger Southern California megalopolis. As the 2nd-largest city in Mexico and center of the 6th-largest metro area in Mexico,Tijuana exerts a strong influence in education and politics, in transportation, culture, art, and manufacturing, and as a migration hub.

Warnings & Dangers in Tijuana

Overall Risk

OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM

Tijuana is not the safest city, but if you avoid distant districts from the city center and do not walk alone late at night, you can avoid most of the problems in this city.

Transport & Taxis Risk

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM

Public transport is well developed but maybe not very safe. Keep an eye on your wallets on buses to avoid pickpocketing. Use only licensed taxi services.

Pickpockets Risk

PICKPOCKETS RISK : HIGH

Pickpocketing occurs in Tijuana every turn, so wear an anti-theft backpack, look after your belongings, and don't leave your phones and wallets unattended. In crowded places, keep an eye on your surroundings.

Natural Disasters Risk

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : LOW

Tijuana is not exposed to any serious risks of natural disasters. Just be aware of hot weather in summer.

Mugging Risk

MUGGING RISK : MEDIUM

In the suburbs of Tijuana, local gangs' showdowns take place; during these showdowns, there are shootings and kidnappings. Avoid these areas and don't get involved with drugs.

Terrorism Risk

TERRORISM RISK : LOW

The risk of terrorism is low in Tijuana. The global risk of terrorist attacks in public areas exists worldwide, so tourists should be vigilant.

Scams Risk

SCAMS RISK : HIGH

Fraud is commonly associated with street vendors offering counterfeit goods to tourists. Don't buy them even if the price is very attractive. Also, only withdraw money from ATMs at banks with cameras to avoid skimming your card.

Women Travelers Risk

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : MEDIUM

Women traveling alone in this city should avoid late-night walks and be very discreet on the city streets. Heightened precautions won't hurt.

How Safe Is Tijuana for Tourists?

Tijuana is a rather unsafe city with a high crime rate.

Tijuana has a reputation for being a troubled city.

However, the joint actions of the government and the police seriously weakened the cartel showdown in the city.

The eastern part of Tijuana is hazardous and prone to violence.

Showdown related to drug trafficking often occurs here.

The Norte area can also be hazardous if you walk alone.

Most of the drug-related violence in Tijuana takes place in these two parts of the city.

Most drug-related violence is not directed against tourists but rival drug cartels and the Mexican police.

However, tourists can get caught up in these events.

Most tourist sites (for the most part) are generally safe, such as the heavily patrolled Avenida Revolucion, Playas de Tijuana, Rio Zone, and Tijuana’s red-light district in Zona Norte.

If you are traveling in your own car, park in well-marked, guarded parking lots.

And never leave personal belongings in the car when you leave – thieves will easily break into your car for profit.

Illicit drugs and drunk driving are severely punished in Mexico.

Use common sense and keep track of your belongings.

In any case, do not trust those who ask for or offer you free help.

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Tijuana?

A foreign national wishing to enter Mexico must obtain a visa unless they are citizens of one of the 68 eligible visa-exempt countries or one of the three Electronic Authorization System eligible countries. In addition, a valid passport is a must.

Which Currency Is Used in Tijuana?

The Mexican peso is the currency of Mexico. The peso is subdivided into 100 centavos.

How's the Weather like in Tijuana?

In Tijuana, the summers are short, warm, arid, and mostly clear, and the winters are long, cool, and partly cloudy. May-September: An excellent season to visit Tijuana.

What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Tijuana?

General Abelardo L. Rodriguez Tijuana International Airport is located in Tijuana, Baja, California, Mexico, and is the country’s second most important northern airport after Mexicali International Airport.

Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?

A travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country or city. Make sure you got it before starting your journey; the customs officer may ask for it.

What Are Some Things to Do in Tijuana?

Tijuana is a large, modern, and colorful city. Its location in the top left corner of Mexico, right on the border of the United States south of San Diego, makes it a popular spot for day-trippers who want to hop across the border to enjoy some Mexican color, eat some great food, and do a bit of shopping before heading back.

Is the Water in Tijuana Safe to Drink?

Tap water in Mexico is generally not safe to drink.

Is Uber Safe in Tijuana?

There is an Uber taxi in the city; you can call a taxi from your smartphone application. The fare will depend on the time of day and the distance traveled.

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