Mexico has made headlines again with the deaths of three tourists in Baja California, raising concerns about travel in the area.
The U.S. Department of State has been advising citizens since August 2023 to reconsider travel to the border state of Baja California due to crime and kidnapping.
In ‘Baja North’, the murder rate has risen from 17.7 per 100,000 people in 2012 to 70.1 in 2024. The cities of Tijuana and Ensenada are the most concerning.
Most tourists come on short-term trips from California to visit the popular beaches of Rosarito and the famous Tecate Brewery.
After the horrific murders of three tourists in Baja California last week, visitors are left wondering how safe travel to the state is right now. Let’s see.
LATEST NEWS from Baja California:
May – An American and two Australian surfers brutally murdered in Baja California
Callum Robinson and Jake Robinson, Australians and brothers, and Jack Road, an American, were killed while camping in the rural area of Santo Tomás, in Ensenada, Baja California.
The tourists set up camp in an uninhabited, remote area without telephone or internet access.
On May 2, the bodies were found in a well 15 meters deep, 6 km from the campsite.
According to Baja California Attorney General Elena Andrade: “When [the murderers] When they saw the white Colorado pickup owned by the victims, they approached with the intention of taking the vehicle, removing the tires or other parts and placing them in their own pickup, an older model . When they approached and surprised these people, they probably resisted, and the attackers pulled out a firearm and killed them.” she said.
So far, authorities have arrested three suspects, including Jesús Gerardo ‘N’, alias El Kekas, his girlfriend (who had one of the victims’ phones) and another man.
The weapon used to kill the tourists has also been found. This is an ongoing investigation so more details will be provided in the coming weeks.
Areas to avoid
Baja California contains the cities of Tijuana, Ensenada, Mexicali and Tecate, is known for having some of the worst violent crimes in the entire Mexican territory.
Travel there at your own risk.
Official travel advice
US travel advice
US authorities advise citizens to “Reconsider travel” to this condition due to the high levels of crime And kidnapping.
“Reconsider Travel” means that the government does not prohibit travel to this area, but neither does it recommend it.
Travel advice for Canada
The Canadian government is urging citizens “exercises a great deal of caution” when traveling through Mexico due to violent crimes.
While the advisory names several states that Canadians should not visit, this does not specifically apply to Baja California.
The government asks travelers to be vigilant at all times, avoid traveling to isolated or deserted areas, and stay in high-security hotels because murders, kidnappings, carjackings and attacks occur even in protected tourist hotspots.
Baja California Safety Tips
Given the gruesome murder of three tourists in Baja California last week, it is now more important than ever to follow safety recommendations to protect yourself and your loved ones.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
- Always keep your family and friends back home informed of your whereabouts.
- If you travel by public transport, take a photo of the license plate and send it to a friend.
- Do not travel to remote or deserted areas or set up campsites there.
- Don’t walk alone at night.
- Abstain from excessive alcohol consumption.
- Do not use or buy drugs.
- Stay calm and do not resist if you are threatened by robbers.
- Only withdraw money from banks or shopping centers.
- If you happen to be an American, please register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to help you locate in an emergency.
