Mexico's Secretariat of Foreign Affairs elevated the travel advisory for northern Baja California to level three out of four on June 8 2026. The warning covers Tijuana Mexicali and Tecate municipalities citing increased organized crime activity and vehicle-related crimes. US citizens are specifically urged to limit road travel after sunset.
Local authorities have deployed additional federal police units along Highway 1 and Highway 2 corridors. Rental car companies report a 35 percent rise in theft incidents compared with the same period last year.
The advisory aligns with similar warnings issued by the US State Department in late May. Cross-border tourism had rebounded strongly with over 1.2 million US visitors recorded in the first quarter of 2026.
What this means for you
Use hotel shuttles or authorized taxis instead of rental cars when visiting Tijuana nightlife districts. Register with the US STEP program before crossing and share itineraries with contacts. Consider day trips only and return before dusk.
Book accommodations in Ensenada or Rosarito which remain at lower advisory levels. Verify current conditions via official embassy apps the morning of travel.
Regional security improvements could lower the advisory within six months if crime statistics decline.