The US State Department raised the advisory level for Baja California state to Level 3 on June 5 2026 citing increased violent crime near the US border. The advisory recommends reconsidering travel to Tijuana and Mexicali while Los Cabos remains at Level 2. Kidnapping and carjacking incidents rose 22 percent in the first quarter of 2026.
Canadian and UK foreign offices issued matching alerts the same week. Cruise lines have rerouted three vessels away from Ensenada port calls through September. Hotel occupancy in Tijuana dropped 18 percent within days of the announcement.
The advisory follows a pattern of fluctuating security assessments along the northern border. Previous Level 3 notices in 2023 and 2024 were lifted after six months when crime metrics improved.
State authorities in Baja California dispute the figures and point to new police deployments. Tourism revenue in the state reached 4.1 billion dollars in 2025 before the latest advisory.
What this means for you
Postpone nonessential road trips into Tijuana and use San Diego as a base instead. If travel is required register with the STEP program and avoid driving after dark. Use hotel shuttles rather than rental cars in border zones.
Monitor the State Department website weekly as levels can change quickly. Purchase travel insurance that includes security evacuation coverage before departure.
Los Cabos resorts remain unaffected and continue to report record bookings for the summer season.