How safe is Tijuana for travel?

Is Tijuana a safe city? Tijuana is a city located in the Mexican state of Baja California, on the US-Mexico border. The city of Tijuana is Mexico’s most populous city with 2,181,000 people, and the 2nd largest city in the country after Mexico City.

Unfortunately, this city is also infamous for being a major center of drug trafficking and organized crime. However, while it is certainly not without its risks, Tijuana is generally safe for travel if visitors take the right precautions by sticking to certain areas.

Warnings & Dangers in Tijuana

Unfortunately, Tijuana is considered a high-risk destination due to persistent violent crime, ongoing drug cartel activity, and frequent incidents of theft, making it one of the most dangerous cities in the world for both residents and visitors

If you must travel to Tijuana, it is highly recommended to join a well-protected tour for added safety.

Tijuana was voted the most dangerous city for two years in a row. There are 134 murders per 100,000 people. By the end of 2020, Tijuana accounted for at least 2,000 murders. More Americans living in the area have become targets of organized crime.

Transport & Taxis Risk: Medium

Taxi drivers in Tijuana are known for overcharging tourists and taking unnecessarily long routes. Scams are more common if you hail a taxi from the street, so it’s best to negotiate the fare in advance or use Uber for a safer and more predictable experience.

For those driving into Tijuana, the city’s location makes it convenient to bring your car over the border and explore the Baja California peninsula. However, be mindful of local traffic laws, as road conditions and driving styles can be unpredictable.

Parking in well-lit and secure areas is highly recommended to avoid vehicle break-ins.

If using public transportation, such as buses or shared taxis (colectivos), stay alert, as pickpocketing is a frequent issue, especially in crowded transportation hubs. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid displaying valuables while in transit.

Pickpockets Risk: High

In Tijuana, pickpockets are very active, especially in crowded areas such as markets, public transport, and tourist hotspots.

Thieves often rely on creating distractions or causing commotion to divert your attention. They sometimes work in groups, where one individual may engage you in conversation while another picks your pockets or grabs your belongings.

Be particularly cautious in busy areas like Zona Norte or crowded buses, where the risk is higher. It’s best to keep your valuables secure, ideally in a front pocket or a money belt, and avoid leaving bags unattended or in plain sight.

Don’t allow strangers to approach you with a sob story or any request for help, as these are common tactics to distract you while an accomplice targets your belongings. Always stay aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your items at all times.

Natural Disasters Risk: Low

Tijuana faces a small risk of natural disasters, primarily hurricanes. These tend to occur mainly in late summer and early fall, just before and after hurricane season, which typically runs from June to November.

While the city is not directly in the hurricane’s primary path, it can still experience heavy rains and strong winds. However, the severity of hurricanes that reach Tijuana is generally lower compared to more coastal regions.

In terms of earthquakes, Tijuana’s risk is very low compared to other areas in Mexico, such as the southern regions. While the city is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is prone to seismic activity, major earthquakes are rare.

Mugging Risk: Medium

While muggings, kidnappings, and street crimes such as robberies have been reported in Tijuana, they are not as widespread as in some other major cities. Residents often report that these crimes are more common in certain neighborhoods, particularly those outside the tourist areas.

Despite this, tourists should always exercise caution, as they can still be targeted.

To minimize the risk of becoming a victim, it’s recommended to leave valuables. Remain alert, especially in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas. Avoid walking alone at night, and use well-established, reputable transport options like Uber instead of hailing taxis off the street.

Terrorism Risk: Low

Tijuana is not a city that faces significant terrorism threats.

The primary danger in the city stems from drug cartel activity, which has led to organized crime and violence. Terrorist attacks, however, are not common occurrences, and there is no recent history of terrorism-related events targeting Tijuana or its residents.

While the city’s proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border makes it a hub for cross-border criminal activities, terrorism risks remain low, and the city’s security measures are largely focused on addressing cartel-related violence rather than countering terrorism.

Scam Risk: High

Scams are, unfortunately, common in Tijuana, and tourists are frequent targets. There are many types of scams, including street vendors offering counterfeit goods, individuals posing as officials to demand money, and deceptive taxi drivers who overcharge unsuspecting passengers.

People may approach you with requests for donations, sob stories, or offers that seem too good to be true—these are usually red flags.

Scammers may try to distract you while an accomplice steals from your bags or pockets. Always be cautious and avoid engaging with strangers who seem overly insistent. Pay attention to your surroundings, keep valuables in secure places, and don’t trust anyone you don’t know.

Women Travelers Risk: High

For female travelers, Tijuana poses a higher risk due to harassment and safety concerns. Women may experience verbal harassment or unwanted attention, particularly in certain areas. Assaults, including sexual harassment, have been reported.

Take extra precautions when traveling solo in the city. To minimize risk, it is highly recommended that women avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas. Stick to well-known tourist zones or travel in groups if possible.

Even if you prefer solo travel, consider taking guided tours or utilizing trusted transportation services. It’s important to be aware of the city’s high femicide rate, which has contributed to Tijuana’s reputation as one of the most dangerous places for women in the world.

Always prioritize safety and be mindful of your environment.

Tap Water Risk: High

Don’t drink water from the tap here! It’s not safe. Stick to bottled water or drinks from sealed containers. Water in Mexico is often contaminated with parasites or bacteria, which can make you sick. When you buy bottled water, be sure to check the seal on the cap.