Is Tijuana safe to visit right now? (November 2026)

Travel advisories for Mexico

What the advice says

• The US State Department advisory for Mexico is Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution, dated 2026-05-29; this advisory is country-level, not specific to Tijuana.
• The UK FCDO advice, last updated October 20, 2026, also covers Mexico at the country level rather than specifically addressing Tijuana.
• The FCDO notes that street crime, pickpocketing, and theft are common in major cities and tourist resort areas, including on public transport, and advises limiting the cash and cards you carry and watching your luggage even in hotel lobbies.
• Travelers should take care when using ATMs, preferring ones inside shops or malls during daylight hours, avoiding large withdrawals, and staying alert to who is nearby, since criminals have targeted people using ATMs and currency exchange offices.
• The FCDO warns of scams involving people posing as police officers who attempt to extort money or fines from tourists, and advises asking for identification, requesting a copy of any fine, and not handing over money or your passport on the spot.
• Food and drink spiking has been reported, including cases of tainted alcohol and methanol poisoning, so the FCDO advises never leaving food or drinks unattended in bars and restaurants and seeking urgent medical attention if poisoning symptoms appear.
• The FCDO also notes risks of sexual assault in tourist areas, including near hotels after dark, and short-term opportunistic kidnapping in urban areas, so solo travelers should stay alert to their surroundings, avoid walking alone after dark, and keep trusted contacts informed of their plans.