Travel warning issued for Tijuana, Baja California

LOS ANGELES - The State Department recently reissued a warning for Americans planning travel to Tijuana or Baja California due to heightened concerns regarding crime and kidnappings. 

The warning states "travelers should remain on main highways and avoid remote locations … of particular concern is the high number of homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana."  

The warning also says US citizens have been victims of kidnappings. 

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The State Department issued the following tips if you do still plan on traveling to your destination:

• Review the U.S. Embassy's webpage on COVID-19.
• Visit the CDC’s web page on Travel and COVID-19.
• Keep traveling companions and family back home informed of your travel plans.  If separating from your travel group, send a friend your GPS location.  If taking a taxi alone, take a photo of the taxi number and/or license plate and text it to a friend.
• Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night.  In many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital or major cities.
• Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Crime and Safety Reports for Mexico.
• Mariners planning travel to Mexico should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts, which include instructions on reporting suspicious activities and attacks to Mexican naval authorities.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

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