New U.S. advisory cautions travel to Baja California

Under a new travel advisory, the U.S. State Department has issued a “level 2” warning for Baja California and Baja California Sur, recommending that travelers “ exercise increased caution due to crime” when visiting these states.

The warning is the second lowest of a new four-level ranking system now being used to evaluate security conditions for U.S. travelers to countries worldwide. It ranges from the lowest level—“exercise normal precautions”—to the strictest, “do not travel.”

There are no restrictions in tourist areas, including Tijuana, Rosarito Beach and Ensenada. There also are no restrictions for Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and La Paz.

The State Department issued its highest-level warning for five Mexican states — Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa and Tamaulipas.