Baja California is Open for All Tourism Including the California Land Crossing

Baja California is open again to tourists from all countries and visitors do not need to submit a COVID-19 test or undergo quarantine on arrival.

Authorities have lowered the risk level from red to yellow.

Baja has taken the lead in creating and implementing “La Ruta Turística por México (the Tourist Route through Mexico)”, an initiative to standardize biosecurity protocols against COVID-19 and promote the reopening for tourism.

Baja California Reopening – Latest Updates

Update April 20 – No restrictions for Americans traveling to Baja California by land

The U.S-American land borders are officially closed, at least, until April 21, and it’s very likely this restriction will be extended once again. But the reality is different. The truth is that many people have been crossing down to Mexico with little restrictions such as presenting a negative COVID-19 test or showing proof their travel is essential.

But not any more according to Baja California’s tourism secretary Mario Escobedo Carignan, who recently stated that American spring breakers won’t need to bring a negative COVID-19 or any other certificates to be allowed entry into the state.

“It’s important that whoever does visit, we ask them to follow safety protocols and to be respectful, and they can have fun on their vacations,” said Escobedo. “We as Baja Californians are ready and waiting for them. It’s do-or-die time for many small businesses.”

Tourists should keep in mind that coming back to the U.S. is different since they must bring a negative COVID-19 test rest and travel by air.

Update – March 15 – Baja has switched to medium risk yellow on the local stoplight map

Thanks to a decline in coronavirus patients in Baja California’s hospitals from 53% to 50,7%, the local government has decided to switch the state to “yellow risk” which is not too bad for tourists looking for sunny days in sparkling beaches.

The change in the color means that most tourist venues will increase their capacity levels and schedules to welcome visitors.

As of now, Tijuana, Mexicali and Ensenada have opened their gyms and sports centers at 66% capacity; bars, casinos, nightclubs at 50% and hotels and restaurants at 75%.

Update – February 15

Baja California has gone from red to yellow according to national data. State authorities decided to move from red to orange instead.

The allowed capacity for gyms, spas and sport centers is 65% while for theaters, movie theaters, malls, public transport and churches is 50%

Vaccination rollout

33,000 doses of the COVID vaccine arrived in Baja over the weekend. These doses will cover the second round of inoculation for the healthcare professionals in the State. Senior citizens are next in line to be vaccinated. (Source in Spanish)

Update – December 7

Baja California has reached almost 1000 COVID cases and from December has the highest (red light) warning in Mexico.

**Information below was up to date as of NOVEMBER 12 – for detailed information on the red zone rules visit the full post, Mexico opening for tourism.

What does it mean for travelers to visit a yellow State?

Baja California COVID-19 cases — Up to date until April 25

Baja California has just made it to the “Yellow List. To check out Mexico’s interactive map click here.

Make it to the yellow list means that,

Hotels, restaurants, barbershops, open-air parks, and gyms are open at a bigger capacity.
Shopping malls, churches, cinemas, theaters, museums, and cultural events are allowed at 100% percent capacity.

Are Americans allowed entry to Baja California?

American visitors are allowed to visit for any purpose, including tourism. No COVID-19 test or quarantine is required.

What can travelers do in Baja California during COVID?

Baja California reopening for tourism - travel restrictions

Ensenada:

Catch a movie with a friend or have a few drinks and gamble. Restaurants, bars, casinos, gyms and movie theaters are open every day until midnight.
Work on that tan! Beaches are open for sports (6am to 9pm) and other recreational activities (10am to 6pm)

Source

Tijuana:

Enjoy the local cuisine without worries (except perhaps packing a few pounds) Tijuana has been awarded a “Mesa Segura” distinction for their biosafety protocols.

Rosarito:

Walk, swim, run and surf in Rosarito beaches from 6am to 6pm.

Guadalupe Wine Valley:

Make sure to visit the wineries while in Guadalupe, most of them are open to the public at a reduced capacity.

Mexicali:

Restaurants and other businesses are open at 50% capacity in Mexicali. Authorities may be enforcing stricter measures at the moment.

For more information on what businesses are open check this link.

Best places to visit in Baja California

Natural Parks

To most of us, Baja California means sun, beach, and tequila. However, Baja offers much more than that. Uninhabited deserts, coral reefs, and epic mountain peaks give visitors the chance of getting up close and personal with nature.

Parque Nacional Constitución (Laguna Hanson)
Parque Nacional San Pedro Mártir
Valle de Los Cirios

Tourist Attractions

Now that the State made it to the Orange list, it’s time to visit some of these towns and cities in Baja.

How is the weather like in Baja California?

Not too hot, not too cold. Sunny days and fresh nights.

Best boutique hotels in Baja California

When in Baja California, visitors shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit some of these cozy boutique hotels and contribute to the local economy.

Cabañas Cuatro Cuatros – Boutique Hotel, Eco-Lodge, Winery with Rooms
Guaycura Boutique Hotel Beach Club & Spa – Boutique Hotel
Rancho Pescadero – Boutique Hotel, Resort, Spa Hotel
Casa Natalia – Boutique Hotel
Los Milagros Hotel – Boutique Hotel

COVID-19 Situation in Baja California

Baja California COVID figures — Current COVID-19 cases in Baja California

COVID-19 cases report – April 20

The State has been experiencing a steady decline in COVID cases. As of April 20, the State has reported 350 active cases and 41,119 recoveries. (Source).