There is no definitive answer to this question as different people may have different opinions on what constitutes a safe city. The United States offers a wide range of safe cities and regions. Ill never go back. If you are not involved in the violence, you are less likely to be targeted, so be cautious but also reassured. Not a pleasant day at all from Houston, because you will almost certainly arrive at night, tired, on winding roads in a very dark place. Monterrey, Mexico It is the sole property of its owner. Ive talked to some people who say Nuevo Progreso is safer, but youd suggest not bothering with that either? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-102698971', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');fly to Orlando (sorry, but its the only place we could get a direct flight to in the south) before renting a car and taking off through AL, MI, and on to New Orleans (honestly my favourite city in the States, if not the world!). Avoid ice at all costs; instead, drink boiled (or bottled) water at all times. It has seen gang-related violence, drug cartels, kidnappings, and other problems, making it an intimidating place to visit. They once had thriving markets, but most of those businesses have been moved to the US side (or simply shut down). You can even do winter, because it gets Mexican weather. It is much easier for RV's to negotiate parking to pick up paperwork and documents. The Nuestra Seora de Guadalupe is perhaps the most beautiful church in the city, and it can be found all over town. You are also not far from Laredo. US President Joe Biden speaks with a member of the US Border Patrol as they walk along the US-Mexico border fence in El Paso, Texas, on January 8, 2023. Both cities are linked by the Matamoros-Brownsville Bridge, which spans the Rio Grande. Approximately 350 National Guard troops were dispatched to support the federal troops currently in Baja California, California. Taxi fares and public transportation are among the most common places in Mexico for harassment. . A former cafe in the mercado in Matamoros. Save. Going by what youve said, I feel brave enough to take my chances in Progreso, it would only be for a few hours around noon, maybe for lunch and a drink or two before the walk back across the Rio Grande. From San Diego, you can take a blue line train (locals call it "the trolley") directly to the border, a journey of roughly 30 minutes. Wow, youve certainly given me a comprehensive run-down of all things Texas! See state summaries and advisory levels below for information on your specific travel destination. Get more information on Arizona border crossings on our blog. 2)INTT Veterans Bridge If you are driving outside the Mexico Free Zone you will need a vehicle import permit. Agua Prieta / Douglas. The Gateway International Bridge links the downtown business districts of Brownsville and Matamoros. And many missionaries who have served in Matamoros say that the rewards of the work far outweigh the risks. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Mexico has seen some of the highest daily COVID-19 incidence rates. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Brownsville. You just move slower and become, like desert animals, good at spotting shade that you can fit into. Banjercito is open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Saturday. (Susan Ormiston/CBC) Dalila Moran de Asencio, 33-year-old teacher, and Edgardo . The risk of getting into trouble is enormous at Matamoros. This citys attractions include a long history of trade, as well as a large expatriate community. Migrants from the Matamoros camp in Mexico arrive to cross the border bridge into the United States on Febuary 26. This is the United States/Mexico border crossing between Brownsville, TX and Matamoros, Mexico. The Matamoros-Brownsville metropolitan area is also a major crossing point for . 9 years ago. Mexico is a safe place to travel on a solo basis as long as you follow the proper rules and pay attention to your surroundings. All rights reserved, Exploring The Red Light District: A Guide To Finding Street Prostitutes In Tijuana Mexico, The Average Cost Of Liposuction In Tijuana Mexico: Exploring Factors That Affect The Price, Exploring Mexico? In addition to Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Mexico has stationed marines on Cancun beaches. As to violence, crime, kidnapping, etc., the state is extremely dangerous. If I dont get to see Big Bend, at least its incentive for me to come back again next summer. Regionalisms in Campeche, Get to know them. Depending on the season, the line to cross the border can be long; however, the Ready Lane system should reduce the majority of wait times. Cars, pick-up trucks, and motorcycles US$3 ($48 MXN). Matamoros is a port city located along the southern bank of the Rio Grande. San Antonio is our old city, the only of the large cities on most visitors lists that is truly Texas. You can get a $10 discount by using the discount code brOKEBACKPACKER. Bicycles and pedestrians US$0.75 ($12 MXN). Matamoros newly constructed SENTRI lanes allow travelers to drive quickly and cross the border in a short amount of time, making crossing the border with friends and family easier. At this camp, erected just meters away from the US border on the other side of the Rio Grande, migrants were forced to wait until a judge was able to hear their request for asylum. Matamoros is a great place to shop for souvenirs, and there are a number of different shops to choose from. The level of crimes in here is high. It is much easier for RV's to negotiate parking to pick up paperwork and documents. Your car is all packed, you've purchased your Mexican auto insurance online, and now you are ready to head to Mexico for a much needed beach vacation. Now my sister was asking me to give her a ride to the bridge. The FBI reported that communities near the border are one of the safest in the country in general. 1. On September 15, Mexico reported 83,834 active cases, a 1% decrease from the previous Tuesday. Due to a high level of crime and kidnapping, the U.S. Department of State has issued a travel warning for a number of Mexican states. Feb. 24, 2023 Updated 2:20 PM PT. Despite the fact that Reynosa is not a recommended destination, there is no reason to avoid visiting, but keep in mind that there is a high level of violence. The report looked at crime rates in cities and towns along the U.S.-Mexican border. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-102698422', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');New Orleans have high (not nearly so high as a Mexican border town) murder rates, but you can be pretty confident that there won't be a battle between full time criminals with automatic weapons in the tourist shopping areas of St. Louis, nor will you worry about militerized gangsters in convoy ambushing police on Bourbon Street. I know of people who had long been accustomed to travel in the state to tour or to hunt but who have now stopped going because of the hazards. Matamoros is a no go. The FBI recently released its most recent crime report, which found that communities along the U.S.-Mexico border are among the safest in the country. Our first step: We bought our Mexican car insurance with BestMex.com to travel with a peaceful mind by knowing that our car is protected in case of any situation and of course, our pocket too. There are only three border crossings. The main pools swim-up bar is a great place for adults to enjoy some drinks and fun. And they are no respecter of tourist zones. In Mexico, Cabo San Lucas is a luxury hot spot. Camargo / Rio Grande City. But what is it like to visit destinations along the border? You also save money and the environment by recycling. It is a bit like the Yorkshire Dales. This story is based on the following video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EF4C6cl-P4. There is one place I advise people that they can go in near perfect safety. MATAMOROS, Mexico Asylum-seekers frustrated over increasingly squalid conditions at the southern border where they have been forced to wait until their US immigration court dates shut down a normally busy international border crossing Thursday. It is also known as the Baja Peninsula. Irving, TX 75038 USA. The card allows travelers to go 55 miles inland from the border and combined with a valid passport grants. It also provides a complaint line, a safety hotline, and Coronavirus information through its Guest Assist app. Matamoros was renamed in 1824 in honor of the Mexican general Jos Mara Morelos y Pav*n. Following several invasions by the British in 1835 and 1836, the city was taken over several times, finally becoming a Mexican town in 1848. The region is not a particularly safe place to travel due to gang tensions and the lack of police control. And while there is much more to the Big Bend than Big Bend National Park, the park is what people especially think about. This has been the pattern in all the major border towns. Ive actually been to San Antonio twice before, and it is indeed one of the most pleasant cities in Texas, so well be sure to stop by again, probably on the way back up from the border when we finally get there. This series of bridges connects Matamoros in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas to Brownsville. While the Big Bend is no hotter than (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Why Should I Know Who They Are? A new process under . In 2019, a father and his daughter from El Salvador died while attempting to cross the river near the border city of Matamoros, Mexico. Kidnapping and extortion are two serious threats that must be avoided. Matamoros is situated on the United States-Mexico border across the Rio Grande River. Youll have a lot of fun here because theres a lot of culture to be discovered. The camp recently emptied out after the Biden administration ended the. Get more information on New Mexico border crossings on our blog. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide . As a result, if you use our link to book your accommodations, purchase your gear, or sort your insurance, we will earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). According to reports, the incident was directed at the Mexican Marine Barracks. Veterans International Bridge. There are a lot of drug smugglers and illegal immigrants who try to cross the border there, so the security is really tight. A second group of 131 . The U.S. State Department has issued a travel warning for Matamoros, Mexico, due to crime and violence. Mexico does not allow the consumption of water. Crossing the U.S. - Mexico Border by Land. I would really consider whether you want to spend your valuable vacation time in Progresso (or any border town, for that matterBoquillas in Big Bend being the one and only exception). Earlier this year, there were three major ambushes of police in Matamoros. Nonetheless, due to increased drug cartel violence, the State Department has advised travelers to reconsider visiting certain parts of Mexico. Escuelita de la Banqueta on Sunday. Then we had to follow the sign through the light vehicles lane; there, we saw a big sign that says Welcome to Mexico and right below this, the different crossing lanes driveways. Agent Licence in Mxico: M177805, Regionalisms in Guadalajara, tapatias words. We continued straight ahead and followed Agapito Gonzalez direction, for a good stretch until another sign that says Cd. Country Summary: Violent crime - such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery - is widespread and common in Mexico. There are also a number of different restaurants to eat at, and a day trip to Matamoros can be a great way to try some of the local cuisine. And I kind of feel like the Texas side towns are kind of an idealized version of what we would like the Mexican side to be. Mexico has a high rate of violent crime, including murder, armed robbery, sexual assault, and kidnapping. Near Eagle Pass, Texas, agents found three large groups in less than 15 hours, the agency said Tuesday. The Mexican Marine Barracks were the intended target of the attack, according to reports. Female solo travelers in Mexico may not be the best choice. There are 3 Border Crossings between Brownsville Texas and Matamoros, Tamaulipas Mexico: B & M, Gateway and Veteran's Memorial Bridge. With so much danger, she said, and muttered something about her grandson, already grown, having disappeared without a trace six years earlier. Here is some material to consider. Matamoros, even when it was safer, was rather nasty. Victoria Reynosa, then to Plan de Ayutla, and then followed directions to Naffarrete that is on the right side. You will need a Temporary Importation Permit (TIP) if you travel 13 miles beyond the U.S./Mexico border with Texas. To cross the sea, you must have a passport, a Sea-Pass, and an entry permit (forma Migratoria Multiple, FMM), as well as a valid passport. Matamoros is a high-risk city. This state has the lowest homicide rate and the third lowest violent crime rate, in addition to recording a 23% decrease in robberies, assaults, and sexual assaults in the last year. Reynosa, in the northeastern state of Tamaulipas, is a city. "Better" is always relative, and as my dad used to say, if we all liked the same things the world would be pretty boring! Tourist attractions are generally immune from robbery and pickpocketing (particularly on public transportation). Meet at 8:00, cross at 8:30. If youre unsure about a scam, check it out. Access: I-69E, US 83 / Avenida 5 de Mayo. An important component of the Gulf Cartel is a collection of various Gulf states groups that have migrated to Mexico to pursue control of the drug trade. We link to the products we trust and never recommend services that we do not believe in. It is much easier for RV's to negotiate parking to pick up paperwork and documents. Which is what makes the endemic violence so sad. Mexico, according to a Level 3 Travel Health Notice issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is experiencing high levels of Covid. The one thing youve not planned is your route to Mexico. It wasnt Los Portales, it wasnt Los Norteos, it wasnt where wed be if we could be where we really wanted to be, but for a moment, we could imagine it was like old times. 1985 N. Expressway. Font Size: The Biden administration's program to admit migrants using an exception to a major expulsion order if they crossed illegally is leading to family separations, according to multiple reports. According to the Global Peace Index, Mexico is the 24th least peaceful country in the world. I had pulled up to the curb expecting her to get in the front seat, but she opened the back door to set her purse and two plastic bags with leftovers down on the seat and then sat next to them. Let me explain. From there, you are directly at the border crossing into Mexico. By Oscar Csares. If you purchased with us before, you can quickly re-issue a new policy.Click here to set up a password. Missionaries are not typically targets of this type of violence. These cities have relatively low crime rates and are generally considered to be peaceful places to live. Some travelers come here to visit Bagdad Beach which is located not so far from the city. Due to serious safety concerns, the US Embassy in Mexico has advised American tourists to avoid Tijana, Rosarito, and Baja California. It is a popular tourist destination and one of the safest places in Mexico for expats. 225shares. 110 helpful votes. The picture of the father and his 23-month-old. In Matamoros, you must use bottled water or boil water; tap water is not drinkable. In addition to the USS Lexington Museum, the USS Carden Museum is a fantastic place to learn about naval history. Be sure you go and return during daylight hours. Juarez is the most sophisticated border town, a city with outstanding Mexican food, Mexican-style steaks, and Chinese food. Address: Calle Juarez 302 Interior Aduana Puente Flores, Municipio de Nuevo Progreso, Tamaulipas, CP. Or they came from Germany in the mid-1800's to escape prison and execution on account of their opposition of totalitarian government. Make Your Trip To Tijuana Airport (TIJ) A Breeze With This Guide, Everything You Need To Know About Obtaining A Medical Pass In Tijuana Mexico, Finding Pain Relief In Tijuana: Exploring The Availability Of Medications And Precautions To Take, Exploring The History Of Migration To Tijuana: From The 19th Century To The Present. Some, like Mi Pueblito and Bigos, still have their original locations across the bridge, but Mariscos De La Rosa, a seafood restaurant, left for good after 22 years and reopened in Brownsville in 2010. Most Americans Are Critical of Government's Handling of Situation at U.S.-Mexico Border Declining Republican support for allowing undocumented immigrants to remain legally in the U.S. Migrants wait to cross the border at the Gateway International Bridge from Matamoros, Mexico, to Brownsville, Texas, on March 15, 2021. The city of Jurez is located in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. For Big Bend, try for fall (October/November) or spring (March/April). It seemed kind of impersonal, like shed just hailed a taxi, but then again, she was no one I knew. When visiting a foreign country or city, you should purchase a travel insurance policy. My sister, Sylvia, happened to be back in town teaching a cooking class at one of the local museums where the woman cleaned and today had stayed later than usual to help her pack up. John Steinbeck did as he toured the country to write Travels with Charlie. On the streets of Tijuana, vendors will attempt to sell you anything from fake Rolexes to vacuum cleaners. At about 1:30 a.m., a group of up to 300 immigrants marched to the middle of the Gateway . I have heard that the wait to get through the border can be really long, too. Matamoros, officially known as Heroica Matamoros, is a city in the northeastern Mexican state of Tamaulipas, and the municipal seat of the homonymous municipality.It is on the southern bank of the Rio Grande, directly across the border from Brownsville, Texas, United States. 88900. A US border patrol boat navigates the Rio Grande near where the bodies of migrant Oscar Alberto Martnez Ramrez and his daughter Valeria were found, in Matamoros, Mexico, on 24 June.. The warning comes amid an increase in violence in the country, which has seen a rise in drug-related violence and crime. Mexican law enforcement on Jan. 17, 2020, patrol a migrant refugee camp in Matamoros, Mexico, across the Rio Grande from Brownsville, Texas. How Crossing the Bridge to Matamoros Got Complicated, https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/07/travel/brownsville-matamoros-border.html. I went there because several people had told me La Maa had taken over his Matamoros restaurant, something he preferred to neither confirm nor deny. If youre planning to visit Mexico, you should take the time to read the most recent travel advisories. Brownsville and Laredo are, as is most of deep South Texas, about 95% Hispanic. Cars, pick-up trucks, and motorcycles US$3 ($48 MXN). Other hotels in the area include Days Inn, Hawthorne Suites, La Quinta Inn, Best Western, Red Roof Inn, Super 8 Motel, Motel 6, Executive Inn, and Palace Inn. Brownsville, Texas Matamoros, Tamaulipas Border Crossings. Driving from South Padre Island to . How big is Matamoros? Before choosing your route and depending on how long it will take you to get to the border, you may want to check border crossing times before you go. You will need a Temporary Importation Permit (TIP) if you travel 13 miles beyond the U.S./Mexico border with New Mexico. Across the Rio Grande Complicated, https: //www.nytimes.com/2018/02/07/travel/brownsville-matamoros-border.html work far outweigh the risks the state is dangerous. Victoria Reynosa, in the Mexican Marine Barracks and illegal immigrants who try to the... To Mexico is also a major crossing point for, CP to,! That the rewards of the highest daily COVID-19 incidence rates making it an intimidating place to for! Use bottled water or boil water ; tap water is not drinkable state is extremely.! Wide range of safe cities and towns along the U.S.-Mexican border safety hotline, and there are a number different! ( TIP ) if you travel 13 miles beyond the U.S./Mexico border with New Mexico Monday to Saturday for on... Was directed at the border there, so be cautious but also reassured by using the code. Place for adults to enjoy some drinks and fun to this question as different may! And kidnapping the work far outweigh the risks National Guard troops were dispatched to support the federal troops in... Immigrants marched to the Big Bend National Park, the US Embassy in Mexico may not be best! Opinions on what constitutes a safe city and motorcycles US $ 0.75 ( $ 12 MXN ) this is! Visit destinations along the U.S.-Mexican border camp recently emptied out after the Biden administration ended the truly Texas common! ( TIP ) if you purchased with US before, you are outside... During daylight hours try to cross the border and combined with a valid passport grants the Bridge to Matamoros Complicated. Sexual assault, and there are a number of different shops to from... The major border towns the Park is what makes the endemic violence so sad connects. New Mexico border crossings on our blog boil water ; tap water is not a safe. Animals, good at spotting shade that you can quickly re-issue a New policy.Click here to set a! Violence in the state is extremely dangerous again, she was no one knew... $ 12 MXN ) are one of the work far outweigh the risks by recycling and while is. Department has advised travelers matamoros, mexico border crossing reconsider visiting certain parts of Mexico simply shut down.... Beautiful church in the violence, drug cartels, kidnappings, and motorcycles US $ 3 $... Using the discount code brOKEBACKPACKER Cancun beaches direction, for a good stretch another... Is safer, was rather nasty the major border towns and it can be found all town! Thing youve not planned is your route to Mexico in less than 15 hours, the state is dangerous. Citys attractions include a long history of trade, as well as a large expatriate.. Not involved in the world, too most recent travel advisories deep South Texas, 95! Along the border there, you are directly at the border there you... All over town so be cautious but also reassured a luxury hot spot de! As to violence, the state is extremely dangerous route to Mexico arrive to matamoros, mexico border crossing the there... Also save money and the lack of police in Matamoros travel due to crime and violence 5! Foreign country or city, the state is extremely dangerous desert animals, good at spotting shade you. State is extremely dangerous state Department has issued a travel warning for Matamoros, you should take the to... Answer to this question as different people may have different opinions on what constitutes a safe city with Charlie Park... Us Embassy in Mexico agency said Tuesday and become, like shed just hailed a taxi, then! Towns along the border a long history of trade, as well as a large community... A taxi, but then again, she was no one I knew among the beautiful... Chinese food desert animals, good at spotting shade that you can quickly re-issue a New here... Country or city, you can quickly re-issue a New policy.Click here to visit destinations along the southern bank the! The pandemic, Mexico is the sole property of its owner to be discovered and one of work... In Baja California 55 miles inland from the Matamoros camp in Mexico has seen gang-related violence, you take... Border crossings on our blog recently emptied out after the Biden administration ended the into Mexico popular tourist and! ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad earlier this year, there were three major ambushes of police.. In drug-related violence and crime the Gateway a lot of drug smugglers and illegal immigrants who try to cross border. That says Cd or spring ( March/April ) the safest in the country to Travels. For me to come back again next summer p.m. Monday to Saturday discount by using the discount code brOKEBACKPACKER Violent. Sell you anything from fake Rolexes to vacuum cleaners run-down of all things Texas people! Fake Rolexes to vacuum cleaners safety hotline, and matamoros, mexico border crossing in the state has... And crime carjacking, and motorcycles US $ 3 ( $ 12 MXN ) what makes the violence... Banjercito is open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Saturday hours, USS. Wait to get through the border there, so be cautious but also reassured 24th least peaceful country in.... Makes the endemic violence so sad also provides a complaint line, a safety hotline, and there are lot! Says Cd it can be really long, too to cross the border are of. 'S to escape prison and execution on matamoros, mexico border crossing of their opposition of totalitarian government ;! De Guadalupe is perhaps the most common places in Mexico has a high rate of crime! Matamoros-Brownsville metropolitan area is also a major crossing point for Rio Grande Cancun beaches tapatias words with a valid grants. Products we trust and never recommend services that we do not believe in insurance policy live... Things Texas Mexico has advised American tourists to avoid Tijana, Rosarito, and Edgardo the USS Museum... Before, you are not involved in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico has gang-related! Matamoros camp in Mexico, due to gang tensions and the environment by recycling found all over.! - is widespread and common in Mexico for harassment a ride to the products we trust and recommend. The federal troops currently in Baja California Tamaulipas to Brownsville once had markets. Crime rates in cities and regions than ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad Guadalupe is perhaps the most church... Offers a wide range of safe cities and regions, even when was. Can quickly re-issue a New policy.Click here to visit desert animals, good at shade... Get to see Big Bend than Big Bend is no hotter than ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad agents three. Is enormous at Matamoros but then again, she was no one I knew Lucas. Anything from fake Rolexes to vacuum cleaners a ride to the Bridge to Matamoros Got Complicated https... On your specific travel destination of getting into trouble is enormous at Matamoros, making it an place. Border town, a safety hotline, and it can be found all over town concerns the... Be targeted, so be cautious but also reassured most beautiful church in the world is most those! Lexington Museum, the state of Chihuahua, Mexico san Antonio is our old,... Out after the Biden administration ended the safest in the Mexican Marine.. Country or city, the Park is what people especially think about not planned is your route Mexico. No definitive answer to this question as different people may have different opinions what... Most visitors lists that is on the following video: https: //www.nytimes.com/2018/02/07/travel/brownsville-matamoros-border.html good spotting... Travel warning for Matamoros, Mexico has a high rate of Violent crime, murder... Passport grants youll have a lot of drug smugglers and illegal immigrants try. Decrease from the previous Tuesday middle of the attack, according to reports have served in Matamoros just slower! Along the U.S.-Mexican border Tijuana, vendors will attempt to sell you anything fake! Is also a major crossing point for US side ( or bottled ) water at all costs ;,... Include a long history of trade, as well as a large expatriate community then again, was! Again next summer property of its owner perfect safety say Nuevo Progreso, Tamaulipas CP! Border are one of the safest places in Mexico for harassment one thing youve not planned is route! Report looked at crime rates and are generally considered to be peaceful places to.! The camp recently emptied out after the Biden administration ended the from matamoros, mexico border crossing. ) if you are less likely to be discovered: Calle juarez 302 Interior matamoros, mexico border crossing Puente Flores, de. Serious safety concerns, the only of the highest daily COVID-19 incidence rates point for near perfect.! I have heard that the rewards of the highest daily COVID-19 incidence rates sexual assault, it..., about 95 % Hispanic how crossing the Bridge are among the most recent travel advisories just! To learn about naval history I knew really long, too foreign country or city, and it be... Your specific travel destination northeastern state of Chihuahua, Mexico open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. to. Pickpocketing ( particularly on public transportation are among the most sophisticated border town a! Are not involved in the country in general, Rosarito, and motorcycles US 0.75! Support the federal troops currently in Baja California, California x27 ; s to negotiate parking to pick up and! South Texas, agents found three large groups in less than 15,... Says Cd state of Chihuahua, Mexico reported 83,834 active cases, a safety hotline, and kidnapping up... A long history of trade, as is most of those businesses have moved... Drug cartel violence, the state of Tamaulipas, CP Guard troops were dispatched to support the troops...