Airline Safety In Belize: What You Need To Know

Belize is a small Central American country, bordered by Mexico, Guatemala, and the Caribbean Sea. With its incredible blend of Caribbean beaches and cayes, hard-to-believe cave systems, jungle, wildlife, birding, Maya sites, and history, it is a great place to visit. However, it is important to consider safety when travelling to Belize. While tourists are not usually targeted, the country has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world, and violent crime is a major concern. Gang and drug-related violence, including murders and shootings, are prevalent in Southside Belize City, Northside Victoria Street, and Roaring Creek Village. In addition, Belize has a high rate of insect-borne diseases, including Zika, dengue, and chikungunya, and waterborne, foodborne, and other infectious diseases are common. It is recommended to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Belize and avoid non-essential travel to certain areas due to the high levels of violent crime.

Crime in Belize

Belize has a high level of violent crime, including murder, sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and gang-related violence. The US State Department's Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) advised travellers to "exercise increased caution" in 2018. The Australian government advises travellers to "exercise a high degree of caution in Belize overall" due to the threat of violent crime. The Canadian government similarly advises travellers to "exercise a high degree of caution" in the country.

Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world. The majority of violent crime victims in Belize are Belizeans themselves, but there has been an increase in crimes against tourists and expats in recent years. Tourists are often victims of theft, but violent crimes against foreigners do occur.

The US and Canadian governments advise citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Southside Belize City, which has a high level of gang and drug-related violence, including murders and shootings. Belize's government declared a state of emergency in several locations in June 2024 due to high levels of crime, including Southside Belize City, Northside Victoria Street, and Roaring Creek Village.

To avoid becoming a victim of crime in Belize, it is recommended to remain aware of your surroundings at all times, avoid travelling after dark, keep your cellphone charged, and hand over cash and valuables without resistance if threatened. It is also advised to avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewellery.

In addition to violent crime, petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse snatching is common in Belize, and criminals often target tourists, even at resorts. Credit card and ATM fraud are also frequent occurrences, especially in San Pedro.

When crossing borders by road, it is recommended to use only official border crossings and avoid travelling at night. Belize also has unresolved territorial disputes with Guatemala and Honduras, which can lead to higher criminal activity and violence in border areas. Criminals are active around the border with Guatemala, near tourist sites such as the Mayan ruins at Caracol.

Safety in Belize City

Belize City is the country's economic hub and most populous area. Unfortunately, it is also the centre of Belize's crime problem. The city has around 40 active gangs, with at least eight of them considered very powerful and dangerous. Most of the gangs are concentrated in the Southside of Belize City, which is south of the Haulover Creek Canal and River. This area has been the site of frequent inter-gang conflict and has a high level of gang-related violence, including murders and shootings. Tourists are not usually targeted, but it is still advised to avoid non-essential travel to this area.

The police presence in Belize is limited, with a force of over 1000 officers. They have a limited capacity to respond to violent incidents, and many crimes remain unsolved. In the case of an emergency, you can contact the police by dialling 911.

If you are travelling to Belize City, it is important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety. Here are some recommendations:

• Avoid travelling after dark.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times and avoid deserted areas.
• Do not carry or display valuables or large amounts of cash.
• Stay in well-known and tourist-friendly areas.
• Use only licensed taxis, which have green number plates.
• Monitor local media to stay informed about safety risks.
• Enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.
• Get appropriate travel insurance before your trip.

By following these precautions and staying vigilant, you can help ensure your safety in Belize City.

Safety tips for tourists

• Avoid non-essential travel to Southside Belize City, which is south of the Haulover Creek River, due to gang and drug-related violence, including murders and shootings.
• Avoid travelling at night, especially in rural areas.
• Keep your windows and doors locked at all times, especially when driving.
• Keep your belongings out of reach and sight, and never leave them unattended in a vehicle, even in the trunk.
• Avoid isolated areas, such as unlit alleys and unsupervised beaches.
• Avoid travelling alone, especially after dark.
• Stay in well-reviewed hostels and guesthouses.
• Do your research on the areas you plan to visit, and stick to popular tourist areas such as Caye Caulker.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewellery or designer clothes, and don't carry large amounts of cash.
• Use only licensed taxis, identified by green number plates.
• Use a qualified guide for trips off the beaten track.
• Only use registered and licensed operators for adventure activities such as snorkelling and scuba diving.
• Check your accommodation is insect-proof, and use insect repellent.
• Drink boiled or bottled water, and avoid raw and undercooked food.
• Get your vaccinations up to date before you travel.
• Be aware of local laws and customs—for example, public drinking is illegal in Belize.
• Monitor local weather reports for hurricanes and other natural disasters.

Belize's location in the drug trade

Belize's location makes it an ideal transit point for drug trafficking. It shares a northern border with Mexico and a western one with Guatemala, giving it access to the Gulf and several Caribbean countries. Its small population, rugged geography, long coastline, and hundreds of uninhabited islands make it an ideal entry point for smugglers.

Belize has become a transshipment point for the US market due to its physical location and the increasing violence in Mexico and Guatemala. Traffickers use light aircraft and ultra-fast boats to move South American cocaine through Belize into Mexico, avoiding detection by Mexican army and navy patrols. Belize's growing role as a smuggling corridor led to the Obama administration adding it to the annual "blacklist" of countries considered major drug producers or transit routes in 2011.

The country's small population and weak military and police force make it vulnerable to drug traffickers. Belize's security forces are tiny and ill-equipped, lacking a radar system to track unauthorized flights or helicopters. The police don't even have the ability to intercept cellphone communications. The country's remote surveillance stations have spotted light aircraft landing near the Guatemala border, but one commander said he didn't think his superiors were interested in challenging the traffickers, either because they were paid off or intimidated.

Belize's unemployment rate has increased, and its economy has not recovered from the 2008 recession, leading to widespread corruption and an increase in drug trafficking and violence. The country's trade suffered during the recession, with exports dropping from $464.7 million USD in 2008 to $395 million USD in 2009. The unemployment rate in Belize increased to 12.1% in 2014, up from 11.7% in 2013 and 8.2% before the recession.

The U.S. has provided some assistance to Belize, giving the country about $15 million in security aid, including boats, vehicles, communications gear, and training programs. However, this aid is a small fraction of the roughly $2 billion in counter-narcotics aid that the U.S. has provided or pledged to Mexico and Central America. Despite this assistance, Belize remains a pushover for powerful drug barons.

Belize's natural disasters

Belize is highly susceptible to natural disasters, which affect the country regularly. The country is prone to hurricanes, tropical storms, flooding, and droughts. The hurricane season lasts from June to November, and during this time, infrastructure and economic losses are high, especially in the agricultural sector. Belize has experienced several hurricanes and tropical storms since 1930, including Hurricane Mitch in 1998, Tropical Storm Chantal in 2001, Hurricane Dean in 2007, Tropical Storm Arthur in 2008, Tropical Depression #16 in 2008, and Hurricane Richard in 2010. These storms have resulted in extensive flooding and damage to the country's agricultural industries.

Belize is also vulnerable to landslides, mudslides, and flooding, which can occur during heavy rains and storms. The low-lying coastal islands are particularly vulnerable and may be cut off from communications and outside help during hurricanes. Additionally, the country is in an active earthquake zone, and tsunamis can arrive within minutes of a tremor or earthquake.

To protect yourself in the event of a natural disaster in Belize, it is recommended to monitor weather reports and local media, secure important documents, follow the advice of local authorities, and stay in contact with friends and family. It is also crucial to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellations or interruptions and includes medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Frequently asked questions