Belize's Crime Rate: Is It Safe To Visit?

Belize is a small Central American country with a population of fewer than 500,000 citizens but a big tourism industry, attracting over a million cruise visitors and nearly 500,000 overnight visitors each year. While opinions vary on the safety of Belize, with the UK government asserting that most visits are trouble-free, the country has been continually named one of the worst five countries in the world for homicides, with violent crimes such as home invasions, armed robberies, and sexual assaults occurring regularly during daylight hours and in tourist areas.

Belize's high homicide rate

Belize has been named one of the worst five countries in the world for homicides by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. The country's homicide rate is largely attributed to gang conflicts and shootings in Belize City, which occur almost daily. The southern part of Belize City, in particular, is known for its high crime rate and should be avoided altogether.

Belize's small population of fewer than 500,000 citizens also contributes to its high homicide rate. With a total of 142 murders in 2017, the country has one of the highest homicide rates per capita in the world.

The overall rate of major crimes in Belize is decreasing, especially in areas with increased police presence, such as Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. However, the volume of confrontational crimes against tourists is rising, including armed robbery and theft. These crimes often occur during daylight hours and in tourist areas, with perpetrators targeting affluent individuals.

While violent crimes in Belize predominantly affect Belizeans themselves, there has been an increase in such crimes against tourists and expatriates in recent years. Several high-profile murders of tourists and expatriates have occurred in areas such as Ambergris Caye, Hopkins, and Corozal.

The Belize Defence Force regularly patrols dangerous areas near the Guatemalan border, where gangs operate, to ensure the safety of travellers. Despite this, it is recommended that travellers minimise their trips to these areas and only visit for official business due to the presence of gang activity.

Violent crime in tourist areas

Belize is a popular eco-tourism destination, with its beautiful jungles and islands drawing many visitors each year. However, it has also been named one of the worst five countries in the world for homicides by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.

The US State Department and the Canadian government suggest travellers exercise caution in Belize due to the high rate of violent crime. Violent crime is common during daylight hours and in tourist areas, including the Caribbean islands off the coast of Belize, which are otherwise some of the safest places to visit in the country.

The US State Department specifically warns against travel to Belize City, where much of the violent crime in the country occurs, and the Canadian government advises against all travel to the south side of Belize City, where gang violence is a significant issue.

Violent crimes in tourist areas include burglary, pickpocketing, and hotel room theft. More serious violent crimes do occur, but they are less frequent. There have been a few high-profile murders of tourists and expatriates in recent years, including in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2024.

Cruise ship visitors are often targeted by scammers who offer to sell them drugs and then set them up for arrest and a substantial fine.

Safety Tips for Travellers to Belize

• Always be aware of your surroundings
• Avoid walking or driving at night
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempts
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewellery
• Avoid buses and buses in Belize
• Drive with extreme caution, even on major streets, and avoid night trips
• Be cautious when crossing the street, as vehicles do not yield to pedestrians
• Only use officially recognised border crossings when travelling to Guatemala or Mexico, and avoid travelling at night

Gang violence in Belize City

Belize has a high crime rate, with a significant number of homicides. While tourists in Belize are often victims of theft, violent crimes against foreigners have been on the rise in recent years. The US State Department's OSAC (Overseas Security Advisory Council) Crime & Safety Report for Belize in 2018 advised visitors to "exercise increased caution".

Belize City, in particular, has a reputation for being a "cesspool of crime", with gang conflicts and shootings occurring almost daily. The city's high homicide rate is largely attributed to gang violence. In March 2024, parts of south Belize City were placed under a state of emergency due to an increase in gang violence. The state of emergency granted enhanced powers of arrest, seizure, and detention to the authorities, and there was speculation that the government would deploy military support. The state of emergency was scheduled to last until April 26, 2024, but it could be extended or expanded.

To combat the issue of gang violence in Belize City, the government has implemented measures such as increased police presence and enhanced powers for authorities during states of emergency. Despite these efforts, gang violence remains a significant issue, with the potential for clashes with security forces and disruptions to transit and business operations.

Crimes against LGBTQ+ travellers

Belize has a history of criminalising LGBTQ+ activity, but same-sex sexual activity was decriminalised in 2016. The country's constitution prohibits discrimination based on sex, which has been interpreted to include sexual orientation. Despite this, LGBTQ+ people in Belize still face legal challenges that non-LGBTQ+ citizens do not.

While LGBTQ+ travellers to Belize are unlikely to face discrimination or harassment, it is important to be aware of the cultural norms and conservative attitudes towards gender and sexuality. Public displays of affection, for example, are generally frowned upon, regardless of sexual orientation. LGBTQ+ travellers should also be cautious when alone, especially at night, and stay in well-lit, populated areas.

Belize has a strong religious presence, and religious leaders can be outspoken in their opposition to LGBTQ+ rights. The majority religion is Christianity, and it is possible that religious individuals are anti-LGBTQ+. LGBTQ+ travellers should be aware that some people may hold negative views or act upon their beliefs.

Dating apps are not recommended for LGBTQ+ people in Belize due to conservative attitudes. However, there are LGBTQ+ people in Belize who do date, and it is possible to do so safely. It is important to be cautious and take precautions when meeting someone online, such as letting someone know where you are going and who you are meeting.

Belize has a vibrant LGBTQ+ community and organisations that support and promote the rights of LGBTQ+ people. The presence of Pride events has been growing in recent years, and the country held its first Pride Week in 2017. San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, is considered the most gay-friendly destination in Belize, with a thriving gay nightlife during the high season. Many businesses in San Pedro are openly owned and run by LGBTQ+ people.

Overall, Belize is a safe and exciting destination for LGBTQ+ travellers, with a generally accepting and welcoming culture. However, it is important to be mindful of local traditions and customs, which are rather conservative across most of the country.

Human trafficking in Belize

Belize has been ranked as Tier 2 in the United States' 22nd Annual Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP Report), which assesses the anti-trafficking efforts of 188 governments. This ranking indicates that the Belizean government has not fully met the minimum standards for eliminating human trafficking but has demonstrated significant efforts to do so.

The Belizean government has made notable progress in combating human trafficking, particularly in the following areas:

• Convicting two traffickers and imposing adequate sentences
• Expanding the Anti-Trafficking (A-TIP) Police Unit, leading to increased investigations
• Improving data collection and case monitoring
• Opening a shelter for unaccompanied children at risk of trafficking, in collaboration with an international organization
• Prioritizing anti-trafficking funding and implementing the National Action Plan (NAP)

The Anti-Trafficking in Persons (ATIPS) Council, chaired by the Ministry of Human Development, Families, and Indigenous Peoples' Affairs, coordinates Belize's response to human trafficking. The council comprises both government and non-government entities and focuses on improving coordination and collaboration in protection, prosecution, prevention, and partnerships.

In 2018, the Belize Police Department (BPD) commissioner signed a formal agreement with the Human Trafficking Institute (HTI) to form a specialized anti-trafficking unit dedicated to investigating human trafficking cases and identifying victims. This partnership continued with the signing of a second Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2024. The HTI provides crucial support by mentoring investigators, improving investigative techniques, and helping develop technical training for police officers conducting trauma-informed investigations.

Despite these efforts, there are still areas where the Belizean government needs to improve. The government has not adequately addressed official complicity in trafficking crimes, with reports of corruption and police officers taking bribes to ignore incidents of trafficking. Additionally, there is a lack of oversight in labor recruitment, and insufficient measures to reduce the demand for commercial sex.

Human traffickers in Belize exploit both domestic and foreign victims, with migrants, children, economically vulnerable individuals, and LGBTQI+ persons being among the most at-risk groups. Sex trafficking often occurs in bars, nightclubs, hotels, and brothels, while labor trafficking is prevalent in restaurants, shops, domestic work, and agriculture. The COVID-19 pandemic has also impacted trafficking methods, with sex trafficking moving from bars and clubs to more tightly controlled, illegal brothels.

Frequently asked questions