Belize's Virus Status: What You Need To Know

Belize, a country located on the northeast coast of Central America, has faced challenges related to crime, gang activity, and public health in recent years. With a history of British colonialism, Belize gained independence in 1981 and has since been committed to addressing security and governance issues. While it boasts stunning natural attractions, Belize has travel advisories in place due to its high crime rate, including violent crimes and gang-related activities. The country also experiences hurricanes and storms, although these typically cause minimal damage. The COVID-19 pandemic brought additional challenges, with restrictions and curfews implemented to control the spread. Belize has a moderate risk level for travellers, who are advised to take precautions and avoid certain areas, particularly at night, to minimise their chances of encountering issues.

Belize's COVID-19 measures

Belize has implemented a range of measures to control the spread of COVID-19 and protect its citizens and visitors. Here is an overview of the key measures:

• Curfew: A nationwide curfew is in place, with adults required to stay at home from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am, and minors from 6:00 pm to 5:00 am.
• Border Control: Land and sea borders are closed to control the entry of potentially infected individuals.
• Face Masks: The use of face masks is mandatory in public spaces to reduce the risk of transmission.
• Social Distancing: Social distancing measures are enforced to maintain a safe distance between individuals and prevent close contact.
• Gathering Restrictions: Gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited to limit the potential for virus spread.
• Venue Closures: Public venues, such as pubs, restaurants, and nightclubs, are closed to prevent large gatherings and close contact. However, deliveries and takeaways are permitted.
• International Travel: Commercial flights have resumed, but travellers must adhere to specific requirements. They must take a PCR test within 72 hours before arrival, download the Belize health app, and book approved Gold Standard accommodation. Additionally, vaccinated travellers must provide proof of vaccination upon arrival for exemption from further testing.
• Vaccination and Testing: Vaccination and testing play a crucial role in Belize's COVID-19 response. While vaccinated individuals with proof of vaccination are exempt from testing on arrival, unvaccinated travellers are required to undergo testing.
• Contact Tracing: The Belize health app is utilised for contact tracing purposes, helping to identify and notify potential close contacts of infected individuals.
• Health Infrastructure: The Ministry of Health & Wellness in Belize continuously works on improving health facilities and infrastructure across the country, ensuring modern and resilient healthcare services.
• Vaccine Donations: Belize has benefited from vaccine donations, including 232,950 doses donated by the United States, contributing to the country's vaccination efforts.

These measures aim to balance the health and safety of the population while gradually reopening the country to international travel and economic activities. It is important for travellers to stay informed about the latest updates and adhere to the guidelines provided by the Belizean authorities.

Belize's crime rate

Belize has moderate rates of violent crime. The country has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world, and gang-related violence is a significant concern, especially in Southside Belize City. Gang members often use weapons to resolve disputes, and clashes occur frequently as gangs try to gain control of territories for illegal activities.

In 2022, Belize recorded 113 murder victims, a 9.6% reduction from the previous year. However, excluding 2020, which was an exceptional year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the homicide rate in Belize has been on a downward trend over the last decade. Despite this positive development, the country's homicide rate of 25.6 homicides per 100,000 population in 2022 is still higher than the regional average of 18.3 homicides per 100,000 population.

In addition to homicides, other major crimes in Belize have been on the rise. In 2022, there was a noticeable increase in crimes affecting women and girls, such as sexual violence and unlawful sexual intercourse. Reported instances of rape doubled, while unlawful sexual intercourse increased by 30.4%. Overall, the total number of major crimes registered in Belize in 2022 was 1,035, a 17.2% increase compared to the previous year.

While tourists are not usually the targets of gang violence, they are vulnerable to theft and other petty crimes, especially in popular tourist destinations such as San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia, and San Ignacio. Credit card and ATM fraud are also common, especially in San Pedro.

To address the high crime rate, the Belizean government declared a state of emergency in several locations in June 2024, including Southside Belize City, Northside Victoria Street, and Roaring Creek Village. During the state of emergency, security forces have the power to restrict freedom of movement, conduct searches and seizures, and detain persons of interest. Despite these efforts, police capacity to respond to violent incidents remains limited, and many crimes go unsolved.

Belize's natural disaster risk

Belize is vulnerable to hurricanes, storms, flooding, wind damage, and storm surges, especially in Belize City. The country's low-lying terrain exacerbates the effects of flooding and rising sea levels. Belize is also at risk of extreme temperature events. According to the Natural Disaster Hotspot study by the World Bank, the country ranks 61st in the world for relative mortality risk from multiple hazards and 8th out of 167 countries for climate risk.

Since 1930, there have been 16 hurricanes in Belize, eight of which were major hurricanes. Additionally, 17 systems made landfall in Belize as tropical storms. The deadliest hurricane in Belize's history occurred in 1931, killing approximately 2,500 people. The hurricane produced maximum sustained winds of 135 mph (215 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 952 mbar.

In 1955, Hurricane Janet levelled the northern town of Corozal, leaving 16 dead and 20,000 people homeless. In 1961, Hurricane Hattie struck the central coastal area of the country, with winds exceeding 300 km/h (185 mph) and 4 m (13 ft) storm tides. This devastation prompted the relocation of the capital from Belize City to Belmopan, about 50 miles (80 km) inland.

More recently, in 2016, Hurricane Earl made landfall in Belize as a Category 1 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph and a recorded storm surge of up to 9 feet. While there were no recorded deaths, Earl impacted a total of 3,109 households, comprising 6,733 adults and 5,454 children.

Belize's public transport safety

Belize is a country located on the northeast coast of Central America. It is often thought of as a Caribbean country due to its similarities with English-speaking Caribbean nations. However, its culture is more typical of Central American countries. Belize has one of the most stable and democratic political systems in Central America.

Public Transport in Belize

Belize has seen a boom in route frequency and a healthy increase in travel options for those traversing the country. The country offers robust bus coverage, boats to and from the Cayes, and an intuitive airplane system with landing strips near most major destinations.

Buses

The vast majority of buses that run the public transportation system are repurposed North American school buses. These buses are incredibly sturdy and are driven at speeds no northern school district would approve of. They constitute the backbone of Belize's transportation infrastructure, shuttling students, workers, and travellers to their destinations. These buses run every 30 minutes but are not always timely and sometimes take up to three hours to get to their destinations.

Boats

There are two major "water taxi" companies that operate in Belize: San Pedro Belize Express and Ocean Ferry Water Taxi. Both offer daily services between Belize City, Caye Caulker, and San Pedro.

Air Travel

Belize is an enigma in Central America for its expansive domestic air service. Years ago, it was difficult to reach certain areas of the country via road due to bad conditions, rough terrain, or the complete lack of roads. This gave rise to airstrips, many of which are scattered across the country. In recent years, the surge in travel around Belize has given rise to many new airstrips.

Safety of Public Transport in Belize

Public transportation in Belize is generally unreliable and unsafe. The Government of Canada advises staying away from public buses and taxis. Ferries are mainly used for travelling between the cayes, and while they are considered safer than buses and taxis, travellers should still be extra attentive and cautious while travelling on them.

Buses

Public buses are unreliable, not commonly used, unsafe, and lack maintenance.

Boats

Stick to well-known companies such as San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi, Caye Caulker Water Taxi, Ocean Ferry Belize, Tropic Ferry, and Requena's Charter Service.

Air Travel

Belize maintains a high aviation standard for optimum safety reasons.

Staying Safe in Belize

• Be especially careful at the Mayan ruins of Caracol, Belize City (especially Southside Belize City), and the Guatemala and Honduras border areas.
• Travel in a group and never alone—book an organized tour.
• Stay out of deserted areas not frequented by tourists, especially in larger cities like Belize City.
• Avoid going out at night.
• Don't flaunt your valuables while walking on the street.
• Don't bring anything valuable with you while visiting a landmark or tourist attraction.

Belize's healthcare system

The Ministry of Health (MoH) is the government agency responsible for overseeing the entire health sector and is also the largest provider of public health services in Belize. The MoH aims to provide quality, affordable, and comprehensive health services to all, with a focus on equality and well-being. Belize has been making continuous improvements to its health facilities, bringing modern infrastructure upgrades that meet the needs of its populace.

The public healthcare system in Belize includes eight major hospitals and around 60 public clinics. These facilities tend to be underfunded, understaffed, and undersupplied. The highest level of care is offered in Belize City, which has several 24/7 hospitals, including the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, the national and regional referral hospital. Other towns with 24-hour care hospitals include San Ignacio, Corozal, Dangriga, and Punta Gorda.

The private healthcare sector in Belize has grown in recent years, especially in urban areas, and offers comprehensive secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities. There are three main private hospitals: La Loma Luz Hospital, Belize Medical Associates, and Universal Health Services. In total, Belize has about 100 private hospital beds.

While medical care in Belize has been improving, many expats note that the country needs more healthcare facilities, specialised physicians and staff, and better equipment. The country's limited resources make it challenging to adequately fund a large number of public hospitals. However, Belize's doctors are dedicated and caring, offering personal attention to their patients.

For more complicated medical treatments, some expats opt to leave the country and seek care in the United States, Mexico, or Guatemala. International health insurance policies, including evacuation coverage, are available to cover the costs of overseas medical treatment and emergency transportation.

Belize faces several health challenges, including a high prevalence of communicable diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, gastroenteritis, cholera, and HIV/AIDS. There is also a high mortality rate from non-communicable diseases, particularly cardiovascular issues. Mental health services have been integrated into primary care, with a strategic mental health plan launched in 2009 to improve community-based care and prevention and management of mental disorders.

Frequently asked questions