Belize's Safety Secrets: How Does This Country Defy Its Dangerous Reputation?

Belize is a beautiful country in Central America, known for its lush rainforests, cayes, coral reefs, and diverse cultures. However, when it comes to safety, opinions vary. While the country is generally safe for tourists, there are some areas and aspects to be cautious about. Here is an introduction to how Belize is ranked by danger.

Belize has a reputation for violent and petty crime, particularly in Belize City, due to gang-related activities. The US State Department advises American citizens to exercise caution when visiting Belize due to its high crime rate. The country has a moderate-to-high crime rating of 59.05, with burglaries and robberies being the most common offences. Additionally, Belize has a high per capita murder rate, with gangs operating near the Guatemalan border, close to some tourist sites.

However, it is important to note that tourists are rarely affected by gang activity, as the Belize Defence Force regularly patrols these areas. The crime rate has been decreasing in certain tourist-friendly areas, such as Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. Overall, violent crime has been steadily declining in Belize.

When it comes to transportation, public buses and taxis are generally unsafe and unreliable. Registered taxis have green license plates, while private vehicles have white plates. Uber and Lyft are not currently available in Belize.

Belize also has a good and affordable healthcare system, with pharmacies readily available throughout the country. While the tap water is generally safe, it is recommended to drink bottled water to avoid any potential issues.

In conclusion, while Belize has a reputation for violence and crime, particularly in specific areas like Belize City and its surroundings, it is still a popular tourist destination. Tourists are advised to exercise caution, stay vigilant, and avoid certain high-risk areas to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Belize City is the most dangerous part of the country

Belize is a beautiful country with a lot to offer tourists, from its lush jungles and stunning waterfalls to its rich Mayan cultural heritage. However, it's important to be aware of safety concerns when visiting. While most tourists have enjoyable and trouble-free visits, the country has a high crime rate and serious problems with violent crimes, particularly in Belize City.

Belize City, especially the Southside, is widely regarded as the most dangerous part of Belize. It has the highest crime rate in the country and is a hotspot for gang activity and violent crimes such as assault, break-ins, and murder. Tourists are rarely the targets of these crimes, but it's still essential to exercise caution when visiting Belize City. It's recommended to stick to the tourist areas and avoid venturing alone into the Northern part of the city or the Southside, where gang activity is prevalent.

The good news is that tourism is on the rise in Belize, and violent crime has been steadily declining. Most tourists spend their time in much safer areas outside of Belize City, such as Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. These popular tourist destinations have seen a significant decrease in crime rates, making them relatively safer places to visit.

When visiting Belize, it's important to take standard safety precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas, being aware of your surroundings, and not wearing flashy items or displaying valuables. By taking these precautions and avoiding high-crime areas, you can minimise the risks and have a safe and enjoyable trip to Belize.

Gang violence is a major problem in Belize

Belize's proximity to Guatemala means that gang activity and drug and human trafficking are prevalent along the border. The Belize Defence Force regularly patrols these areas, and tourists are rarely affected by gang activity. However, the US Department of State advises tourists to "minimise travel to the south side of Belize City to official business only, and avoid personal trips due to gang activity".

Gang violence is not the only issue in Belize. The country has a problem with violent crime, which is on the rise, especially in urban areas like Belize City. Crimes such as assault, break-ins, and murder are common, and the country consistently ranks in the top 10 countries worldwide for homicide rates. While tourists are not usually the targets of violent crime, crimes in tourist areas have been increasing in recent years, largely due to the large disparity between rich and poor.

Despite the issues of gang violence and violent crime, Belize is still considered a relatively safe place to visit. Tourism is on the rise, and most visits are trouble-free. Common-sense precautions such as avoiding isolated areas, not wearing flashy items, and staying in well-reviewed accommodation can help reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime.

Tourists are rarely the targets of violent crime

Belize is often ranked as a relatively dangerous country, with high levels of crime and gang activity. However, it's important to note that tourists are rarely the targets of violent crimes in Belize. While the country does have a high overall crime rate, the majority of these incidents occur between gangs or as a result of social issues, and they are typically confined to specific areas that are unlikely to be frequented by tourists.

The Belizean government and tourism industry recognize the importance of keeping tourists safe and have implemented measures to ensure their security. Tourist police units have been established, and there is a strong focus on patrolling tourist hotspots and providing a visible police presence in these areas. Many resorts and hotels also provide their own security staff, adding an extra layer of protection for visitors.

It is worth noting that, as with any travel destination, tourists in Belize should remain vigilant and take common-sense precautions to avoid becoming victims of crime. This includes being aware of your surroundings, avoiding isolated areas, and not flashing signs of wealth that could make you a target. By taking these simple steps, the already low likelihood of being affected by crime in Belize is further reduced.

Additionally, tourists are advised to respect the local culture and customs and to be mindful of their actions and behaviors. It is also recommended to stay informed about the political situation and any potential areas of tension, as well as to follow the advice of local authorities and tour operators. By being responsible and sensible, visitors can greatly minimize any potential risks and have a safe and enjoyable trip to Belize.

In summary, while Belize may have a reputation for danger due to its overall crime statistics, tourists can feel reassured that they are unlikely to be affected by violent incidents. With sensible precautions and awareness, visitors can enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer while remaining safe and secure.

The country has one of the world's highest murder rates

Belize is a small country in Central America with fewer than 500,000 citizens but a big tourism industry, attracting over a million visitors each year. The country has consistently ranked highly worldwide when it comes to violence, and it has one of the world's highest per capita murder rates. Belize City, in particular, has a reputation for violent crime due to gang violence, and it is considered the most dangerous part of the country. However, tourists mostly do not stay in Belize City, and the majority of violent crimes are gang-related and do not involve tourists.

Belize has around 40 active gangs, with at least eight of them considered very powerful and dangerous, and most are concentrated in Belize City. The southern part of Belize City, south of the Haulover Creek River, is considered especially dangerous due to frequent inter-gang conflict. The US State Department, the Government of Canada, and the Government of Australia have all issued travel advisories for Belize, recommending that citizens exercise caution and avoid certain areas, including Southside Belize City and the borders with Guatemala and Honduras.

While violent crime is a significant issue in Belize, tourists are not usually the targets of such crimes. However, confrontational crimes against tourists, including armed robbery and theft, have been on the rise. Petty theft is also a common problem in Belize, and tourists should take precautions to secure their valuables and avoid flashing cash or jewellery. Overall, while Belize has a high murder rate, most visitors are able to have a safe and enjoyable trip by exercising caution and avoiding known trouble spots.

The country is generally considered safe for families

Belize is considered a relatively dangerous country, with one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world. However, violent crimes are usually gang-related and rarely affect tourists. Tourists are more likely to encounter petty theft, such as pickpocketing, than violent crime.

Belize is generally considered safe for families. The country has a healthy package tourism scene, with cruise ships docking along the coast and many resorts. There are plenty of places to stay for families, including the 450+ cayes (small, low-elevation sandy islands) offshore.

However, there are some safety precautions that families should take when visiting Belize. Mosquitoes and humidity are common, so it is important to take precautions such as using insect repellent and covering up. It is also important to be aware of the risk of natural disasters, such as hurricanes and tropical storms, which can occur during the hurricane season from early June to late November.

In addition, it is important to be vigilant about personal safety, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation. Keep valuables secure and out of reach, and avoid wearing flashy items or jewellery. It is also recommended to stay in well-reviewed accommodations and avoid isolated areas, especially at night.

Overall, with proper research and precautions, Belize can be a safe and enjoyable destination for families.

Frequently asked questions