Belize Unveiled: A Guide To Safety For Us Citizens

Belize is a beautiful Central American country with a rich cultural heritage and a wide range of attractions for tourists. However, it is important for US citizens to be aware of the potential risks when travelling to this country. The US State Department currently recommends that US citizens exercise increased caution in Belize due to crime, with some areas posing a higher risk than others.

Belize has a high level of violent crime, including sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder, which occurs even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. Gang-related violence and drug-related crimes are also common, particularly in Southside Belize City, where US citizens are advised to avoid non-essential travel.

To stay safe in Belize, it is recommended to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings, avoid walking or driving at night, and not to resist any robbery attempts. It is also important to be cautious when visiting banks or ATMs and to avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewellery.

Crime in Belize

Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world. Violent crime, such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder, is common in Belize, even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. A significant portion of violent crime is gang-related, and the police often lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious incidents. Most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted.

The US State Department advises citizens to exercise increased caution in Belize due to crime, especially in Belize City, where much of the country's violent crime occurs. Southside Belize City, in particular, is known for gang and drug-related violence, including murders and shootings. The Belize Defence Force has been called in to respond to the high levels of crime in this area.

Tourists are not usually targeted, but they can still find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. Tourists are often victims of theft and credit card fraud, especially in San Pedro. Criminals often operate in groups and target individuals travelling alone. Women travelling alone may be subject to harassment and verbal abuse, and cases of sexual assault have been reported.

To avoid becoming a victim of crime in Belize, it is recommended that you remain aware of your surroundings at all times, avoid travelling after dark, and avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewellery. If you are threatened, it is advised that you hand over your cash and valuables without resistance.

Safety advice for tourists

Belize is rated as a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution country by the U.S. Department of State due to its high crime rate. Here is some safety advice for tourists planning to visit Belize:

• Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking or driving at night.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempts and do not carry large amounts of cash or display signs of wealth, such as expensive jewellery or watches.
• Be vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs, and only use those located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier for authorities to locate you in an emergency.
• Avoid non-essential travel to Southside Belize City, which has a high level of gang and drug-related violence, including murders and shootings.
• Avoid travelling after dark, and do not accept rides or invitations from strangers.
• Use only registered taxis with green license plates, and avoid public buses if possible as they are often poorly maintained and lack basic safety equipment.
• Stay informed about political demonstrations and avoid large gatherings and protests.
• Be cautious when consuming food and drinks offered by strangers, as there have been reports of spiked food and drinks leading to sexual assault and robbery.
• Women travelling alone should be cautious and avoid isolated areas, including unsupervised beaches, as cases of sexual assault and harassment have been reported.
• If you plan to engage in outdoor activities such as snorkelling, diving, hiking, or mountain biking, obtain detailed information about the activity and the environment beforehand, and only use well-established companies.
• Ensure you have adequate travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and hospital stays, as medical facilities in Belize may have limited equipment and trained professionals, especially in rural areas.
• Keep your belongings secure at all times, especially your passport and other travel documents.
• Be wary of credit card and ATM fraud, and take precautions such as covering the keypad when entering your PIN and regularly checking your account statements.

Belize City

The police in Belize City often lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents, and most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted.

However, it is important to note that the tourist areas in Belize City are relatively safe. Sticking to the main tourist parts of town will generally be fine, but it is advised not to wander too far from these areas. The Belize Defence Force also regularly patrols the dangerous areas to protect tourists.

When visiting Belize City, it is important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety. Here are some tips to stay safe:

• Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transit.
• Keep your valuables secure and out of reach, as petty theft and pickpocketing are common.
• Avoid wearing flashy items or jewellery, and don't display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewellery.
• Don't leave your items unattended, especially on the beach.
• Avoid isolated areas, especially at night, as you may be at a higher risk of getting robbed.
• Use only authorised taxis with green license plates, and try to travel with others at night.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Avoid walking or driving at night, and don't travel alone.
• Don't resist any robbery attempts.
• Stay away from deserted areas and dark side streets.
• Keep your hotel room door locked at all times, even when you're in the room, and use the safe to store your valuables.

Gang violence

Gang members in Belize often use weapons to resolve disputes, and clashes between gangs occur frequently as they attempt to gain control over territories for illegal activities. Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world, and violent crime, including sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder, is common even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. A significant portion of this violent crime is gang-related.

While tourists are not usually targeted, they are advised to exercise caution, particularly when travelling to the south side of Belize City, as well as remote areas along Belize's borders, and to avoid non-essential travel to Southside Belize City, south of the Haulover Creek River. It is recommended that tourists remain aware of their surroundings at all times, avoid travelling after dark, and take steps to avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewellery.

Health and safety

The US State Department currently recommends that US citizens exercise increased caution in Belize due to crime. Some areas have an increased risk, including the south side of Belize City, which is known for gang-related violence and has a high rate of violent crime, including murders and shootings. Tourists are not usually targeted, but it is advised to avoid non-essential travel to this area.

Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world, and violent crime, such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder, is common even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. A significant portion of violent crime is gang-related. Local police may lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents, and most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted.

To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime in Belize, it is recommended to:

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Avoid travelling after dark.
• Keep your cellphone charged.
• Avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Be vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempts and hand over your valuables without resistance.
• Avoid isolated areas, especially at night.
• Stay where the crowds are to reduce the risk of being mugged.
• Keep your valuables secure and out of reach, especially in crowds.
• Avoid wearing flashy items or jewellery, and do not wave your phone around.
• Use only authorized taxis with green license plates, and track your route on your phone.
• Avoid public buses, especially at night.
• Avoid accepting rides or invitations from strangers.
• Be suspicious of strangers approaching you.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is also common in Belize, and tourists are often targeted, even in resorts. Credit card and ATM fraud occur frequently, especially in San Pedro. To reduce the risk of credit card fraud, it is recommended to:

• Pay attention when others handle your cards.
• Use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside banks or businesses.
• Avoid using card readers with irregular or unusual features.
• Cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN.
• Regularly check your account statements for unauthorized transactions.

In addition, spiked food and drinks are sometimes used to facilitate sexual assault and robbery. It is advised to be wary of accepting food and drinks from new acquaintances and never leave them unattended or in the care of strangers.

Belize also has a history of Zika virus transmission, and travellers are advised to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

Good health care is very limited in Belize. Medical facilities may be underequipped and lack medical supplies and adequately trained professionals, especially outside of major cities. Private hospitals, mostly located in Belize City, may provide better health care. It is recommended to purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Some prescription medications may not be available in Belize, so it is important to bring enough medication and keep it in its original container.

When driving in Belize, it is advised to:

• Familiarize yourself with your route before starting your trip.
• Avoid travelling after dark, especially on rural roads.
• Keep your windows and doors locked at all times.
• Keep your belongings out of reach and sight.
• Never leave belongings unattended in your vehicle, even in the trunk.
• Avoid stopping to change a flat tire in an isolated area and be cautious of strangers offering help.
• Always keep your gas tank full when in remote areas.

Frequently asked questions