Belize Unveiled: Navigating Safety For A Tropical Vacation

Belize is a beautiful country with a lot to offer tourists, from deep-sea fishing and snorkelling to exploring Mayan ruins and its attractive reefs. However, it is not the safest destination for tourists visiting Central America.

The country has a high level of violent crime, including sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder, even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world. Gang-related violence is a significant concern, especially in Belize City, and the local police often lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted.

Tourists are advised to exercise caution and take necessary safety precautions when visiting Belize. It is recommended to avoid non-essential travel to certain parts of Belize City, such as the south side, due to higher crime rates and gang-related violence. Tourists should also be vigilant, avoid displaying signs of wealth, and stay informed about the local security situation.

Violent crime in Belize

Belize is a beautiful country with a coastline along the Caribbean Sea, vast jungles filled with exotic plants and animals, and Mayan ruins. However, it is not the safest destination for tourists visiting Central America, as it is filled with petty and violent crime. The overall risk of travelling to Belize is rated as "medium".

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, even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. A significant portion of violent crime is gang-related, and the south side of Belize City has historically been the site of much of the country's violent crime. In 2022, official records show there were 113 murder victims, nine of whom were women. Young people were the primary victims of homicide, with two in five victims aged between 18 and 29. Firearms are the main weapon used in murders, with eight in ten murders committed with a gun.

In addition to murder, violent crimes such as sexual violence and unlawful sexual intercourse are also prevalent in Belize. Reported instances of rape increased by 100% in 2022, while unlawful sexual intercourse rose by 30.4%.

While violent crime is a concern in Belize, tourists are not usually targeted. However, it is still important to take precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings, avoiding walking or driving at night, and not displaying signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewellery.

Gang activity

Belizean street gangs model themselves after US street gangs, with subgroups such as the George Street Bloods, Brick City Bloods, Majestic-Alley Crips, and Ghost Town Crips. While these gangs are not as sophisticated or well-organized as their Central American counterparts, their activities contribute significantly to the country's high crime rate. Gang rivalries and clashes over territorial control are frequent and often result in violent incidents, including murders and shootings.

The Belizean government has acknowledged the need for improvements in the country's security forces. However, issues of underfunding, poor training, and corruption persist. The police force and justice system are widely regarded as inefficient and corrupt, leading to low public confidence and underreporting of crimes. The limited capacity of the police to respond effectively to violent incidents means that many crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted.

To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of gang-related crime in Belize, it is advisable to follow safety recommendations such as avoiding non-essential travel to high-risk areas, being vigilant and aware of your surroundings, avoiding travelling after dark, and not displaying signs of wealth.

Tourist safety

Belize is a reasonably safe destination for tourists, but it's important to exercise caution and take necessary safety precautions. The country has a high level of violent crime, including gang-related activities, and tourists should be vigilant, especially in crowded areas and at night. Here are some essential safety tips for tourists:

• Avoid Isolated Areas: Stay in well-populated areas to reduce the risk of being targeted by muggers, especially at night and in cities.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: While staying in crowds can help deter muggers, it also makes you more vulnerable to pickpockets. Keep your valuables secure and out of reach.
• Don't Wear Flashy Items: Remove jewellery and watches, and keep your phone out of sight to avoid attracting attention from thieves.
• Don't Leave Items Unattended: Always keep your belongings with you, especially when visiting beaches or tourist spots like Placencia, Hopkins Village, or Caye Caulker.
• Carry a Spare Wallet: Only carry a small amount of cash in a spare wallet and keep the rest of your valuables locked up in your accommodation.
• Avoid Public Buses at Night: Use taxis instead, and ensure they have green license plates to indicate they are authorised.
• Be Careful on Public Transport: Keep your valuables secure, especially on "chicken buses" and night buses, where theft is common.
• Stick to Tourist Parts of Belize City: The city has a high crime rate, with some neighbourhoods controlled by gangs. Stay in the main tourist areas and follow local advice.
• Buy Travel Insurance: This will protect you in case of injury, illness, theft, or travel disruptions.
• Avoid Wearing Expensive Jewellery: Wearing expensive items can make you a target for thieves.
• Use Qualified Guides: When venturing off the beaten track, use qualified guides to stay safe.
• Use Reputable ATMs: Only use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside banks to reduce the risk of card fraud.
• Be Vigilant Around Children: Children are often skilled pickpockets, so be cautious and keep your valuables secure.
• Avoid Walking Alone at Night: Solo travel, especially after dark, can be unsafe. Stay in groups or use trusted transportation.
• Keep Vehicle Windows Closed and Doors Locked: Even while driving, keep your valuables hidden and your vehicle secure.
• Stay Informed: Follow local media and advice from authorities to stay updated on safety concerns and areas to avoid.
• Follow Basic Safety Precautions: Don't carry large amounts of cash, be cautious of strangers, and avoid displaying signs of wealth.

Transport safety

While the quality of roads in Belize is not too bad, with the Northern, Southern, and Hummingbird Highways being among the best in Latin America, transport safety is a concern.

Public transport in Belize is generally unsafe and unreliable. Public buses are not well-maintained, lack safety equipment, and are not commonly used. The Government of Canada advises against using public buses.

The Government of Canada also advises against using taxis, which are also unsafe. However, other sources state that taxis are one of the best ways to get around, especially at night, and are relatively safe. Registered taxis can be identified by their green license plates, while private vehicles have white license plates.

Cycling is a good alternative to public transport, but cyclists do not respect traffic laws and contribute to hazardous driving conditions.

Driving conditions may be hazardous, especially during the rainy season, due to potholes, unpaved roads, and narrow roads. Driving standards are poor, and there is a high level of drink-driving, speeding, and reckless driving. There is also a lack of emergency road assistance, and service stations are scarce. It is recommended that you familiarise yourself with your route before starting your trip, avoid travelling after dark, and keep your windows and doors locked at all times.

Water taxis are the main way to travel between the cayes and the mainland. When travelling by ferry, ensure the vessel has appropriate safety equipment and life jackets for all passengers. Avoid boarding vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy.

Natural disasters

Belize is highly susceptible to natural disasters, which affect the country regularly. The most common natural disasters are hurricanes, tropical storms, flooding, and drought. The hurricane season lasts from June to November, and during this time, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes. Hurricanes pose serious safety risks and can cause extensive flooding and damage to infrastructure and the economy, especially in the agricultural sector.

Since 1930, 16 hurricanes have made landfall in Belize or passed close enough to cause damage or loss of life, with eight of them being classified as major hurricanes. In addition, 17 systems made landfall in Belize as tropical storms during this period. The deadliest hurricane in Belize's history occurred in 1931, killing approximately 2,500 people. More recently, in 2001, Tropical Storm Chantal caused agriculture and infrastructure damage throughout Belize, with total damage estimated at $4 million. In 2010, Hurricane Richard caused an initial damage estimate of $49.2 million, with $34.7 million in losses to agriculture and $14.5 million in damage to homes.

Other natural disasters that have impacted Belize include bush and forest fires, which are common between December and May, particularly in the Cayo District and southern districts of the country. These fires can lead to deteriorated air quality in affected areas.

Frequently asked questions