Belize: A Safe Haven Or Danger Zone?

Belize is a small country with a very low population density of about 380,000 people. Like everywhere in the world, there are places in Belize that are comfortable and feel safe for most people, and other places that are better suited to more experienced travellers.

Belize has a high crime rate, particularly in Belize City, which accounts for the vast majority of crimes in the country. However, tourists are rarely the targets of gang violence, and most tourists and expats live near or in a village or town, where there is a police presence, lighted roads, and other people, reducing the need to travel alone late at night.

In 2024, the government of Belize declared a state of emergency in several locations due to high levels of crime, including Southside Belize City, Northside Victoria Street, and Roaring Creek Village. Gang and drug-related violence, including murders and shootings, are common in these areas.

While violent crime is a concern in Belize, it is important to note that tourists are not usually targeted. However, it is essential to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines, such as remaining aware of your surroundings, avoiding travelling alone at night, and not flashing cash or valuables.

Gang violence in Southside Belize City

Belize has one of the highest homicide rates in the world, with gang violence being a significant concern, especially in Southside Belize City. Southside Belize City, south of the Haulover Creek River, has been placed under a state of emergency as of March 27, 2024, due to high levels of gang and drug-related violence, including murders and shootings. The state of emergency allows security forces to restrict freedom of movement, conduct searches and seizures, and detain persons of interest. The government may also deploy military support.

Gang members in Southside Belize City often use weapons to resolve disputes, and clashes frequently occur between gangs attempting to gain control over territories for illegal activities. The police's capacity to respond to violent incidents is limited, and many crimes remain unsolved. Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world, with about 140 murders per year in the country.

The gang violence in Southside Belize City can be attributed to various factors, including:

• The deportation of gang members from the United States: Belize has experienced the deportation of gang members, particularly the Bloods and Crips, from the US since the early 1980s. These deported gang members brought with them gang cultures and identities, which took root in Belize, particularly in Southside Belize City.
• Availability of weapons: The influx of firearms has increased the lethality of gang violence.
• Social and economic factors: Historical exclusion, inequality, and marginalization in Southside Belize City have created vulnerabilities among the residents, especially young men, making them susceptible to gang recruitment. Poverty, unemployment, and limited opportunities for youth contribute to the appeal of gang life.
• Political factors: Political clientelism and the lack of effective gang intervention strategies by the government have also played a role in the persistence of gang violence.

Drug and human trafficking

Belize is a small country with a population of about 342,092 to 380,000 people. It has the lowest population density in Central and South America. However, it has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world.

Belize has a history of drug trafficking due to its strategic location. It shares a border with Mexico, and Guatemala, and has access to the Gulf and several Caribbean countries. Its geographic features, including estuaries, rivers, creeks, mangrove swamps, and the Great Belize Barrier Reef, provide the perfect cover for drug traffickers moving their cargo to the North American market.

Drug trafficking in Belize is often linked to human trafficking, with local gangs working for international traffickers, providing logistics for drug planes landing in Belize or making wet drops off its coast. The gangs are paid with drugs and weapons, which are then sold on the streets of Belize.

In 2024, Belize remained on Tier 2 of the US Department of State's Trafficking in Persons Report, indicating that it did not meet the minimum standards in addressing human trafficking. The report highlighted concerns about official complicity in trafficking crimes, inadequate screening of vulnerable groups, and a lack of training and oversight in labour recruitment.

Belize has responded to the drug and human trafficking problem by adopting a hardline, militaristic approach, with the support of its allies, the US, Canada, and the UK. This approach involves strengthening its military and police force to combat drug traffickers. However, some critics argue that this strategy has not been effective in reducing drug-related crimes and violence and that alternative approaches, such as drug legalization and investment in social programs, should be considered.

Sexual assault and women's safety

Belize is a small country with a very low population density of about 380,000 people. While the Caribbean islands of Belize are some of the safest places to visit, crime can be a severe problem in this Central American nation. The U.S. State Department suggests increased caution in Belize due to crime. Violent crime is common during daylight hours and in tourist areas.

Belize has consistently ranked highly worldwide for violence, largely due to border tensions with Guatemala and increased drug and human trafficking into Mexico via Belize. However, tourists are not usually the targets of violent crime. The majority of violent crimes are gang-related and occur in Belize City, which has the highest crime rate in the country. The south side of Belize City should be avoided at all times.

Sexual assaults and sexual harassment of women are common in Belize. Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Cases of sexual assault, including against foreigners, have been reported. Women should avoid unlit alleys and isolated areas, and unsupervised beaches. Hitchhiking or accepting rides from strangers is not recommended.

To avoid becoming a victim of crime in Belize, it is important to remain aware of your surroundings at all times, avoid travelling after dark, and maintain a charge on your cellphone. If you are threatened, it is recommended to hand over your cash and valuables without resistance. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is also common, and criminals often target tourists. It is important to ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

LGBTQ+ safety

Belize is generally considered a safe and exciting destination for LGBTQ+ travellers. The country has a vibrant LGBTQ+ community and organisations that support and promote the rights of LGBTQ+ people. However, LGBTQ+ travellers should be mindful of some key safety considerations.

Legal and Cultural Considerations

In 2016, Belize decriminalised same-sex sexual activity and made discrimination based on sexual orientation illegal. Despite this, LGBTQ+ people in Belize still face legal challenges and discrimination not experienced by non-LGBTQ+ citizens. While attitudes have been changing in recent years, with Pride events growing in popularity, the country is still relatively conservative, with strong religious opposition to LGBTQ+ rights.

Safety Precautions

LGBTQ+ travellers should be cautious of public displays of affection, as this could attract unwanted attention and even be perceived as offensive. It is also recommended to avoid dating apps and be cautious when meeting people online. Additionally, it is important to stay in well-lit and populated areas at night and be aware of local laws and customs.

Recommended Destinations

Some of the most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations in Belize include:

• Ambergris Caye: The largest island in Belize, known for its ecotourism and vibrant wildlife. It is considered a safe destination for LGBTQ+ travellers, with welcoming clubs, bars, and restaurants.
• Caye Caulker: A popular spot for LGBTQ+ travellers on a budget, offering beautiful beaches and a range of marine activities.
• San Ignacio: A vibrant cultural town and a top tourist destination, known for its gay-friendly atmosphere and ancient Mayan ruins.
• San Pedro: Considered the most gay-friendly destination in Belize, with a thriving gay nightlife scene during the high season. Many businesses are openly owned and run by LGBTQ+ people.

Overall Safety

While Belize has made significant progress in protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, it is important for travellers to be mindful of the existing legal and cultural landscape. By taking the necessary safety precautions and connecting with local LGBTQ+ communities, LGBTQ+ travellers can have a safe and enjoyable experience in this beautiful and welcoming country.

Healthcare in Belize

Belize's healthcare system is comprised of both public and private healthcare providers. The public healthcare system is managed by the Ministry of Health (MoH), which is responsible for overseeing the entire health sector and is also the largest provider of public health services in the country. The MoH offers affordable care to the majority of Belizeans, with a strong focus on providing quality healthcare through a range of public programs and institutions. The private health sector, on the other hand, provides care to a smaller portion of the population but at a relatively low cost and with a similar emphasis on quality.

The country has been working to improve its healthcare system over the years, with the Ministry of Health playing a key role in creating significant reforms. However, medical care in Belize generally receives poor grades, with reports of understaffed and under-equipped facilities. Most expat residents say the country needs more healthcare facilities, more specialized physicians and staff, and better equipment. With a small population of under 400,000, Belize doesn’t have a large enough tax base to adequately fund a large number of public hospitals. However, the country's doctors are dedicated and caring, offering personal attention to their patients.

Belize has a mix of public and private hospitals, with the majority of 24/7 hospitals located in Belize City. The public hospitals offer free or very inexpensive care to Belizeans but are often underfunded and face challenges with equipment problems, medical supply shortages, and operation management issues. The private hospitals, on the other hand, offer better and more comprehensive care but at a higher cost.

There is also a shortage of medical professionals in Belize, with many doctors and medical professionals being foreign nationals working as volunteers. This shortage is particularly felt in rural areas, where access to emergency services and ambulances is limited.

When it comes to mental health services, Belize has made strides in recent years. Psychiatric nurse practitioners have been integrated into community-based care, and mental health services are now available in district hospitals throughout the country. Most inpatient psychiatric services are provided at Rockview Hospital, the national mental hospital. Additionally, the MoH launched a strategic mental health plan in 2009 to improve mental health through increased community-based care and targeted efforts to prevent and manage mental disorders.

Belize also has a network of approximately 60 public health clinics that provide primary medical and dental care to rural areas. However, these clinics often suffer from inadequate staffing and a lack of financial resources, equipment, and medicine, leading to reduced access to care.

The country has also been working on improving its health information system, with the introduction of the Belize Health Information System (BHIS) in 2008. The BHIS allows for the collection and dissemination of population-based and record-based health data, with the goal of improving health outcomes and performance.

In terms of common health conditions in Belize, the country faces issues with malaria, dengue fever, gastroenteritis, cholera, and HIV/AIDS. These conditions are often related to infrastructure problems, sanitation issues, and a lack of education and awareness about how they are acquired and transmitted.

Overall, while Belize has made efforts to improve its healthcare system, there are still challenges when it comes to funding, staffing, and equipment. For more complicated medical treatments, many expats choose to leave the country and seek care in the United States or nearby countries.

Frequently asked questions