Belize: A High-Risk Country For Travelers?

Belize is a small Central American country with a population of about 380,000. It is known for its natural beauty, Mayan cultural heritage, and outdoor activities. However, it has gained a reputation for being unsafe due to its high crime rate, gang-related violence, and issues with law enforcement.

Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world, and violent crimes such as sexual assault, armed robbery, and home invasions are common, even in tourist areas and during daylight. The country also struggles with gang activity, drug trafficking, and a high prevalence of violent crimes, which has led to a state of emergency being declared in several locations.

In addition to safety concerns, Belize faces challenges with public transportation, medical care, and road safety. Public transportation is generally considered unsafe and unreliable, and medical facilities are under-equipped and under-staffed. Driving conditions can be hazardous due to poor road infrastructure and reckless driving.

Despite these issues, Belize remains a popular tourist destination, attracting nearly 900,000 visitors in 2022. However, travellers are advised to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines when visiting the country.

Crime and gang violence

Belize has a high crime rate and serious problems with violent crimes and gang activity. The country has around 40 active gangs, with at least eight of them considered very powerful and dangerous. Most gangs are concentrated in Belize City, the major crime centre in the country. The south side of Belize City, in particular, has a history of gang-related violent crime, including murders and shootings, and is best avoided by visitors.

Gang violence is a significant concern in Belize, with gang members often using weapons to resolve disputes and clash over territories for illegal activities. Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world, and violent crimes such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder are common, even during daylight hours and in tourist areas.

While tourists are not usually targeted, it is advised to exercise caution and be vigilant, especially when visiting banks or ATMs, and to avoid walking or driving at night. It is also recommended to avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewellery, and to be cautious when using public transportation or visiting resorts, as criminals often target individuals travelling alone or in groups.

The local police lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents, and most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted. Drug and human trafficking, organised crime, and street gang activity are prevalent in the country, and border areas, such as those with Guatemala and Honduras, often see higher criminal activity and violence.

Healthcare and public services

Belize has both public and private healthcare systems. The Ministry of Health (MoH) is the government agency responsible for overseeing the health sector and is the largest provider of public health services in the country. The MoH offers affordable care to most 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, serves a smaller portion of the population. However, similar to the public sector, private health services are offered at a relatively low cost with an emphasis on quality care.

Public Healthcare

Public healthcare in Belize is available to all citizens at no direct cost. However, a large portion of funding has been allocated to Belize City, where the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), the national and regional referral hospital, is located. Outside of Belize City, there are seven additional hospitals located within the capitals of each of the seven other districts, providing public healthcare services. There is also a network of approximately 60 public health clinics that provide primary medical and dental care to rural areas. Despite these efforts, the public health system faces challenges such as inadequate staffing, lack of financial resources, and insufficient equipment and medicine, resulting in reduced access to quality care.

Private Healthcare

The private sector has become increasingly important in Belize, providing services to approximately 15% of the population. There are three main private hospitals in the country: La Loma Luz Hospital, Belize Medical Associates, and Universal Health Services. Private hospitals offer some additional tertiary care and imaging services not available in the public system. Private institutions also accept medical insurance plans, and Pay-for-Performance (P4P) contracts have been implemented via the National Health Insurance (NHI) program to improve quality care.

Health Conditions and Challenges

Belize faces several prevalent health conditions, including malaria, dengue fever, gastroenteritis, cholera, and HIV/AIDS. These conditions are often related to issues surrounding infrastructure and sanitation, as well as a lack of education and awareness about their transmission. Additionally, there are concerns about future outbreaks due to the relatively fragile infrastructure and low population. Belize also faces challenges such as high mortality rates from non-communicable diseases, an increase in health problems related to human behavior and lifestyle, anaemia, malnutrition, limited equity in access to healthcare, and inefficient healthcare delivery.

Public Services

Public services in Belize include essential utilities such as electricity, water, and waste management. However, it is important to note that the reliability and availability of these services may vary across different regions in the country.

Transportation

Belize has a network of roads, including the George Price and Philip Goldson highways. However, road conditions and road safety are generally poor throughout the country. Most roads are unpaved, and driving conditions can be hazardous, especially during the rainy season due to narrow lanes and a lack of traffic signs. Public transportation, including buses and taxis, is generally considered unsafe and unreliable. Water taxis are commonly used for travel between the cayes and the mainland.

Communication Services

Belize has a functioning communication system, including telephone and internet services. The country code for telephone calls to Belize is +501. Internet access is available, but the quality and speed may vary depending on the region.

Emergency Services

In case of emergencies, Belize has a police force with over 1000 sworn officers and nearly 150 civilian employees. The emergency number for the police is 90/911. For fire and ambulance services in Belize City, the number is 90. Additionally, there are efforts to improve emergency healthcare services, such as the establishment of the Rickilee Response and Rescue (RRR) team on Ambergris Caye.

LGBTQ+ safety

Belize is generally considered a safe destination for LGBTQ+ travellers. However, it is important to note that the country is still in the process of developing laws to protect the LGBTQ+ community from discrimination, and same-sex marriage is not legal. While attitudes are changing, and the country held its first Pride Week in 2017, LGBTQ+ persons in Belize still face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ+ citizens.

In 2016, Belize decriminalised LGBTQ+ identity, and the Supreme Court ruled that the constitution prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. This was a significant step forward, as previously, an anti-sodomy law had created a climate of intolerance towards gay and lesbian Belizeans. Despite this progress, LGBTQ+ travellers should be aware of the following cultural norms and safety precautions to ensure a safe trip:

• Public displays of affection are not common in Belize, regardless of sexual orientation. It is recommended that LGBTQ+ travellers avoid public displays of affection, as this could lead to unwanted attention.
• Belize has a strong religious presence, and religious leaders are often outspoken in their opposition to LGBTQ+ rights. The majority religion is Christianity, and some religious individuals may hold anti-LGBTQ+ views.
• While the Belize Tourism Board has taken steps to promote the country as an inclusive destination, and the police are usually responsive to reports of discrimination and harassment, LGBTQ+ people in Belize can still experience discrimination and abuse. It is important to take safety precautions and be mindful of conservative attitudes towards gender and sexuality.
• Dating apps are not recommended for LGBTQ+ people in Belize due to these conservative attitudes. If meeting someone online, be sure to verify their identity and let someone know where you are going.
• Some areas of the country pose a higher risk, including Southside Belize City, which has been the site of frequent gang-related violence, and the borders with Guatemala and Honduras, which see increased criminal activity.
• Overall, violent crime is common in Belize, and tourists are advised to exercise caution, especially when travelling alone and at night.

Natural disasters

Belize is highly susceptible to natural disasters, including hurricanes, tropical storms, flooding, and drought. The country experiences a hurricane season from June to November, during which there is a heightened risk of hurricanes and tropical storms. These weather events can cause extensive damage to infrastructure and the economy, particularly in the agricultural sector.

Hurricanes in Belize are frequent, with the country experiencing at least seven hurricanes each year. While most of these hurricanes are relatively weak, stronger hurricanes can cause significant damage. Since 1930, 16 hurricanes have made landfall in Belize or passed close enough to cause damage or loss of life, with eight of these being categorised as major hurricanes. The Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale categorises hurricanes based on their strength and potential for damage.

In addition to hurricanes, Belize is also vulnerable to flooding and drought. Flooding can be caused by heavy rainfall during the rainy season, which typically lasts from May to November, as well as by storms and hurricanes. Drought, on the other hand, can affect farmers, particularly in certain regions of the country.

To mitigate the impact of natural disasters, it is important for residents and visitors to stay informed about weather conditions and follow official safety guidelines. The US Embassy in Belize provides information on hurricane alerts and watches, as well as designated hurricane shelters.

Border disputes

Belize faces unresolved territorial disputes with Guatemala and Honduras.

Guatemala

Belize and Guatemala share a border in Central America, and their territorial dispute is one of the oldest in the Americas. In the late 1600s and throughout the 1700s, Britain and Spain signed treaties regarding territories in the Americas. Both nations agreed that modern-day Belize was under Spanish sovereignty, although British settlers could use the land in specific areas and for specific purposes. When the Spanish Empire fell, Guatemala claimed that it inherited Spain's sovereign rights over the territory. Since its independence, Guatemala has claimed, in whole or in part, the territory of Belize.

In 1859, Britain and Guatemala negotiated the Wyke-Aycinena Treaty regarding the disputed area. The treaty stated that Guatemala would recognise British sovereignty over the region and formed the modern-day boundary lines of Belize. The treaty also included an article about building a mutually beneficial road, although this never happened.

In 1931, an exchange of notes between the UK and Guatemala reaffirmed the borders from the 1859 treaty. In 1934, the UK declared its desire to build a road from Belize City to the edge of Petén, where Guatemala would continue building the road to its capital. Guatemala did not agree to this compromise. Instead, they asked for half of the expense of the road (£50,000) in 1859, with interest accruing since. Britain refused.

In 1946, Guatemala officially tried to declare the 1859 treaty null and void. Britain suggested going to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to resolve their differences, but Guatemala rejected this. In 1948, Guatemala threatened to invade and forcibly annex the territory, and Britain responded by deploying two companies from the 2nd Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment. In 1954, a US-backed military coup successfully overthrew Guatemala's government, and for the next 40 years, Guatemala would be ruled by authoritarian military regimes.

In 1965, the UK and Guatemala agreed to have an American lawyer, Bethual M. Webster, mediate the dispute. Three years later, the Webster Proposals, a draft treaty to resolve the dispute, was published. It did not accomplish its goal, and the UK rejected the draft.

In 1975, the Belizean and British governments agreed on a new strategy to take the case for self-determination to various international forums. Between 1975 and 1981, Belizean leaders stated their case for self-determination at meetings of the Commonwealth of Nations governments in Jamaica, the conference of ministers of the Nonaligned Movement, and at meetings of the United Nations (UN). In November 1980, the UN passed a resolution with the backing of the United States, and 0 No votes, that demanded the independence of Belize, with all its territory intact, before the end of the next session of the UN in 1981.

In 1988, significant negotiations between Belize and Guatemala resumed, with the United Kingdom as an observer. Guatemala recognised Belize's independence in 1991 and diplomatic relations were established. However, in 1999, Guatemala shifted its stance back to inheriting claims from the Spanish Empire and the Federal Republic of Central America. Guatemala and Belize both stationed troops at the border, with a one-kilometre "adjacency zone" drawn on either side of the 1859 treaty borders.

In 2008, Belize and Guatemala made a pact to have simultaneous referendums for their voters to send the issue to the International Court of Justice. The referendums passed in both countries by May 2019. As of June 2022, both countries are now settling the dispute at the International Court of Justice, with both countries confirmed to have submitted their initial briefs to the organisation. The court is not expected to rule until 2025 at the earliest.

Honduras

Belize also has a border dispute with Honduras regarding the Sapodilla Cays.

Frequently asked questions