Belize: Navigating Safety Concerns With State Department Insights

Belize is a beautiful country with stunning natural landscapes, a rich Mayan cultural and historical heritage, and a thriving tourism industry. However, it is important to be cautious when visiting Belize due to safety concerns. The country has a high crime rate, with violent crimes such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder being common, even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. Gang-related activities and drug trafficking are also prevalent, especially in Belize City, with the south side of the city being particularly dangerous and best avoided. While tourists are not usually targeted, crimes against them have been increasing in recent years, and the local police may lack the resources and training to respond effectively. Therefore, it is essential to exercise caution, stay vigilant, and follow official travel advisories when visiting Belize.

Violent crime, including sexual assault, robberies, and murder, is common in Belize

Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world. Violent crime, including sexual assault, robberies, and murder, is common in the country, 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. As a result, many crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted.

Gang violence is a significant concern in Belize, especially in Belize City's Southside area. Gang members often use weapons to resolve disputes, and clashes occur frequently as gangs attempt to gain control of territories for illegal activities. While tourists are not usually the targets of gang violence, anyone in the vicinity of an incident could be affected.

In addition to gang-related crime, drug and human trafficking, organized crime, and street gang activity are prevalent in Belize. There has also been an increase in violent incidents against foreign nationals, including home break-ins and physical assaults. Border areas, such as the border with Guatemala near tourist sites like the Mayan ruins at Caracol, often experience higher levels of criminal activity and violence.

To avoid becoming a victim of crime in Belize, it is recommended to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times, avoid travelling after dark, and maintain a charged cellphone. If threatened, it is advised to hand over cash and valuables without resistance.

Gang violence is a significant concern, especially in Belize City

Gang violence is a significant concern in Belize, especially in Belize City. The country is facing similar challenges to the rest of Central America, including harmful gang activity, insecurity, and poverty. Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world, and violent crime is common, even during daylight hours and in tourist areas.

Belize City, and particularly its south side, has a high concentration of violent crime. In 2024, the Belizean government declared a state of emergency in several locations due to high levels of crime, including Southside Belize City. This area has seen an increase in gang and drug-related violence, including murders and shootings. Gang members often use weapons to resolve disputes, and clashes occur frequently as gangs attempt to gain control of territories for illegal activities.

The police's capacity to respond to violent incidents is limited, and many crimes remain unsolved. While tourists are not usually targeted, they may find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of gang violence in Belize City, it is recommended to avoid non-essential travel to the Southside of the city, carry valid ID at all times, and monitor local media to stay informed about the evolving security situation.

To enhance citizen security and improve the government's capacity to confront criminal organizations, the United States is working closely with the Belizean government. U.S. programs are assisting Belize in professionalizing its police force, strengthening its justice sector, and improving its border security capacity.

Tourists are rarely the targets of violent crime, but petty crime is common

Belize is a beautiful country with stunning natural sights, a rich Mayan cultural and historical heritage, and a thriving tourism industry. However, it is also known for its high crime rate, gang-related violence, and petty crimes. While tourists are rarely the targets of violent crimes, it is essential to stay vigilant and take precautions to ensure a safe trip.

Belize has consistently ranked among the top countries with the highest homicide rates worldwide, with violent crimes such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murders occurring even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. The US State Department and the Government of Canada have both issued travel advisories, recommending that visitors exercise increased caution due to the high prevalence of crime.

The southern side of Belize City has been flagged as an area to avoid due to its association with gang-related violence and drug-related crimes. This area has historically been the hotspot for much of the country's violent crime, and it is advised that visitors stay away from this region.

While tourists are not usually the targets of violent crimes, petty crimes such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and theft are common, especially in tourist hotspots. Criminals often operate in groups and target individuals who are alone. It is important to always be aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying signs of wealth, and keep your valuables secure at all times.

To minimize the risk of becoming a victim of petty crime, it is recommended to follow basic safety guidelines such as:

• Remaining vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Avoiding walking or travelling alone, especially at night.
• Using registered taxis with green license plates instead of walking or taking unsafe public transportation.
• Keeping your cash and valuables secure and out of sight.
• Avoiding resisting any robbery attempts and cooperating with the perpetrators.
• Being extra cautious when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and aid in emergency situations.
• Following official travel advisories and guidelines provided by your country's government.

By taking these precautions and staying informed about the latest travel advisories, you can significantly reduce the risk of encountering any issues during your trip to Belize and focus on enjoying the beauty and culture that the country has to offer.

The police force in Belize is often understaffed and poorly equipped

The Belize Police Department is the country's national police force, responsible for law enforcement and managing immigration matters. However, the department often faces challenges due to understaffing and inadequate resources.

In 2022, the Minister of Home Affairs, Kareem Musa, acknowledged that the police department was understaffed, with a current population of around 2,038 police officers, down from nearly 2,400 officers in 2015-2016. The department has also faced challenges with officer dismissals, retirements, and deaths, leaving several positions unfilled.

The impact of understaffing is further compounded by the department's limited resources and training to effectively respond to serious criminal incidents. This has resulted in high levels of violent crime, including gang and drug-related violence, remaining unresolved and unprosecuted. Tourists are generally not targeted, but they may find themselves in dangerous situations due to the prevalence of violent crimes in the country.

To address the issue, the Belizean government has taken steps to recruit additional officers, with an expected intake of 150 new officers. The U.S. government has also provided assistance, working closely with the Belizean government to strengthen citizen security and improve the capacity of the police force to confront criminal organizations.

Despite these efforts, the police force in Belize continues to face challenges in terms of staffing and resources, impacting their ability to effectively address the high levels of violent crime in the country.

Public transport in Belize is generally unsafe and unreliable

The US State Department advises travellers to "exercise increased caution in Belize due to crime." Violent crimes such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder are common, even during the day and in tourist areas. Gang-related crime is also prevalent in the country, especially in the south side of Belize City. The local police often lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents, and most crimes go unresolved and unprosecuted.

Public transport in Belize is generally considered unsafe and unreliable. While buses are the primary mode of transportation for most Belizeans, they are often jam-packed and slow, and it can take a long time to get around. In addition, express buses, which are faster and more expensive, only service the two main highways. The majority of buses are repurposed North American school buses, which are sturdy but lack maintenance and safety equipment. These buses are driven at high speeds and are not always timely, sometimes taking up to three hours to reach their destination.

Water taxis are another option for travel within Belize, particularly to the cayes from the mainland. While they are considered safe, they may not always be reliable, as weather conditions can delay or cancel trips.

Taxis in Belize are not considered safe, and it is recommended to refrain from using them. While registered taxis can be identified by their green license plates, they often do not have meters, and it is common for drivers to overcharge tourists.

Overall, it is advisable to avoid using public transportation in Belize whenever possible and to consider alternative options such as private transfers, car rentals, or domestic flights for a safer and more reliable travel experience.

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