Belize's Dark Side: Is This Country Safe For Tourists?

Belize is considered a dangerous country, with a high crime rate and serious problems with violent crimes and gang activity. In 2012, it was the third most dangerous country in the world, with a murder rate of 44.7 per 100,000 people. The country has around 40 active gangs, with at least eight of them considered very powerful and dangerous, most of which are concentrated in Belize City.

While tourists are not usually the targets of gang violence, anyone can be affected if they are in the wrong place at the wrong time. Tourists are, however, vulnerable to theft and other petty crimes, especially in popular tourist destinations.

The country also has issues with drug and human trafficking, organised crime, and territorial disputes with neighbouring countries.

Belize's murder rate

Belize has consistently ranked among the countries with the highest murder rates in the world. In 2012, the country's murder rate was 44.7 per 100,000 people, making it the third-highest in the world, according to a UN report. The following year, the number of murders decreased significantly, but the murder rate rose again in 2014.

Belize's high murder rate is mainly due to gang-related violence and the presence of drug cartels and human trafficking. The majority of homicides occur in Belize City, especially in the southern part of the city, where gang violence is rampant. The country also has border tensions with neighbouring Guatemala, which has contributed to its high ranking in terms of danger.

While tourists are not usually the target of violent crimes in Belize, crimes have been increasing in tourist areas in recent years, mainly due to the significant disparity between rich and poor. Petty crime, such as theft, is one of the main dangers for tourists visiting Belize.

Overall, Belize is considered a dangerous country, with a high crime rate and serious problems with violent crimes and gangs. However, with proper precautions and research, it is possible to have a safe trip to Belize.

Gang-related violence

Belize has a high crime rate and serious problems with violent crimes and gang activity. There are around 40 active gangs operating throughout the country, 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. Southside Belize City, in particular, is a battlefront for frequent armed inter-gang conflict.

In March 2024, authorities placed parts of south Belize City under a state of emergency following an increase in gang violence in the area. The state of emergency allowed for enhanced powers of arrest, seizure, and detention, and it is possible that the government will deploy military support.

The US State Department categorises Belize as a level 2 country and advises citizens to exercise increased caution when visiting due to the high prevalence of crime. The US advisory states that most crimes reported in Belize are either unresolved or unprosecuted, and are usually gang-related.

The Government of Canada advises travellers to Belize to exercise a high degree of caution and avoid non-essential travel to Southside Belize City. Their advisory also emphasises the danger of gang-related violence and recommends that tourists completely avoid the area south of the Haulover Creek River.

Tourist safety

Belize is a beautiful country, with its striking waterfalls and rivers, lush jungles, and rich Mayan cultural and historical heritage. However, it has a reputation for being unsafe, with a high crime rate and serious problems with violent crimes and gang activity. In 2012, a UN report ranked Belize as the third most dangerous country in the world, with a murder rate of 44.7 per 100,000 people. While the situation has improved since then, with a decrease in murders in 2013, crime and violence are still a significant concern for tourists. Here are some safety tips for tourists travelling to Belize:

• Exercise caution and vigilance: All major travel advisories advise travellers to exercise caution and be vigilant when visiting Belize. The US State Department categorizes Belize as a Level 2 country, recommending that American citizens exercise increased caution due to the high prevalence of crime.
• Avoid certain areas: The Mayan ruins of Caracol, Belize City (especially Southside Belize City), the Guatemalan border, and the Honduras border are considered particularly dangerous areas. It is recommended to avoid non-essential travel to Southside Belize City due to gang-related violence.
• Be aware of natural disasters: While Belize is not in imminent danger from natural disasters, there is a risk of smaller earthquakes, hurricanes, storms, flooding, and wind damage. Hurricanes are the most significant weather concern, with Belize being hit by at least seven hurricanes each year. However, most of them are weak and do not cause damage.
• Use caution with public transportation: Public transportation in Belize is generally unreliable and unsafe. Avoid using public buses and taxis, as they are often in poor condition and may be operated by unlicensed drivers. Instead, stick to well-known ferry companies for travel between the cayes.
• Be cautious when accessing medical care: The public health institutions in Belize are underfunded and under-equipped. Private hospitals, mainly located in Belize City, may provide better healthcare, but it is recommended to get medical insurance before travelling.
• Follow safety guidelines: Don't walk around in secluded urban areas, avoid going out at night, and don't wear or display valuable items that can make you a target for thieves. Stay in well-reviewed accommodations, travel in groups or with a guide, and always be aware of your surroundings.
• Follow local laws and avoid illegal activities: Understand and respect local laws and customs. Drugs and prostitution are illegal in Belize and can lead to severe penalties.
• Get travel insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that includes medical evacuation and trip interruption coverage.
• Stay informed and follow local news: Stay updated on local news and weather conditions, especially during hurricane season. Follow recommendations from local authorities and be prepared to evacuate or take shelter if needed.

By following these safety guidelines and staying vigilant, tourists can enjoy a safe and rewarding trip to Belize. However, it is essential to recognize that crime and violence are still a concern, and extra precautions may be necessary to ensure a safe experience.

Police response

Belize is protected by the Belize Police Department, formerly known as the British Honduras Constabulary. The police force has over 1,000 sworn officers and nearly 150 civilian employees. In the case of an emergency, the police can be contacted by dialling 911. Non-urgent matters can be directed to [email protected].

The Belize Police Department is one of the emergency services in the country, alongside the Belize National Fire Service, the Belize Emergency Response Team (medical and ambulance), and the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) in the case of national disasters, including hurricanes. The Belize Coast Guard is the first responder for mariners.

Police checkpoints are dotted around the country. These are commonplace, especially due to recent border tensions.

Belize has around 40 active gangs operating throughout the country, with at least eight considered very powerful and dangerous. Most are concentrated in Belize City, the major crime centre in the country.

Territorial disputes

Belize has been involved in a long-running territorial dispute with neighbouring Guatemala, which dates back to the 17th century.

During the late 1600s and throughout the 1700s, Britain and Spain signed several treaties regarding territories in the Americas. Both nations agreed that what is now Belize was under Spanish sovereignty, although British settlers could use the land in specific areas and for specific purposes. The British settlers, however, continually expanded beyond the boundaries set by the treaties.

When the Spanish Empire fell, Guatemala claimed that it had 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, Guatemala and Britain 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 came to fruition.

In the years following the treaty, tensions flared up intermittently between Guatemala and British Honduras (as Belize was then known). In 1939, the Guatemalan government unilaterally abrogated the treaty on the grounds that the UK was in breach of Article 7, which concerned the construction of the road. Britain stationed troops in British Honduras to secure the region against Guatemalan invasion, and many negotiations attempting to resolve the dispute took place over the following decades.

In 1981, Belize became independent with the dispute unresolved. Guatemala recognised Belize's independence in the early 1990s but subsequently shifted its stance back to inheriting claims from the Spanish Empire. In 1999, Guatemala asserted that it had inherited Spain's 15th-century claims on Belize and was owed more than half of Belize's land mass, from the Sibun River south. This claim amounts to roughly 53% of the country.

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

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