Belize Opens Its Doors: Navigating Travel Plans Amidst The Coronavirus Pandemic

Belize is a beautiful country to visit, with its striking waterfalls and rivers, lush jungles, and rich Mayan cultural and historical heritage. However, it's important to be aware of safety concerns when travelling there.

Every major travel advisory warns citizens to exercise caution and vigilance when travelling to Belize, with most recommending avoiding some specific areas. The US State Department, for example, advises citizens to exercise increased caution due to the country's high prevalence of crime. The Australian Government also advises citizens to exercise a high degree of caution overall, due to the high crime rate and significant health risks.

Belize has a high crime rate and serious problems with violent crimes and gang activity. The Southside of Belize City, in particular, is known for its high levels of gang-related violence, including murders and shootings. Criminal activity, such as murder, armed robbery, home invasions, mugging and sexual assault, is a significant problem throughout the country.

In addition to the high crime rate, there are also health risks to consider when travelling to Belize. The Australian travel advisory warns about the high prevalence of HIV, the potential presence of the Zika virus, and the risk of insect-inflicted diseases like chikungunya.

When it comes to transportation, public buses and taxis are generally considered unsafe and unreliable. If you do take a taxi, make sure it's a registered one with green license plates.

To stay safe in Belize, it's recommended to travel in groups, avoid going out at night, and stay out of deserted areas not frequented by tourists. It's also important to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times.

Crime rate and safety precautions

Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world, and violent crime, including armed robbery, shootings, domestic abuse, and sexual assault, is common. Criminal activity is a significant problem throughout Belize, with violent crimes such as murder, armed robbery, home invasions, mugging, and sexual assault occurring even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. Gang-related violence is a major problem in Belize, especially in the Southside of Belize City, where gangs often use weapons to resolve disputes and clash frequently to gain control of territories for illegal activities.

To protect yourself from violent crime, it is recommended to:

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times and avoid walking or driving at night.
• Avoid travelling alone, especially after dark.
• Use a reputable tour company.
• Pay close attention to your surroundings and keep vehicle windows closed and doors locked.
• Use licensed taxis only and avoid picking up extra passengers.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs and avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewellery.
• Store valuables and cash in a secure location, such as a hotel safe, and never leave them visible inside a parked car.
• Use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business.
• Keep wallets and purses secure and in front pockets.
• Keep the door to your hotel room secured at all times and meet visitors in the lobby.
• Avoid buses in Belize, as they are often poorly maintained and lack basic safety features such as seatbelts.
• Drive with extreme caution, even on major streets, and avoid night trips. Road conditions are generally poor and may be hazardous.
• Avoid using motorcycles, as maintenance standards are poor.
• Use only registered and licensed operators for adventure activities such as snorkelling and scuba diving.

Tourists in Belize are often victims of theft, and common crimes in tourist areas include burglary, pickpocketing, and hotel room theft. It is advised to use only accommodation and campgrounds that appear genuine and established. Additionally, cruise ship visitors have been targeted by scammers who offer to sell them drugs and then set them up for arrest and payment of a substantial fine.

Natural disasters

Belize is highly susceptible to natural disasters, which affect the country regularly. The country experiences hurricanes, tropical storms, flooding, and drought. The hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June to November, and during this time, medical facilities in Belize may be unable to handle major emergencies. It is recommended that you monitor local weather reports and be prepared to evacuate at short notice.

Belize has experienced 16 hurricanes since 1930, 8 of which were major hurricanes. The deadliest hurricane in Belize's history occurred in 1931, when a Category 4 hurricane made landfall in Belize City, killing approximately 2,500 people. More recently, in 2010, Hurricane Richard caused extensive damage to the country, with initial damage estimates at BZ$49.2 million.

In addition to hurricanes, Belize is also vulnerable to flooding and drought, which can have significant impacts on the agricultural sector. For example, in 2001, Tropical Storm Chantal caused agriculture and infrastructure damage throughout Belize, with total damage estimated at $4 million (2001 USD).

To protect yourself in the event of a natural disaster in Belize, it is recommended that you monitor weather reports and local media, secure your passport, follow the advice of local authorities, and keep in contact with your friends and family. It is also essential to ensure that your travel insurance covers trip cancellations or interruptions due to natural disasters.

Public transport

If you're considering travelling to Belize, it's important to be aware of the risks and take the necessary precautions. Here are some key things to keep in mind regarding public transport in Belize:

Public buses in Belize may be poorly maintained and unreliable, especially in rural areas. It's recommended to use only licensed taxis, which have green licence plates. When taking a taxi, ensure that the driver doesn't pick up any extra passengers. If you're staying in a hotel, it's best to arrange taxis through them to avoid unlicensed operators.

Water taxis operate between the islands, barrier reef attractions, and the mainland. However, they may be overloaded, poorly maintained, or lack necessary safety equipment. To reduce the risk, ensure that the vessels have proper safety equipment and life jackets for all passengers.

Medical care quality

Belize has a relatively well-established medical care delivery system, with both private and public healthcare systems in place. However, it is important to note that the quality of medical care in Belize does not meet the same standards as those in North America or the European Union. With a population of just over 400,000, more than half of whom live in poverty, the country lacks the economic resources to provide advanced medical services.

The public healthcare system in Belize is overseen by the Ministry of Health (MoH), which aims to provide affordable and accessible quality care to the majority of Belizeans. The MoH operates hospitals or polyclinics in every major city, town, and other populated areas. While these facilities offer basic medical specialties such as internal medicine, surgery, paediatrics, and OB-GYN, they often face challenges due to funding issues, equipment problems, medical supply shortages, and operation management issues. The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City is considered the premier public healthcare provider in the country. However, it is important to note that public healthcare in Belize City receives a large portion of the funding allocated to the healthcare sector.

The private healthcare sector in Belize serves a smaller portion of the population but offers similar low-cost services with an emphasis on quality care. There are three main private hospitals in the country: La Loma Luz Hospital, Belize Medical Associates, and Universal Health Services. These hospitals are well-staffed and equipped to handle emergency and trauma cases, offering superior and more comprehensive medical care compared to public hospitals. Most expatriates tend to favour private hospitals for their higher standards of care.

While the country has dedicated and caring doctors, the overall medical care in Belize generally receives a poor grade. The country needs more healthcare facilities, specialised physicians and staff, and better equipment to improve the quality of its medical services. The lack of adequate income tax revenue makes it challenging to fund a large number of public hospitals, which offer free or very inexpensive care to Belizeans.

In terms of specific health concerns, Belize has a high rate of HIV/AIDS infection, and insect-borne diseases such as Zika, chikungunya, malaria, and dengue are also prevalent. Waterborne, foodborne, and other infectious diseases are common, and there is a risk of contaminated water causing illness among travellers. Cancer treatment in Belize is basic, and there is no resident medical doctor qualified in oncology or radiation therapy facilities in the country.

It is recommended that travellers to Belize verify their medical coverage, including the cost of medical evacuation, before their trip. The economics of the country may not support the level of medical care one might be accustomed to in more developed nations.

Travel insurance

Recommended Types of Travel Insurance for Belize

• Emergency medical evacuation insurance: This type of insurance is essential, as it covers the cost of emergency medical transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility, which can be extremely expensive.
• Baggage and personal effects coverage: This insurance covers reimbursement for lost, damaged, or stolen items during your trip. It is important to note that some items, such as electronics or jewellery, may not be covered under baggage loss coverage, so be sure to review the policy carefully.
• Trip cancellation insurance: This insurance reimburses you for prepaid and non-refundable expenses if you need to cancel your trip due to specific reasons, such as the illness or death of a travel companion or a close family member. You can also add "cancel for any reason" coverage, which allows you to cancel your trip regardless of the cause but must be purchased at least 48 hours before departure.
• Trip delay insurance: This insurance helps cover additional expenses such as accommodation, meals, and personal items if your trip is delayed due to unforeseen problems like airport emergencies or storms.
• Trip interruption insurance: Trip interruption insurance covers your expenses if you need to return home earlier than planned due to an emergency, such as a family illness or death. It also reimburses you for any prepaid and non-refundable activities that you miss due to the early return.
• Travel medical insurance: When travelling outside of the US, your health plan may not provide coverage. Travel medical insurance ensures that you are covered for hospital and doctor bills, lab work, and medicine while abroad.

Additional Considerations:

• Adventure travel plans: If you plan on participating in activities like scuba diving, parasailing, or bungee jumping, be aware that these may be excluded from medical coverage under standard travel insurance plans. Consider upgrading your plan to include adventure sports coverage.
• Natural disasters: Belize is prone to hurricanes and severe weather, especially during the Caribbean hurricane season from June to November. It is recommended to monitor weather reports and follow the advice of local authorities. Ensure your travel insurance covers trip cancellations or interruptions due to natural disasters.
• Local medical facilities: Medical facilities in Belize City are basic, and rural areas may have very limited or no medical services. In case of a serious illness or injury, you may need to be evacuated to the US, which can be extremely costly. Therefore, having adequate travel medical insurance is crucial.
• Local laws: Be aware of local laws and customs in Belize. For example, it is illegal to carry pre-Columbian artefacts without a permit and to photograph official buildings. Additionally, Belize has strict penalties for unlicensed firearms and ammunition possession.

Frequently asked questions