Belize Airport: A Tourist's Cautionary Tale

Belize is a popular tourist destination, offering a unique blend of Latin, Caribbean, and English cultures. With its picturesque beaches, Mayan ruins, and the world's second-largest barrier reef, it's no wonder that tourism is on the rise in this Central American country. However, it's important for tourists to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe trip.

While violent crime rates are high in Belize, particularly in Belize City, tourists are not usually the target. Gang-related activities, including drug and human trafficking, pose a significant threat, especially in the southern part of Belize City, where a state of emergency was declared in 2024 due to escalating crime. To avoid becoming a victim of crime, it is recommended to exercise caution, stay in well-populated areas, and avoid travelling after dark.

Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, are also common, and tourists are often targeted. It is advisable to keep valuables secure and out of sight, avoid wearing flashy items, and carry only the necessary cash. Additionally, it is important to be cautious when using ATMs and credit cards to prevent fraud.

When it comes to transportation, licensed taxis with green license plates are recommended, while public buses may be unreliable and lack safety features. Driving in Belize can be dangerous due to poorly maintained roads, reckless driving, and limited emergency services.

Overall, while Belize offers a captivating experience, staying vigilant and following safety guidelines will help ensure a memorable and enjoyable trip.

Avoiding isolated areas

When travelling to Belize, it's important to take precautions to ensure your safety. Here are some tips to avoid isolated areas and reduce the risk of being targeted for robbery or theft:

• Stay in well-populated areas: Stick to crowded places to avoid being singled out by potential muggers. Tourist areas are generally safer than isolated spots.
• Be aware of your surroundings: While staying with the crowd can help, it also makes you a target for petty theft and pickpocketing. Keep your valuables secure and out of reach.
• Avoid isolated areas: If you find yourself in an isolated area, you are more likely to be targeted for robbery, especially at night or in cities.
• Don't wear flashy items or jewellery: Petty theft is common in Belize, so it's best to blend in and not attract attention to yourself by wearing expensive items or jewellery.
• Carry minimal cash and valuables: Only carry the cash you need for the day, and keep the rest locked up in your accommodation.
• Use reputable taxis: If you need to travel at night, use a taxi. Ask your accommodation to call a reputable driver for you, and make sure the taxi has a green licence plate, indicating that it's authorised.
• Avoid public buses: While generally safe, theft is common on public buses, especially at night. If you must take a bus, keep your valuables secure and be vigilant.
• Stick to tourist areas of Belize City: Belize City has a high crime rate and is known for gang activity. Stay within the main tourist areas and avoid wandering into unknown neighbourhoods.
• Be vigilant and trust your instincts: Always be aware of your surroundings, and if you sense something is wrong, remove yourself from the situation.
• Purchase travel insurance: Travel insurance can protect you in case of injury, illness, theft, or travel delays/cancellations.

Remember that while Belize is a beautiful and unique destination, it's important to stay vigilant and take precautions to ensure your safety. By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of being targeted for crime and have a safer and more enjoyable trip.

Being aware of your surroundings

• Avoid isolated areas: If you find yourself somewhere isolated, you increase your risk of getting robbed, especially at night and in the cities. Stay in busy, crowded areas to lower your chances of being targeted by muggers.
• Be vigilant in crowds: While staying in busy areas can help you avoid muggers, it also makes you a target for petty theft and pickpocketing. Keep your valuables secure and out of reach.
• Don't wear flashy items: To avoid becoming a target for pickpockets, try to blend in with the locals. Don't wear jewellery or watches, and avoid taking out your phone in public.
• Be extra vigilant in tourist areas: Tourist hotspots like Mayan ruins and tourist areas such as Caye Caulker have seen an increase in crimes like muggings and armed robberies. Stay alert when visiting these areas.
• Be cautious when using public transport: Keep your valuables secure and be extra vigilant, especially on "chicken buses" (colourfully decorated school buses used for public transportation). Theft is common on night buses, so avoid these if possible.
• Be vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs: Violent crimes such as muggings and robberies are common in Belize, even during the daytime and in tourist areas. Be extra cautious when visiting banks or using ATMs, as these areas may be targeted by criminals.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times: Stay alert and keep your valuables secure, especially in resorts and other tourist locations. Criminals often operate in groups and target individuals travelling alone.
• Monitor local media: Stay informed about safety or security risks by following local news and media. This will help you identify potential risks and take appropriate precautions.
• Use licensed taxis: Only use licensed taxis, which can be identified by their green number plates. Avoid unlicensed taxis, as they may be operated by unscrupulous individuals looking to take advantage of tourists.

Avoiding the display of wealth

Belize is a popular tourist destination, offering eco-tourism, Mayan ruins, and the world's second-longest barrier reef. However, it is also known for its high crime rate, including violent crimes such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder, which occur even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. Due to this, tourists should take precautions to avoid displaying signs of wealth. Here are some tips to avoid displaying wealth in Belize:

• Avoid wearing flashy items: Remove any jewellery or watches, and don't use your phone in public. Try to blend in with the locals to avoid becoming a target for thieves and pickpockets.
• Don't leave your items unattended: Whether you're on a beach or in your hotel room, never leave your belongings unattended. Always keep your valuables secure and out of reach.
• Carry a spare wallet: Only carry a small amount of cash in a wallet for daily expenses, and keep the rest locked up in your accommodation. That way, if you are robbed, you won't lose all your cash and cards.
• Be vigilant in public: When in crowded areas or using public transportation, be aware of your surroundings. Keep your valuables secure and closely monitor your belongings.
• Avoid isolated areas: Stay in well-populated areas to reduce the risk of being targeted for robbery or mugging.
• Be cautious when using ATMs and banks: Always be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs, as these are common locations for theft and scams.
• Use a money belt: Consider using a money belt or a hidden pouch to keep your cash and valuables secure and out of sight.
• Avoid expensive restaurants and shops: Opt for less touristy and more affordable options to avoid standing out as a wealthy tourist.
• Dress casually: Avoid wearing expensive or designer clothing that could make you a target. Opt for casual and modest attire.
• Use discreet luggage: When travelling, use discreet luggage that doesn't attract attention. Avoid expensive-looking suitcases or bags.

By following these tips, you can help reduce the risk of becoming a target for theft or robbery while visiting Belize. Remember to stay informed about the latest safety advisories and take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Taking precautions against mosquito-borne diseases

Tourists should always exercise caution when travelling to a new place, and Belize is no exception. While the country is generally considered safe for tourists, there are some precautions you should take to ensure your safety, especially when it comes to mosquito-borne diseases. Here are some detailed instructions to help you stay safe from mosquito-borne illnesses while visiting Belize:

• Use mosquito repellent on your body: Apply mosquito repellent containing 20% or more DEET to exposed skin. This will help protect you from mosquito bites, which can transmit diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, and Zika virus. Reapply the repellent as directed, especially if you are spending extended periods outdoors.
• Wear protective clothing: Cover your skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats. Light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing made of tightly woven materials like nylon or polyester can also help protect you from mosquito bites.
• Stay in screened or air-conditioned rooms: Mosquitoes are less likely to be present in screened or air-conditioned rooms. If your room is not screened, use a bed net impregnated with permethrin to protect yourself while sleeping.
• Use mosquito coils and burn citronella essence or oil: Mosquito coils are a great way to create a mosquito-free zone around you. Burning citronella essence or oil is also known to help repel mosquitoes.
• Empty stagnant water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Help reduce their population by emptying or covering any containers with stagnant water, such as buckets, flower pots, or vases.
• Be vigilant during dawn and dusk: Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk, so take extra precautions during these times. Apply mosquito repellent, cover your skin, and avoid spending too much time outdoors if possible.
• Take recommended medications: Depending on your personal risk factors and the length of your stay, consult a healthcare professional about taking anti-malarial medications or getting vaccinated against diseases such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or typhoid fever.
• Sleep under a mosquito net: To avoid mosquito bites while you sleep, use a mosquito net, especially if you are sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened room.
• Keep your surroundings clean: Mosquitoes are attracted to trash and dirty areas. Maintain a clean living space and avoid leaving food or trash uncovered to reduce the risk of mosquito breeding.
• Avoid areas with standing water: Mosquitoes breed near standing water, such as ponds or puddles. Avoid these areas if possible, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

By following these precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases while visiting Belize. However, it is always a good idea to stay informed about the latest health and safety advisories before and during your trip.

Avoiding non-essential travel to Southside Belize City

Belize is a Central American country with a population of around 400,000. It is a popular tourist destination, with nearly 900,000 tourists visiting in 2022. The country boasts stunning natural beauty, from its waterfalls and lush jungles to its Caribbean coastline. However, it is important to be aware of safety concerns when travelling to Belize, particularly in Southside Belize City.

Gang and Drug-Related Violence

Southside Belize City, located south of the Haulover Creek River, has been designated as a high-risk area due to frequent gang and drug-related violence, including murders and shootings. Belize has around 40 active gangs, with at least eight of them considered very powerful and dangerous, and most are concentrated in Belize City. Inter-gang conflict is common, and tourists are advised to avoid the Southside area completely as it is a frequent battleground for these clashes.

Police Capacity and Response

The local police in Belize City may lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Investigations can take a long time, and many crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted. Therefore, it is important to take precautions to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime.

Tourist Safety

While tourists are not usually the targets of gang violence, anyone in the vicinity of an incident could be affected. Therefore, it is crucial to follow safety advice and stay vigilant. Tourists are vulnerable to petty crimes such as theft, pickpocketing, and purse snatching, especially in popular tourist destinations. It is recommended to avoid wearing or displaying valuable items such as jewellery, watches, or expensive electronics, and to keep belongings secure at all times. Additionally, it is advised to stay in well-lit and populated areas, especially after dark, and to avoid isolated locations.

Transportation

Public transportation in Belize, including buses and taxis, is generally considered unsafe and unreliable. It is recommended to rent a car or use well-known and reputable tour companies for transportation, especially when travelling between the cayes and the mainland.

In summary, while Belize can be a rewarding travel destination, it is important to exercise increased caution, especially when visiting Southside Belize City. By staying informed, vigilant, and taking necessary precautions, tourists can minimise their risk of encountering safety issues and fully enjoy their time in this beautiful country.

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