Belize: A Dangerous Paradise

Belize is a small country with a very low population density of about 380,000 people. While some areas are comfortable and feel safe, others are more suitable for experienced travellers. The country has a high crime rate, particularly in Belize City, which accounts for the vast majority of crimes in the country. Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world, and violent crime of all kinds is on the rise, especially in urban areas. Petty crime is also common.

The country's relatively small pocket of high crime is due to gang activity, drug trafficking, and a large disparity between rich and poor. Tourists are not usually targeted, but they could find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.

To stay safe in Belize, it is recommended to avoid non-essential travel to certain areas, such as Southside Belize City, and to follow local authorities' advice and guidelines. It is also important to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times, especially when travelling alone or at night.

High violent crime rates, including one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world

Belize has a high rate of violent crime, including one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world. In 2023, there were 21.5 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, down from 25 per 100,000 in 2022. In the last decade, there have been around 140 murders a year in the country, with 20 of those victims being American. In 2021, the murder rate was 31.25 per 100,000 people, a 20.98% increase from the previous year.

Belize has been named one of the five worst countries in the world for homicides by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. The country has a chronic gang problem, particularly in certain neighbourhoods on the south side of Belize City. Gang members often use weapons to resolve disputes, and clashes occur frequently as gangs try to gain control of territories for illegal activities. Southside Belize City is a particularly dangerous area, with gang and drug-related violence, including murders and shootings.

While tourists are not usually targeted, they can still be victims of violent crime. Violent incidents against foreign nationals have increased, including home break-ins and physical assaults. Crimes against tourists are taken seriously, but the police force is often understaffed and poorly equipped, with limited capacity to respond to incidents.

Drug and human trafficking, organised crime, and street gang activity are prevalent throughout the country. Border areas often see higher criminal activity, particularly near the border with Guatemala, close to tourist sites such as the Mayan ruins at Caracol.

Gang and drug-related violence, particularly in Southside Belize City

Belize is a small Central American country with a remarkably high homicide rate. Belize City is a hotspot for gang-related violence and crime, with the southern part of the city being particularly dangerous.

Gang violence in Belize has increased dramatically due to gangs' increased access to guns. Gangs in Belize City are largely responsible for the country's high homicide rate, as they engage in local drug trafficking and robberies. Clashes between gangs are frequent as they fight for control over territories, and gang members often use weapons to resolve disputes.

Southside Belize City has been placed under a state of emergency multiple times due to gang violence. The police have enhanced powers of arrest and detention and can call on military support during these periods. Despite this, the police capacity to respond to violent incidents is limited, and many crimes remain unsolved.

The risk factors for gang involvement in Belize City are broad and deep, exposing a large pool of youth to the possibility of gang recruitment. The government's response to the gang problem has been weak, and a sustained and coordinated response across agencies is needed to effectively tackle gang-related violence.

Tourists are not usually targeted by gang violence in Belize, but it is still advised to avoid non-essential travel to Southside Belize City due to the high risk of gang and drug-related violence, including murders and shootings. It is recommended to carry valid ID at all times, remain aware of your surroundings, and avoid travelling after dark.

Poor police capacity to respond to violent incidents

Belize's police capacity to respond to violent incidents is limited by a number of factors, including poor training and equipment, a lack of personnel, and an inefficient court system. This has resulted in a high rate of unsolved crimes and low conviction rates.

Belize's police force faces challenges such as limited funding, inadequate training, and a shortage of personnel, which hinder their ability to effectively respond to violent incidents. The country's judiciary also suffers from inefficiencies, with a poorly managed court system, insufficient numbers of trained prosecutors and judges, and a limited budget. These factors contribute to the low conviction rates and the inability to sustainably reduce crime and violence rates.

The Belize Police Department (BPD) receives support from the U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) to enhance its capacity to respond to violent incidents. INL provides training, equipment, and technical assistance to improve the BPD's capabilities in areas such as intelligence-driven operations, investigations, and prosecutions. INL also assists in border security and citizen security initiatives, aiming to professionalize the BPD through strategic planning and training.

Despite these efforts, the police capacity to respond to violent incidents in Belize remains limited. Tourists are advised to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines, as violent crimes, including gang-related activities, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, pose a significant risk in the country.

High levels of drug and human trafficking, organised crime and street gang activity

Belize's geographical position makes it an ideal transit point for human and drug trafficking throughout Central America. The country's border dispute with Guatemala has contributed to its vulnerability to human smuggling and irregular entry. The Belize Defence Force has been deployed to implement emergency measures in response to the high levels of violent crime in the country, including gang and drug-related violence in Southside Belize City, Northside Victoria Street, and Roaring Creek Village.

Belize's position along the drug trafficking route from South to North America has led to the proliferation of drug cartels and street gangs in the country. More than 40 street gangs have been identified in Belize City, with prominent gangs controlling various criminal markets such as the distribution of drugs and firearms. Gang rivalries and clashes over territorial control frequently lead to violent incidents, including murders and shootings. The country's weak border controls and limited law enforcement capacity facilitate the illicit activities of these criminal organisations.

Organised crime groups in Belize are also involved in arms trafficking, with the country serving as a transit point for illicit arms trafficked to Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. Corrupt officials, particularly at the borders, facilitate the illegal movement of arms, contributing to the high percentage of firearm-inflicted homicides in the country.

In addition to drug and arms trafficking, organised crime groups in Belize engage in wildlife trafficking, targeting endangered species such as parrots, monkeys, turtles, and jaguars. The poorly defined and lawless border region between Belize and Guatemala provides a fertile ground for these illegal activities.

Financial crimes, such as phishing, credit card and ATM fraud, identity theft, and tax evasion are also prevalent in Belize, with reports indicating the involvement of state-embedded actors in these criminal activities.

Poor road conditions and unsafe driving practices

Belize's road conditions are poor, and driving conditions can be hazardous, especially during the rainy season. The country's roads vary from two-lane paved roads to dirt or gravel tracks, and most roads outside of the two main highways are unpaved. Bridges often face severe flooding after storms, and driving conditions can become hazardous. In addition, there is a lack of traffic signs, and drivers may be reckless and fail to respect traffic laws.

Belize's road safety is further compromised by the prevalence of drunk driving and the lack of road maintenance. Speeding and improper passing are common, and accidents are frequent. The country has a high rate of fatal accidents, with certain stretches of road being particularly dangerous.

To drive in Belize, visitors will need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Driving laws in Belize include a drunk-driving limit of 0.08% blood alcohol content, and the use of hands-free devices while driving is mandatory. The speed limit is typically 55 mph on highways and 25 mph on other roads, but these limits are rarely observed or posted. Drivers should be cautious of speed bumps and rumble strips when passing through villages, as they are not always marked clearly.

Belize has strict drug and gun laws, and it is important to note that everyone in the car will be held responsible if any illegal substances are found, including passengers. It is also advised not to leave valuables in your car, and to park in a secure lot or well-lit area if possible.

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