Belize's Tricky Entry Requirements Explained

Belize is a small country in Central America, known for its diverse nature experiences, laid-back lifestyle, and friendly people. However, getting into the country may pose some challenges due to safety concerns and transportation limitations. Here is an introduction to why it might be hard to get into Belize:

Firstly, Belize has a high level of violent crime, including gang and drug-related violence, which has led to a state of emergency being declared in certain areas. Tourists are not usually targeted, but it is advised to remain vigilant and aware of one's surroundings. Additionally, there are territorial disputes with neighbouring countries, such as Guatemala and Honduras, which can impact border crossings.

Secondly, transportation options to Belize are limited. The easiest way to enter the country is by flying into the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City. However, getting around Belize can be challenging due to unreliable public transportation and limited accessibility options. The local bus system, consisting of retired Bluebird buses, is affordable but may not be suitable for those with specific accessibility needs. Water taxis and boats are commonly used to navigate the Caribbean coastline and visit the cayes. For those seeking more comfort and flexibility, renting a car or hiring shuttle services or taxis is recommended.

In conclusion, while Belize offers a range of attractions for tourists, safety concerns and transportation limitations may pose challenges when planning a trip to the country. It is essential to stay informed about the latest travel advisories and choose suitable transportation options to navigate Belize successfully.

High levels of violent crime

Belize has a reputation for high levels of violent crime, which is reflected in its homicide statistics. In 2022, the country recorded 113 murders, a 9.6% reduction from 2021. However, despite this downward trend, the homicide rate remains high compared to the regional average.

The majority of violent crimes in Belize are committed against its own citizens, but there has been an increase in crimes targeting tourists and expats. Tourists are often victims of theft, but there have been instances of more serious crimes, including murders. The US State Department's Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) has advised travellers to "exercise increased caution" when visiting Belize.

Belize City, in particular, is known for its high crime rate, with gang conflicts and shootings occurring almost daily. Southside Belize City, an area south of the Haulover Creek River, has been flagged for gang and drug-related violence, including murders and shootings. The Belizean government has declared a state of emergency in this area due to the high levels of crime.

Gang violence is a significant concern in Belize, with gang members often using weapons to resolve disputes and clash over territorial control. The police's capacity to respond to violent incidents is limited, and many crimes go unsolved.

In addition to gang-related violence, drug and human trafficking, organised crime, and street gang activity are prevalent in Belize. Border areas, such as those near Guatemala and popular tourist sites like the Mayan ruins at Caracol, often see higher 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 take precautions to secure your valuables and personal belongings.

Poor road safety

Belize has a road safety problem. According to the Government of Canada, road conditions and road safety are poor throughout the country, and accidents are common. Most roads outside of the George Price and Philip Goldson highways are unpaved, and bridges often face severe flooding after storms. Driving conditions are especially hazardous during the rainy season due to narrow or unpaved roads and a lack of traffic signs. Drivers in Belize can be reckless and do not always respect traffic laws.

Belize has a lead agency, the National Road Safety Committee, which is funded in the national budget and has a road safety strategy that is partially funded. The country has set itself a target of reducing road fatalities by 100% between 2016 and 2030. To achieve this, the National Road Safety Committee focuses on management, roads, speed, vehicles, road users, and post-crash care.

Despite these efforts, road safety remains an issue in Belize. In 2022, there were 234 road traffic incidents and 338 road traffic injuries in the country, of which 63 were fatal. Speeding and drunk driving are common factors in road traffic crashes and fatalities. To address this issue, the Second Road Safety Project, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, PAHO/WHO Belize, and the United States Government, installed six road safety billboards along major highways to raise awareness about the dangers of speeding and drunk driving.

Public transportation in Belize is also affected by poor road safety. Public buses are not commonly used due to a lack of maintenance and safety equipment. Taxis are also considered unsafe, and popular ride-sharing apps are not available in the country. As a result, visitors are advised to refrain from using public buses and taxis whenever possible.

Territorial disputes with neighbouring countries

Belize faces territorial disputes with its neighbours Guatemala and Honduras.

Guatemala

The Belizean–Guatemalan territorial dispute is an unresolved dispute between the two Central American states. The roots of the dispute can be traced back to the 17th century when British and Spanish settlers signed several treaties regarding territories in the Americas. Both nations agreed that modern-day 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 far past the boundaries set by the treaties.

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, though it was never built. In 1939, the Guatemalan government unilaterally abrogated the treaty, citing Britain's failure to uphold Article 7. A threat of invasion followed, and a British military presence was established in Belize.

In 1946, Guatemala officially tried to declare the treaty null and void. Britain suggested going to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to resolve their differences, but Guatemala rejected this. In 2008, Belize and Guatemala made a pact to have simultaneous referendums for their voters to decide whether to send the issue to the 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.

Honduras

Belize also faces a dispute with Honduras regarding the Sapodilla Cays.

Poor healthcare services

Belize's healthcare system is provided through both public and private sectors. The public healthcare system is overseen by the Ministry of Health (MoH), which is the largest provider of public health services in the country. The MoH offers affordable care to the majority of Belizeans, with a strong focus on providing quality healthcare through various public programs and institutions. However, the public healthcare system faces challenges such as inadequate staffing, lack of financial resources, and insufficient equipment and medicine. This has resulted in reduced access to quality care, particularly in rural areas.

The private healthcare sector in Belize is smaller but still plays an important role. Private health services are offered at a relatively low cost, with an emphasis on quality care and improvement. The country has three main private hospitals: La Loma Luz Hospital, Belize Medical Associates, and Universal Health Services. There are also over 50 for-profit and four non-profit private clinics spread throughout Belize, with half of them located in Belize City.

While healthcare in Belize has been steadily improving, it generally receives a poor grade from expats, who cite the need for more healthcare facilities, specialized physicians, and better equipment. The country's medical attention is more personal, but not as advanced as in North America. The lack of an income tax revenue base to fund public hospitals also contributes to the challenges faced by the public healthcare system.

The majority of the country's 24/7 hospitals are located in Belize City, including the Karl Heusner public hospital. There are also seven additional public hospitals located within the capitals of each of the seven other districts, providing basic medical specialties such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and OB-GYN. However, the quality of these hospitals varies significantly, and they may face challenges with equipment problems, medical supply shortages, and operation management issues.

Belize has a network of approximately 60 public health clinics that provide primary medical and dental care to rural areas. However, these clinics also suffer from inadequate staffing, lack of financial resources, and insufficient equipment and medicine. As a result, there is limited access to quality care in these areas.

The government of Belize, with assistance from the European Union and the United Nations, has undertaken a major restructuring of the healthcare system. The private sector has become increasingly important, providing services to approximately 15% of the population. Private healthcare continues to play a significant role, offering additional tertiary care and imaging services not available in the public system.

Overall, while Belize has made efforts to improve its healthcare system, it still faces challenges in providing accessible and comprehensive healthcare services to its residents, especially in rural and underserved areas. The lack of resources and specialized personnel impacts the quality of care available, and many expats opt to seek medical treatment in nearby countries or return to their home countries for more complicated procedures.

Drug and human trafficking

Belize is a small country with a population of 342,092, making it the least densely populated country in Central and South America. Its economy relies on external resources, such as remittances and overseas trade. The country's location and the increasing violence in neighbouring Mexico and Guatemala make Belize an ideal transshipment point for the US drug market.

Belize has a history of drug trafficking, with marijuana cultivation beginning in the 1960s as a response to declining sugar prices. Sugar cane growers turned to marijuana production to make ends meet. Belize's location, open borders, free trade agreements, and large unpopulated tracts of land have provided a significant opportunity for drug production and trafficking to thrive.

The country's trade suffered during the 2008 recession, and the economy has not bounced back since. The unemployment rate has increased, and crime has become an increasing concern. In 2012, Belize reported 40 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, with the majority occurring in the southern portion of Belize City due to gang warfare.

Belize has responded to drug trade-related violence by adopting a hardline, militaristic approach, seeking assistance from its allies, the US, Canada, and the UK, to strengthen its military and police force. However, this approach has been criticised as ineffective and flawed, and Belize may need to consider alternative strategies such as drug legalization and investing in social programs to combat the drug problem.

Drug trafficking is not the only issue; Belize is also a transit point for human trafficking. The country's proximity to North America and the ease of entry make it a desirable location for illegal immigration, with migrants seeking better living conditions or using Belize as a way station en route to the US or Canada. Local gangs are involved in human smuggling, and the government has been criticised for its lax controls and failure to address official complicity in trafficking crimes.

The combination of drug and human trafficking, organised crime, and street gang activity has made Belize a challenging and dangerous place, with violent incidents, including murders and shootings, frequently occurring.

Frequently asked questions