belize

Belize Travel Safety

Trek Zone

Travel Safety in Belize

General travel safety in Belize on a scale of 1 to 4 — where 1 is safe and 4 is dangerous. Data compiled on the basis of Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs.

Country
flag

Belize

Updates

Updated: 26 Sep 2024 • Still current at: 13 Oct 2024

Status

LEVEL 2 - Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional exceptions)

There are more or higher risks than what you would typically find at locations with level 1. You should do your research and take extra precautions. The level may reflect a weak law-and-order system, where violent crime is common. The destination may lack some key public services, such as a responsive police force. In some cases, there may be a risk that the security environment could change with little warning. This level may also reflect a passing event, such as political unrest or a short-term increase in a location's domestic terrorism level.

Update 13 October 2024 • Source: travel.gc.ca

Safety and Security Tips

Precautions

Always travel in groups and ensure that personal belongings and travel documents are secure at all times. Do not show signs of affluence. Use taxis after dark instead of walking. Armed robberies occasionally occur near the western border with Guatemala, including near and around Caracol. You should only travel to these areas during daylight hours. Be cautious when visiting Mayan archaeological sites in that region, and do so only with a reputable tour guide. Only use official border crossings to enter Guatemala during the day. Cases of sexual assault against female travellers have been reported. Always travel in groups and avoid isolated areas, including unsupervised beaches, especially at night. Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as they may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault.

Road safety

Traffic accidents occur regularly. Avoid driving after dark, especially on rural roads. Roads are often poorly maintained and lit. Belize has four paved highways: the Western Highway from Belize City to Benque Viejo del Carmen and on to the Guatemalan border; the Northern Highway from Belize City to Corozal and on to the Mexican border; the Hummingbird Highway from Belmopan to Dangriga; and the Southern Highway from Dangriga to the resort area of Placencia and on to the southernmost town of Punta Gorda. Be careful crossing bridges on the Hummingbird and Southern Highways, since bridges are usually only one lane. Most other roads are unpaved, they can be very dusty in the dry season, whereas major puddles and mud can be a problem in the rainy season. Bicycles and livestock are often traffic hazards, especially in urban areas. Service stations are available on the three main highways connecting Belize City with Mexico, Guatemala and southern Belize. Always keep your gas tank full when in remote areas, as service stations are scarce and they usually close for holidays. There are no emergency road services. A few public telephones can be found in larger villages only. You should not stop to offer assistance to others whose vehicles appear to have broken down.

Trekking and climbing

If you intend to trek: A) never trek alone, B) always hire an experienced guide and ensure that the trekking company is reputable, C) buy travel health insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation, D) ensure that you are in good physical condition and that you have sufficient supplies, notably water, as the climate is extremely hot and humid, E) advise a family member or friend of your itinerary.

Taxis

You should only use registered taxis with green licence plates because public buses and taxis are often unsafe due to poor vehicle maintenance.

Marine transportation

Passenger boats may be unsafe.

Women's safety

Based on the crime situation of the Belize, women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Women may be subject to unpleasant male attention, sexual harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a high degree of precaution during travel. Due to high crime travelers are advised to exercise caution while traveling to the south side of Belize City.

Crime

Criminal activity, including armed robbery, mugging and sexual assault, is a significant problem throughout Belize. Robberies and assaults have been reported in resort areas. Criminals often operate in groups and target persons travelling alone.

Update 1 November 2020

Emergency Calls

  • Police911
  • Fire911
  • Ambulance911

Embassy of us

American Embassy in Belmopan

Address

Floral Park Road

CityBelmopan
Telephone(+501) 822-4011
Fax(+501) 822-4012
Website
E-mailembbelize@state.gov
Consular and diplomatic assistance for citizens of United States • Update 3 November 2020

Local Law and Culture

LGBT

A Supreme Court ruling in 2016 decriminalised homosexual activity between consenting adults, however being open about being LGBT is generally considered to be socially unacceptable. There are no openly gay bars or clubs.

Illegal drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Driving

You must be over 25 to rent a vehicle. Remember to purchase sufficient car insurance. An International Driving Permit is recommended.

Update 1 November 2020

Vaccinations and Medications

A doctor's consultation is required prior to any vaccinations being administered. This section is for informational purposes and does not exhaust all issues related to vaccination. Please contact your doctor for complete information on this subject.

Stay Healthy and Safe

Act in advance of to prevent. Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least 4-8 weeks before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.

All travelers

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Belize.

Before each trip, it is worth making sure that we are up to date with the routine vaccinations. These include vaccinations against measles, mumps and rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, chickenpox, polio and flu.

Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Reduce your exposure to germs

Most travelers

Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.

Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.

It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.

Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Eat and drink safely

Typhoid fever is an acute, systemic infectious disease caused by Salmonella typhi.

The source of the infection may include dirty water, raw fruits, vegetables, dairy products, as well as dirt containing bacteria.

Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Eat and drink safely

Some travelers

Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.

Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.

Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).

Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Avoid sharing body fluids
  • Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment

Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes.

Prevention
  • Take antimalarial meds
  • Prevent bug bites
Estimated relative risk of malaria in Belize

Bardzo niskie

Areas with malaria

Rare locally transmitted cases. None in Belize City and islands frequented by tourists such as Ambergris Caye

Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by neurotrophic viruses from the rhabdovirus family.

The infection is most often caused by biting a sick animal or other contact of its saliva with mucous membranes, conjunctiva or damaged skin.

Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Keep away from animals

Yellow fever is an acute viral disease which is transmitted by virus-infected mosquitoes.

Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Prevent bug bites
Vaccination requirements

Required if traveling from a country with risk of YFV transmission and ≥1 year of age, including transit in an airport located in a country with risk of YFV transmission.

Based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

We have made every effort to ensure that the information presented reliably reflects the general safety situation in a given place. However, the data is provided for informational purposes only and we do not take responsibility for any damages or losses resulting from incorrect risk assessment. Before each trip, we recommend checking the current situation in the country of destination on the websites of the relevant Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

travel safety map
Traveler's Essential

See travel safety map for countries and territories of the world. Find out where you can go without worrying, and which countries are better to avoid.

Go to map

Where to next? Discover country icon Mexico, a country in the region worth visiting, or use the destination finder