Belize is attractive. We ought to know; we simply returned from a two-week journey. The mainland is roofed in a dense, tropical jungle, whereas offshore, it has the Belize Barrier Reef—an acclaimed spot to scuba dive and snorkel. As if that wasn’t sufficient, you’ve additionally obtained the historical past of Mayan ruins to expertise at websites like Altun Ha. Basically, we completely perceive why you need to go to. Belize is in a league of its personal.
Unfortunately, you’ll need to take some further security precautions, although. Staying protected in Belize requires you to transcend the standard “check general travel advice and book basic travel insurance.” The nation has fairly a couple of cases of crime, gang violence, and medicines, which might leak into vacationer areas.
In this information, we’ll put together you for staying protected in Belize. We simply returned from a go to to Cay Caulker, Ambergris Cay, and San Ignacio and felt actually protected. If you’re taking the fitting precautions you possibly can take pleasure in this nation worry-free like we did. So, don’t rule out scuba diving and sightseeing Mayan ruins simply but; right here’s what it’s worthwhile to know.
Is Belize Safe? A Quick Summary
We know that not everyone has the luxurious of time. If you’re in a rush, take a look at these primary bullet factors for a fast overview of security in Belize.
Belize experiences a notably excessive crime fee for violent crime, together with murder, sexual assault, and armed theft.
Belize has numerous gang violence, which sometimes leads to shootings in public locations.
The border areas, Caracol, and Belize City (significantly the inner-city area of Southside Belize City) all expertise a excessive crime density.
Belize has numerous pure disasters like hurricanes, so guests ought to take warning when touring throughout hurricane season.
Road requirements in Belize are thought of poor by worldwide requirements.
There have been incidents with water actions ensuing from poor security procedures and measures.
Travel Advisories: Officially Speaking, Is Belize Safe?
Officially talking, Belize is feasible to go to and never barred as a “red list country” or “do not travel” space by the USA , Canada or the UK. Instead, it’s broadly suggested to take elevated warning should you go to Belize.
The US Travel Advisories for Belize counsel that you just train elevated warning all through the nation, escalating its considerations particularly for Belize City. It advises that you just “reconsider travel”, marking town as a Level 3 zone regardless of the remainder of Belize securing a milder Level 2 warning.
The US advisory acknowledges that gang violence in Belize City tends to happen beneath the Haulover Creek River and barely crosses into vacationer areas. However, as an entire, it advises that dangers are excessive, particularly given the historic crime within the metropolis.
The advisory emphasizes that violent crimes like sexual assault and armed theft can – and do – happen in daylight, even in public areas. It’s clever to take excessive security precautions when touring all through Belize.
The Canada Travel Advisories for Belize are fairly much like the US advisories. Belize normally has an Exercise a excessive diploma of warning warning on account of excessive ranges of violent crime all through the nation. There can be a warning to Avoid non-essential journey to Southside Belize City, south of the Haulover Creek River, on account of gang and drug-related violence, together with murders and shootings.
Tourists shouldn’t even enterprise to this a part of Belize metropolis. Gang warfare is de facto prevalent right here, and it’s simple to be caught within the crossfire.
The UK journey advisories for Belize echo an nearly equivalent sentiment. They advise that Belize has “one of the highest murder rates in the world” and trace at insufficient policing, saying that “police capacity is limited and many crimes remain unsolved.” Like the US and Canada advisory, they significantly emphasize the damaging nature of journey round Belize City, particularly the Southside.
The UK advisory additionally warns of muggings throughout Belize, together with San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia, and San Ignacio. It highlights the rising threat of sexual assault and rape, too, warning towards solo journey and venturing down quiet streets.
Violent Crime in Belize
As you now know, Belize has a reasonably nasty mixture of crime scattered all through the nation, significantly in Belize City, which is liable to gang-related violence. It has an total crime index of 53.15, notably larger than the US at 49.34 and the UK at 47.61. Most regarding is the truth that this crime score has elevated over the previous three years. Crime in Belize is frequent, and sadly, it looks like it’s going to remain.
The most typical crimes in Belize are:
Dealing of medication
Theft from property, which incorporates motels and vacationer lodging
Sexual assault
Murder and grievous bodily hurt
Verbal or bodily abuse
Muggings and armed theft
Moreover, there are considerations over policing, too:
Corruption and bribery
Lack of inefficiency of police response
We’ll talk about police effectiveness in a second, however many crimes go unsolved. Corruption could also be concerned in your police interactions, though you possibly can nonetheless name 911 for help from native authorities in an emergency.
Belize City experiences a disproportionate quantity of gang-related violence and crime, so guests ought to train a excessive diploma of warning. While gang members usually function out of vacationer areas, affected areas are shut sufficient to town middle that unsuspecting vacationers could wander into hassle, or battle could spill over.
The remainder of Belize nonetheless requires you to train warning, with excessive ranges of theft and opportunistic crime, a few of that are violent.
Police in Belize
Onto the police in Belize, as promised. Well, you already know that the final consensus with the Belizean police is that they’re typically underfunded and lack the capability to truly punish or react to many legal circumstances.
Local authorities and shops are overrun. Your finest methodology of safety from petty crime is superb journey insurance coverage.
On a barely totally different be aware, it’s best to just be sure you are sticking to the fitting aspect of native legal guidelines, like holding an IDP should you hire a automobile and avoiding any unlawful medication.
Natural Disasters in Belize
Belize has a foul rep on the subject of pure catastrophe threat. The nation has a shoreline that opens onto the Caribbean Sea, so it’s best to train warning throughout hurricane season, between June and November, significantly from August to October.
These months are fraught with hurricanes and extreme storms. As a knock-on impact, Belize typically experiences flooding and sea stage rises. There is the specter of tsunamis, however there has by no means been one in latest historical past, just a few warnings a couple of years again.
We suggest attempting to not journey throughout these months or at the very least subscribe to climate warning alerts. On common, the nation experiences seven hurricanes a 12 months, so it pays to keep away from the season solely.
How To Stay Safe in Belize in Case of Natural Disaster
If you resolve to go to Belize throughout this high-risk interval, we’d counsel visiting pre-armed with a listing of how to remain protected in case of pure disasters. Here are a couple of ideas you should use to maintain protected within the face of disasters like flooding and hurricanes:
1. Have an Evacuation and Shelter In Place Plan
It’s clever to have a plan to evacuate (this may very well be journey insurance coverage to get compensation if it’s a must to ebook an early flight house or a “go-bag” to evacuate to a unique area in Belize). You also needs to have a shelter plan, checking forward of time together with your lodging to see what help they provide.
2. Know The Area
Do some primary analysis on the world you’re staying in beforehand. You ought to know the place the closest police stations, hospitals, and sensible locations like the very best floor (in case of flash floods) are. Knowing this format will enable you to in case of emergency when each minute issues.
3. Subscribe to Alerts
Subscribe to alerts from the US Embassy in Belize, native media, and disaster-related alerts from corporations just like the National Hurricane Center Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration.
Weather in Belize
Of course, one of the best ways to know the chance of seasonal pure disasters is to know the climate in Belize. Knowing the nation’s climate breakdown by season can actually assist decrease the dangers of journey.
Overall, it’s best to know that Belize has a subtropical local weather, principally break up right into a dry and wet season. The wet season lasts from June till November, coinciding with its hurricane-prone season. The dry season runs from February till May. Temperatures sit between 70 and 90 levels Fahrenheit all 12 months spherical.
We’ll take a better look, although.
Spring: March to May
March to May in Belize is usually dry, with temperatures between 75 and 90 levels Fahrenheit. May is the warmest alternative, whereas late March to early April is the busiest time with all of the spring break crowds.
Summer: June to September
This is Belize’s official moist season. Despite temperatures sitting at their highest between 80 and 90 levels Fahrenheit, coastal areas could discover a drop with all of the winds. This is when Belize has its highest dangers of hurricanes and floods. We’d suggest giving it a swerve.
Fall: October to November
Fall continues to be somewhat iffy, with frequent rain regardless of the drop within the threat of hurricanes. Temperatures hover at round 75 to 85 levels Fahrenheit, however it’s best to nonetheless count on a slight chill within the blustery coastal areas. Only a couple of vacationers hassle visiting presently of 12 months, because the rain may cause flooding and, normally, doesn’t make for a pleasing keep.
Winter: December to February
Winter marks the start of the dry season—hooray! December is all the time a gradual begin, with the rain dragging its toes somewhat earlier than disappearing. However, January and February are notoriously dry and are the months when tourism picks up once more.
Temperatures are gentle, between 70 and 80 levels Fahrenheit, however the barely cool, drier climate is right for sightseeing. A win is a win, proper?
5 Tips For Staying Safe in Belize
As talked about, journey insurance coverage alone gained’t reduce it when visiting Belize. A good way to remain protected is to tick all of the fundamentals (journey insurance coverage will be extra useful than ringing 911 if a digital camera will get swiped). However, as a normal rule, you will need to construct on the fundamentals with extra specialised methods to remain protected in Belize.
1. A Spare Wallet is Your Best Friend
When visiting Belize, carrying a spare pockets with outdated (or lesser-used) playing cards and free money is a good concept. This is usually for if you’re touring within the bigger cities. Mugging can get everybody. There’s no assure you gained’t fall foul of this unfortunate crime, so why not be ready?
You ought to by no means resist a mugger. So, as a substitute, supply an alternate that doesn’t actually affect you.
2. Don’t Scrimp on Transportation
There are so many international locations the place you possibly can reduce prices by taking public transport. Belize isn’t one among them. Skip low-cost transportation and all the time select the safer choices. We opted for personal transfers which had been safer and sooner. This is non-negotiable in Belize, particularly on the subject of issues like evening buses.
3. Leave Your Luxury Fashion Sense At Home
Flashy jewellery and even significantly eye-catching outfits may look wonderful, however we’d advise leaving them at house. You need to keep away from drawing consideration to your self with something designer or expensive-looking. Instead, costume down and make your aim to mix, not catch eyes.
4. If In Doubt, Skip Belize City
Belize City is by far the riskiest place within the nation. If you’re uncertain whether or not you’re feeling assured taking energetic security measures, simply skip it. There are simpler locations to remain protected in Belize, like Caye Caulker. It’s simple sufficient to chop it out of your itinerary.
5. Do Your Season Research
Finally, do your season analysis. As you realized within the part above, Belize’s local weather modifications on a month-to-month foundation regardless of its total dry versus moist season. It’s finest to keep away from the height hurricane threat months.
You also needs to remember the fact that rainier and low season months entice fewer vacationers. This means fewer crowds and extra remoted vacationer areas, which might really put you at extra threat of opportunistic crime. It’s a little bit of a catch-22 when heavy crowds tempt pickpocketing. Still, normally, peak months are higher to keep away from being remoted for extra violent crimes.
Belize Emergency Numbers
Police (Countrywide): 90/911
Fire and ambulance (Belize City solely): 90
Police (Belpoman): 822-2222
Is Belize Safe for Families?
We’d say that areas like Caye Caulker and Ambergris Cay are protected for households with travel-savvy dad and mom. If you’re an skilled traveler and are spending the cash to remain in extra-secure, beautifully-located lodging with respected excursions and transfers, Belize is protected for households. Just remember the fact that it could be a greater vacation to take with older kids who you possibly can clarify primary security precautions to.
For households with out that pre-existing journey expertise, we suggest selecting a unique place to go to. Save Belize for somewhat later after you’ve had a couple of apply runs.
Tips:
Take lodging critically when touring as a household, and chorus from scrimping on safety or location.
Choose your vacation spot in Belize fastidiously, deciding on historically “safe” areas like Caye Caulker.
Is Belize Safe for Solo Travelers?
Belize is a little bit of a problem for these visiting solo, however equally very rewarding. If you’ve had loads of solo journey expertise, you’ll discover it manageable, and there’s a terrific hostel scene for making new pals. Experienced solo vacationers are sometimes much more acutely aware of security precautions than these in a bunch, so Belize can really be higher suited to solo journey in that sense.
Still, as a normal rule, Belize is finest skilled in a bunch to restrict the chance of muggings and extra sinister crimes like sexual assault. You can ebook issues like group excursions and guided day journeys that can assist you keep protected whereas touring to Belize alone. If visiting solo, keep away from non-essential journey at evening, take care in rural areas, and don’t take pleasure in extreme alcohol consumption.
Tips:
Take group excursions the place potential and keep away from strolling alone at evening.
Choose well-located motels or hostels.
Is Belize Safe to Take Public Transportation?
Public transportation is comparatively protected in Belize, however be ready for an intense expertise. So-called rooster buses are brightly painted public buses working in suburban and concrete areas. They are usually packed however an inexpensive solution to get round. Be somewhat conscious of pickpocketing, altercations, and bag snatching, however in any other case, this methodology of public transportation is protected.
At evening, throw all that out the window. You ought to keep away from public transportation at evening in any respect prices, because it creates a a lot larger threat for violent crime. Get a registered taxi as a substitute, or keep away from pointless evening journey.
The most secure solution to get round Belize is by registered taxis, which you’ll acknowledge from inexperienced license plates. Uber doesn’t exist right here, so inexperienced license plates will undoubtedly develop into your subsequent finest pal. You positively desire a registered taxi driver, because it provides an additional safety layer. It is a good suggestion to take a look at the Government Of Canada’s advice on public transport.
You can even hire a automobile and drive round Belize in personal autos comparatively simply. However, it’s best to train a excessive diploma of warning at evening, ideally avoiding all nonessential journey after darkish. You also needs to be ready for normal police checkpoints, the place you will need to show a type of ID and your International Driving Permit. Be conscious of solely ever utilizing official border crossings and concentrate on the chance of armed robberies at locations like site visitors lights in city areas or opportunistic crime on distant roads.
Are Medical Facilities Safe in Belize?
Medical services in Belize are blended. There are two varieties of services: private and non-private hospitals. Private hospitals are usually a greater possibility as they’re higher funded, so that they have higher medical provides and extra to put money into adequately educated professionals. However, entry to both will be critically restricted, particularly should you’re staying in rural areas.
We’d counsel checking the place your nearest hospitals are earlier than visiting. Ensure you’re up-to-date with all of your vaccinations and routine well being checks earlier than departure. And be sure you have good journey insurance coverage if it turns into a greater concept to fly house. This is especially the case if the hospital doesn’t have a particular, area of interest kind of medicine or therapy out there on speedy demand. Belize’s finest hospitals are nice for minor accidents, however when you have a extra significant issue, it could be advisable to hunt therapy elsewhere.
Is Belize Safe? Top FAQs
We’ll go away that query as much as you—do you’re feeling assured utilizing all the knowledge above to plan a protected journey? Belize receives practically 1,000,000 guests annually, the overwhelming majority of whom journey the nation with no points. It is all about selecting locations the place you really feel comfy taking duty on your security, and everyone knows some international locations make this tougher than others. Belize is difficult however not inconceivable. We adore it.
Here are a couple of frequent FAQs to assist clear the query of “should you, shouldn’t you” up.
Is Mexico or Belize safer?
Mexico and Belize are roughly on a par. Mexico has some Level 4 areas (marked as “do not travel”) however has a clearer space for protected tourism in Cancun and alongside the Mayan Riviera shoreline. Belize has just one Level 3 space (“marked as reconsider travel”) however much less clearly marked areas for protected tourism. It is determined by the place you intend to journey.
Is Belize or Costa Rica safer?
Costa Rica is marginally safer, as it’s only marked as Level 2 by the US Travel Advisory. In distinction, Belize City is marked as a Level 3. However, each Belize and Costa Rica are flagged for violent crimes, together with sexual assault. It’s finest to strategy each international locations with elevated warning.
When to not go to Belize?
August and October are the worst occasions to go to Belize. These are the months when you possibly can expertise essentially the most storms and hurricanes, which will be harmful. It is smack in the course of hurricane season.
What is the most secure a part of Belize?
Caye Caulker and San Pedro are the darlings of Belize, two areas identified for being comparatively “safe” throughout the nation.
So, Is Belize Safe To Travel In?
No, Belize isn’t a historically protected place to go to. However, there are ranges to the dangers you’re taking; are you planning a visit to Southside Belize City or Caye Caulker? Are you visiting on a tour? Or are you going solo? How a lot journey expertise do you’ve got? What are the present updates, and what time of 12 months are you going?
For these keen to take water-tight security precautions, Belize vastly rewards your further efforts. There’s no denying the nation is gorgeous. We have a good one-week itinerary right here should you’d like some inspiration.
Stay protected and luxuriate in. The finest security precaution is information, and we hope you’ve got a improbable time.