Belize is attractive. We should always 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. Mainly, we completely perceive why you need to go to. Belize is in a league of its personal.
Sadly, you will have to take some additional security precautions, although. Staying secure in Belize requires you to transcend the standard “check general travel advice and book basic travel insurance.” The nation has fairly just a few situations of crime, gang violence, and medicines, which might leak into vacationer areas.
On this information, we’ll put together you for staying secure in Belize. We simply returned from a go to to Cay Caulker, Ambergris Cay, and San Ignacio and felt actually secure. In case you take the correct precautions you’ll be able to 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 essential to know.
Is Belize Secure? A Fast Abstract
We all know that not everyone has the posh of time. In case you’re in a rush, try these principal 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 quite a lot of gang violence, which often ends in shootings in public locations.
- The border areas, Caracol, and Belize Metropolis (notably the inner-city area of Southside Belize Metropolis) all expertise a excessive crime density.
- Belize has quite a lot of pure disasters like hurricanes, so guests ought to take warning when touring throughout hurricane season.
- Street requirements in Belize are thought-about poor by worldwide requirements.
- There have been incidents with water actions ensuing from poor security procedures and measures.
Journey Advisories: Formally Talking, Is Belize Secure?
Formally 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. As an alternative, it’s broadly suggested to take elevated warning for those who go to Belize.
The US Journey Advisories for Belize recommend that you just train elevated warning all through the nation, escalating its issues particularly for Belize Metropolis. It advises that you just “reconsider travel”, marking the town as a Stage 3 zone regardless of the remainder of Belize securing a milder Stage 2 warning.
The US advisory acknowledges that gang violence in Belize Metropolis tends to happen under the Haulover Creek River and barely crosses into vacationer areas. Nevertheless, as a complete, 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 smart to take excessive security precautions when touring all through Belize.
The Canada Journey Advisories for Belize are fairly just like the US advisories. Belize normally has an Train a excessive diploma of warning warning on account of excessive ranges of violent crime all through the nation. There may be additionally a warning to Keep away from non-essential journey to Southside Belize Metropolis, south of the Haulover Creek River, on account of gang and drug-related violence, together with murders and shootings.
Vacationers 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 an identical 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.” Just like the US and Canada advisory, they notably emphasize the damaging nature of journey round Belize Metropolis, 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 danger 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, notably in Belize Metropolis, which is susceptible to gang-related violence. It has an total crime index of 53.15, notably greater 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 as if it’s going to remain.
The commonest crimes in Belize are:
- Dealing of medicine
- Theft from property, which incorporates accommodations and vacationer lodging
- Sexual assault
- Homicide and grievous bodily hurt
- Verbal or bodily abuse
- Muggings and armed theft
Furthermore, there are issues over policing, too:
- Corruption and bribery
- Lack of inefficiency of police response
We’ll focus on police effectiveness in a second, however many crimes go unsolved. Corruption could also be concerned in your police interactions, though you’ll be able to nonetheless name 911 for help from native authorities in an emergency.
Belize Metropolis experiences a disproportionate quantity of gang-related violence and crime, so guests ought to train a excessive diploma of warning. Whereas gang members sometimes function out of vacationer areas, affected areas are shut sufficient to the town heart 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. Nicely, you already know that the overall consensus with the Belizean police is that they’re usually underfunded and lack the capability to really punish or react to many legal instances.
Native authorities and shops are overrun. Your greatest technique of safety from petty crime is superb journey insurance coverage.
On a barely completely different be aware, it is best to just remember to are sticking to the correct aspect of native legal guidelines, like holding an IDP for those who lease a automotive and avoiding any unlawful medication.
Pure Disasters in Belize
Belize has a foul rep on the subject of pure catastrophe danger. The nation has a shoreline that opens onto the Caribbean Sea, so it is best to train warning throughout hurricane season, between June and November, notably from August to October.
These months are fraught with hurricanes and extreme storms. As a knock-on impact, Belize usually experiences flooding and sea stage rises. There may be the specter of tsunamis, however there has by no means been one in current historical past, just a few warnings just a few years again.
We suggest attempting to not journey throughout these months or no less than subscribe to climate warning alerts. On common, the nation experiences seven hurricanes a yr, so it pays to keep away from the season completely.
How To Keep Secure in Belize in Case of Pure Catastrophe
In case you determine to go to Belize throughout this high-risk interval, we’d recommend visiting pre-armed with a listing of how to remain secure in case of pure disasters. Listed here are just a few suggestions you need to use to maintain secure within the face of disasters like flooding and hurricanes:
1. Have an Evacuation and Shelter In Place Plan
It’s smart to have a plan to evacuate (this might be journey insurance coverage to get compensation if you need to guide an early flight house or a “go-bag” to evacuate to a special area in Belize). You must also have a shelter plan, checking forward of time along with your lodging to see what assist they provide.
2. Know The Space
Do some fundamental analysis on the world you’re staying in beforehand. It’s best to know the place the closest police stations, hospitals, and sensible locations like the very best floor (in case of flash floods) are. Realizing this format will provide help 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 firms just like the Nationwide Hurricane Heart Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration.
Climate in Belize
After all, one of the simplest ways to know the chance of seasonal pure disasters is to know the climate in Belize. Realizing the nation’s climate breakdown by season can actually assist decrease the dangers of journey.
General, it is best to know that Belize has a subtropical local weather, largely cut 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 Might. Temperatures sit between 70 and 90 levels Fahrenheit all yr spherical.
We’ll take a better look, although.
Spring: March to Might
March to Might in Belize is generally dry, with temperatures between 75 and 90 levels Fahrenheit. Might is the warmest selection, whereas late March to early April is the busiest time with all of the spring break crowds.
Summer season: June to September
That is Belize’s official moist season. Regardless of temperatures sitting at their highest between 80 and 90 levels Fahrenheit, coastal areas could discover a drop with all of the winds. That 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 a bit of iffy, with frequent rain regardless of the drop within the danger of hurricanes. Temperatures hover at round 75 to 85 levels Fahrenheit, however it is best to nonetheless anticipate a slight chill within the blustery coastal areas. Just a few vacationers trouble visiting right now of yr, because the rain could cause flooding and, normally, doesn’t make for a nice keep.
Winter: December to February
Winter marks the start of the dry season—hooray! December is at all times a sluggish begin, with the rain dragging its toes a bit of earlier than disappearing. Nevertheless, 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 Ideas For Staying Secure in Belize
As talked about, journey insurance coverage alone gained’t minimize it when visiting Belize. An effective way to remain secure is to tick all of the fundamentals (journey insurance coverage will be extra useful than ringing 911 if a digital camera will get swiped). Nevertheless, as a common rule, you need to construct on the fundamentals with extra specialised methods to remain secure in Belize.
1. A Spare Pockets is Your Finest Pal
When visiting Belize, carrying a spare pockets with outdated (or lesser-used) playing cards and free money is a good concept. That is largely for in case you are 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?
It’s best to by no means resist a mugger. So, as a substitute, supply an alternate that doesn’t actually influence you.
2. Don’t Scrimp on Transportation
There are such a lot of nations the place you’ll be able to minimize prices by taking public transport. Belize isn’t considered one of them. Skip low-cost transportation and at all times select the safer choices. We opted for personal transfers which had been safer and sooner. That is non-negotiable in Belize, particularly on the subject of issues like night time buses.
3. Go away Your Luxurious Trend Sense At Dwelling
Flashy jewellery and even notably eye-catching outfits may look superb, 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. As an alternative, gown down and make your objective to mix, not catch eyes.
4. If In Doubt, Skip Belize Metropolis
Belize Metropolis is by far the riskiest place within the nation. If you’re not sure whether or not you’re feeling assured taking lively security measures, simply skip it. There are simpler locations to remain secure in Belize, like Caye Caulker. It’s simple sufficient to chop it out of your itinerary.
5. Do Your Season Analysis
Lastly, do your season analysis. As you discovered within the part above, Belize’s local weather adjustments on a month-to-month foundation regardless of its total dry versus moist season. It’s greatest to keep away from the height hurricane danger months.
You must also remember that rainier and low season months entice fewer vacationers. This implies fewer crowds and extra remoted vacationer areas, which might truly put you at extra danger of opportunistic crime. It’s a little bit of a catch-22 when heavy crowds tempt pickpocketing. Nonetheless, normally, peak months are higher to keep away from being remoted for extra violent crimes.
Belize Emergency Numbers
- Police (Countrywide): 90/911
- Fireplace and ambulance (Belize Metropolis solely): 90
- Police (Belpoman): 822-2222
Is Belize Secure for Households?
We’d say that areas like Caye Caulker and Ambergris Cay are secure 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 secure for households. Simply remember that it could be a greater vacation to take with older kids who you’ll be able to clarify fundamental security precautions to.
For households with out that pre-existing journey expertise, we suggest selecting a special place to go to. Save Belize for a bit of later after you’ve had just a few follow runs.
Ideas:
- Take lodging critically when touring as a household, and chorus from scrimping on safety or location.
- Select your vacation spot in Belize fastidiously, deciding on historically “safe” areas like Caye Caulker.
Is Belize Secure for Solo Vacationers?
Belize is a little bit of a problem for these visiting solo, however equally very rewarding. In case you’ve had loads of solo journey expertise, you’ll discover it manageable, and there’s an incredible hostel scene for making new buddies. Skilled solo vacationers are sometimes much more acutely aware of security precautions than these in a bunch, so Belize can truly be higher suited to solo journey in that sense.
Nonetheless, as a common rule, Belize is greatest skilled in a bunch to restrict the chance of muggings and extra sinister crimes like sexual assault. You may guide issues like group excursions and guided day journeys that can assist you keep secure whereas touring to Belize alone. If visiting solo, keep away from non-essential journey at night time, take care in rural areas, and don’t bask in extreme alcohol consumption.
Ideas:
- Take group excursions the place doable and keep away from strolling alone at night time.
- Select well-located accommodations or hostels.
Is Belize Secure to Take Public Transportation?
Public transportation is comparatively secure in Belize, however be ready for an intense expertise. So-called hen buses are brightly painted public buses working in suburban and concrete areas. They’re sometimes packed however an affordable approach to get round. Be a bit of conscious of pickpocketing, altercations, and bag snatching, however in any other case, this technique of public transportation is secure.
At night time, throw all that out the window. It’s best to keep away from public transportation at night time in any respect prices, because it creates a a lot greater danger for violent crime. Get a registered taxi as a substitute, or keep away from pointless night time journey.
The most secure approach 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 change into your subsequent greatest buddy. You positively desire a registered taxi driver, because it presents an additional safety layer. It’s a good suggestion to take a look at the Authorities Of Canada’s advice on public transport.
You too can lease a automotive and drive round Belize in non-public automobiles comparatively simply. Nevertheless, it is best to train a excessive diploma of warning at night time, ideally avoiding all nonessential journey after darkish. You must also be ready for normal police checkpoints, the place you need to show a type of ID and your Worldwide Driving Allow. Be conscious of solely ever utilizing official border crossings and pay attention to the chance of armed robberies at locations like site visitors lights in city areas or opportunistic crime on distant roads.
Are Medical Amenities Secure in Belize?
Medical services in Belize are blended. There are two varieties of services: private and non-private hospitals. Personal hospitals are usually a greater possibility as they’re higher funded, in order that they have higher medical provides and extra to spend money on adequately educated professionals. Nevertheless, entry to both may be critically restricted, particularly for those who’re staying in rural areas.
We’d recommend checking the place your nearest hospitals are earlier than visiting. Guarantee you might be up-to-date with all of your vaccinations and routine well being checks earlier than departure. And ensure you have good journey insurance coverage if it turns into a greater concept to fly house. That is notably the case if the hospital doesn’t have a particular, area of interest sort of remedy or remedy obtainable on rapid demand. Belize’s greatest hospitals are nice for minor accidents, however when you have a extra major problem, it could be advisable to hunt remedy elsewhere.
Is Belize Secure? Prime FAQs
We’ll depart that query as much as you—do you’re feeling assured utilizing all the data above to plan a secure journey? Belize receives almost 1,000,000 guests annually, the overwhelming majority of whom journey the nation with no points. It’s all about selecting locations the place you really feel snug taking accountability on your security, and everyone knows some nations make this tougher than others. Belize is difficult however not unimaginable. We find it irresistible.
Listed here are just a few 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 Stage 4 areas (marked as “do not travel”) however has a clearer space for secure tourism in Cancun and alongside the Mayan Riviera shoreline. Belize has just one Stage 3 space (“marked as reconsider travel”) however much less clearly marked areas for secure 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 Stage 2 by the US Journey Advisory. In distinction, Belize Metropolis is marked as a Stage 3. Nevertheless, each Belize and Costa Rica are flagged for violent crimes, together with sexual assault. It’s greatest to method each nations 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’ll be able to expertise probably the most storms and hurricanes, which may be harmful. It’s smack in the course of hurricane season.
What’s the most secure a part of Belize?
Caye Caulker and San Pedro are the darlings of Belize, two areas recognized for being comparatively “safe” throughout the nation.
So, Is Belize Secure To Journey In?
No, Belize isn’t a historically secure place to go to. Nevertheless, there are ranges to the dangers you’re taking; are you planning a visit to Southside Belize Metropolis 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 yr are you going?
For these keen to take water-tight security precautions, Belize vastly rewards your additional efforts. There’s no denying the nation is gorgeous. We’ve got a good one-week itinerary right here for those who’d like some inspiration.
Keep secure and revel in. The most effective security precaution is information, and we hope you’ve got a implausible time.
