Belize remains a premier Caribbean destination, but visitors must balance paradise with prudent precautions. This guide synthesizes the latest crime statistics, government advisories, and on-the-ground insights to help you stay safe while exploring Belize’s beaches, jungles, and ancient ruins.
1. Crime Overview and Trends
In 2024, Belize recorded a homicide rate of 21.7 per 100,000 inhabitants, up slightly from 21.5 the previous year. Homicides fell by 29 percent in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 (41 vs. 58 cases) according to the Belize Police Department’s CompStat report. Overall major crimes dropped 9 percent—from 536 in H1 2024 to 489 in H1 2025—driven by declines in murder (–29 percent), robbery (–15 percent), and theft (–26 percent).
| Crime Category | Jan–Jun 2024 | Jan–Jun 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major crimes | 536 | 489 | –9 percent |
| Murders | 58 | 41 | –29 percent |
| Robbery | – | – | –15 percent |
| Theft | – | – | –26 percent |
2. Government Travel Advisories
- U.S. Department of State: Belize is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to violent crime including sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder. Southside Belize City is Level 3: Reconsider Travel—avoid non-tourist areas south of Haulover Creek. Source: U.S. Department of State
- Government of Canada: Advises Canadians to exercise a high degree of caution nationwide, and to avoid non-essential travel to Southside Belize City due to gang‐ and drug-related violence. Source: Government of Canada
- UK FCDO: Warns that Belize has one of the world’s highest per-capita murder rates; serious gang-related violence mainly affects Southside Belize City. Other areas—San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia, San Ignacio—remain generally safe if travelers exercise caution. Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
3. High-Risk Areas and Crimes
- Belize City (Southside): Gang territory fuels much violent crime. Avoid non-tourist neighborhoods, especially after dark.
- Border Zones: Increased smuggling and cross-border violence near Guatemala.
- Petty Crime Hotspots: Pickpocketing and credit-card fraud in San Pedro; always shield PIN entry and use ATMs inside banks.
4. Safety Tips for Travelers
Personal Security
- Stay vigilant: avoid walking alone at night, especially in Belize City and Belmopan.
- Secure valuables: use hotel safes and keep wallets/phones out of sight.
- Spiked drinks: never accept food or drink from strangers.
Transportation
- Roads: Most secondary roads are unpaved and poorly lit. Drive only during daylight and keep your fuel tank full.
- Public Transport: Buses lack maintenance—avoid if possible. Licensed taxis are not meter-regulated; negotiate fares in advance.
- Ferries: Between cayes, ensure life jackets are accessible and vessels aren’t overloaded.
Adventure Activities
- Use reputable operators for scuba diving, zip-lining, and cave tubing. Check safety records and equipment standards; purchase travel insurance covering medical evacuation.
- Swim only in designated areas; riptides are common and lifeguards are scarce.
Health Precautions
- Vaccinations: No entry requirement for yellow fever, but hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and rabies are recommended. Source: CDC
- Mosquito Protection: Year-round risk of dengue, chikungunya, Zika. Use EPA-approved repellent, wear long clothing, and sleep under nets.
- Water Safety: Follow “boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it” for food; carry oral rehydration salts for traveler’s diarrhea.
5. Women, Children, and LGBTQ Travelers
- Women traveling alone should avoid isolated areas and unlit alleys; cases of harassment have occurred.
- LGBTQ persons may face social stigma; avoid public displays of affection.
- Children require notarized parental consent letters when traveling alone or with one parent—immigration officials enforce this strictly.
6. Emergency and Consular Support
- Dial 911 for medical, fire, or police emergencies in Belize.
- U.S. Embassy in Belmopan and Canadian Honorary Consul in Belize City can assist with arrests, detention, or emergencies. Source: U.S. Embassy Belmopan
- Enroll in your government’s traveler-registration program (STEP for U.S., Registration of Canadians Abroad).
