Belize is beautiful. We must 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 bought the historical past of Mayan ruins to expertise at websites like Altun Ha. Mainly, we completely perceive why you wish to go to. Belize is in a league of its personal.
Sadly, you will have to take some further security precautions, although. Staying secure in Belize requires you to transcend the standard “test basic journey recommendation and e-book primary journey insurance coverage.” The nation has fairly just a few cases 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. If you happen to take the best precautions you’ll be able to get pleasure from this nation worry-free like we did. So, don’t rule out scuba diving and sightseeing Mayan ruins simply but; right here’s what you’ll want to know.
Is Belize Secure? A Fast Abstract
We all know that not everyone has the luxurious of time. If you happen to’re in a rush, try these predominant 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 a variety of gang violence, which sometimes leads to 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 a variety of pure disasters like hurricanes, so guests ought to take warning when touring throughout hurricane season.
- Street requirements in Belize are thought of 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 “purple checklist nation” or “don’t journey” space by the USA , Canada or the UK. As a substitute, it’s extensively suggested to take elevated warning in case you go to Belize.
The US Journey Advisories for Belize counsel that you simply train elevated warning all through the nation, escalating its considerations particularly for Belize Metropolis. It advises that you simply “rethink journey”, marking the town as a Degree 3 zone regardless of the remainder of Belize securing a milder Degree 2 warning.
The US advisory acknowledges that gang violence in Belize Metropolis tends to happen beneath the Haulover Creek River and barely crosses into vacationer areas. Nonetheless, 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 clever 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 as a result of excessive ranges of violent crime all through the nation. There’s additionally a warning to Keep away from non-essential journey to Southside Belize Metropolis, south of the Haulover Creek River, as a result 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 basically prevalent right here, and it’s straightforward to be caught within the crossfire.
The UK journey advisories for Belize echo an nearly equivalent sentiment. They advise that Belize has “one of many highest homicide charges on the earth” and trace at insufficient policing, saying that “police capability is restricted and lots of crimes stay 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 growing 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 fairly nasty mixture of crime scattered all through the nation, notably in Belize Metropolis, which is susceptible to gang-related violence. It has an general 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 commonest crimes in Belize are:
- Dealing of medicine
- Theft from property, which incorporates resorts and vacationer lodging
- Sexual assault
- Homicide and grievous bodily hurt
- Verbal or bodily abuse
- Muggings and armed theft
Furthermore, there are considerations 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 usually function out of vacationer areas, affected areas are shut sufficient to the town heart that unsuspecting vacationers might wander into hassle, or battle might 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. Effectively, you already know that the overall consensus with the Belizean police is that they’re typically underfunded and lack the capability to really punish or react to many legal circumstances.
Native authorities and shops are overrun. Your finest technique of safety from petty crime is superb journey insurance coverage.
On a barely totally different notice, you must just remember to are sticking to the best facet of native legal guidelines, like holding an IDP in case you lease a automotive and avoiding any unlawful medication.
Pure Disasters in Belize
Belize has a nasty rep on the subject of pure catastrophe danger. The nation has a shoreline that opens onto the Caribbean Sea, so you must 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 typically experiences flooding and sea stage rises. There’s 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 advocate attempting to not journey throughout these months or a minimum of 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
If you happen to resolve to go to Belize throughout this high-risk interval, we’d counsel visiting pre-armed with an inventory of the way to remain secure in case of pure disasters. Listed below 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 clever to have a plan to evacuate (this could possibly be journey insurance coverage to get compensation if it’s important to e-book an early flight residence 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 assist they provide.
2. Know The Space
Do some primary analysis on the realm you’re staying in beforehand. You must know the place the closest police stations, hospitals, and sensible locations like the best floor (in case of flash floods) are. Understanding this structure will make it easier 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 Nationwide Hurricane Middle Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration.
Climate in Belize
After all, one of the best ways to grasp the danger of seasonal pure disasters is to grasp the climate in Belize. Understanding the nation’s climate breakdown by season can actually assist decrease the dangers of journey.
General, you must know that Belize has a subtropical local weather, principally 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 more in-depth look, although.
Spring: March to Might
March to Might in Belize is usually 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 time: 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 might discover a drop with all of the winds. That is when Belize has its highest dangers of hurricanes and floods. We’d advocate giving it a swerve.
Fall: October to November
Fall remains to be a little bit iffy, with frequent rain regardless of the drop within the danger of hurricanes. Temperatures hover at round 75 to 85 levels Fahrenheit, however you must nonetheless count on a slight chill within the blustery coastal areas. Just a few vacationers hassle visiting right now of yr, because the rain could 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 sluggish begin, with the rain dragging its toes a little bit earlier than disappearing. Nonetheless, 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 Suggestions 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). Nonetheless, as a basic rule, you need to construct on the fundamentals with extra specialised methods to remain secure in Belize.
1. A Spare Pockets is Your Greatest Pal
When visiting Belize, carrying a spare pockets with previous (or lesser-used) playing cards and unfastened money is a good thought. That is principally 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?
You must by no means resist a mugger. So, as a substitute, provide an alternate that doesn’t actually affect you.
2. Don’t Scrimp on Transportation
There are such a lot of international locations the place you’ll be able to minimize prices by taking public transport. Belize isn’t one in every of them. Skip low-cost transportation and all the time select the safer choices. We opted for personal transfers which had been safer and quicker. That is non-negotiable in Belize, particularly on the subject of issues like night time buses.
3. Go away Your Luxurious Style Sense At Residence
Flashy jewellery and even notably eye-catching outfits would possibly look superb, however we’d advise leaving them at residence. You wish to keep away from drawing consideration to your self with something designer or expensive-looking. As a substitute, costume down and make your aim 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 energetic security measures, simply skip it. There are simpler locations to remain secure in Belize, like Caye Caulker. It’s straightforward sufficient to chop it out of your itinerary.
5. Do Your Season Analysis
Lastly, 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 general dry versus moist season. It’s finest to keep away from the height hurricane danger months.
You also needs to remember that rainier and low season months appeal to fewer vacationers. This implies fewer crowds and extra remoted vacationer areas, which might really 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
- Hearth 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 mother and father. 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 youngsters who you’ll be able to clarify primary security precautions to.
For households with out that pre-existing journey expertise, we advocate selecting a unique place to go to. Save Belize for a little bit later after you’ve had just a few observe runs.
Suggestions:
- Take lodging critically when touring as a household, and chorus from scrimping on safety or location.
- Select your vacation spot in Belize rigorously, deciding on historically “secure” 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. If you happen to’ve had loads of solo journey expertise, you’ll discover it manageable, and there’s a fantastic hostel scene for making new associates. Skilled solo vacationers are sometimes much more aware of security precautions than these in a bunch, so Belize can really be higher suited to solo journey in that sense.
Nonetheless, as a basic rule, Belize is finest skilled in a bunch to restrict the danger of muggings and extra sinister crimes like sexual assault. You’ll be able to e-book 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 take pleasure in extreme alcohol consumption.
Suggestions:
- Take group excursions the place attainable and keep away from strolling alone at night time.
- Select well-located resorts 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 rooster buses are brightly painted public buses working in suburban and concrete areas. They’re usually packed however an inexpensive solution to get round. Be a little bit aware 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. You must keep away from public transportation at night time in any respect prices, because it creates a a lot larger danger for violent crime. Get a registered taxi as a substitute, or keep away from pointless night time 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 change into your subsequent finest pal. You undoubtedly desire a registered taxi driver, because it affords an additional safety layer. It’s a good suggestion to take a look at the Authorities Of Canada’s advice on public transport.
You can even lease a automotive and drive round Belize in personal autos comparatively simply. Nonetheless, you must train a excessive diploma of warning at night time, ideally avoiding all nonessential journey after darkish. You also needs to be ready for normal police checkpoints, the place you need to show a type of ID and your Worldwide Driving Allow. Be aware of solely ever utilizing official border crossings and concentrate on the danger 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 combined. There are two kinds of services: private and non-private hospitals. Personal hospitals are typically a greater choice as they’re higher funded, so that they have higher medical provides and extra to spend money on adequately educated professionals. Nonetheless, entry to both might be critically restricted, particularly in case you’re staying in rural areas.
We’d counsel 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 thought to fly residence. That is notably the case if the hospital doesn’t have a selected, area of interest sort of remedy or therapy obtainable on fast 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 Secure? High FAQs
We’ll go away that query as much as you—do you’re feeling assured utilizing all the data above to plan a secure journey? Belize receives practically 1,000,000 guests every year, the overwhelming majority of whom journey the nation with no points. It’s 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 unimaginable. We adore it.
Listed below are just a few frequent FAQs to assist clear the query of “must you, shouldn’t you” up.
Is Mexico or Belize safer?
Mexico and Belize are roughly on a par. Mexico has some Degree 4 areas (marked as “don’t journey”) however has a clearer space for secure tourism in Cancun and alongside the Mayan Riviera shoreline. Belize has just one Degree 3 space (“marked as rethink journey”) however much less clearly marked areas for secure tourism. It relies on the place you intend to journey.
Is Belize or Costa Rica safer?
Costa Rica is marginally safer, as it is just marked as Degree 2 by the US Journey Advisory. In distinction, Belize Metropolis is marked as a Degree 3. Nonetheless, 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’ll be able to expertise probably the most storms and hurricanes, which might be harmful. It’s smack in the midst 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 “secure” throughout the nation.
So, Is Belize Secure To Journey In?
No, Belize isn’t a historically secure place to go to. Nonetheless, there are ranges to the dangers you are 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 might have? What are the present updates, and what time of yr are you going?
For these prepared to take water-tight security precautions, Belize vastly rewards your further efforts. There’s no denying the nation is gorgeous. We have now a excellent one-week itinerary right here in case you’d like some inspiration.
Keep secure and luxuriate in. The most effective security precaution is information, and we hope you might have a improbable time.
