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. Principally, we completely perceive why you wish to go to. Belize is in a league of its personal.
Sadly, you have to to take some additional security precautions, although. Staying protected in Belize requires you to transcend the standard “verify basic journey recommendation and guide primary journey insurance coverage.” The nation has fairly a couple of cases of crime, gang violence, and medicines, which might leak into vacationer areas.
On 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. When 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 you want to know.
Is Belize Secure? A Fast Abstract
We all know that not everyone has the posh of time. When you’re in a rush, try these essential 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 whole lot of gang violence, which sometimes ends in shootings in public locations.
The border areas, Caracol, and Belize Metropolis (significantly the inner-city area of Southside Belize Metropolis) all expertise a excessive crime density.
Belize has a whole lot of pure disasters like hurricanes, so guests ought to take warning when touring throughout hurricane season.
Highway 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 “pink checklist nation” or “don’t journey” 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 simply train elevated warning all through the nation, escalating its considerations particularly for Belize Metropolis. It advises that you simply “rethink journey”, marking 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 beneath 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 sensible to take excessive security precautions when touring all through Belize.
The Canada Journey Advisories for Belize are fairly just like the US advisories. Belize generally has an Train a excessive diploma of warning warning as a result 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, as a result of gang and drug-related violence, together with murders and shootings.
Vacationers mustn’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 similar sentiment. They advise that Belize has “one of many highest homicide charges on the planet” 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 significantly emphasize the harmful 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 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 Metropolis, which is vulnerable 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 ranking 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 motels 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 talk about 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 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. Nicely, you already know that the overall consensus with the Belizean police is that they’re typically underfunded and lack the capability to truly punish or react to many legal circumstances.
Native authorities and retailers are overrun. Your greatest technique of safety from petty crime is great journey insurance coverage.
On a barely totally different notice, it’s best to just be sure you are sticking to the correct facet of native legal guidelines, like holding an IDP for those who hire a automotive and avoiding any unlawful medication.
Pure 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 may be 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 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 totally.
How To Keep Secure in Belize in Case of Pure Catastrophe
When you determine to go to Belize throughout this high-risk interval, we’d recommend visiting pre-armed with an inventory of how to remain protected in case of pure disasters. Listed below are a couple of suggestions 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 sensible to have a plan to evacuate (this could possibly be journey insurance coverage to get compensation if you need to guide an early flight house or a “go-bag” to evacuate to a distinct area in Belize). You also needs to have a shelter plan, checking forward of time along with your lodging to see what help they provide.
2. Know The Space
Do some primary analysis on the realm you’re staying in beforehand. It’s best to know the place the closest police stations, hospitals, and sensible locations like the best floor (in case of flash floods) are. Realizing this format will assist you 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 Middle Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration.
Climate in Belize
After all, the easiest way to grasp the chance of seasonal pure disasters is to grasp the climate in Belize. Realizing the nation’s climate breakdown by season can actually assist decrease the dangers of journey.
Total, 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 Could. Temperatures sit between 70 and 90 levels Fahrenheit all 12 months spherical.
We’ll take a more in-depth look, although.
Spring: March to Could
March to Could in Belize is generally dry, with temperatures between 75 and 90 levels Fahrenheit. Could is the warmest alternative, 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 suggest giving it a swerve.
Fall: October to November
Fall continues to be slightly 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 anticipate a slight chill within the blustery coastal areas. Only some vacationers hassle visiting at the moment of 12 months, because the rain may cause flooding and, generally, doesn’t make for a nice 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 slightly earlier than disappearing. Nevertheless, January and February are notoriously dry and are the months when tourism picks up once more.
Temperatures are delicate, between 70 and 80 levels Fahrenheit, however the barely cool, drier climate is good for sightseeing. A win is a win, proper?
5 Suggestions For Staying Secure 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 digicam will get swiped). Nevertheless, as a basic rule, you could construct on the fundamentals with extra specialised methods to remain protected in Belize.
1. A Spare Pockets is Your Finest Good friend
When visiting Belize, carrying a spare pockets with outdated (or lesser-used) playing cards and unfastened money is a superb concept. 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?
It’s best 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 such a lot of international locations the place you’ll be able to reduce prices by taking public transport. Belize isn’t certainly one 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 evening buses.
3. Go away Your Luxurious Style Sense At Residence
Flashy jewellery and even significantly eye-catching outfits may look wonderful, however we’d advise leaving them at house. You wish to keep away from drawing consideration to your self with something designer or expensive-looking. As an alternative, costume down and make your purpose to mix, not catch eyes.
4. If In Doubt, Skip Belize Metropolis
Belize Metropolis is by far the riskiest place within the nation. In case you are uncertain whether or not you’re feeling assured taking lively security measures, simply skip it. There are simpler locations to remain protected 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 total dry versus moist season. It’s greatest to keep away from the height hurricane threat months.
You also needs to remember the fact 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 threat of opportunistic crime. It’s a little bit of a catch-22 when heavy crowds tempt pickpocketing. Nonetheless, generally, 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 protected for households with travel-savvy dad and mom. In case you are 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. Simply remember the fact that it could be a greater vacation to take with older kids who you’ll be able to clarify primary security precautions to.
For households with out that pre-existing journey expertise, we suggest selecting a distinct place to go to. Save Belize for slightly later after you’ve had a couple of follow runs.
Suggestions:
Take lodging severely when touring as a household, and chorus from scrimping on safety or location.
Select your vacation spot in Belize fastidiously, choosing historically “protected” 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. When you’ve had loads of solo journey expertise, you’ll discover it manageable, and there’s a fantastic 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 really be higher suited to solo journey in that sense.
Nonetheless, as a basic 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 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.
Suggestions:
Take group excursions the place attainable and keep away from strolling alone at evening.
Select well-located motels or hostels.
Is Belize Secure 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’re usually packed however an affordable strategy to get round. Be slightly conscious of pickpocketing, altercations, and bag snatching, however in any other case, this technique of public transportation is protected.
At evening, throw all that out the window. It’s best to keep away from public transportation at evening in any respect prices, because it creates a a lot greater threat for violent crime. Get a registered taxi as a substitute, or keep away from pointless evening journey.
The most secure strategy to get round Belize is by registered taxis, which you’ll be able to acknowledge from inexperienced license plates. Uber doesn’t exist right here, so inexperienced license plates will undoubtedly develop into your subsequent greatest good friend. You undoubtedly need 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 suggestion on public transport.
You too can hire a automotive and drive round Belize in personal autos comparatively simply. Nevertheless, 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 could show a type of ID and your Worldwide Driving Allow. 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 Amenities Secure in Belize?
Medical amenities in Belize are combined. There are two kinds of amenities: private and non-private hospitals. Personal hospitals are typically a greater possibility as they’re higher funded, so that they have higher medical provides and extra to put money into adequately educated professionals. Nevertheless, entry to both might be severely 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 be sure you have good journey insurance coverage if it turns into a greater concept to fly house. That is significantly the case if the hospital doesn’t have a selected, area of interest kind of treatment or remedy obtainable on rapid demand. Belize’s greatest hospitals are nice for minor accidents, however in case you have a extra major problem, it could be advisable to hunt remedy elsewhere.
Is Belize Secure? Prime FAQs
We’ll go away that query as much as you—do you’re feeling assured utilizing all the data above to plan a protected journey? Belize receives almost 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 snug taking accountability on your security, and everyone knows some international locations make this tougher than others. Belize is difficult however not not possible. We adore it.
Listed below are a couple of 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 Stage 4 areas (marked as “don’t journey”) however has a clearer space for protected tourism in Cancun and alongside the Mayan Riviera shoreline. Belize has just one Stage 3 space (“marked as rethink journey”) 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 is just 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 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 essentially 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 identified for being comparatively “protected” throughout the nation.
So, Is Belize Secure To Journey In?
No, Belize isn’t a historically protected 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 12 months are you going?
For these prepared to take water-tight security precautions, Belize vastly rewards your additional efforts. There’s no denying the nation is gorgeous. We have now a good one-week itinerary right here for those who’d like some inspiration.
Keep protected and luxuriate in. One of the best security precaution is data, and we hope you’ve got a unbelievable time.