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. Principally, we completely perceive why you need to go to. Belize is in a league of its personal.
Sadly, you have to to take some further security precautions, although. Staying protected in Belize requires you to transcend the standard “verify common journey recommendation and guide fundamental journey insurance coverage.” The nation has fairly just a few situations of crime, gang violence, and medicines, which may 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. For those who take the suitable precautions you possibly can 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 it’s good to know.
Is Belize Secure? A Fast Abstract
We all know that not all people has the posh of time. For those who’re in a rush, try these fundamental bullet factors for a fast overview of security in Belize.
- Belize experiences a notably excessive crime price for violent crime, together with murder, sexual assault, and armed theft.
- Belize has a number of gang violence, which sometimes 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 a number of pure disasters like hurricanes, so guests ought to take warning when touring throughout hurricane season.
- Highway 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 “crimson 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 when you 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 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 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 attributable to 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, attributable to 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 absolutely prevalent right here, and it’s simple 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 notably 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, notably in Belize Metropolis, which is liable to gang-related violence. It has an total crime index of 53.15, notably increased 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 lodges 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 possibly can 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 middle 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. Properly, 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 instances.
Native authorities and retailers are overrun. Your greatest methodology of safety from petty crime is great journey insurance coverage.
On a barely completely different observe, you must just be sure you are sticking to the suitable facet of native legal guidelines, like holding an IDP when you hire a automobile and avoiding any unlawful medicine.
Pure Disasters in Belize
Belize has a foul rep in the case of pure catastrophe threat. 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 latest historical past, just a few warnings just a few years again.
We suggest making an attempt to not journey throughout these months or a minimum of 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 Keep Secure in Belize in Case of Pure Catastrophe
For those who determine to go to Belize throughout this high-risk interval, we’d recommend visiting pre-armed with a listing of how to remain protected in case of pure disasters. Listed here are just a few ideas you should utilize 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 may very well be journey insurance coverage to get compensation if it’s a must to guide an early flight dwelling or a “go-bag” to evacuate to a special 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 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 best floor (in case of flash floods) are. Figuring out this format will show you how 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 Middle 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. Figuring out the nation’s climate breakdown by season can actually assist decrease the dangers of journey.
Total, you must 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 somewhat iffy, with frequent rain regardless of the drop within the threat of hurricanes. Temperatures hover at round 75 to 85 levels Fahrenheit, however you must nonetheless anticipate a slight chill within the blustery coastal areas. Just a few vacationers hassle visiting presently of 12 months, because the rain could cause flooding and, generally, 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 somewhat earlier than disappearing. Nonetheless, 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 right for sightseeing. A win is a win, proper?
5 Suggestions For Staying Secure in Belize
As talked about, journey insurance coverage alone received’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). Nonetheless, as a common rule, it’s essential to 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 previous (or lesser-used) playing cards and unfastened money is a superb thought. That is principally for if you’re touring within the bigger cities. Mugging can get everybody. There’s no assure you received’t fall foul of this unfortunate crime, so why not be ready?
It’s best to by no means resist a mugger. So, as an alternative, provide an alternate that doesn’t actually impression you.
2. Don’t Scrimp on Transportation
There are such a lot of nations the place you possibly can reduce 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 sooner. That is non-negotiable in Belize, particularly in the case of issues like night time buses.
3. Depart Your Luxurious Trend Sense At Dwelling
Flashy jewellery and even notably eye-catching outfits would possibly look wonderful, however we’d advise leaving them at dwelling. 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 purpose 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 are feeling assured taking lively 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 Analysis
Lastly, do your season analysis. As you realized 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 threat months.
You also needs to remember that rainier and low season months entice fewer vacationers. This implies fewer crowds and extra remoted vacationer areas, which may truly 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
- 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 protected 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 protected for households. Simply remember that it could be a greater vacation to take with older kids who you possibly can 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 somewhat later after you’ve had just a few observe 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, deciding on 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. For those who’ve had loads of solo journey expertise, you’ll discover it manageable, and there’s a terrific hostel scene for making new buddies. Skilled solo vacationers are sometimes much more aware of security precautions than these in a gaggle, so Belize can truly be higher suited to solo journey in that sense.
Nonetheless, as a common rule, Belize is greatest skilled in a gaggle to restrict the chance of muggings and extra sinister crimes like sexual assault. You possibly can 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 night time, take care in rural areas, and don’t bask in extreme alcohol consumption.
Suggestions:
- Take group excursions the place doable and keep away from strolling alone at night time.
- Select well-located lodges 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 inexpensive technique 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 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 increased threat for violent crime. Get a registered taxi as an alternative, or keep away from pointless night time journey.
The most secure technique 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 greatest good friend. You undoubtedly need 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.
It’s also possible to hire a automobile 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 it’s essential to 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 visitors lights in city areas or opportunistic crime on distant roads.
Are Medical Services Secure in Belize?
Medical amenities in Belize are combined. There are two sorts of amenities: 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. Nonetheless, entry to both may be severely restricted, particularly when you’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 to have good journey insurance coverage if it turns into a greater thought to fly dwelling. That is notably the case if the hospital doesn’t have a selected, area of interest kind of remedy or therapy accessible on fast demand. Belize’s greatest hospitals are nice for minor accidents, however when you have a extra major problem, it could be advisable to hunt therapy elsewhere.
Is Belize Secure? High FAQs
We’ll depart that query as much as you—do you are 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 to your security, and everyone knows some nations make this tougher than others. Belize is difficult however not unimaginable. We like it.
Listed here are just a few frequent FAQs to assist clear the query of “do you have to, 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 protected 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 protected tourism. It depends upon 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 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 possibly can 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 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. Nonetheless, 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 could have? 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 now a good one-week itinerary right here when you’d like some inspiration.
Keep protected and revel in. The most effective security precaution is information, and we hope you could have a implausible time.
