Belize Travel Safety: Is It Safe to Visit Belize in 2025?

Belize is gorgeous. We should know; we just returned from a two-week trip. The mainland is covered in a dense, tropical jungle, while offshore, it has the Belize Barrier Reef—an acclaimed spot to scuba dive and snorkel. Moreover, you’ve also got the history of Mayan ruins to experience at sites like Altun Ha. Basically, we totally understand why you want to visit. Belize is indeed in a league of its own.

However, staying safe in Belize requires you to go beyond the usual “check general travel advice and basic travel insurance.” The country has quite a few instances of crime, gang violence, and drugs, which can seep into tourist areas.

In this guide, we’ll prepare you for staying safe in Belize. We just returned from a visit to Cay Caulker, Ambergris Cay, and San Ignacio and felt really safe. If you take the right precautions, you can enjoy this country worry-free like we did. So, don’t rule out scuba diving and sightseeing Mayan ruins just yet; here’s what you need to know.

Is Belize Safe? A Quick Summary

We know that not everybody has the luxury of time. If you’re in a rush, check out these main bullet points for a quick overview of safety in Belize.

• Belize experiences a notably high crime rate for violent crime, including homicide, sexual assault, and armed robbery.
• Belize has significant gang violence, which occasionally results in shootings in public places.
• The border areas, Caracol, and Belize City (particularly the inner-city region of Southside Belize City) all experience a high crime density.
• Belize has a lot of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, so visitors should take caution during hurricane season.
• Road standards in Belize are generally poor according to international standards.
• There have been incidents with water activities resulting from poor safety procedures and measures.

Travel Advisories: Officially Speaking, Is Belize Safe?

Officially speaking, Belize is possible to visit and not barred as a “red list country” or “do not travel” area by the USA, Canada, or the UK. Instead, it’s widely advised to take increased caution when visiting Belize.

The US Travel Advisories for Belize suggest that you exercise increased caution throughout the country, with specific concerns for Belize City. It advises that you “reconsider travel,” marking the city as a Level 3 zone, while the rest of Belize is at a milder Level 2 warning.

The US advisory acknowledges that gang violence in Belize City tends to occur below the Haulover Creek River, rarely crossing into tourist areas. However, it advises that risks are high, especially given the historical crime in the city.

Moreover, violent crimes like sexual assault and armed robbery can – and do – occur in daylight, even in public areas, so it’s wise to take extreme safety precautions when traveling throughout Belize.

The Canada Travel Advisories for Belize reflect similar sentiments. Belize has an Exercise a high degree of caution warning due to high levels of violent crime throughout the country. There’s also a warning to Avoid non-essential travel to Southside Belize City, south of the Haulover Creek River, due to gang and drug-related violence, including murders and shootings.

Tourists should refrain from venturing into this part of Belize City. Gang warfare is prevalent here, making it easy to be caught in the crossfire.

The UK travel advisories for Belize echo nearly identical sentiments. They state that Belize has “one of the highest murder rates in the world” and hint at inadequate policing, saying that “police capacity is limited and many crimes remain unsolved.” Like the US and Canada advisories, they particularly emphasize the dangerous nature of travel around Belize City, especially the Southside.

The UK advisory also warns of muggings across Belize, including San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia, and San Ignacio. It underscores the increasing risk of sexual assault and rape, advising against solo travel and caution when venturing down quiet streets.

Crime in Belize

As you now know, Belize has a concerning mix of crime scattered throughout the country, particularly in Belize City, which is prone to gang-related violence. It has an overall crime index of 53.15, notably higher than the US at 49.34 and the UK at 47.61. Most concerning is that this crime rating has increased over the past three years. Crime in Belize is common, and unfortunately, it seems like it’s going to remain a challenge.

The most common crimes in Belize are:

• Drug dealing
• Theft from properties, including hotels and tourist accommodations
• Sexual assault
• Murder and grievous bodily harm
• Verbal or physical abuse
• Muggings and armed robbery

Furthermore, there are concerns regarding police effectiveness:

• Corruption and bribery
• Lack of efficient police response

While we’ll discuss police effectiveness soon, many crimes go unsolved. Moreover, corruption may affect your interactions with police, although you can still call 911 for local authorities’ assistance in emergencies.

Belize City experiences a disproportionate amount of gang-related violence and crime, so visitors should exercise a high degree of caution. While gang members typically operate outside of tourist areas, affected areas are close enough to the city center that unsuspecting tourists may inadvertently wander into trouble, or conflicts may spill over.

The rest of Belize still necessitates caution, with higher levels of robbery and opportunistic crime, some of which can be violent.

Police in Belize

Now, let’s discuss the police in Belize, as promised. The general consensus about the Belizean police is that they’re often underfunded and lack the capacity to react to many criminal cases adequately.

Local authorities are overwhelmed. Therefore, your best method of protection from petty crime is to obtain excellent travel insurance.

On a slightly different note, adhere to local laws, such as holding an International Driving Permit if you rent a car and avoiding illegal drugs.

Natural Disasters in Belize

Belize has a notorious reputation regarding natural disaster risks. The country has a coastline that opens onto the Caribbean Sea, so you should exercise caution during hurricane season, particularly from June to November, with the highest threats from August to October.

These months are fraught with hurricanes and severe storms. As a result, Belize often experiences flooding and rising sea levels. There is the threat of tsunamis, but there has never been one in recent history, just some warnings a few years back.

We recommend refraining from travel during these months, or at the very least, subscribe to weather warning alerts. On average, the country experiences seven hurricanes annually, making it wise to avoid the season.

How To Stay Safe in Belize in Case of Natural Disaster

If you choose to visit Belize during high-risk periods, we suggest pre-arming yourself with a list of ways to stay safe in case of natural disasters. Here are a few strategies to keep safe in the face of disasters like flooding and hurricanes:

1. Have an Evacuation and Shelter In Place Plan

It’s wise to have a plan to evacuate (this could include travel insurance to cover costs if you need to book an early flight home or a “go-bag” to evacuate to a different region in Belize). You should also have a shelter plan, checking ahead of time with your accommodation to assess the support they offer.

2. Know The Area

Conduct basic research on the area you’re staying in beforehand. You should know where the nearest police stations, hospitals, and practical places like high ground (in case of flash floods) are located. Knowing this layout can be crucial during emergencies when every minute counts.

3. Subscribe to Alerts

Stay updated by subscribing to alerts from the US Embassy in Belize, local media, and disaster-related alerts from organizations like the National Hurricane Center Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration.

Weather in Belize

Understanding the risk of seasonal natural disasters necessitates knowledge about the weather in Belize. A breakdown of the country’s weather by season can substantially help mitigate travel risks.

Overall, Belize has a subtropical climate, primarily divided into dry and rainy seasons. The rainy season stretches from June until November, coinciding with its hurricane-prone period. The dry season occurs from February until May, with temperatures ranging between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year.

Let’s delve deeper into the seasonal breakdown.

Spring: March to May

March to May in Belize is predominantly dry, with temperatures between 75 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. May tends to be the warmest, while late March to early April witnesses the busiest travel times due to spring break crowds.

Summer: June to September

This marks Belize’s official wet season. Despite temperatures hitting their peak between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, coastal areas may notice a temperature drop due to winds. This period carries the highest risks for hurricanes and floods, making it advisable to avoid traveling during these months.

Fall: October to November

Fall can still be challenging, with frequent rains despite a decrease in hurricane risks. Temperatures hover around 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, but expect some chill in the coastal areas. Only a handful of tourists venture here, as rain can lead to flooding and generally unpleasant conditions.

Winter: December to February

Winter marks the beginning of the dry season—hooray! December typically starts slow, with lingering rain before it fades. However, January and February are characteristically dry, marking a resurgence in tourism.

Temperatures remain mild, between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, making these months ideal for sightseeing. A definite advantage!

5 Tips For Staying Safe in Belize

As mentioned earlier, travel insurance alone won’t suffice when visiting Belize. It’s pivotal to attend to the basics while also implementing more specialized strategies to enhance your safety in Belize.

1. A Spare Wallet is Your Best Friend

When traveling in Belize, carrying a spare wallet with older (or lesser-used) cards and loose cash is wise, particularly if you visit the larger cities. Muggings can happen, and it’s better to be prepared.

It’s crucial to never resist a mugger; instead, offer them an alternative that doesn’t impact you too much.

2. Don’t Scrimp on Transportation

While there are several countries where you can economize by taking public transport, Belize isn’t one of them. Avoid low-cost transportation and always opt for safer options. We preferred private transfers, which were both safer and faster. This choice is essential in Belize, especially concerning night buses.

3. Leave Your Luxury Fashion Sense At Home

While flashy jewelry and eye-catching outfits might be tempting, we advise leaving them behind. Avoid drawing attention to yourself with anything designer or costly. Instead, aim to blend in and keep a low profile.

4. If In Doubt, Skip Belize City

Belize City is the riskiest place in the country. If you’re uncertain about your ability to employ safety measures, it’s wise to skip this area. There are many safer locations to enjoy in Belize, like Caye Caulker, which you can easily substitute into your itinerary.

5. Do Your Season Research

Finally, conduct thorough research on the seasons. As previously mentioned, Belize’s climate varies considerably each month despite its overall dry versus wet features. Avoid visiting during peak hurricane risk months.

Keep in mind that rainier and off-season months tend to attract fewer tourists, leading to a smaller crowd and increased risk of opportunistic crime. It’s a dilemma: peak months may attract pickpockets, but heavier tourist traffic also often helps deter violent crimes.

Belize Emergency Numbers

• Police (Countrywide): 90/911
• Fire and ambulance (Belize City only): 90
• Police (Belmopan): 822-2222

Is Belize Safe for Families?

We’d assert that areas such as Caye Caulker and Ambergris Cay are suitable for families with travel-savvy parents. If you are an experienced traveler, staying in secure accommodations with reputable tours and transfers, Belize can be safe for families. However, it may be better suited for older children who can understand basic safety precautions.

For families without existing travel experience, we recommend exploring different destinations before considering Belize.

Tips:

• Take accommodation seriously while traveling as a family and avoid compromising on security or location.
• Choose your Belize destination wisely, opting for traditionally “safe” areas like Caye Caulker.

Is Belize Safe for Solo Travelers?

Belize can present challenges for solo travelers, although it can also be highly rewarding. If you possess ample solo travel experience, managing safety in Belize becomes much more manageable, and the hostel scene offers great opportunities for meeting new friends. Experienced solo travelers tend to be more cautious than those in groups, making Belize potentially better suited for solo exploration.

Nevertheless, overall, Belize is best experienced in a group setting to minimize the risks of muggings and more serious crimes, such as sexual assault. Consider booking group tours or guided day trips to help ensure safety while traveling alone. If you do go solo, avoid non-essential night travel, exercise caution in rural areas, and limit alcohol consumption.

Tips:

• Opt for group tours whenever possible and refrain from walking alone at night.
• Choose accommodations located in safer areas.

Is Belize Safe to Take Public Transportation?

Public transportation in Belize is relatively safe, albeit with a unique experience. The colorful “chicken buses” operate in suburban and urban areas, typically crowded but cost-effective. Just be vigilant about pickpockets, altercations, and bag snatching; otherwise, this method of transport is generally secure.

However, at night, it’s best to avoid public transportation, as the risk of violent crime is significantly heightened. Instead, consider registered taxis or avoid night travel when possible.

The safest way to navigate Belize is by using registered taxis, identifiable by their green license plates. Since Uber doesn’t operate here, these green plates will be crucial. It’s advisable to take registered taxi drivers for added security and to review the Government of Canada’s recommendations regarding public transportation.

Additionally, you can rent a car for easier navigation around Belize. Exercise extreme caution at night, ideally avoiding all non-essential travel after dark. Be prepared for regular police checkpoints, where you must present a form of ID and your International Driving Permit. Always use official border crossings and remain cautious of the risk of armed robberies at traffic lights in urban areas or opportunistic crime on remote roads.

Are Medical Facilities Safe in Belize?

Medical facilities in Belize present a mixed bag. There are two categories: public and private hospitals. Generally, private hospitals are preferable as they’re better financed, with superior medical supplies and trained professionals. However, access may be limited, particularly in rural areas.

Before visiting, check for the nearest hospitals and ensure you’re current with vaccinations and health checks. Ensure you possess reliable travel insurance, should you need to return home or if the hospital lacks the necessary medications or treatments. Belize’s best hospitals are adequate for minor ailments but might not suffice for serious health issues.

Is Belize Safe? Top FAQs

Ultimately, the question remains—is Belize safe? Do you feel prepared using all the information provided to plan a secure trip? Belize attracts nearly a million visitors each year, most of whom navigate the country without significant issues. It’s about choosing destinations where you feel comfortable and able to take responsibility for your safety. Some places present more challenges than others; Belize can be challenging but is absolutely rewarding.

Here are several common FAQs to provide clarity on whether or not you should visit.

Is Mexico or Belize safer?

Mexico and Belize are quite comparable. Mexico has some Level 4 areas (labeled as “do not travel”) but offers clearer safe tourism zones like Cancun and the Mayan Riviera. Belize has only one Level 3 area (“marked as reconsider travel”), forcing less clarity regarding safe tourism destinations. Your intended travel locations will determine overall safety.

Is Belize or Costa Rica safer?

Costa Rica is slightly safer, marked as Level 2 by the US Travel Advisory, while Belize City is classified as Level 3. Nevertheless, both Belize and Costa Rica are flagged for violent crimes, including sexual assault. Increased caution is advisable for both destinations.

When not to go to Belize?

August and October are the worst times to visit Belize, presenting the most storms and hurricanes, which can be particularly dangerous. This period coincides with the heart of hurricane season.

What is the safest part of Belize?

Caye Caulker and San Pedro are two beloved areas in Belize, known for their relative safety compared to other regions in the country.

So, Is Belize Safe To Travel In?

No, Belize isn’t typically a safe travel destination. However, the risks you encounter significantly depend on your specific plans; are you heading to Southside Belize City or Caye Caulker? Are you traveling on a guided tour, or going solo? What is your level of travel experience, and what’s the current situation when you plan to visit?

For those willing to take motivated safety precautions, Belize offers vast rewards for your efforts. There’s no denying the beauty of the country. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure. The most effective safety measure is knowledge, and we hope you have a fantastic trip.