Is It Safe to Visit Belize Right Now?

As of 2019 (the latest update at time of publishing this article in 2020), Belize has a level-two travel advisory from the U.S. State Department. For some perspective, that's on par with France, Italy, the Dominican Republic, and Denmark. What does level-two mean? Simply that the U.S. government urges tourists and state employees in Belize to exercise increased caution. Tourists should avoid Belize City, specifically on the south side, where the Belize government declared a state of emergency in 2018, due to gang violence and crime. In better news, that specific security threat has passed and most tourists don't spend any time in Belize City. If they do, it's to get to the highly patrolled Municipal Airport or ferry landing (for small flights and speed boats out to the cayes) in the north and eastern section of Belize City.

Outside of Belize City, violent crime does impact tourists and ex-pats throughout the country. Local police don't have the training or resources to respond quickly to criminal reports. Most crimes remain unresolved.

Belize has a population of almost 400,000, and its murder rate is extremely high at 44 homicides per 100,000 people. This consistently puts it in the top five (fourth in 2019) countries with the most murder cases per capita. Violent crime does occasionally impact tourists and ex-pats living in Belize. Sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murders do happen, though most of this activity is gang and drug trafficking related. More minor crimes include pickpocketing and sexual harassment. Cash theft and credit card fraud are prevalent around San Pedro.

LGBTQ travelers should note that the Belizean government decriminalized homosexuality in 2016, but there continues to be hostility towards individuals (especially men) who openly identify themselves as LGBTQ. Tourist-friendly areas, including San Pedro Town and Ambergris Caye remain relatively open and welcoming to the community. Outside of tourist areas, men have reported incidents of verbal or physical assault for openly displaying their sexuality.

Most visitors to Belize leave the country without encountering any crime or safety incidents. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't be prepared. Practice common sense that you'd take with you everywhere in the world. Leave valuables at home (or in the hotel safe), don't use ATMs after dark, and avoid drinking to the point of intoxication in public. The U.S. State Department offers the following tips for all Belize visitors:

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Avoid walking or driving at night.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Crime and Safety Report for Belize.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations.

Belize's hurricane season normally runs from June to November (though climate change is shifting weather patterns, and the season may arrive earlier or run longer). While in Belize, it's smart to monitor local and international weather updates from the National Hurricane Centre. The last major hurricane to impact Belize was Hurricane Richard in 2010.

As a tropical destination, Belize is susceptible to malaria, Dengue fever, and Zika virus. These illnesses are spread by mosquito bites, so come prepared with travel-size insect repellent. Wear long-sleeves and pants during high mosquito activity times, such as at dusk, dawn, and after rainstorms.

Serious injuries or illnesses normally require evacuation to another country with larger hospital facilities, likely to Mexico or the United States. Travelers may want to purchase travel insurance that includes evacuation policies when visiting Belize.

Owners Jan and Sandra run this romantic San Pedro hideaway. Portofino Beach Resort

Francis Ford Coppola's (yep, the famous director) Turtle Inn

Though Belize is celebrated for its coast and island cayes, you shouldn't sleep on the rain forest interior. The Lodge at Chaa Creek is one of Belize’s first eco-lodges. It combines luxury facilities and


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