Belize is attractive. 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 acquired 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 secure in Belize requires you to transcend the same old “examine basic journey recommendation and e-book fundamental journey insurance coverage.” The nation has fairly a couple of situations of crime, gang violence, and medicines, which may 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. Should you take the precise precautions you possibly can 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 it’s worthwhile to know.
Is Belize Secure? A Fast Abstract
We all know that not everyone has the posh of time. Should you’re in a rush, take a look at these primary bullet factors for a fast overview of security in Belize.
Belize experiences a notably excessive crime charge for violent crime, together with murder, sexual assault, and armed theft.
Belize has loads 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 loads of pure disasters like hurricanes, so guests ought to take warning when touring throughout hurricane season.
Street 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 “pink checklist nation” or “don’t journey” space by the USA , Canada or the UK. As a substitute, it’s broadly suggested to take elevated warning should 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 under the Haulover Creek River and infrequently 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 much like the US advisories. Belize normally has an Train a excessive diploma of warning warning as a consequence 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 consequence 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 de facto prevalent right here, and it’s simple 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 planet” and trace at insufficient policing, saying that “police capability is restricted and plenty of crimes stay unsolved.” Just like the US and Canada advisory, they significantly 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 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 general 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 score has elevated over the previous three years. Crime in Belize is widespread, and sadly, it looks like it’s going to remain.
The commonest crimes in Belize are:
Dealing of medication
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 talk about 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 heart that unsuspecting vacationers could wander into hassle, or battle could 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 felony instances.
Native authorities and shops are overrun. Your greatest technique of safety from petty crime is superb journey insurance coverage.
On a barely totally different observe, you must just remember to are sticking to the precise facet of native legal guidelines, like holding an IDP should you hire a automotive and avoiding any unlawful medication.
Pure Disasters in Belize
Belize has a foul rep in terms 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, 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 degree 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 advocate attempting to not journey throughout these months or no less than subscribe to climate warning alerts. On common, the nation experiences seven hurricanes a yr, so it pays to keep away from the season totally.
How To Keep Secure in Belize in Case of Pure Catastrophe
Should you resolve to go to Belize throughout this high-risk interval, we’d recommend visiting pre-armed with a listing of how to remain secure in case of pure disasters. Listed below are a couple of ideas 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 you need to e-book an early flight dwelling or a “go-bag” to evacuate to a distinct area in Belize). You must also have a shelter plan, checking forward of time together with your lodging to see what assist 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 very best floor (in case of flash floods) are. Figuring out this structure will provide help 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 Heart Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration.
Climate in Belize
In fact, the easiest way to grasp the chance of seasonal pure disasters is to grasp the climate in Belize. Figuring out 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 better 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 season: 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 could 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 continues to be just a little 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 count on a slight chill within the blustery coastal areas. Only some vacationers hassle visiting presently of yr, because the rain may 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 at all times a gradual begin, with the rain dragging its ft just a little 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 good 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. 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 digicam will get swiped). Nonetheless, as a basic rule, you could construct on the fundamentals with extra specialised methods to remain secure 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 free money is a good 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 a substitute, provide another that doesn’t actually affect you.
2. Don’t Scrimp on Transportation
There are such a lot of international locations the place you possibly can reduce prices by taking public transport. Belize isn’t certainly one of them. Skip low-cost transportation and at all times select the safer choices. We opted for personal transfers which have been safer and quicker. That is non-negotiable in Belize, particularly in terms of issues like night time buses.
3. Go away Your Luxurious Style Sense At Dwelling
Flashy jewellery and even significantly eye-catching outfits would possibly look superb, 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 a substitute, gown 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 uncertain 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 simple sufficient to chop it out of your itinerary.
5. Do Your Season Analysis
Lastly, do your season analysis. As you discovered 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 greatest to keep away from the height hurricane threat months.
You must also needless to say rainier and low season months entice fewer vacationers. This implies fewer crowds and extra remoted vacationer areas, which may really put you at extra threat 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
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 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 needless to say 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 advocate selecting a distinct place to go to. Save Belize for just a little later after you’ve had a couple of 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, choosing 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. Should you’ve had loads of solo journey expertise, you’ll discover it manageable, and there’s a terrific hostel scene for making new associates. Skilled solo vacationers are sometimes much more aware of security precautions than these in a gaggle, so Belize can really be higher suited to solo journey in that sense.
Nonetheless, as a basic rule, Belize is greatest skilled in a gaggle to restrict the chance 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 lodges 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 hen buses are brightly painted public buses working in suburban and concrete areas. They’re usually packed however an inexpensive solution to get round. Be just a little 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. 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 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 be able to acknowledge from inexperienced license plates. Uber doesn’t exist right here, so inexperienced license plates will undoubtedly turn out to be your subsequent greatest buddy. You undoubtedly desire a registered taxi driver, because it provides an additional safety layer. It’s a good suggestion to take a look at the Authorities Of Canada’s suggestion on public transport.
You may as well hire 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 must also be ready for normal police checkpoints, the place you could show a type of ID and your Worldwide Driving Allow. Be aware 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 blended. There are two forms of amenities: private and non-private hospitals. Personal hospitals are typically a greater possibility as they’re higher funded, in order that they have higher medical provides and extra to put money into adequately skilled professionals. Nonetheless, entry to both may be critically restricted, particularly should you’re staying in rural areas.
We’d recommend checking the place your nearest hospitals are earlier than visiting. Guarantee you’re 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 thought to fly dwelling. That is significantly the case if the hospital doesn’t have a particular, area of interest sort of medicine or remedy out there on rapid demand. Belize’s greatest hospitals are nice for minor accidents, however you probably have a extra significant issue, it could be advisable to hunt remedy elsewhere.
Is Belize Secure? High FAQs
We’ll go away that query as much as you—do you’re feeling assured utilizing all the knowledge above to plan a secure journey? Belize receives almost 1,000,000 guests annually, 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 find it irresistible.
Listed below are a couple of widespread 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 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 will depend on the place you propose 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 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 possibly can expertise essentially 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 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’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 might have? What are the present updates, and what time of yr 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’ve got a excellent one-week itinerary right here should you’d like some inspiration.
Keep secure and luxuriate in. One of the best security precaution is information, and we hope you might have a implausible time.