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 received 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 will have to take some additional security precautions, although. Staying protected in Belize requires you to transcend the same old “verify basic journey recommendation and e-book 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. Should you take the fitting precautions you’ll be able to 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 you should know.
Is Belize Protected? A Fast Abstract
We all know that not all people has the luxurious of time. Should you’re in a rush, try these foremost 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 often 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 number 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 Protected?
Formally talking, Belize is feasible to go to and never barred as a “purple listing nation” or “don’t journey” space by the USA , Canada or the UK. As a substitute, it’s broadly suggested to take elevated warning in case you go to Belize.
The US Journey Advisories for Belize counsel 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 the 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 under the Haulover Creek River and infrequently crosses into vacationer areas. Nonetheless, as an entire, 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 much like the US advisories. Belize usually has an Train a excessive diploma of warning warning resulting from 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, resulting from 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 actually 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 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 fairly 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 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 most typical crimes in Belize are:
Dealing of medication
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 focus on 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 sometimes function out of vacationer areas, affected areas are shut sufficient to the 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 usually underfunded and lack the capability to really punish or react to many legal instances.
Native authorities and shops are overrun. Your finest technique of safety from petty crime is superb journey insurance coverage.
On a barely totally different be aware, you must just remember to are sticking to the fitting aspect of native legal guidelines, like holding an IDP in case you lease a automobile and avoiding any unlawful medication.
Pure Disasters in Belize
Belize has a nasty rep with regards to 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 usually 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 advocate attempting to not journey throughout these months or not less than 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 Protected in Belize in Case of Pure Catastrophe
Should you determine to go to Belize throughout this high-risk interval, we’d counsel visiting pre-armed with an inventory of how to remain protected in case of pure disasters. Listed below 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 could possibly be journey insurance coverage to get compensation if it’s a must to e-book an early flight residence or a “go-bag” to evacuate to a unique area in Belize). You also needs to 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 realm you’re staying in beforehand. You need 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 structure 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 corporations just like the Nationwide Hurricane Heart Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration.
Climate in Belize
After all, the easiest way 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.
General, 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 usually dry, with temperatures between 75 and 90 levels Fahrenheit. Could 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 might 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 remains to be a little bit 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 trouble visiting at the moment of 12 months, because the rain could cause flooding and, usually, doesn’t make for a nice 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 a little bit 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 Protected in Belize
As talked about, journey insurance coverage alone received’t lower 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 basic rule, you need to construct on the fundamentals with extra specialised methods to remain protected in Belize.
1. A Spare Pockets is Your Greatest 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 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?
You need to by no means resist a mugger. So, as a substitute, supply another that doesn’t actually impression you.
2. Don’t Scrimp on Transportation
There are such a lot of international locations the place you’ll be able to lower 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 sooner. That is non-negotiable in Belize, particularly with regards to issues like evening buses.
3. Go away Your Luxurious Vogue Sense At House
Flashy jewellery and even significantly eye-catching outfits may look wonderful, however we’d advise leaving them at residence. 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 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 energetic 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 general dry versus moist season. It’s finest 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 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, usually, 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 Protected for Households?
We’d say that areas like Caye Caulker and Ambergris Cay are protected for households with travel-savvy mother and father. 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 fundamental security precautions to.
For households with out that pre-existing journey expertise, we advocate selecting a unique place to go to. Save Belize for a little bit 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 rigorously, choosing historically “protected” areas like Caye Caulker.
Is Belize Protected 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 an amazing hostel scene for making new associates. Skilled solo vacationers are sometimes much more acutely aware of security precautions than these in a bunch, so Belize can truly be higher suited to solo journey in that sense.
Nonetheless, as a basic rule, Belize is finest skilled in a bunch to restrict the chance of muggings and extra sinister crimes like sexual assault. You possibly can e-book issues like group excursions and guided day journeys that will help 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 bask in extreme alcohol consumption.
Suggestions:
Take group excursions the place doable and keep away from strolling alone at evening.
Select well-located motels or hostels.
Is Belize Protected 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 sometimes packed however an affordable strategy to get round. Be a little bit 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. You need 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 turn out to be your subsequent finest buddy. You positively 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 advice on public transport.
You can even lease a automobile and drive round Belize in personal automobiles comparatively simply. Nonetheless, you must 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 need to show a type of ID and your Worldwide Driving Allow. Be conscious of solely ever utilizing official border crossings and pay attention to the chance of armed robberies at locations like site visitors lights in city areas or opportunistic crime on distant roads.
Are Medical Amenities Protected in Belize?
Medical amenities in Belize are combined. There are two varieties of amenities: private and non-private hospitals. Personal hospitals are usually a greater choice as they’re higher funded, so that they have higher medical provides and extra to spend money on adequately skilled professionals. Nonetheless, entry to both might be severely restricted, particularly in case you’re staying in rural areas.
We’d counsel 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 concept to fly residence. That is significantly the case if the hospital doesn’t have a particular, area of interest sort of remedy or remedy out there on fast demand. Belize’s finest hospitals are nice for minor accidents, however when you have a extra major problem, it could be advisable to hunt remedy elsewhere.
Is Belize Protected? 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 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 accountability on your security, and everyone knows some international locations make this tougher than others. Belize is difficult however not unattainable. We adore it.
Listed below 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 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 depends upon the place you intend to journey.
Is Belize or Costa Rica safer?
Costa Rica is marginally safer, as it’s only marked as Stage 2 by the US Journey Advisory. In distinction, Belize Metropolis is marked as a Stage 3. Nonetheless, each Belize and Costa Rica are flagged for violent crimes, together with sexual assault. It’s finest to method 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 probably 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 Protected 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’ve got? 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 additional efforts. There’s no denying the nation is gorgeous. We’ve got a good one-week itinerary right here in case you’d like some inspiration.
Keep protected and luxuriate in. The perfect security precaution is data, and we hope you’ve got a implausible time.